For Families: Glass-bottom boat, sea walking, island excursions

For Couples: Bioluminescence kayaking, parasailing, sunset beach, stargazing

For Solo Adventurers: Scuba diving, game fishing, trekking

For Non-Swimmers: Glass-bottom boat, seaplane, Cellular Jail

Budget Activities (under ₹500): Snorkeling, swimming, trekking

Lazing

There is nothing better than to spread out in the sandy sun beside the blue heavenly seas and lapping waves with a book and a can of chilled beer. Tourists who are in search of relaxation and peace find no activity better than lazing around sun bathing and sea soaking. Make sure to carry your beach mat in case you don’t find any empty sun deck. Keep your personal belongings (cash, wallet, mobile phone, etc) in a safe pouch.

Reading a book

When was the last time you actually picked up a book and finished reading it without getting disturbed? For voracious readers on an Andaman holiday, put your phone on silent mode, lie down in the soft sands along the sunny Andaman beaches to read and catch up with your favourite books, sipping some fresh green coconut water. Catching up with reading on an uncrowded beach is one of the most underrated activities to do in Andaman.

Sunbathing on a Hammock

Hang and swing in the hammock in the most secluded and beautiful spots of Andaman like Kalapathar Beach or Lalaji Bay Beach and lie still for hours with your eyes closed and senses all alert taking in the coolness of sea breeze and the salty smell of sea. You can also give your reading spree a boost with a book while on a hammock.

Snorkelling

The North Bay Beach and the Elephant Beach are famous for the snorkelling activity, which forms one of the primary attractions of Andaman and Nicobar visit. The seas are known for the exquisite coral reefs that are often described as world’s third best and offer spectacular coral watch and lively, colourful and beautiful sea-water creatures viewing. Thus snorkelling tops the to-do list in Andamans. Out of the two destinations earmarked for snorkelling, Havelock is a better option as the water life is more diverse there compared to North bay and the waters more clearer that offer better views of the scenic beauty around. Considering how snorkelling is among the most popular activities in Andamans, with our Andaman packages, we offer one complimentary snorkelling session with some of our Andaman tour packages.

Night Kayaking & Watching Bioluminescence

If you are eager to watch a million stars in the dark sea water of Andamans, we would suggest night kayaking that offers the unique experience of watching the rare and stunning phenomenon of bioluminescence. The tiny speckled stars and galaxies twinkle and shine under your feet as well as overhead. Away from the shores of Havelock Island as the water glows like a million fireflies, you get transported to a fanciful world. This unique phenomenon occurs on account of the presence of phytoplankton in the water that is a speciality of this locality. There is nothing quite like going for a night kayaking and watching “glowy beaches” in Havelock Island.

Tanaz, a lady expert in kayaking and an encyclopaedia of star gazing, organises night kayaking trips under blinding darkness where you hear only the splash of the oars striking the sea surface, the occasional splish-splash of the sea creatures disturbed by the oars. Bioluminescence is best observed on new moon nights, so make sure to plan your trip accordingly.

Dolphin Boat Ride in Andaman

Dolphin Ride is similar to glass-bottom boat ride where the bottom of the boat is fitted with a giant tough glass for you to see the underwater marine life as the boat glides through the coral reefs slowly and steadily. The boat is named Dolphin and is a speed boat made with Russian technology. The climax of the tour is reached when you are given a short speed ride after the coral watch. Per person cost would be around ₹1800 for a single ride for about half an hour. It is recommended only for those who have not been able to go snorkeling or scuba diving.

Sea walking in Andaman

Sea walking is fun where you walk at the bed of the sea and watch the marine life from close quarters and feel the thrill and excitement. In this activity, you walk on the sea floor wearing a helmet with a clear visor which is connected to an oxygen hose. A guide walks along with you which lets you enjoy the experience with safety. From kids above age 10 and adults up to age 60 can try sea walking in Andaman. A brief instruction phase precedes the sea walking adventure. North Bay Island and Havelock Island are the two primary destinations for sea walking.

Scuba diving

Scuba diving is a beautiful water sport activity that mesmerizes you with the unfolding of the dark deep mysteries of the underwater world. As you dive through the coral reefs you get awed at the diversity of plants and animals and the colourful topography all around you. You can scuba even if you don’t know how to swim, which is a big advantage and allows more precipitation. Andaman Islands offer boat diving and shore diving which is ideal for first-timers and rookie divers. It is an activity for the young and old alike.

Glass-bottom boat ride

Glass-bottom boat ride is there for those who refrain from scuba diving or snorkelling or sea walking due to various physical discomfort or medical reasons. You can get limited glimpses of the water world underneath you through the crystal clear waters from the comfort of a glass-bottom boat. These rides happen in the Water Sports Complex and North Bay Coral Island. It is also a popular sport in the area between Port Blair and Jolly Buoy Island. The rates start from ₹600 per person per ride.

Swimming

For all the lovers of sea swimming, Andamans is a great destination. Swimming is one of those activities in Andaman that doesn’t cost a penny – all you need to have is your swimming experience and find a shallow region with gentle waves. The beautiful landscape and the beauty of the blue waters add to the charm of swimming. The isolated and secluded beaches and islands leave you at your private world where you can swim for hours on end.

Surfing

Explore the far-flung island and the secluded beauty of the beautiful islands such as South Rutland, Cinque Island and other islands adjoining in and around Little Andamans with exclusive surfing trips taking in the swell of the sea and the swirl of the air. Surfers from far and near gather on Little Andaman Island’s Butler Bay Beach with their surf boats to ride the waves of the Indian Ocean which produces consistent and long lasting waves.

Day Kakying

Kayaking in Andaman is an excellent activity for those who want to slowly and steadily soak in the views of their surroundings. Be it the gentle sound of waters, spotting a coral colony and marine creatures, watching a tropical bird during mangrove kayaking or just appreciating the raw and real sounds of nature. Book a day time kayaking tour and test your rowing skills based on your level – beginner, intermediate or advanced. The best place to go kayaking in Andaman is Havelock Island, DhaniNallah Mangrove, and Port Blair.

Please note that currently there are no active kayak providers on Neil Island. The sea conditions can be a bit rough and unsuitable for kayaking.

Jet Skiing, Water Scooter, & Sofa Ride

Jet ski ride, water scooter or sofa ride at Port Blair is fun and thrilling. The most popular of beaches that are easily accessible hustle and bustle with these sports activities. Andaman Water Sports Complex or Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex is a trusted place providing these facilities.

Jet Skiing: It is a popular activity to do in Port Blair, Havelock Island, North Bay Island, and Neil Island. Beginners are encouraged to go jet skiing with a trained professional. The thrill of jet skiing is unmatched.

Water Scooter: An exclusively designed scooter, also known as Breathing Observation Bubble (BOB) allows participants to explore the underwater scenery. The participants sit on the scooter in an upright position with their head inside a helmet with a clear visor which allows inflow of oxygen and they breathe normally while enjoying the views of marine life,

Sofa Ride: One of the best things to do in Andaman for families, a sofa ride allows participants to sit on an inflated boat, (shaped like a sofa) which is connected to a speed boat. As the speed boat moves forward cutting the waves, so does the inflated sofa as it bounces off the waves, causing thrill and excitement.

Banana Boat Ride

Riding a precarious banana boat as you are being tugged at full speed by a power jet boat is fun and not for the faint hearted. At any single point in time, six people can clamber onto a banana boat. With life jackets being mandatory for the riders, this sport is perfectly safe. As the speedboat gains speed the banana boat lurches forward and it is a challenge to keep balance and not to fall off. This sport is tremendously thrilling and the ultimate thrill comes when some speedboat drivers decide to plunge the riders deliberately by swerving the boat in such a manner that the riders topple into the sea water. For each rider the cost would be ₹620, which includes a banana boat, life jacket and instructor.

Seaplane adventure

A unique, though a bit expensive, indulgence would be seaplane adventure in the Andamans. Pawan Hans runs seaplane adventures from Port Blair to Havelock and carries nine passengers at a time in one trip. The time of flight would be 15 minutes. The same distance when traversed by water in a ferry takes around 2 hours. One-way flight costs ₹4500 per person. Currently there are no commercial operations for seaplanes in Andaman (Port Blair, Havelock, or Niel) ever since its closure in 2020. However, efforts are being made by the A&N government to introduce new players and operators in the region. If commercial seaplane rides begin again in Andaman, we will update you on the matter.

Parasailing

For the more adventurous ones, give a boost to your adrenaline flow with a wild parasailing. A sport that gives you the best of both air and water, parasailing is fun. A parachute is harnessed and pulled by a motorboat where you hang from air at a certain height and you tag on to the speedy boat with the air rush. To satiate your adrenaline rush try parasailing. You fly in a harness. Avail this facility while you are in Portblair. The Andaman Water Sports Complex offers this sport indulgence. It is an adventure but within safe confinements under secure supervision. You can keep the others and children accompanying you who would not be interested in parasailing in some other activities that happen here such as paragliding, kayaking and canoeing. Havelock also is known for parasailing.

Paragliding

Paragliding is also offered in the Andaman Water Sports Complex that provides facilities for parasailing, jet skiing, canoeing, kayaking and parasailing. Paragliding in the Andaman skies with a view of the magnificent islands and startlingly blue seas all around, the jungle green of the mangroves and the strong and pleasant air current that blows across your face is super thrilling and rejuvenating. A glide across the mud volcanoes and the beautifully connected Cinque Islands has been described as wondrous by paragliders.

Game Fishing

Every angler dreams of bringing his/her fishing fantasy to a crescendo with game fishing in Andamans. There are dedicated agencies that provide personalized services and have been operating as fishing facilitators for about a decade. There are tailor-made fishing trip arrangements where the anglers might get overboard with his prized catch such as a mammoth dogtooth tuna or huge trevally. Specialized services keep in mind all the techniques such as jigging, popping and trolling are practiced and several fishing hotspots have been earmarked to provide the ultimate experience.

Fishing is still a niche sport in Andamans and has not been commercially exploited too aggressively. Mass tourism hasn’t been channelized as yet for this particular sport. The archipelago of Andaman and Nicobar Islands is isolated and distanced from all major land masses such as the Indian subcontinent or Thailand which are the closest but still 2000 kilometre and 750 kilometres away, respectively. As a result the eco-marine system has been preserved and not been commercialized. Some of the islands are populated by the aboriginal tribes such as Great Andamanese, Sentinelese, Jarawa, Onge, Shompens and Jangil who do not have much contact with the rest of the worlds and preserved their identity for centuries in their seclusion. These factors make game fishing even more alluring for common fishing lovers among adventure-hungry tourists. Every angler’s experience in these untrodden waters is bound to be unique.

Trekking in Andaman

Andaman is blessed with tropical jungles and gorgeous trekking trails that take you not one one, but many steps closer to nature. The most popular trekking trail in Andaman is Mount Harriet to the point of Madhuban Beach which offers you amazing sunset views and opportunities to watch avifauna. Another interesting trek which can be done by the majority of tourists is the trek to Baratang Limestone caves which takes only 15 to 20 minutes. If you are a seasoned trekker with plenty of experience, try one of the best and the most rewarding treks in Andaman: the Saddle Peak peak trek, which is about 16 kms (roundtrip).

Read more: Trekking in Andaman

Mangrove Creek Tours

Mangroves are extremely significant for the Andaman’s ecosystem. They grow in the shallow and muddy salt water or saline water along the shoreline. They act as a defensive barrier that protects the shores from cyclones or storms and are nurseries for crabs and fish. Taking a mangrove creek tour in Andaman introduces a different aspect of the island. While touring the mangrove creek in a boat, one can see exotic birdlife, reptilians, etc. The popular places to go for mangrove creek tours are Dhaninalla Mangrove Creek, Havelock Island, and Yerrata Creek. It is advisable to take a guide along with you.

Limestone Cave Exploration

Set amidst dense forest, you will find ancient caves with stalactites and stalagmites formations, which took millions of years to form. When the sunlight hits the limestone formations, the cave lights up revealing the beautiful formation. It is imperative that you visit the caves with a tour guide who will share interesting insights with you. The whole journey to reach Baratang Limestone caves itself is quite thrilling and interesting. First you will take a speed boat ride of about 10 to 15 minutes through a mangrove creek and trek through the deep jungle for about 2 kms to reach the caves.

Suggested Read: Offbeat things to do in Andaman

Sunset Viewing

Amongst the most loved activity in Andaman for couples, nature lovers, and generally everyone – sunset viewing is free of cost. The easiest and most accessible way to watch gorgeous sunset views is to go to a beach and arrive there by 4 pm. If you are holidaying in Havelock Island, Radhnagar Beach is the go-to spot for enjoying the golden hour. And if you are at Neil Island, Laxmanpur Beach is the place to be for capturing enchanting sunset views. Those who are staying in Port Blair can plan a trip to ChidiyaTapu, famous for its scenic sunsets.

Stargazing

Stargazing is one of those serene activities that fills you with joy and contentment. Although there are many places in Andaman where you can enjoy stargazing, Neil Island is amongst the best. Neil island’s Sitapur Beach and Laxmanpur Beach offer a clear horizon for viewing the twinkling stars. The absence of artificial lights in these places adds to the experience. Stargazing is one of the best activities to do for couples in Andaman. The best time to go stargazing in Andaman is during New moon nights.

Camping in Andaman

Bring along sturdy tents, sleeping bags, and other essentials for camping in Andaman. The activity is ideal for those who want a unique stay experience on the island. It is a popular activity amongst the backpacking community. This activity lets you appreciate nature and the wild while teaching you essential life skills while you are at it.

Read more: Camping in Andaman

Cycling

Forgot to bring your driver’s license? Worry not, find a bicycle rent and explore the island life while paddling along the way. Renting bikes or cycles is a common activity to do in Neil Island as the island is just 13 sq km and is easily covered in a day. Bicycles are available on rent in Neil and range from ₹200 to ₹400 per day, depending upon availability and demand. Cycling allows you to appreciate the slow travel and island life more closely.

Birdwatching

Andaman Islands are home to elusive, endemic, and exotic birds that no birdwatching lover wants to miss. You can join an exclusive birdwatching tour with a guide or plan your own visit to Chidiya Tapu to get a glimpse of the colourful birds. Make sure to carry a pair of binoculars with you and if you must do photography, do it without flash. You can see Andaman bulbuls, Andaman woodpeckers, Andaman Treepies, Andaman drongo, and many more birds.

Read more: Birdwatching in Andaman

Now that you know about the best activities to do in Andaman, here is a price summary table for the most popular activities:

Price Summary Table