Andaman Islands Beach & Snorkelling Tour (7N/8D)

Description

The Andaman Islands lie 1,300 kilometres east of the Indian mainland in the Bay of Bengal, closer to Myanmar than to Chennai, and they hold the finest beaches and clearest water in the country. White sand, coral reefs within swimming distance of shore, and forest running right down to the tideline make them an entirely different proposition from India's mainland coast, and this eight-day itinerary covers the three islands most worth your time.

Radhanagar Beach on Havelock is regularly named among the best beaches in Asia, a two- kilometre curve of powdery white sand backed by mahua trees, with a sunset that draws everyone on the island to the water's edge. Elephant Beach, reached by boat or jungle trail, has shallow coral reefs immediately offshore that make it one of the easiest snorkelling sites anywhere for beginners.

Neil Island, smaller and slower, offers Bharatpur and Laxmanpur beaches, a natural coral bridge formation, and the sort of pace where cycling is the fastest anyone needs to move. Its reefs are excellent for snorkelling and its village atmosphere is entirely undisturbed. Port Blair provides historical context through the Cellular Jail, the colonial prison where India's political prisoners were held, and its evening sound and light show.

The marine life is the real draw. Reefs support parrotfish, angelfish, clownfish, sea turtles, rays and occasionally reef sharks, and visibility regularly exceeds twenty metres in season. Snorkelling requires no experience, and PADI-certified dive centres on Havelock offer both  introductory dives and full certification courses for travellers who want to go further. Accommodation ranges from comfortable beach cottages to genuinely luxurious eco-resorts.