Snorkeling and Scuba diving are the most popular activities in the Andaman Islands. Snorkeling is an activity that has no real barriers when it comes to age, fitness level or enjoyment. For water enthusiasts who can’t swim very well and hence can’t do the diving courses, snorkeling is a great way to enjoy the wonderful marine life that the Emerald Isles have to offer. Divers too like to snorkel and free diving can be just as thrilling and amazing.

All you need is a mask & a pair of fins - exploring the underwater world just couldn’t be easier or more rewarding. It’s really simple, so if you are just a beginner and have never tried it before don’t miss this opportunity to get your glimpse of what the underwater world has to offer. Believe us- it will take your breath away!

If you are traveling with your family or as large group of friends, snorkeling is a great activity to enjoy together. Children will be fascinated by the bright colours and the number of fish and adults will be thrilled to discover that such a world exists. Don’t be surprised if you book a second or a third day of snorkeling…it sure is a fascinating world down there.

Snorkeling can be breath taking in the Andaman Islands, however please remember that clarity, visibility and marine life are all subject to change with the prevalent weather conditions of that particular day. We can give you the best advice based on experience taking into consideration the tide and the weather; however we cannot predict exactly what you will see underwater or what the visibility is like.

Just in case you are not so lucky with the visibility or the marine life don’t be disheartened. Try again on another day, perhaps luck will stay by your side the next time. Please note that irrespective of the visibility and marine life you will still be charged full price on each trip that goes out.

Barefoot Scuba can offer its guests many packages for snorkeling. From short half day snorkeling excursions to full day snorkeling programs, to chartering your own snorkel boat, we have a whole range of packages to suit your snorkeling needs.

Off Havelock Island, there are many sites at which one can snorkel. As the list is long, we have put down the spots that our snorkelling boats frequent the most by popular demand.

Elephant Beach

Just 40 min by Boat from Barefoot Scuba this beach offers snorkelers calm blue shallow waters and is the perfect spot for beginner snorkelers. The boat goes right up to the beach and its so easy to slip on your gear and just start snorkelling. It’s also a great place to just spend the day lying on the beach and relaxing. The beach is very scenic with fallen trees and white sand giving the photographer some interesting shots. The reef here starts very close to shore at a depth of about 1 metre. The large reef is mostly made up of hard coral and has plenty of marine life. Beginner divers frequent this site as well as the gentle sloping bottom and soft sand are conducive to learning.

Sweetlips, Snappers, Angelfish, Damselfish, Butterflyfish, Moorish Idols, Fusiliers, Starfish, Clams, Oysters, Anemone Fish (Nemo), Wrasse, Parrotfish & Lion Fish are commonly seen here. Lucky snorkellers can also see Morray Eels, Octopus, Squid, Large Humphead Parrot Fish, Sea Snake and Groupers.

The Lighthouse

The Lighthouse is about 20 min by boat from Barefoot Scuba and consists mostly of a hard coral reef. As the name suggests, it is located at the Lighthouse of Havelock. In contrast to Elephant Beach, there is no beach at this spot. Boats moor up to a mooring line and snorkellers gear up on the boat before entering the water.

The shallow reef offers good snorkelling with a variety of fish and coral. Sweetlips, Snappers, Angelfish, Damselfish, Butterflyfish, Moorish Idols, Fusiliers, Starfish, Clams, Oysters, Anemone Fish (Nemo), Wrasse, Parrotfish & Lion Fish are commonly seen here. Lucky snorkelers can also a Turtle, Morray Eels & Octopus. The large Humphead Parrot Fish frequent this site and if you are super lucky you may even see a sting ray.

South Button

South Button is located about 1 hour and 40 min by boat from Barefoot Scuba and is by far the best snorkelling site off Havelock Island. This beautiful Islet looks like its emerged straight out of a fairytale and has the best coral & marine life. The eastern side, boats of a beautiful expanse of coral garden and is suitable of all levels of snorkelers.
There is no beach on this islet and snorkellers gear up on the boat. The boat moors a bit away from the islet as we don’t wish to damage the extremely shallow coral & snorkelers need to swim a bit to get to the reef. The reef starts at about a meter or so and although diving too is possible here, even divers prefer to stay shallow to enjoy the colors and sheer beauty of this site.

South Button is host to schooling snapper, surgeonfish, barracuda, big-eye trevally and Napoleon wrasse, flute mouth, banded sea snake, turtle, barracuda, parrot fish, angelfish, anemone fish, crocodile fish & Gropers to name a few. Manta rays and devil rays sometimes visit the island and play in the shallow water. Other regular residents include octopuses, morays, lionfish, shrimp and nudibranchs of all shapes and colours.

It involves long boat rides but is well worth the time and you definitely will be left asking for more.

The Nursery

As the name implies this is a site where one looks for the little things and is located about 30 min by boat from Barefoot Scuba.

The Nursery is a shallow ledge of reef extending from the southern cliff-face of Nicholson Island. Ideal for beginners, this is an easy place to snorkel with lots of coral, feather stars, anemone, fusiliers, batfish, and other interesting macro life. The site is suitable for snorkellers of all levels.