Kayaking in Andaman — best places, prices & top experiences
One of the best ways to explore the beauty of these islands is kayaking in Andaman over the clear blue waters. There is a repository of rich biodiversity all around the islands, much of which can already be explored while paddling along the shallow waters close to shore.
Explore the mangroves, or observe the stars in the clear night sky, and enjoy the island from a whole new perspective.
Kayaking Experiences In Andaman
One activity, four completely different moods.
Kayaking can be experienced in four parts based on the time of day. Here's a quick look at all four before we go into each one.
Night Kayaking
Bioluminescence & stargazing on a dark, glowing sea.
Sunrise Kayaking
Calm, quiet waters and a golden sunrise with fewer crowds.
Sunset Kayaking
Flat seas reflecting a changing sky at the end of the day.
Mangrove Kayaking
Wide calm waterways through dense coastal mangrove forest.
Choose Your Session
Kayaking pricing, session by session.
Swipe to choose your perfect kayaking experience. Every session is 90 minutes and includes free pickup.
← Swipe to explore all 4 sessions →
🔥 Most Booked
- Paddle through glowing water
- Starlit sky
- Free pickup included
🎉 Morning Pick
- Calm & peaceful waters
- Perfect morning experience
- Free pickup included
🎯 Couples’ Favourite
- Golden hour on the sea
- Perfect for couples
- Free pickup included
🌿 Nature Lovers
- Ecological guide onboard
- Bird & mudskipper sightings
- Free pickup included
Sunrise Kayaking
The most promising way to witness a sunrise.
It is the most promising experience to witness a sunrise while paddling a kayak through the waves. The early morning window from 4:30 am to 6 am is dedicated to sunrise kayaking, when the sea conditions are calm and clear.
Sunrise kayaking feels more immersive due to fewer crowds and minimal noise in the early hours, and it's a great time to spot coastal and mangrove birds.
Night Kayaking
Bioluminescence & stargazing views.
Observe the clear night sky or marvel at the bioluminescence in the water while night kayaking in Andaman. The late-night window from 3:30 am to 5 am is dedicated to night kayaking in Havelock. The night sky is bright with innumerable stars, and one can easily observe constellations while kayaking here. With every move of the paddle through the water, you will also be amazed by tiny marine organisms creating a sparkle.
Why should you kayak in the dark?
Bioluminescence is one of the most attractive natural phenomena, which can easily be seen during night kayaking, and you would not like to miss it.
What is bioluminescence, and how does it spark?
Bioluminescence means “living light”, like fireflies. There are thousands of micro-living organisms in the ocean — a species of algae, phytoplankton, along with squid, shrimp, and some fish — that have an extraordinary natural defense mechanism which emits light due to a chemical reaction, where the chemical energy is converted into light energy and these start sparkling.
Each time you paddle, these tiny micro-living organisms come in contact with the surface of your paddle and spark — this is how you see the attractive natural phenomena during dark in the evening.
Best Time To See Bioluminescence
The best time to see bioluminescence is from September to the end of May in the Andamans, when sea conditions are most predictable and consistent post-monsoon. The activity is best seen on new moon nights or when the moon is at its lowest phase. Bioluminescence is best viewed 3–5 days before or after a new moon, moderate during the waning or waxing crescent, and poor near a full moon.
| Month | Best window | Good window |
|---|---|---|
| Sep 2026 | Sep 8–14 (new moon Sep 11) | Sep 4–7 & 15–18 |
| Oct 2026 | Oct 7–13 (new moon Oct 10) | Oct 3–6 & 14–17 |
| Nov 2026 | Nov 6–12 (new moon Nov 9) | Nov 2–5 & 13–16 |
| Dec 2026 | Dec 5–11 (new moon Dec 8) | Dec 1–4 & 12–15 |
| Jan 2027 | Jan 4–10 (new moon Jan 7) | Jan 1–3 & 11–14 |
| Feb 2027 | Feb 3–9 (new moon Feb 6) | Jan 31–Feb 2 & 10–13 |
| Mar 2027 | Mar 5–11 (new moon Mar 8) | Mar 1–4 & 12–15 |
| Apr 2027 | Apr 3–9 (new moon Apr 6) | Mar 31–Apr 2 & 10–13 |
| May 2027 | May 3–9 (new moon May 6) | Apr 30–May 2 & 10–13 |
New Moons: Sep 11, Oct 10, Nov 9, Dec 8 (2026) · Jan 7, Feb 6, Mar 8, Apr 6, May 6 (2027). Full Moons: Sep 26, Oct 26, Nov 24, Dec 24 (2026) · Jan 22, Feb 21, Mar 22, Apr 21, May 20 (2027). The most reliable strategy is to check the lunar calendar before booking and choose dates close to the new moon — three to five days before or after gives you the best chance of a darker sky and stronger visible glow.
Note: bioluminescence in Andaman is a natural phenomenon caused mainly by microscopic bioluminescent plankton. Havelock's mangrove waters can glow when these organisms are disturbed, but the intensity varies with moon phase, water conditions, weather, and plankton concentration. Dark, moonless nights generally offer the best opportunity to experience bioluminescent kayaking.
Sunset Kayaking
Flat seas, and a sky you must not miss.
A beautiful sunset is visible while kayaking a little farther up from the harbour in Havelock. The experience of seeing the sunset over the flat seas can be quite overwhelming. The sea reflects the changing colours of the sky — the sea and sky together put up a show you must not miss.
It's the perfect window to end the day, from 3:30 pm to 5 pm. As you paddle, you may see mangrove roots, shallow corals, small fish, birds, and other coastal wildlife while enjoying the changing colours of the evening sky.
Mangrove Kayaking
A peaceful way to explore coastal ecosystems.
Mangrove kayaking in the Andaman Islands offers a peaceful way to explore the islands' unique coastal ecosystems. Paddle through wide, calm waterways surrounded by dense mangrove forests on one side while observing birds, fish, crabs, and other wildlife.
Havelock Island is particularly popular for guided mangrove kayaking, offering a relaxing adventure away from crowded beaches. There's a wide range of birds and marine species you can see while kayaking in the mangroves — mangrove cuckoos, white ibis, brown pelicans, and red-tailed hawks are commonly sighted, along with juvenile fish and shoals of mudskippers sheltering between the submerged roots.
All Four Formats, Side By Side
Session overview at a glance.
| Session | Price/head | Time slot | Duration | Best for | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Night Kayaking (Bioluminescence) | ₹2,500 | 3:30am–5am | 90 min | Couples, families, solo adventurers | Living light in the water, stars overhead |
| Sunrise Kayaking | ₹2,500 | 4:30am–6am | 90 min | Photographers, families | Pre-dawn bio + golden sunrise |
| Sunset Kayaking | ₹2,500 | 3:30pm–5pm | 90 min | Families, young children | Colour-change horizon on flat water |
| Mangrove Kayaking | ₹2,500 | 4:30–6am or 3:30–5pm | 90 min | Nature lovers, birdwatchers | Ecological guide, bird sightings, mudskippers |
Best Places For Kayaking
Choose a spot where kayaking is officially permitted.
The Andaman Islands offer many spots fit for kayaking. Here are the top 3 places to experience the best kayaking in the Andaman Islands.
Kayaking in Havelock (Swaraj Dweep)
Havelock Island is blessed with dense mangrove formations and deep lagoons that make it the best place for kayaking in the Andaman Islands. The shoreline near Moonlit Sands Hotel, close to the Havelock ferry station, to Lighthouse Point is the official kayaking route here.
A brief briefing session covers safety rules and how to operate a kayak before you start. While paddling the first 200 metres, you'll pass mangrove formations and dramatic views of Havelock and neighbouring Peel Island — and at low tide, shallow reefs and creeks come into view too. The one-way journey to Havelock Lighthouse (roughly 2 km) takes about 30–40 minutes, and it's the landmark for the best sunrise and sunset views, so good paddling stamina helps for this longer stretch.
Kayaking in Port Blair (Sri Vijaya Puram)
Port Blair is another great option, with kayaking taking place at Veer Savarkar Park — a protected wildlife sanctuary away from the city, with calm waters, mangroves, and small islets. Before the activity, you'll get all the necessary training and equipment, accompanied by experienced trainers, as you're taken through a narrow lagoon covered with mangrove canopy to an open area.
Bioluminescence kayaking is also a great activity here, with a decent amount of glowing plankton for a wonderful experience.
Kayaking in Baratang
Baratang is a popular destination for mangrove kayaking, covered with unexplored forests and dense mangrove canopies. Deep-rooted mangrove jungles stretch for several hundred metres before opening into the wide-open sea.
You'll need a permit from the forest department to explore these mangrove forests by kayak — travel costs and additional permit fees make the experience more expensive and time-consuming compared to other kayaking options in Andaman.
Who Can Do Kayaking?
Nothing much required — just the ability to paddle.
Everyone can do this as long as they are physically and mentally fit. Kids above 10 years old can sign up for kayaking. Adults up to 50–55 years of age can also participate, provided they have no back, knee, elbow, or shoulder pain, and can spend at least 90 minutes on a moving kayak.
Check the medical form carefully and contact us for any clarifications anytime. Kayaking requires no prior experience, just the ability to paddle the kayak throughout the trip. While paddling continuously, you might feel tired — no worries, our experienced instructors can tow you back to shore.
Responsible & Safe Kayaking Practices
An extremely safe adventure activity — when all guidelines are followed.
Kayaking in Andaman is an extremely safe adventure activity when all guidelines are followed. We at Seahawks SCUBA strictly follow the guidelines implemented by the local administration in the Andamans.
The kayaking professional accompanying you is your best buddy in the ocean. Stay close to them at all times and follow their instructions. They will remain right next to you throughout the experience and will narrate the local story and share facts related to sea life you shouldn't miss out on.
Follow the training instructions thoroughly and communicate with them all the time to have an uninterrupted, amazing experience. Do NOT touch the coral/reef, both for preservation purposes and for your own safety.
Important safety tips for kayaking in Andaman
- To ensure maximum safety, hire a kayak instructor for the whole trip
- Clear all permits before the kayaking trip, as most areas are protected by the forest department of Andaman
- A life jacket is provided to each individual and is recommended during the whole trip
- Keep close to your group, especially during night kayaking, to make sure you're not left behind
- Don't get down from the kayak during mangrove kayaking, as the water surfaces in the mangrove forests might be muddy
- Keep all your essential belongings at the center before the trip begins
- Protect your mobile phone with a waterproof cover if you're planning to carry it along
- Don't forget to carry water bottles, snacks, and sunglasses for the trip
Best Months To Kayak
September to May is the ideal window.
September to May is an ideal time to experience the best kayaking in Andaman. During these months, the weather remains calm and clear, and minimal water currents make it a perfect window for kayaking activities.
You must monitor the weather during the monsoon season (June–August), as the water currents might go beyond control and heavy rainfall can flood the kayak in no time. The unstable water flow and strong wind speeds make the activity unsafe, so plan your trip accordingly.
These Kayaks Are Waiting For You To Set A Course
Don't miss out on a kayaking experience during your trip to the Andamans. Choose the format that best suits your interests, and our kayaking instructors will provide the guidance you need to feel comfortable and enjoy the journey. Book your kayaking trip now!
Common FAQ
Kayaking in Andaman — your questions answered.
Yes — kayaking is an extremely safe adventure activity in Andaman when all guidelines are followed. A kayaking professional stays right beside you throughout, a life jacket is provided to every participant, and no prior kayaking experience is required — just the ability to paddle continuously for the session.
Kids above 10 years old can sign up for kayaking. Adults up to 50–55 years of age can also participate, provided they have no back, knee, elbow, or shoulder pain, and can spend at least 90 minutes on a moving kayak.
With Seahawks SCUBA, every kayaking session — Bioluminescence, Sunrise, Sunset, or Mangrove — is priced at ₹2,500 per person including tax, for a 90-minute session with free pickup included.
The best time to see bioluminescence is from September to the end of May, during the late-night window of 3:30 am to 5 am. Visibility is strongest 3 to 5 days before or after a new moon, moderate during the waxing or waning crescent, and poor near a full moon, so it's worth checking the lunar calendar before booking.
Havelock Island is the best place to kayak in Andaman, thanks to its dense mangrove formations and deep lagoons, with the route from the Havelock ferry station to Lighthouse Point being the official kayaking path. Port Blair's Veer Savarkar Park and Baratang's mangrove forests are two other good options, though Baratang requires a forest department permit.
Anyone with back, knee, elbow, or shoulder pain, or who cannot spend at least 90 minutes on a moving kayak, should avoid kayaking. Kayaking trips should also not be attempted during the monsoon season (June to August), when water currents and wind speeds make the activity unsafe.