Andaman and Nicobar Islands: Undiscovered Paradise
Andaman and Nicobar Islands are large group archipelago with over 600 islands located in the west of India. These island spread out about 800+ km Bengal’s Bay, and it is amazing tropical beauty. Islands are covered in dense forest with white sandy beaches. This place is ideal for Scuba Diving, snorkeling hiking and camping and not only.
The capital of the Andaman and Nicobar islands is Port Blair. Except sniffing the lively atmosphere, you can visit the Cellular Jail (large prison) which was built is early 1900’s by British. You can feel on your skin the terrible conditions of the prisoners (many of those were Indian freedom fighters) for few seconds. Now Cellular Jail is a monument devoted to those freedom fighters. Famous sights of Port Blair are also Marine Museum, Anthropological Museum and the Chatham Sawmill.
Unforgettable experience is trip to the Mahatma Ghandi Marine National Park – great place for diving. You can see the spectacular coral reefs and other forms of life through glass bottom boats, Scuba diving and snorkeling. The park’s area is about 282 square km. and encloses open sea filled with coral reefs and 15 islands covered with tropical rainforests and mangrove creeks.
A part of India, the Andaman Islands are one of the world’s newest diving destinations and thus are not properly explored for diving yet. After about 60 year period of virtual isolation from the outside world the Indian government finally has made a decision to permit limited environmentally conscious tourism development in Andaman Islands.
In these islands commercial fishing licenses are given to foreign operators only on very rare cases. Thus the waters surrounding the islands are plenty of fish that have never been disturbed by anyone. And since the islands opened recently they are not spoiled with tourists at all.
Scuba diving
The biggest activity on the island is Scuba diving other than lying around and eating great seafood. Both operators on this island – Dive India and Barefoot Scuba are PADI certified dive centers, and each have a number of converted dive boats, provide good equipment and offer training up to instructor.
The diving possibilities around the Andaman’s are vast and it feels that discoveries which are already been made is only the beginning… and it is simply great. More diving sites are going to be opened. At this moment Havelock is the main center for diving in the island chain. If you’re an experienced diver you’ll maybe have a chance to participate in expeditions, where they will take you out hunting for new and undiscovered sites.
Imagine seeing barrel sponges up to 4 meters tall. Fans are larger than in any other islands of Andaman and Nicobar
Andamans are certainly not for everyone. It requires lot of time on the boat and traveling almost every night just to get to the best diving spots. However, for those who are seeking the best , it’s an ideal place
Scuba Diving Details:
Reef type: Fringing reef, wall s, coral gardens ( you’ll need to name them )
Visibility: Variable from 3-50 meters
Current: Variable, often strong
Coral: Average to unbelievable
Fish: Unusual and prolific with very big sizes ( as fishing license is very hard to obtain)
Highlights: Deep vertical walls, big sharks, lots of manta rays, active volcano, very clear water, lots and lots of big fish.
Non-Indians need a permit visa to visit the islands, which are issued on arrival at the Port Blair airport. (Thus you’ll need to arrange your permit before arrival, ff you plan to arrive by sea.) .
Special Permits are required to visit Nicobar Islands and other tribal areas, which are rarely given.
The capital of the Andaman and Nicobar islands is Port Blair. Except sniffing the lively atmosphere, you can visit the Cellular Jail (large prison) which was built is early 1900’s by British. You can feel on your skin the terrible conditions of the prisoners (many of those were Indian freedom fighters) for few seconds. Now Cellular Jail is a monument devoted to those freedom fighters. Famous sights of Port Blair are also Marine Museum, Anthropological Museum and the Chatham Sawmill.
Unforgettable experience is trip to the Mahatma Ghandi Marine National Park – great place for diving. You can see the spectacular coral reefs and other forms of life through glass bottom boats, Scuba diving and snorkeling. The park’s area is about 282 square km. and encloses open sea filled with coral reefs and 15 islands covered with tropical rainforests and mangrove creeks.
A part of India, the Andaman Islands are one of the world’s newest diving destinations and thus are not properly explored for diving yet. After about 60 year period of virtual isolation from the outside world the Indian government finally has made a decision to permit limited environmentally conscious tourism development in Andaman Islands.
In these islands commercial fishing licenses are given to foreign operators only on very rare cases. Thus the waters surrounding the islands are plenty of fish that have never been disturbed by anyone. And since the islands opened recently they are not spoiled with tourists at all.
Scuba diving
The biggest activity on the island is Scuba diving other than lying around and eating great seafood. Both operators on this island – Dive India and Barefoot Scuba are PADI certified dive centers, and each have a number of converted dive boats, provide good equipment and offer training up to instructor.
The diving possibilities around the Andaman’s are vast and it feels that discoveries which are already been made is only the beginning… and it is simply great. More diving sites are going to be opened. At this moment Havelock is the main center for diving in the island chain. If you’re an experienced diver you’ll maybe have a chance to participate in expeditions, where they will take you out hunting for new and undiscovered sites.
Imagine seeing barrel sponges up to 4 meters tall. Fans are larger than in any other islands of Andaman and Nicobar
Andamans are certainly not for everyone. It requires lot of time on the boat and traveling almost every night just to get to the best diving spots. However, for those who are seeking the best , it’s an ideal place
Scuba Diving Details:
Reef type: Fringing reef, wall s, coral gardens ( you’ll need to name them )
Visibility: Variable from 3-50 meters
Current: Variable, often strong
Coral: Average to unbelievable
Fish: Unusual and prolific with very big sizes ( as fishing license is very hard to obtain)
Highlights: Deep vertical walls, big sharks, lots of manta rays, active volcano, very clear water, lots and lots of big fish.
Non-Indians need a permit visa to visit the islands, which are issued on arrival at the Port Blair airport. (Thus you’ll need to arrange your permit before arrival, ff you plan to arrive by sea.) .
Special Permits are required to visit Nicobar Islands and other tribal areas, which are rarely given.