Better than swimming and much more affordable than Scuba, Snorkeling is a sport that takes you to the magnificent underwater world without the need for any complex setup or apparatus.

What makes the experience great is that you don’t have to prepare anything in advance, you can just grab the gear, go dive into the water, and feel the weight of your body fade away.

Andaman Islands offer some of the best places to snorkel so you can easily explore the world of sea-dwellers. The highly-populated ecosystem of shoreline in the isles is home to a wide variety of corals, both hard & soft, that house a plethora of beautiful fish species to gaze at.

The preserved coastal belts surrounded by long stretches of diverse ecosystem is a wonderful sight to experience and we recommend it everyone, who comes on a vacation to Andaman.

Top 5 best places for Snorkeling in Andaman

Andaman has more than 20 great locations to experience the underwater kingdom in various islands. A good place to snorkel would be the one that has a balance of both safety and beauty. Here are some factors you should consider before beginning your adventure:

• Clarity of water near the shoreline.
• Power and frequency of waves.
• Underwater ecosystem.
• Safety and presence of lifeguards.
• Easy to reach.
• Rapid fish and sea-creatures.

Any place that offers these is a great place to go for a dip. So here are the top 5 places for snorkeling in Andaman:

1. Snorkeling at Havelock Island Elephant Beach

Havelock is famous for its dreamy beaches and crystal-clear blue water and therefore stands at the top with the best place for water sports in Andaman.

Although there are several beaches that count as great, Elephant Beach in Havelock offers the most perfect conditions for a memorable snorkeling experience. The vibrant undamaged reefs come packed with a wide variety of fishes and sea creatures that gives out a feeling of amazement and awe.

The waters here are crystal clear, allowing for maximum underwater visibility, and the area is perfectly shallow with just the right amount of current, so you can easily float near the sea surface and enjoy your experience without any difficulties.

The best about snorkeling in Elephant Beach is that most of the trips to Andaman include Havelock, so you can save time and money.

Elephant Beach can be easily reached by chartering a boat, or you can join a group and trek through the forest to reach the place. For prebooked activities, a guide is always available to assist through the whole trip ensuring maximum comfort and safety.

2. Snorkeling at North Bay

North Bay is a small island located near Port Blair and is the perfect place for all types of water sports including snorkeling. The island is so small that the reason people visit here is to have some fun and adventure in the water.

The waters here are clean and perfectly shallow, allowing a clear view of the underwater world without any blurs. The fringing reefs are home to a wide variety of fishes and sea dwellers, including lobsters and shrimps.

To reach North Bay, you’ll have to take a ferry from the marine Jetty at the Aberdeen area. A tour guide will assist you every step of the way to make sure the experience is fluid and hassle-free. A usual snorkeling package already covers all ticketing and transportation charges. Snorkeling equipment and other necessities are provided by the vendor, so all you have to do is dive and explore.

3. Snorkeling at Jolly Buoy

Jolly Buoy is yet another great place to snorkel in Andaman for both experienced and novice enthusiasts. The island is pretty small and has numerous water sport centers offering snorkeling at an affordable rate.

The waters surrounding Jolly Buoy are clear enough for a perfect inside view underwater. The water is stable and the currents are steady near the shoreline, which keeps the water clear. The marine life is well preserved and abundant, with a wide variety of unique fishes in Andamans, including clown and zebra fish.

All trips to the island have to be made via ferry or boat, which leaves from the Wandoor Jetty and reaches there in half an hour. A standard snorkeling package includes all tickets, ferries, permits, and snorkeling equipment so you can enjoy your impeccable experience without any second thoughts.

4. Snorkeling at Red Skin Island

Red Skin island is the twin sister of Jolly Buoy and is easily reachable by boat. The island is small and is only open for tourists for 6 months, when Jolly Buoy is closed.

The location is surrounded by nature from all sides and opens up to a beautiful beach. The shorelines are clean with blue waters and above-average visibility, allowing decent underwater sight.

The coral population is dense, with a wide variety of marine life of all shapes and species. The diversity of corals here is unmatched, which makes this spot great for snorkelers.

5. Snorkeling at Neil Island

Neil Island is yet another beautiful place surrounded by forests and populated by dense tropical trees. The island features one of the most well-preserved coral populations in the isles, making it famous among divers and snorkelers.

The snorkeling is usually done at the Laxmanpur Beach, located 12 km from the jetty. The water visibility is low compared to other spots, but the calm currents and waves make it a perfect place for long hours of snorkeling.

The shoreline is wide and boasts a wide variety of coral strips that house vibrant fishes, lobsters, clams, and other sea creatures, waiting to be explored.