Table of Contents
Why Choose Andaman Islands for Family Vacation
Best Water Activities for Families in Andaman
- Sofa Ride
- Banana Boat Ride
- Sea Walking
- Glass Bottom Boat Ride
- Snorkelling
- Game Fishing
- Kayaking
- Semi Submarine Ride
Travel Tips for Families
Why Choose Andaman Islands for Family Vacation?
Families looking for a beach vacation beyond Goa should head to India’s very own Andaman Island. The gorgeous archipelago is situated in the south eastern part of the Bay of Bengal and to the east of the islands, is the Andaman Sea.
Andaman’s three prime destinations – Port Blair (Sri Vijaya Puram), Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep), and Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep) are a part of almost every Andaman holiday itinerary. Here one finds incredible cultural and historical sites, beautiful beaches, shimmering turquoise waters, and plenty of marine life (at Havelock & Neil Island).
For many families, the water activities are a huge part of the appeal that makes them these islands. These activities are ideal for non-swimmers and promise an exhilarating fun. If you and your family are also in search of the right water activities in Andaman, read on.
The Best Water Activities for Families in Andaman
A family holiday in Andaman means taking care of kids, teens, or elders. For them to fully enjoy water sports, here is a compiled list of water activities to try in Andaman:
1. Sofa Ride
One of the safest and the easy – breezy water activities in Andaman is Sofa Ride. In this activity, two to five participants can sit comfortably in an inflatable boat which is shaped like a sofa. A big plus is that this activity caters to people of all ages. As the speed boat pulls the inflatable sofa, scream, laugh, and shout with your family. Swimming is not required for a sofa ride, just make sure to hold on tight.
2. Banana Boat Ride
An inflatable rubber tube shaped like a banana is tied to a speedboat and pulled on the sea waves. At a time, about 5 to 6 people can comfortably sit on a boat. Watch the boat glide up and down on waves and feel the rush of excitement in your veins. It’s one the most casual and fun water activities to try in Andaman with your family.
3. Sea Walking
Want to walk the sea floor? Then try sea walking in Andaman with your family. Participants walk on the sea floor 7 to 8 meters deep. They are required to wear a helmet with a clear visor which is attached to a hose pipe, consistently providing oxygen to the participant. Unlike scuba diving, this activity does not require any prior training. It’s also an ideal activity for non-swimmers.
4. Glass Bottom Boat Ride
If you have toddlers or elderly people who cannot get inside of water, the most suitable activity for you and your family is a glass bottom boat ride. In a glass bottom boat ride, one is required to sit inside a boat with an installed glass bottom screen that lets you see the corals, schools of fishes, and water. It combines the fun of boating along with coral sightings without getting wet!
5. Snorkelling
For families who like adventure and underwater fun, snorkelling is the right pick for them. Wear snorkelling gear and with an instructor dive near the shore to watch beautiful colonies of corals, sea anemones, and reef fish. This activity is suitable for ages 12 and above and the maximum age to participate in snorkelling is 60. A typical snorkelling session lasts up to 15 to 20 minutes.
6. Game Fishing
The fishing season in Andaman starts from October until May. This is an ideal time window for families to plan their Andaman trip and participate in Game fishing. These fishing trips are done from Port Blair and Havelock Island. One can catch and release fish like Black Marlin, Giant Trevally, Blue Marlin, Sailfish, Yellow fin Tuna, Dogtooth Tuna and Dorado.
7. Octopus Ride
A thrilling and exhilarating water activity to do in Andaman is Octopus Ride. Much similar to sofa ride and banana boat ride, in this activity riders are strapped to a giant high-speed inflatable octopus-shaped boat and towed in the water by a speedboat. What one experiences are high-speed swings, spins, and cold splashes against the sea waves. The activity is suitable for ages 15 to 16 years old and lasts up to 20 mins.
8. Semi Submarine Ride
A semi submarine ride is good for those who want to witness the underwater world without being wet. Just like glass bottom, boat ride allows participants to view the corals without them leaving the boat. A semi submarine ride allows them to be underwater as the submarine travels from point A to B. Participants can sit in an air conditioned cabin and view the aquatic world from clear glass windows without getting wet.
Water Activity Tips for Families
- Always choose a reliable operator/guide/instructor in Andaman. You can ask questions on public forums to get real life experiences of people.
- Follow the instructions of the instructor/operator when participating in any water activity.
- Pregnant ladies, people with injuries, and elders with asthma, heart conditions, or any other health issue are advised NOT to participate in water activities.
If you want more information on water activities in Andaman for families or want to plan an Andaman family trip, contact: https://www.andamantourism.org/, the best local Andaman travel planner.
