Andaman Tourism Opens: The Andaman & Nicobar administration has announced that all tourist spots in the South Andaman district will be opened for tourism activities with immediate effect 8 Feb 2022.
The tourists are allowed to visit Baratang/North & Middle Andaman on production of double dose covid certificate/ All other passengers viz. unvaccinated and partially vaccinated passengers (those who have taken only 1S1 dose of COVID vaccine) shall have to produce RT-PCR negative test report
General Guidelines defined for traveling to Andaman Islands during COVID :
What are the guidelines for testing for tourists coming to Andaman after August 03 2021?
On arrival at Port Blair :
1. The tourists need to carry COVID-19 negative test report from mainland based 1CMR approved lab using Reverse Transcriptase-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RTPCR). However, the sample for RTPCR test should have been taken within 48 hours prior to starting the journey from the origin station. (For e.g. if the tourist takes a flight from Delhi at 0600 hrs. on 1st September, 2021, the sample for RTPCR test should have been taken not before 0600 hrs. on 30th August, 2021).
2. The tourists/visitors on arrival at Port Blair airport have to undergo mandatory Covid-19 screening with RTPCR test free of cost. Thereafter the tourists/visitors are allowed to move to their respective hotels. However, they will have to be under quarantine at Port Blair in their hotel rooms until the result of RTPCR tests are received. In case of RTPCR positive test results, the tourists/visitors shall remain in
institutional quarantine in hotels notified by the Hoteliers Association in consent with the A&N Administration, on rates as specified or to the designated hospital/ Covid-19 care centre on case-to-case basis.
3. Tourists may also have to undergo random Rapid Antigen Test conducted from time to time on payment basis as prescribed by A8N Administration.
What if the tourists test positive after arriving at the Andaman Islands?
If the tourists tests positive during their stay in the Islands, he/she will need to undergo institutional isolation as per existing health protocols. The
cost of such isolation for govt. facility will be paid by the tourists as fixed by the administration from time to time.
If the patient wants to stay at hotels, he/she can stay in the hotels if all the conditions below are met:
a) Patients are not symptomatic and not more than 60 years old.
b) Request/ undertaking is made by patient in writing.
c)lf allowed by doctors.
Hotels will make necessary arrangements to designate a part of their rooms for institutional isolation for this purpose.
Snorkeling
The tropical waters of the Andaman Sea are ideal for snorkeling in Andaman – clear, calm, balmy and bursting with brilliant marine life. Snorkeling can be done year-round in andamans
Snorkelling is the process of swimming on the surface of the water while outfitted with a designed tube known as a snorkel (A snorkel is a tube around 30 cm long, generally L or J-shaped and fixed with a mouth piece at the lower end, and designed of rubber or plastic. It is applied for breathing air from over the water surface area when the wearer’s mouth area and nose are submerged) coupled with swim fins occasionally. Utilizing this equipment permits the snorkeller to notice underwater attractions for extended time periods with comparatively small effort. It is a well-known fun activity in andamans.
Snorkelling at Neil Island
Neil Island is yet another beautiful place surrounded by forests and populated by dense tropical trees. The island features one of the most well preserved coral population in the isles making it famous among divers and snorkelers. The snorkeling is usually done at the Laxmanpur Beach, located at 12 kms from the jetty and can be easily reached by taking a bus or booking a cab. The water visibility is low when compared to other spots on the lists but is easily balanced by just the perfect amount of water current and waves, making it a calm place to go for long hours of snorkeling. The shoreline is wide and boasts wide variety of coral strips that house vibrant fishes, lobsters, clams and other sea creatures, waiting to be explored.
Age limit for Snorkelling in the islands?
Children above 10 years of age and people below 60 can easily enjoy snorkelling, given an experienced snorkeler is present there to assist.?
People who are not allowed to Snorkel in the isles include:
Pregnant Women.
Senior citizens above the age of 60.
People with heart conditions.
People with breathing difficulties.
People under heavy medication or in need of care.
People with have psychological conditions which cause distortion or panic underwater.