Ultimate Water Sports Guide for Andaman Islands 2025
The Andaman Islands are India's undisputed water sports capital. With visibility up to 40 metres, water temperatures of 26–29°C year-round, and coral ecosystems that rival the Maldives, these islands offer world-class underwater experiences at a fraction of the price. Whether you're a certified diver or someone who's never swum in the sea, there's an activity for you.
Why Andaman is India's #1 Water Sports Destination
Underwater visibility
Average water temperature
Coral species recorded
The best locations span three main islands — Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) for serious diving, North Bay and Neil Island for snorkeling and water sports, and Corbyn's Cove in Port Blair for easy access jet skiing and banana boat rides.
Scuba Diving
Andaman has some of the best scuba diving in Asia — consistently ranked alongside Bali, Koh Tao and the Great Barrier Reef in terms of biodiversity and water conditions. Havelock Island is the hub, with dozens of certified dive operators.
Top Dive Sites
🐠 Elephant Beach, Havelock
Beginners' favourite. Shallow, calm, vibrant coral gardens. Visibility: 15–25m.
🦈 Barracuda City, Havelock
Advanced only. Schools of barracuda, large pelagics. Depth: 25–35m.
🐢 Turtle Bay, Havelock
Regular sea turtle sightings. Reef dive, moderate depth 15–20m.
🪸 Jolly Buoy Island, Port Blair
Day-trip from Port Blair. Protected marine park, pristine corals.
💰 2025 Pricing
💡 Booking Tip
Book scuba through Andamanly for transparent pricing from certified operators. All dive masters should be PADI or SSI certified — always ask to see certification before booking privately at the beach.
Snorkeling
Snorkeling in Andaman is accessible for everyone — no experience needed, no certification required. The coral reefs at Elephant Beach (Havelock) and North Bay Island (Port Blair) begin just a few metres from shore, making them perfect for first-timers.
Best Snorkeling Spots
Sea Walking
Sea walking (also called helmet diving) is the most accessible underwater activity in Andaman — no swimming ability required. You wear a specialised helmet that continuously supplies fresh air while you walk on the ocean floor at 3–5 metres depth, surrounded by fish and coral.
How It Works
- • Helmet placed over your head at the surface
- • Air continuously pumped from the boat above
- • Walk on sandy seabed at 3–5m depth
- • Duration: 20–30 minutes underwater
- • No swimming or diving skills needed
Where & Prices
- • North Bay Island, Port Blair: ₹3,000–3,500
- • Elephant Beach, Havelock: ₹3,500–4,000
- • Bharatpur Beach, Neil: ₹2,500–3,000
- • Suitable from age 10 to 70
- • Spectacles can be worn inside helmet
Jet Ski, Banana Boat & Speed Boating
For adrenaline junkies, Corbyn's Cove in Port Blair and Bharatpur Beach on Neil Island are the main spots for high-speed water sports. Activities here are generally more affordable and don't require a boat trip to reach.
| Activity | Duration | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Jet Ski | 15 min | ₹1,000–1,500 |
| Banana Boat | 15 min | ₹300–600/person |
| Speed Boat Ride | 30 min | ₹800–1,200 |
| Parasailing | 10 min flight | ₹1,500–2,000 |
Glass Bottom Boat Rides
Perfect for families, the elderly and anyone who'd rather stay dry — a glass-bottomed boat lets you watch coral gardens and fish from above the water. Available at North Bay Island and Jolly Buoy Island from Port Blair, and at Havelock's Elephant Beach. Cost: ₹500–700 per person.
Kayaking & Paddleboarding
Havelock's calmer stretches of coastline and Neil Island's backwater creeks are ideal for kayaking. Several eco-resorts offer kayaks for morning paddles through mangrove channels. Paddleboarding has also become popular at Radhanagar Beach.
Kayaking
- • Havelock: ₹800–1,200/hour
- • Neil backwaters: ₹600–800/hour
- • Best time: Early morning (calmer water)
Paddleboarding
- • Radhanagar Beach, Havelock: ₹1,000/hour
- • Includes 10-minute beginner lesson
- • Best for calm mornings
Deep-Sea Fishing
Charter boats from Port Blair offer deep-sea fishing trips for those who want to experience the thrill of landing a marlin, kingfish, tuna or barracuda in open ocean. Trips typically depart at 6 AM and return by 1 PM.
What You Can Catch
- • Kingfish (Seer Fish / Surmai)
- • Barracuda
- • Tuna (yellowfin & skipjack)
- • Spanish Mackerel
Charter Costs
- • Half-day (4–5 hours): ₹6,000–9,000/boat
- • Full-day (8 hours): ₹12,000–18,000/boat
- • Boats fit 4–6 people
- • All gear included
Permits & Safety Rules
⚠️ Essential Information
- • Jolly Buoy Island requires a forest permit (₹50 — operators arrange this automatically)
- • Elephant Beach requires an entry permit from the forest department (₹50)
- • Never touch, stand on, or collect corals — heavy fines apply under wildlife protection laws
- • All licensed operators provide life jackets — always wear one for surface activities
- • Scuba: Disclose any heart/lung conditions before diving; asthma sufferers should consult a doctor
- • Avoid water activities during monsoon (Jun–Sep) when seas are rough and visibility drops to near zero
Book Water Sports on Andamanly
Andamanly is the easiest way to book verified water sports activities in the Andaman Islands. All operators on the platform are licensed, carry proper safety equipment, and have certified instructors — you see transparent pricing before you pay, with no hidden charges.
Verified local operators only
No booking fee ever
Voucher on WhatsApp instantly
How to Book in 3 Steps
- 1 Browse activities by island — Havelock, Port Blair, or Neil Island
- 2 Select your date and group size, check availability instantly
- 3 Pay securely online — your QR voucher arrives on WhatsApp in seconds
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