What comes to your mind when you hear ‘Andaman’? The big, famous Cellular jail and long sunny beaches, isn’t it? Well, there’s a lot more to this Union Territory which houses the largest sea turtles in the world.
The turquoise blue waters of this place with around 560 vibrant species of corals, 270 species of birds and 32 endemic wildlife species makes it a popular spot for a variety of adrenaline-pumping water adventures such as snorkelling, scuba diving, under-sea walking, banana boat riding and surfing.
‘The land of Dugongs’ has a marvellous history to boast of by it being a place to receive the first sun rise of the millennium in the Katchal Island. Whether it is for a romantic getaway or an adventurous vacation escapade with friends, Andaman Island is the first place that is bound to cross your mind!
The one fun-filled activity which truly sets apart Andaman Island from the rest of the world is Kayaking. The clear blue waters, a plethora of truly unique and variegated flora and fauna amidst densely rich mangrove forests is a totally serene experience that Kayaking in Andaman has to offer.
What is Kayaking?
It is a fun-filled marine sport which involves paddling through waters in a narrow canoe-like boat set in motion by a double-edged oar. Kayaking, which was originally done for hunting and fishing, has now transformed into a hub of vacation sensation for many.
You will be provided with a life jacket and all other necessary equipment required for a fun filled experience. Do not fret if you do not know how to swim. Kayaking in Havelock Island Andaman is one such activity which you can indulge in regardless of your swimming prowess.
Why Kayak in Andaman?
Being surrounded by dense mangroves while Kayaking in Andaman can surely take your breath away. Home to around 270 bird species, it offers you an exquisite opportunity to witness birds such as Andaman Treepie, Dollar Bird, Black-napped tern, Olive-Backed Sunbird and Collared Kingfisher.
Paddling through the turquoise blue Andaman waters transports your existence into a state of tranquillity away from the mundanities of urban living. A glimpse of rich marine fauna with species like Dugongs, Olive Ridley Turtles and White-bellied Sea Eagles is possible by Kayaking through the clear waters here.
Kayaking through the waters can provide you a much-needed opportunity to reduce stress and infuse thrill into your system. While you are out there making your, things to do in Andaman list, make sure Kayaking finds its way through the top.
Popular places for Kayaking in Andaman
Read on to know the list of places you can explore for your very own Kayaking adventure in Andaman.
Havelock Islands
- A cathartic sensation of paddling through waters illuminated by stars glowing above is an experience that night Kayaking in Havelock islands has to offer to the thousands of tourists that visit every year.
- Oriental Magpie Robin, Collared Kingfisher and Pacific Reef Regret inhabiting the tropical rainforests of this island create a breathtaking experience for tourists to paddle through the mangroves.
- Beaches like Radhanagar, Kalapathar, Vijaynagar and Elephant are the go to Kayaking spots in Havelock Islands.
Port Blair
- Widely known for its Cellular Jail, Port Blair in Andaman has a perfect delicate balance of rich culture and ecological history to boast of. The Anthropological Museum is a must-go for gaining fresh insights into the native tribes of this island.
- Home to around 134 species of flora and fauna, the Mount Harriet National Park is a must on your list of things to do in Port Blair. A great view of the vast marine life inhabiting this island can be witnessed in the Samudrika Naval Marine Museum with its huge collection of seashells, fishes and corals endemic to Andaman.
- Wandoor, Collinpur and Corbyn Cove beach in Port Blair provide a suitable opportunity to truly live your Kayaking experience with access to the vivid seas amidst a thick slice of mangrove vegetation.
Neil Island
- While the Neil Island in Andaman is a common hub for snorkelling, scuba-diving, treks and crab catching, kayaking adventures are an exception.
- A 45-minute journey by speed boat through Havelock Islands, the lowly-populated Laxmanpur beach is an ideal place for a beginner to master the trade of Kayaking. Lush tropical vegetation and exquisite coral reefs in the Neil Island play a role in adding a magical touch to the Kayak tours in Andaman.
Baratang Island
- Baratang Island is located about 100 km away from Port Blair. A ferry ride of around 90 minutes from Port Blair can take you to this beautiful archipelago sprinkled with palm and coconut trees, lush evergreen vegetation, peacocks and spotted deer in every nook and corner.
- The lapping of turquoise waters over pliant shores aid in making the mangrove creek Kayaking journey at Baratang Island all the more pleasant and soothing to the soul. Limestone caves and mud volcanoes add a major uplift to the scenic beauty that this isle has to offer.
- Baludera, Merk Bay and Lalaji Bay beach are spot-on destinations for memorable Kayaking experiences with your near dear ones.
Safety Precautions
The best thing about this fun-filled sport is you can be completely new to this and still carry it out pretty well by keeping a few simple precautions in mind.
Keeping a life jacket always on is a crucial to keep you afloat while paddling through the waters.
- Kayaking in areas with off-shore winds can be very risky.
- Choosing a location with suitable water temperature and weather conditions can make this adventurous sport all the more thrilling.
- Consumption of alcohol and drugs before Kayaking is something that should be avoided at any cost.
- Always choose a Kayak whose capacity is greater than your body weight, or else you’ll end up submerging in the deep waters.
Whether it’s a case of hectic work schedules getting the better of you, a call for spending some good time with loved ones or a much-needed dosage of pure excitement, Andaman always holds its arms wide open for you to Kayak into its blue tranquil waters.
