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SNORKELING IN ANDAMAN
The experience of snorkeling in India has grown further since the services of water sports have become a matter of attraction for the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago. Snorkeling meaning is having the experience of being underwater in a half-diving mode, as you get to breathe through the snorkel while swimming on the edge of the water's surface. On the other hand, the attributes of scuba diving require proper safety gear just like snorkeling since it also involves spending time swimming underwater. The modern approaches of snorkeling vs scuba diving have become dependent on the skills and adaptability of the divers, clarifying queries of your mind like what is snorkeling, or such as this, is swimming necessary for snorkeling; which makes their experiences more thrilling with proper comfort and adventure all at once.
BEST PLACES FOR SNORKELING IN ANDAMA
ELEPHANT BEACH
Havelock Islands (Swaraj Dweep)
RED SKIN ISLAND
Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park
BHARATPUR BEACH
Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep)
NORTH BAY ISLAND/CORAL ISLAND
Close to Port Blair
SOUTH BUTTON ISLAND NATIONAL PARK
Near Port Blair, the Rani Jhansi Marine National Park
KALIPUR BEACH
Near Diglipur, transportation is available from Port Blair
JOLLY BUOY ISLAND
Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park
Snorkeling on this particular beach is very convenient as it allows services for children since the sight for the water sports is near the shorelines, which are approximately 4 to 6 meters in depth. The difference between snorkeling and scuba diving is quite significant as both support underwater exploring, yet scuba diving allows you to visit the depth of the water, and snorkeling is roaming around the surface only with a snorkel and fins.
The Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park has developed 15 beaches which have their individuality alongside the facilities for diving and snorkeling. As Red Skin Beach gives you chances to explore the water with PADI-approved and certified instructors, you get to experience the depth of untouched underwater with different species of rare sea dwellers.
Various species of fish are available at Bharatpur Beach where you can experience blackfish, pufferfish, blue-spotted stingrays, and soldierfish along with angelfish.
This is the oldest coral island in Andaman while having a close vicinity to Port Blair, being the third largest coral island in India. Both watersports, snorkeling, and scuba diving are available here which gives you the chance to experience the best kinds of adventures here. Water sporting with proper gears can take you 6 to 7 meters below the water's surface, giving you a mesmerizing view of the coral reefs around. Mighty creatures like dolphins are very often visible here along with other species like batfish, pufferfish, and blue-spotted stingrays.
This beach primarily belongs to the Rani Jhansi Marine Park which provides chances to witness various exotic marine creatures such as yellow snappers, ornate hard, sea plumes, docile fish along soft corals. For novice snorkelers, this beach can be very difficult since you have to go deeper into the seabed to witness colonies of hard and soft corals. Proper gear with a snorkel kit makes the experience more secure here which gives you the best kind of feel of underwater adventures.
Distinct marine creatures are visible under the water-level beach since it has an abundance of coral reefs with octopuses, sea turtles, and both soft and hard colonies of coral reefs. The Kalipur beach has crystalline waters that become sparkling during the days of winter. This beach is also renowned for being a turtle nesting site, which is situated at an approximate distance of 17 kilometers from Diglipur Beach.
This beach is a part of the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park which reflects a vibe of tranquility and calmness along with a ride of surrealism all around you. Here, soft and vibrant sponge coral reefs can be witnessed where vast swathes of blue corals are resting. Due to authoritative pressures, limited numbers of tourists are allowed on this island, as it remains closed for 6 months of the year. Through these maintenance attributes, the authorities of government have made it sustainable for coral reefs that grow properly during the closed time.
SNORKELING REGULATION
Snorkeling Age Limit
Children above 10 years old
Under 18 children need parents’ signatures on the consent form for snorkeling or diving
Above 18 do not require any consent form
Snorkeling Price in Andaman
The average price for snorkeling in Andaman begins from approximately ₹500 to ₹1,500 onwards per person for 15-20 minutes.
These charges can vary due to safety gear like a snorkel set, along with a snorkel tube for individuals.
Equipment for Snorkeling in Andaman and Nicobar Islands
A Snorkel Mask is required to protect your eyes and nose from seawater
Dry Snorkel helps you to breathe underwater comfortably without any pressure
Snorkeling Fins help you to propel yourself with water at a greater speed
Life Vest is mandatory for all but those who are engulfed in a snorkeling excursion
A waterproof Camera is optional and at an additional cost (exclusive of the package)
General Snorkeling Tips
Apply some SPF-enriched sunscreen 15 minutes before going underwater
Choose fins that are neither too tight, nor too loose for your feet
Follow proper underwater techniques and do not touch the corals
Children above the year of 10 are not recommended to indulge in snorkeling or swimming deep into the sea.
Adults are suggested to snorkel with their instructors for better safety
Pay proper attention to your instructor and their given instructions with care
Avoid indulging in snorkeling during monsoon in Andaman, even with lucrative offers