10 Best Andaman Activities for Adventure Lovers

 

The Andaman Islands are one of India’s best adventure destinations, and most people do not realise it until they arrive. Beneath the calm beaches lies a world of coral reefs, shipwrecks and marine life, and above the water there is everything from parasailing to jet skiing to trekking through rainforest.

This guide covers the 10 best Andaman activities for adventure lovers — from scuba diving and snorkeling to sea walking, kayaking and more. For each one you get what it is, where to do it, roughly what it costs, and who it suits, so you can build the adventures you actually want into your trip.

We arrange these activities from our office in Port Blair, so the details here — costs, locations, what is beginner-friendly — come from real trips, not brochures.

Why the Andamans Are Made for Adventure

For thrill-seekers, few places in India offer this much in one trip.

What Makes the Andamans an Adventure Hub
Some of India’s best scuba diving, with clear water and healthy reefs
Coral you can snorkel straight from the shore
Warm, calm sea safe for water sports most of the year
A mix of sea, air and land adventures in one destination
Activities for total beginners and experienced adventurers alike

The best part is how beginner-friendly it all is. Most of these activities need no experience — an instructor is with you throughout — so a first-timer and a seasoned adventurer can enjoy the same trip.

Traveller insight: Adventure travellers often assume they need certificates or experience for the best activities here. Most need neither. A complete beginner can scuba dive, sea walk and parasail on the same trip, each with a trained guide — which is exactly why the Andamans suit first-time adventurers so well.

The 10 Best Adventure Activities at a Glance

Here is the full list before we look at each in detail.

#	Activity	Where	Approx Cost Per Person
1	Scuba diving	Havelock, North Bay	₹3,500 – ₹6,000
2	Snorkeling	Elephant Beach, Jolly Buoy	₹1,000 – ₹2,500
3	Sea walking	North Bay, Havelock	₹3,000 – ₹4,500
4	Parasailing	Select beaches	₹3,000 – ₹5,000
5	Jet skiing	Corbyn’s Cove, North Bay	₹800 – ₹1,500
6	Kayaking	Havelock mangroves	₹1,500 – ₹3,000
7	Game fishing	Havelock, Neil	₹5,000 – ₹12,000
8	Trekking	Mount Harriet, Madhuban	₹1,000 – ₹3,000
9	Glass-bottom boat	North Bay	₹800 – ₹1,500
10	Banana boat and speed boat rides	Several beaches	₹500 – ₹2,000

1. Scuba Diving

If you do one adventure in the Andamans, make it this. Scuba diving is the islands’ signature experience, and the reefs here are among the best in India — clear water, healthy coral, and marine life from reef fish to turtles.

The beauty is that anyone can do it. A beginner dive, or “Discover Scuba,” needs no certificate and no experience — a qualified instructor stays with you the entire time as you descend to see the reef up close. Certified divers get deeper sites and even shipwrecks. Havelock Island is the main hub, with North Bay near Port Blair another option.

Cost: ₹3,500 – ₹6,000 for a beginner dive; ₹4,000 – ₹6,500 for a certified fun dive; ₹22,000 – ₹30,000 for a PADI course.

Best for: Everyone — first-timers and certified divers alike.

Local Expert Tip: Never schedule a dive for the day before you fly home. You need an 18 to 24 hour gap between diving and flying, so plan your dives for early in your Havelock stay — which also gives you the clearest morning water.

2. Snorkeling

If diving feels like a big step, snorkeling gives you much of the same magic with none of the training. You float on the surface with a mask and fins, watching coral and fish just below — and in the Andamans’ clear water, you see a lot.

Elephant Beach on Havelock is the most popular spot, with shallow coral close to the shore. For pristine, protected reef, Jolly Buoy Island near Port Blair is exceptional. Snorkeling suits almost everyone, including children and non-divers.

Cost: ₹1,000 – ₹2,500 per person, often included in Elephant Beach trips.

Best for: Beginners, families, and anyone not ready to dive.

Traveller insight: Go snorkeling early in the morning, before the day-trip boats arrive and stir up the sand. The same reef that looks cloudy at midday is clear at 8am — the difference is dramatic, and it costs nothing to plan around.

3. Sea Walking

Sea walking is one of the Andamans’ most unusual adventures  and one of its most accessible. You wear a special helmet supplied with air, and simply walk along the seabed while the coral and fish surround you. Your head stays completely dry, and you do not need to know how to swim.

It is done at North Bay Island near Port Blair and at Havelock. Because it needs no swimming ability, it is perfect for people who want the underwater experience without diving or snorkeling.

Cost: ₹3,000 – ₹4,500 per person.

Best for: Non-swimmers, nervous first-timers, and older travellers who want to see the reef.

Local Expert Tip: Sea walking is the single best underwater activity for people who cannot swim or feel nervous about water. If someone in your group is hesitant about diving, this is how they still get to walk among the coral — and it often becomes their favourite part of the trip.

4. Parasailing

For adventure above the water rather than below it, parasailing lifts you high into the air beneath a parachute, towed by a boat, with the islands and turquoise sea spread out below. It is a rush and a view in one, and the landing is gentle.

It is offered at select beaches and is over in a few thrilling minutes. No experience is needed — you are securely harnessed and briefed beforehand.

Cost: ₹3,000 – ₹5,000 per person.

Best for: Thrill-seekers who want the view as well as the adrenaline.

Traveller insight: Parasailing is the activity people are most nervous about and most glad they did. The takeoff is smooth, the harness is secure, and the view over the islands from up there is something photos never quite capture.

5. Jet Skiing

For fast, splashy fun that anyone can jump straight into, jet skiing is hard to beat. You ride a powered watercraft across the waves, either driving yourself or riding with an operator, in short exhilarating bursts.

It is available at Corbyn’s Cove near Port Blair, North Bay and several other beaches. No experience or booking is needed — you can usually just turn up and ride.

Cost: ₹800 – ₹1,500 per ride.

Best for: Anyone wanting a quick, easy adrenaline hit; great for groups.

Local Expert Tip: Jet skiing is one of the cheapest thrills on the islands and needs no advance booking, which makes it a perfect filler for a spare hour near Port Blair — say, on your first afternoon at Corbyn’s Cove before the rest of the trip begins.

6. Kayaking

For a quieter kind of adventure, kayaking takes you through the Andamans’ mangroves and calm coastal waters under your own paddle power. The mangrove kayaking on Havelock is especially magical after dark, when bioluminescent plankton light up the water around your paddle.

It is peaceful rather than high-adrenaline, and a beautiful way to see the islands’ quieter side. Guided trips suit all levels, including complete beginners.

Cost: ₹1,500 – ₹3,000 per person; night kayaking can cost a little more.

Best for: Nature lovers and those wanting a calmer, scenic adventure.

Traveller insight: The bioluminescent night kayaking is one of the most magical experiences in the Andamans, but it depends on the moon — it is best on darker, moonless nights. Ask about the lunar calendar when you book, as a bright full moon washes out the glow.

7. Game Fishing

For a different kind of thrill, deep-sea game fishing takes you out into the open water in search of big catches like barracuda, tuna and trevally. It is a half or full-day adventure, usually catch-and-release, guided by local operators who know the waters.

It is offered around Havelock and Neil Island. No experience is required the crew handles the technical side and helps you land your catch.

Cost: ₹5,000 – ₹12,000 per person, depending on trip length and boat.

Best for: Those wanting an offbeat, open-sea adventure away from the beaches.

Local Expert Tip: Game fishing trips leave early, when the sea is calmest and the fish are biting. Book a morning trip, take something for seasickness if you are prone to it, and you will have the best of both the fishing and the conditions.

8. Trekking

The Andamans are not only about the water — inland, there is genuine trekking through rainforest. The most famous is the trek to Mount Harriet (now Mount Manipur), one of the highest points on the islands, with views over the sea and forest. The Madhuban trek through dense jungle is another rewarding option.

These treks range from easy walks to more demanding trails, and take you past birds, butterflies and dense island greenery far from the beaches.

Cost: ₹1,000 – ₹3,000 per person with a guide.

Best for: Land-based adventurers, nature lovers, and birdwatchers.

Traveller insight: Trekking is the most underrated adventure in the Andamans. Most visitors never leave the beaches, so the forest trails are quiet and genuinely wild. For travellers who like their adventure on foot, it is a completely different side of the islands.

9. Glass-Bottom Boat Rides

Not everyone wants to get in the water, and the glass-bottom boat is the answer. You sit in a boat with a transparent floor and watch the coral and fish glide past beneath you — the reef experience with your feet dry.

It runs mainly at North Bay Island, and it is the ideal adventure for families with young children, grandparents, and anyone who cannot swim. Everyone sees the same reef, no swimming required.

Cost: ₹800 – ₹1,500 per person.

Best for: Families, non-swimmers, and older travellers.

Local Expert Tip: The glass-bottom boat is the one reef activity that works for every age and ability in a group. If you are travelling with mixed ages — small children, grandparents — this is how everyone shares the coral experience together, and it is inexpensive too.

10. Banana Boat and Speed Boat Rides

For simple, splashy group fun, banana boat and speed boat rides round out the list. On a banana boat, a group sits astride an inflatable towed fast across the water — bumpy, wet and full of laughter. Speed boat rides give you a quick thrill across the waves.

Both are offered at several beaches, need no experience, and are over in minutes — perfect for filling a spare hour or entertaining a group.

Cost: ₹500 – ₹2,000 per person depending on the ride.

Best for: Groups, families with older kids, and anyone wanting quick fun.

Traveller insight: These rides are the easiest, cheapest thrills on the islands and need no planning. They are perfect for a group’s last afternoon — a bit of shared fun near the beach before the trip winds down, with no booking required.

Adventure Activities by Traveller Type

Different travellers want different adventures. Here is where to focus.

Traveller	Best Activities
First-time adventurers	Beginner scuba, snorkeling, sea walk
Non-swimmers	Sea walk, glass-bottom boat, parasailing
Families with kids	Glass-bottom boat, snorkeling, banana boat
Couples	Scuba together, night kayaking, parasailing
Thrill-seekers	Scuba, parasailing, jet ski, game fishing
Land lovers	Trekking, birdwatching

Local Expert Tip: Do not try to fit in every activity — pick three or four that genuinely excite you and enjoy them properly. A trip crammed with back-to-back activities leaves no time for the beaches themselves, which are half the reason to come.

Where to Do Each Activity

Most adventures cluster around two areas — Havelock for diving and water, and Port Blair for quick day-trip activities.

Location	Best Activities Here
Havelock (Swaraj Dweep)	Scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, game fishing
North Bay (near Port Blair)	Sea walk, glass-bottom boat, snorkeling, jet ski
Corbyn’s Cove (Port Blair)	Jet ski, speed boat, banana boat
Elephant Beach (Havelock)	Snorkeling, shallow reef diving
Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep)	Snorkeling, game fishing, relaxed water sports
Inland (Mount Harriet, Madhuban)	Trekking, birdwatching

Best Time for Adventure Activities

Season	Conditions for Adventure
November – February	Best — calm sea, clear water, peak visibility
October, March	Excellent, slightly less busy
April – May	Good, warm water, some activities affected by heat
June – September	Monsoon — rough sea limits water sports

The calm, clear sea from November to February is best for water activities, with the year’s top visibility for diving and snorkeling. October and March are nearly as good with fewer crowds. When the monsoon sea turns rough, water sports can be suspended, so keep your plans flexible then. Our guide to the best time to visit Andaman covers the year in detail.

Local Expert Tip: For the clearest underwater visibility, aim for December to March and always book water activities for the morning. Calm morning seas and clear water make diving, snorkeling and sea walking far better than the same activity in a choppy afternoon.

Safety Tips for Adventure Activities

A few things keep every adventure safe and enjoyable.

Use licensed operators. Book activities through your operator or established centres, not unregistered beach touts.

Be honest about your swimming ability. Many activities need none, but the operator needs to know so they can guide you properly.

Keep the flight-day rule. No diving within 18 to 24 hours of flying.

Listen to the briefing. Every activity comes with one — a few minutes of attention makes the whole experience safer.

Check the weather. Water sports depend on sea conditions, so build flexibility into your plans, especially in shoulder months.

Traveller insight: The best adventure operators are strict about safety — briefings, life jackets, no diving before flights. If an operator seems casual about these, walk away. On a good trip, the safety care is a sign you are in the right hands, not a hassle.

Why Book With AndamanTravelCare

What We Offer	Why It Matters
Government licensed	A registered operator, not a middleman
Local team in the islands	We book only licensed, safety-first activity operators
Transparent pricing	Activity costs stated clearly upfront
Custom itineraries	The right adventures for your group and pace
24/7 on-ground support	Someone local if weather changes your plans
Reviews and recognition	AATO member with hundreds of verified reviews

We build activities into complete trips through our adventure and holiday packages, matched to your group and timed around the ferries and weather.

About the Author

Fawziya Co-Founder, AndamanTravelCare AATO Member | Government Licensed Tour Operator | Based in Port Blair

Fawziya arranges adventure activities for travellers of every level from her office in Port Blair. This guide reflects that work — which activities genuinely suit beginners, which operators run them safely, and how to time the water sports around the sea and the ferries so nothing is wasted.

Costs, operators and seasonal access change through the year. Take everything here as a practical planning guide accurate at the time of writing, and we confirm live details before quoting any activity.

About This Page

Author	Fawziya, Co-Founder — AndamanTravelCare
Reviewed By	Senior Travel Consultant, AndamanTravelCare
Content Type	Activity Guide
Primary Topic	Best Andaman Activities for Adventure Lovers
Location	Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Islands

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best adventure activities in Andaman? Scuba diving, snorkeling, sea walking, parasailing, jet skiing, kayaking, game fishing, trekking, glass-bottom boat rides, and banana or speed boat rides. Scuba diving is the standout, but there is something for every level and comfort.

What is the best water sport in Andaman? Scuba diving is the signature experience, with clear water and healthy reefs. For non-divers, snorkeling and sea walking give much of the same underwater magic. Parasailing is the top choice above the water.

Can beginners do scuba diving in Andaman? Yes. A beginner dive, or Discover Scuba, needs no certificate and no experience — a qualified instructor stays with you the whole time. It is one of the best places in India to try diving for the first time.

How much do adventure activities cost in Andaman? Roughly ₹800 for a jet ski or glass-bottom boat, ₹1,000 to ₹2,500 for snorkeling, ₹3,000 to ₹4,500 for a sea walk, ₹3,000 to ₹5,000 for parasailing, and ₹3,500 to ₹6,000 for a beginner scuba dive.

Which activities can non-swimmers do in Andaman? Sea walking, glass-bottom boat rides and parasailing all require no swimming. Sea walking is especially good — you walk on the seabed in a helmet with your head dry, surrounded by coral.

Where is the best place for water sports in Andaman? Havelock for scuba and snorkeling, North Bay near Port Blair for sea walking, glass-bottom boats and jet skis, and Elephant Beach for shore snorkeling. Corbyn’s Cove is good for quick jet ski and speed boat rides.

What is the best time for adventure activities in Andaman? November to February, when the sea is calm and clear with the best visibility for diving and snorkeling. October and March are nearly as good. The monsoon from June to September can suspend water sports.

Is scuba diving safe in Andaman? Yes, with licensed operators. Beginner dives are guided throughout by qualified instructors, with full briefings and safety gear. Just remember not to dive within 18 to 24 hours of a flight.

Can families do adventure activities in Andaman? Yes. Glass-bottom boats, snorkeling, banana boats and sea walks all suit families, and let children and non-swimmers enjoy the reef safely. Many activities have age limits, so check when booking.

Do I need to book adventure activities in advance? Diving and popular activities are best booked ahead, especially in peak season. Simpler rides like jet skis and banana boats can usually be done on the spot. We build the key activities into packages so they are secured.

The Short Version

The Andamans are one of India’s best adventure destinations, and the range surprises most first-timers.

Scuba diving is the signature experience, and it is beginner-friendly — no certificate needed. Snorkeling and sea walking give non-divers the same underwater magic; parasailing and jet skiing bring the thrills above and across the water; and kayaking, game fishing and trekking offer quieter or offbeat adventures. Pick three or four that genuinely excite you, book water activities for the calm mornings, travel between November and March for the clearest sea, and always use licensed operators.

Do that, and your trip becomes far more than a beach holiday — it becomes an adventure.

Ready for adventure? Tell us your dates, group and which activities excite you, and we will build them into a customised itinerary — timed around the sea and ferries — within 10 minutes.

Build your adventures into a complete trip with our adventure and holiday packages, or compare all options on our main Andaman Nicobar tour packages page. Couples can see the Andaman honeymoon Tour packages, families can explore the Andaman tour packages from family, and you can time it all with our guide to the best time to visit Andaman.