Andaman Islands
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Positives
- Virgin coral reefbreaks
- Kumari point
- Few boats, no crowds
- Untouched paradise with wild tribes
Negatives
- Onshore in swell season
- Short ideal season window
- expensive boat only option
- Saltwater Crocs
Andaman Islands surf travel guide
Dubbed “The land of the head-hunters” by Marco Polo, who was the first Western visitor to this chain of 572 islands, islets and rocks, now commonly referred to as the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Geographic isolation, heavily restricted travel, mysterious Stone Age culture and totally uncharted waters characterise this zone. Whilst foreign tourists are permitted to visit the Andaman Islands, the Nicobars are only accessible to Indians and tribal areas are restricted. With only 36 of the 239 Andaman Islands inhabited, the dense tropical forests support an exotic, fragile ecosystem of unique flora and fauna, preserved and protected in 96 sanctuaries and nine national parks.
Surf spots in Andaman Islands
Research the 6 surf breaks in Andaman Islands and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 6 breaks in Andaman Islands.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Andaman Islands
- jan
- feb
- mar
- apr
- may
- jun
- jul
- aug
- sep
- oct
- nov
- dec
Travel Information
General
- Current Time
- Tourists
- 17,423,000
- Population
- 1,380,004,385
- Tourist Info
- Tourist Info
Security
Health
Money
- Currency
- INR
Cost of living
Communication
- Dialing in
- +91
- Dialing out
- 00
- Emergencies
- 112
- Language
- Hindi 30%, English, Bengali, Gujarati, Kashmiri, Malayalam, Marathi, Oriya, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu, Kannada, Assamese, Sanskrit, Sindhi (all official)
Electricity
- Plug Type
- cdm
Visas
Everyone needs to get an e-visa before arriving in India and this should be done well in advance of any trip as it can take a a while. The costs varies but expect it to be between US$80 and US$100 . The e-visa lasts for 60 days.
Getting There
Foreigners need an Indian tourist visa, plus a 30-day tourist permit must be obtained on arrival at Port Blair from the immigration authorities. Plan to lose one day in PB to get entry permits and paperwork in order. Port Blair is served by Alliance Air/Indian Airlines flights from Calcutta and Chennai (fr $250 e/w). Jet Airways have daily Chennai flights from $100 to 400 e/w. Book very early. 3 to 4 ferries per month depart Calcutta and Chennai, taking 60h and costing $30 e/w for a bunk or $125 for deluxe cabin.
Getting Around
Get around Port Blair by moped, on hire for $5/day. Boats from the mainland moor at Haddo Jetty, 1km north of Phoenix Jetty, the arrival point for inter-island ferries and surfing charters (Phuket is 65h sail away). Ferry to Hutbay every day – 6-8h crossing (dep Port Blair 6.30am and arr 2.30pm). Return can be a real hassle as black market, corruption and bribery are involved in securing tickets to the only ferry. The rich can avoid this headache with a 25min helicopter ride! On Little Andaman there’s limited auto, taxi and jeeps available to tour the dam, but cars are useless except between Hut and Jarawa. Proposed construction of new jetty at Butler’s Bay may affect surf.
Accommodation
Butlers Bay has tourist huts available on the shore. Surfers have camped on the point, but prepare to be eaten alive by mosquitoes and sand flies. There’s guesthouse and government accommodation in Hut Bay.
Activities
Home to stone-age tribes (Onge, Jarawa, Sentinelese) these reclusive aboriginal people live in impenetrable jungles, and still practise age old rituals. Little Andaman has elephant safaris through the rainforest. Trek to the White Surf and Whisper Wave waterfalls. World-class diving zone with large pelagics and amazing visibility. Great fishing.
Hazards & hassles
Any emergency would take days to repatriate; take a well-stocked first aid kit. Beach sand flies are bloodthirsty and unavoidable. Avoid sea crocs and potentially hostile tribes.
Handy Hints
Take everything including reef boots and repair kit, plus snorkelling equipment for the many flat/windy days.
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.