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Floating in splendid isolation is the archipelago of 572 emerald islands, islets and rocks known as Andaman & Nicobar Islands. This Union Territory is stretched over an area of more than 700 Km. from north to south of which only 36 islands are inhabited.
Once part of a hill range extending from Myanmar to Indonesia, the islands are covered with dense forests and together with the island's hilly topography make it a ever so special place. Its sandy beaches on the edge of meandering coastline, fringed with coconut-palms allow for one to feel lost in paradise.
Although dive pioneer Jacques Cousteau dived the waters around the Andaman Islands quite some time ago- it's only now that they are becoming one of the world's newest diving destinations which have yet to be explored properly for diving. After a 60 year period of virtual isolation from the outside world the Indian government has made a decision to allow limited, environmentally conscious tourism development in the islands.
The location and ways to get here in itself limits the numbers of tourists and 'environmentally conscious tourism' a lot of times is not quite what you would expect, the will is there- it's just down to finding ways and implementing them.
So far, the Andaman Islands are still barely known as a tourist destination, so it is understandable that potential guests would have some questions about these stunning islands. We have put together some information for you- anything not covered, please feel free to contact us and we will do our best to answer your questions.
The Andaman Islands
Barefoot Scuba
Diving with Barefoot Scuba
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| The Andaman Islands |
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• Where are the Andaman Islands?
The Andaman Islands are located in the Indian Ocean, in the southern reaches of the Bay of Bengal.
The union territory comprises two island groups - the Andaman Islands and the Nicobar Islands - which separate the Andaman Sea to the east from the Indian Ocean. These two groups are separated by the 10° N parallel, the Andamans lying to the north of this latitude, and the Nicobars to the south. The capital of this territory is the Andamanese town of Port Blair.
Only some 38 of the 572 islands in the territory are permanently inhabited The islands, added together total a land area of 6,496 km². About 550 islands are in the Andamans group (26 of which are inhabited), the smaller Nicobars comprise some 22 main islands (10 inhabited). The Andamans and Nicobars are separated by a channel (the Ten Degree Channel) some 150 km wide.
While travel to the Andaman Islands is permitted, though be it with some restrictions, the Nicobar Islands are a no go for tourists and while Indians are allowed to visit Great Nicobar, a Tribal Permit must be obtained in Port Blair in order to visit other islands (which can only be got with a lot of time and patience. and even then only if you are lucky). |
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• How do I get to the Andaman Islands?
Unless you want to join the ship from Chennai to port Blair, which takes three days and according to some reports is anything other than pleasant- flying is the more convenient option. Currently there are direct flights to Port Blair only from either Chennai (Madras) or Kolkata (Calcutta), in India.
There is talk that flights from Bangkok and/or Phuket may be re-instated at some point which is worth bearing in mind and checking prior to further your plans. Detailed travel information for getting to Barefoot Scuba on Havelock is available here. |
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• How do I get to and from Havelock?
There are usually 3 sailings per day, with the last one scheduled for 2:00pm (please note though that departure times may change).
Depending on which ferry you get on, sailing time is between 2:30h and 4:30h. Tickets can be got at the ferry terminal for between Rs 195/- and Rs 260/-. Remember to bring and show your permit! Due to the seasons and weather ferry sailings and times can vary and you are best to check locally once on the islands.
There are also helicopter flights twice a week, places are limited, as is your luggage allowance (10kg max). You can call +91-3192-233601 for more information
There are 2 to 3 ferry departures from Havelock to Port Blair everyday depending on the season and the number of tourists. The duration is between 2.5 hrs to 4.5 hours depending on whether you get a slow boat or a faster one. However, getting tickets especially on the last boat (usually departing at 4:00pm) can be extremely difficult. There is no advance booking and tickets must be purchased on the day of travel.
Do check with your resort if they can help you out and get you these tickets. If you have a flight to catch the following day it is advisable to take an earlier boat as you may not be able to land tickets for the last one of the day.
Tickets can be got at the ticket office located right at the entrance to the jetty on Village no.1 for between Rs 195/- and Rs 260/-. Remember to bring and show your permit!
Due to the seasons and weather ferry sailings and times can vary and you are best to check locally once on the islands.
There are also helicopter flights twice a week, places are limited, as is your luggage allowance (10kg max). You can call +91-3192-233601 for more information. |
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• When is a good time to visit the islands?
Choosing a good time to visit the islands depends on what you are looking for.
From a diving perspective, the best time to visit is from December to May, with the months of February to April having the flattest seas, warm waters and the best visibility of the season. This is, therefore, the peak season for diving around Havelock with the island being most crowded from December to mid January. The months of September to November offer excellent diving as well, with fewer tourists. The seas are a little rough at this time and the chances of occasional rain are higher, but the underwater sights are just as rewarding. Having stated this, we add that the weather patterns are changing and last season saw short spells of wind and rain every month. In most cases this does not stop us from diving.
If avoiding the crowds is your top priority regardless of the weather then visiting the islands between April and November is your best bet. The weather is less predictable during these months, but the island is far less crowded. And an Andaman monsoon is a sight to behold. |
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• Do I need a visa/ restricted area permit to enter the Andaman Islands?
All foreign nationals must apply for a tourist visa BEFORE arrival in India (with the exception of Nepal and Bhutan nationals) with the cost for a tourist visa currently approximately $60 US (depending on nationality and where you apply for it).
When applying for your visa we suggest you enter Chennai or Kolkata as your destination, otherwise the Indian government will insist for you to have your Restricted Area Permit (RAP) with your visa which will delay your application by as much as 1 month and cost you more.
RAPs can be obtained at the airport in Port Blair on arrival (free of charge) which makes things much simpler for you. Also, the applicant must have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months.
Unless you already have your return ticket booked and ready to show the officials, Immigration will give you a 15day permit, which can be extended by a further 15days. As it stands at the moment, permit extensions can only be obtained at the Immigration office in Port Blair.
If you can present a return ticket, your permit can be up to 30 days. For more information see here.
Check http://india.gov.in/overseas/passport.php for more information. |
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• Port Blair- what to do and accommodation?
Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman Islands, has not a lot to offer with regards to tourist attractions.
The Anthropology Museum is worth a visit (entry Rs 10/-) which will give you some more information on the tribes in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, how they got here and how they live.
Ross Island- just a few minutes by boat, opposite the jetty, is Ross Island. Here you can visit some ruins of colonial times, more than 60 years ago.
The Cellular Jail- the largest prison in the Andamans, some 700 prisoners/ freedom fighters were locked up here. The jail shows laser sound & light shows every night in both English & Hindi, giving you more of an insight into the history and the struggle for Independence.
Around Port Blair- just 40min by car, located on the west coast of South Andaman is a place called Wandoor. Wandoor has a beautiful white sand beach and all the little islets and rocks in the distance add to its beauty. You can just have a nice relaxing time on the beach, do some jungle walking, or do some snorkeling in the Mahatma Gandhi National Marine Park.
The Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park is 29km from Port Blair and covers an area of 281.5 sqKm. The park is made-up of open sea, creeks and 15 small and large islands and is one of the best found in the world.
So if you are stuck in and around Port Blair, this is a very beautiful get away.
Most accommodation in Port Blair is within 30 minutes of both the airport and the jetty. To get more information on hotels and prices, please contact our reservations team. For reservations at Barefoot at Havelock Resort contact reservations@barefootindia.com and Info@anislands.com for Café Del Mar reservations. |
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• What is the electricity supply in the Andaman Islands?
All of India has standard 220Volts with sockets mixed between 3 pin round (like the rest of India) pins. While some sockets also take the two round pin plugs, to avoid confusion or disappointment we suggest guests bring at least one travel adapter. |
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• What is the currency in the Andaman Islands and how do I pay? Is there an ATM machine?
The currency of India is the Indian Rupee, for current exchange rates click here. It is possible to change all major currencies in India, however you are advised to go through official banks or authorized money changers.
Port Blair also has a number of ATMs, and since April 2009 Havelock Island also has a Axis Bank ATM, however there is a daily limit on every card and there have already been days where it wasn't working or didn't accept some cards.
Credit Cards are not widely accepted in the Andamans, expect for larger hotels and resorts, some diving facilities. You will most likely be hit with a surcharge and both your passport and your credit card will get photocopied. However some places may have swipe machines as of the season 09/10.
So- better be safe than sorry and bring some cash to the island with you. |
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• What is the food like in the Andaman Islands?
Seafood is king on the Andaman Islands, due to it being the natural diet of the Bengali settlers, who came to the Andamans. The unpolluted water of Andaman Sea abounds with varieties of fish, crabs, lobsters, prawns etc. Seafood is easily available and deliciously cooked, however if it's fresh fish you want, let the restaurant of your choice know and they will get one for you- most other fish, as soon as caught will get frozen.
North Indian, South Indian, vegetarian, continental, and Chinese dishes are available, but prices are often much higher as ingredients must be imported from the mainland in India. If you do go for continental food, don't expect anything you would expect at home. |
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• What can I expect the climate to be like in the Andaman Islands?
The Andaman Islands, like other parts of the Andaman Sea enjoy a tropical climate throughout the year. The average minimum temperature is around 23°C and it never goes much above 30°C. Humidity is relatively high with about 70% to 90%, however with a gentle breeze blowing most the time it is still quite pleasant.
You can expect some rainfall towards the end of May before the monsoon season, June and July. There is some rain on and off right through to November, which also has its charm though and keeps the islands lush and green.
For up to date weather in Port Blair see Yahoo weather. |
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• What should I wear in the Andaman Islands?
In all tourist resorts shorts and t-shirts are acceptable. This is also appropriate at night, though "smart casual" is preferred and more appropriate in some resorts.
In the evening mosquitoes will also come out and you are better off wearing something light with long sleeves and some light trousers.
One is expected to dress appropriately when visiting temples, shrines and mosques, for example, cover your shoulders and wear dresses or trousers below the knee at the very least.
Please remember that you are visiting a country with mixed religions and topless/ nude sun bathing is not very appropriate, so please respect this and cover yourself.
Stick to light cottons or linen, these materials absorb sweat, while any other material may make you sweat more, which in return can cause heat rashes. |
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• What about health precautions?
Health services are limited on the Andaman Islands due mainly to their remoteness and low population, though there are some good medical services in Port Blair, at the G.B.Pant hospital.
There are plans for a Recompression Chamber for Port Blair, which will be based in the General Hospital; however the plans have not yet come through.
India is officially a malarial risk area, however on Havelock there are very few known cases. It is best consult your doctor on this issue and decide for yourself if you would like to limit this risk further by taking anti malaria, which may also have some side effects. We recommend you also check the status of your vaccinations and which ones you are advised to have for your travels.
Normal sensible precautions with food should keep you out of trouble, and be sure to drink lots of bottled drinking water to prevent dehydration- especially if your best laid plans have still left you with a bout of diarrhea.
DO NOT drink tap water in the Andaman Islands! Also, be sure to wash regularly and wear light, loose clothing made from natural fibers as heat rash and fungal infections for visitors are not unusual in this humidity.
In addition you can check the World Health Organization's website. |
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• What is the religious stance in the Andamans?
India itself has a very mixed religious history, and a reputation for religious tolerance. Hinduism is by far the most popular religion in the islands followed by Christianity and then Islam. Other religions that make up the total include Sikhism and Buddhism.
Even in the Andaman Islands there is quite a large mix, and while most of the times the Hindu festivals are the most celebrated ones, at around Christmas time you will see small processions with Santa Claus and followers |
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• Are there any rules of etiquette I should know about?
The Andaman Islands is a very relaxed place so the rules are simple. Act with respect and decorum, dress appropriately (especially away form the beach), and as anywhere always ask permission before taking photographs of the local population. |
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• What time zone do the Andaman Islands lie in?
The whole of India falls under the same time zone so the local time is GMT + 5½ hours throughout the country, year round. The Andamans are much closer to Thailand than India which means life in the Andamans happens a little bit earlier in the day, to make use of the day light hours. |
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• Is there a postal service?
Indian postal services, in general have a very good reputation for posting domestically and internationally. However in the Andaman Islands, the postal service is not reliable and there have been many instances of parcels and letters not reaching their destination. Hence it is advised to use postal services on mainland India rather than the postal services on the Island. |
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• Can I make international calls and access the internet?
International dialing is available from most major hotels and ISTD in the markets. To make an international call, dial 001 plus Country Code plus Area Code plus Phone Number. Services tend to be very reliable.
Internet is available though not as widely as in many other tourist areas and connection is reputed to be very slow, but there is hope that things will improve for the next season.
Mobile services- roaming mobile signal is available in Port Blair, in Havelock however, Airtel is currently available everywhere but Beach #7 and sometimes beach #8, BSNL should be received all over the island (exception here is Elephant Beach). |
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• Is there anything to buy in the Andamans and are there bargains to be had?
The Andaman Islands are still very under-developed and as such are not exactly a shopping Mecca yet.
In Port Blair you can get some handicrafts, mainly in Aberdeen Bazaar. In Havelock there are some jewellery shops that deal with hand made coconut jewellery, however the majority of the shops here sell clothes and bags that travelers love. |
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• Is there any crime in the Andaman Islands?
As in almost all countries, pick-pocketing can happen, especially in crowded areas such as bus and rail stations, tourist spots, and busy gatherings (festivals and bars), so watching your valuables in these areas would be wise.
By taking sensible precautions you should have no problems while in the Andaman Islands. Same rule as in other places- as long as you don't display your valuables too much and are a bit street wise you shall not have a problem.
However if you do have any problems, there is a police station on Havelock. |
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• Can I rent a motorbike or a car in Havelock Island?
Bicycles can be rented from the market area at No.3 Village and at the Jetty area as well. Charges are on a per day basis. These bicycles are very basic models so don't except fancy mountain bikes with gears on them.
On Havelock you can easily rent a motorbike for the duration of your stay. You can choose between the non geared and the geared motorbikes & scooters. The shops that rent these Motorbikes out usually have signs posted in front and will require you to have a license that you can show them before taking the bike on rent. Charges vary and are on a per day basis. Fuel is additional and can be procured in the Market area.
Please remember to carry your license with you at all times as you could be stopped by police personnel for a sudden check.
A Helmet is mandatory and comes with the Bike rental. Police on Havelock stop tourists that do not have a helmet on frequently and if you are caught a fine will be imposed on you.
Cars cannot be rented in Havelock. You can hire a taxi for the day but you cannot rent a car and drive around yourself. |
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• Are there sand flies in the Andamans?
Sadly some of the beaches in the Andaman Islands do have sand flies. The sand flies usually come out during dusk so the best way to avoid them is not to be present on the beach during this time. If you are however there be sure to apply enough repellent and wear closed shoes if possible. |
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• Other annoyances
Havelock unfortunately has a dog problem. Projects have been in and out to try and get all the stray dogs castrated and sterilized, but its very difficult to get it under control.
During the day they generally dont do much other than bark. At nights though, they do like to gang up in the villages and on the beach. We do advise travelers to carry a stick to scare off any dogs.
In addition, please DO NOT FEED any dogs. As cute as all the little pups may be, please dont encourage them and dont get them used to being in the restaurants and around people.
If you do want to help them. take them back home with you! Taking them back home with you is a long and expensive procedure; however it's the only way that you could really help them. Giving them attention and food for a few days while you re on Havelock will leave them in a worse position when you head home. They will be left begging for food and longing for attention that many tourists will not give them. So if you can't take them home with you, we request you not to feed them while you are on the island. |
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• Is there a good map of Havelock Island?
As there was no good map of Havelock Island readily available, with all tourist areas and points of interest marked out Barefoot Scuba decided to make it's own map to aid our customers and tourists on Havelock. With the tourism industry growing every season and new places of interest opening up we realised that a detailed map of Havelock Island alone would not be sufficient and that detailed maps of Village No.1 and Village No.3 would be emmensely helpful in helping you find your way around on Havelock.You should receive this map from one of our representatives as you get off the boat at Havelock Island.
To view or download the deatiled Map of Havelock Island please click here.
To view or download the detailed Map of Village No.1 and Village No.3 please click here.
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| Barefoot Scuba |
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• How does one get to Barefoot Scuba?
When you arrive at the Havelock Jetty, you can take a Tuk- Tuk or a Taxi to Beach No.3 where we are located. All drivers know where Barefoot Scuba is located and we also have a big signboard outside so you can't miss us. Just in case the driver does not know where we are you can tell him to take you to Café Del Mar at Beach No.3 where we are located. |
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• Can I stay at the dive centre?
Our dive centre is part of Café del Mar, a beachside resort with comfortable sea-facing duplex cottages, Simple Garden Huts and cane Backpacker huts (without en suite bathroom) that are an ideal base for an exploration of the island. Detailed information regarding accommodation at Barefoot is available here. |
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• Is Barefoot Scuba open throughout the year?
We are open from the 1st of August every year until 31st of May the following year. We are closed during June & July due to the monsoons. Apart from these 2 months we will be operational everyday and will be happy to take you diving or snorkeling. |
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• Is there a map with all the dive sites marked out?
Barefoot Eco tours which is a subsidiary of the Barefoot Group deals primarily with Snorkeling, kayaking , camping & trekking activities in the Andaman Islands has a map with all the dive sites around Ritchie's Archipelago marked out. To view or download this map click here.
In the diving sense, most of the Andaman Islands still remain unexplored. Barefoot Scuba undertakes exploratory trips every season and tries to find new sites for its guests. New & exciting dive sites are being discovered every season within Ritchie's Archipelago (where we do our day diving trips) as well as around Avis Island and Collinpur. So don't be surprised if you land up diving in spots that are not marked on the map.
To view or download the deatiled Map of Havelock Island please click here.
To view or download the detailed Map of Village No.1 and Village No.3 please click here. |
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| Diving with Barefoot Scuba |
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• What will I see while diving around Havelock?
With nearly a 1000 different species inhabiting the waters of the Andaman Islands, it is difficult to list what you will see on your dives. On a macro scale, we have nudibranchs, sea slugs and snails, varieties of ghost pipefish, jawfish and a number of different crustaceans of all shapes and sizes.
On a larger scale, we have dive sites frequented by sharks, varieties of rays (including manta rays), turtles, giant grouper and napoleon wrasse. Schooling barracuda, snapper and sweetlips are regular fare on a number of dive sites, and dolphins often join us on the boat rides. Check out our photo gallery here.
The coral life around the Andaman Islands was relatively untouched by the large scale bleaching that affected the Lacadives, Maldives, Sri Lanka and Mauritius in 1997. We have reefs with an amazing variety of pristine coral, often in less than 10m of water. Divers with varying enthusiasms and skill levels will find something of interest in the waters around Havelock. Detailed information regarding the dive sites is available here. |
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• What are the air and water temperatures in the Andaman Islands and will I need a wetsuit?
Air temperature: 23°C - 35°C (73°F - 95°F), always warm and can be very hot and humid, nights often cooler. November-February can be very cold at nights (18°C) and we do recommend for you to bring a sweatshirt or light jacket.
Water temperature in the Andaman Sea averages around 25°C to 30°C (80°F - 86°F), very pleasant although sometimes thermoclines occur. A 3mm short wetsuit is normally enough and is what the dive facilities will have for rental. Depending on the how much diving you would like to do, you may want to bring along something thicker.
Please feel free to contact us a week or so prior to your trip for current water temperatures if you are concerned. |
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• What happens if I damage or lose the diving or snorkeling equipment I rent?
Whether you are snorkeling or diving with us, you will enjoy the comfort and safety of the leading brands in diving and snorkeling equipment. The equipment rented out to you is solely your responsibility. We request you to please take care of it as if it were your own.
There is no high quality diving or snorkeling equipment available at affordable prices in India and Barefoot Scuba goes to great lengths to order in the best equipment in the interest of its customers. Should you damage or lose any equipment rented out to you, you will be charged the full cost of that piece of equipment. Please note that since we get them all in from our equipment suppliers in Thailand, costs are high and hence the penalties for loss or damage too will be high.
Prevention is the best solution, so be careful of where you put the equipment on the boat. Ask us for a bag so that you can keep them together during the boat journeys. Ensure that they are not in someone's way so they are not accidentally stepped on. Always count the number of pieces rented and once done with your snorkel or dive trip recount and ensure that you have all pieces back on the boat. If you realize that something is missing while on the dive or snorkel site, our staff will try their best to locate it (time and depth permitting). Remember to rinse your equipment in fresh water as soon as possible and to get all the sand off from the mask and fins. |
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• How large groups do you have during scuba classes or guided tours?
Barefoot Scuba believes in keeping the groups small to enhance your safety and enjoyment. We do our best to limit ratios to a maximum of 4 student divers to one instructor in a class and 4 fun divers to one divemaster or instructor in a group.
If a group consist of family members or a group of close friends there is a chance that the group might become 5, but we do our best to avoid this. Scuba classes are always conducted by a PADI certified instructor and guided tours is always leaded a PADI certified instructor or divemaster. To ensure your safety all our staff is PADI certified and will show you their credentials if you ask to see them.
Our groups are very small compared to most dive operations in the world and our staff is experienced, so most people find the group size perfectly conducive to learning. But should you wish to have private tuition during your scuba class, or have a divemaster for yourself during the guided tour, then that is possible with us. The cost factor however will be different than the one found in our price list as ours costs are still the same and it is only possible to get your own private instructor or divemaster with reservation well in advance. Please contact us for more details regarding our rates for this service. |
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