Snorkelling in Andaman — best places, cost & complete guide for 2026 – 2027 session
Havelock Island and Neil Island are the best destinations for snorkelling in Andaman. Snorkelling in these islands offers the opportunity to explore remotely located reefs, crystal clear waters, schools of colourful fish, and a large variety of marine life.
You can explore the fringing reefs easily accessible from the shores around Havelock Island, or take a boat trip to a shallow reef out at sea for snorkelling.
Why Do We Snorkel?
An exciting way to explore marine life in shallower waters.
While the shallower parts of the reef offer a lot to see, the crystal clear waters allow you to see many metres below too.
For those who are new to exploring the ocean, snorkelling might seem like an easier way to start off than diving. If you have a medical issue that stops you from scuba diving, you can even snorkel too.
Who Can Sign Up?
There isn’t much to it — just the ability to breathe through your mouth.
Everyone can do this as long as they are physically and mentally fit. Kids should be 10 years and above.
Check the medical form carefully and contact us for any clarifications anytime. Browse our Snorkelling in Andaman Price page to check the price range of multiple snorkelling trips in Andaman.
Choose Your Site & Duration
Snorkelling pricing, site by site.
Choose your snorkelling site and duration below and we’ll confirm your slot instantly. Every session includes GoPro photos & HD video free, and all gear included.
← Swipe to explore all 4 sites →
Flagship Site ⭐
- GoPro photos & HD video FREE
- Colourful corals & fish
- All gear included
Calm Water
- GoPro photos & HD video FREE
- Staghorn corals & exotic fish
- All gear included
Best Natural Light
- GoPro photos & HD video FREE
- Stunning reef & marine life
- All gear included
Sea Turtles
- GoPro photos & HD video FREE
- Turtles, manta rays & live corals
- All gear included
Snorkelling Spots In Andaman
Nemo Reef, Tribe Gate, Juvies, Nico Reef, Elephant Beach, and Turtle Beach are the best sites.
These sites are the best of their own kind and let you see vibrant marine life such as exotic coral reefs and amazing colourful schools of fish.
You can access a few of these sites either by trekking or by hiring a boat, but trust me, it can get a bit overwhelming to arrange on your own.
The best option is just to sign up with us for your snorkelling trip and let us arrange your trip so that you can enjoy it hassle-free to the fullest.
Our Safety & Conservation Promise
We offer a short briefing session about what to expect while you go snorkelling in Andaman for the first time, as well as the safety procedure with all the precautions.
One-fourth of all the marine life found in the oceans is dependent on coral reefs. While there is a lot to explore, we must ensure that we don’t harm this natural asset. You must have seen movies featuring harmful marine animals, but actually, they aren’t until you go messing with them. We have been working in this water for 20 years and haven’t had any experience of such an event.
Island Hopping & Snorkelling
A close-up view of uninhabited islands around Havelock.
This trip offers a chance to not only explore the marine life found in the archipelago, but also enjoy a close-up view of some uninhabited islands while snorkelling in Havelock Island.
Most of the islands surrounding Havelock are uninhabited, and we take you on a trip to the reefs surrounding these islands. Enjoy the feeling of being out there, far away from people and far away from your worries.
There are 3 to 4 different amazing spots to snorkel during the trip, with full sets of high-quality equipment and onboard support staff. Lunch, snacks, and fruits are provided with fresh beach towels and sun cream.
Starts at 12:30 pm every day — our speed boat accompanies you till sunset and gets you back by 6 pm. Those with seasickness are advised not to sign up for this kind of long trip.
Snorkelling & Sunset Cruise
Watch the sky as the sun sets over the sea.
The snorkelling and sunset cruise starts out in the afternoon with a boat trip while snorkelling in Havelock. Once you’ve spent some time in the water, you can kick back on the boat, enjoy a snack, and watch the sun setting over the horizon.
2 different spots for snorkelling with a nice speed boat ride. High-quality snorkelling equipment, experienced staff to guide, snacks, and sunset are included. The trip starts at 3 pm.
So, What Are You Waiting For?
Whether you have travelled the world and explored the oceans extensively, or are completely new to the underwater world, our snorkelling trips will surely offer you an unforgettable experience. Book your snorkelling trip with us today!
Responsible & Safe Snorkelling Practices
An extremely safe adventure activity — when all guidelines are followed.
We at Seahawks SCUBA strictly follow the guidelines of the local administration in the Andamans.
The dive professional accompanying you is your best buddy in the water. Stay close to them at all times and follow their instructions. They will remain right next to you throughout the experience and will point out the fish and coral life you shouldn’t miss out on.
Follow the training instructions thoroughly and communicate with your instructor underwater to have an uninterrupted, amazing experience. Do NOT touch the coral, reef, or fish, both for preservation purposes and for your own safety. If you’re ready for that, then you’re ready for an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Best Time For Snorkelling
October to April is the perfect period.
Although the Andaman Islands are a year-round destination, winter season is an ideal time to experience the best snorkelling in Andaman. October to April is the perfect period, when the temperature fluctuates between 20 to 30 degrees Celsius — ideal for sightseeing and indulging in watersports.
An ideal snorkelling spot must have the following characteristics:
- Clear and calm water with easy access to shallow coral reefs
- Protection from strong ocean currents and surface chop
- A rich variety of fish families and coral formations
- Minimal surface traffic such as speed boats and jet skis
- A vendor with perfect surface support for added safety and convenience
Top 8 Best Snorkelling Spots
Equally suitable for beginners and experienced snorkellers.
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands offer numerous coral reefs ideal for snorkelling activities. Here’s the top 8, in detail.
Tribe Gate (Oval Reef)
An oval-shaped reef rising from the sandy channel between Havelock and John Lawrence Island. Multiple surveys rank it the best snorkelling site in Havelock for sheer variety of fish life visible from the surface. In 15–25 m visibility, the entire reef is observable without descending: staghorn coral gardens, giant Tridacna clam colonies, anemones with clownfish, and schools of snappers and fusiliers below. It’s the only Havelock site confirmed to host all five Andaman clownfish species, and giant Tridacna clams appear here in higher concentrations than anywhere else on the island. Humphead parrotfish pass through the outer sections; moray eels and groupers sit on the coral shelves below for strong swimmers who dive down for a closer look.
Juvis Coral Reef
Home to the largest known concentration of potato coral (Pavona clavus) in the entire Andaman archipelago — rounded, dome-shaped formations spanning roughly 500 metres along the mid-reef. The upper sections are clearly visible from the surface, with staghorn and cauliflower coral in the shallower zones hosting resident clownfish, grazing parrotfish, and fusilier schools drifting above. Its calm, sheltered position makes Juvis consistently suitable for snorkellers who prefer flat water over the slight current occasionally felt at Tribe Gate.
Turtle Beach — Staghorn Coral Garden
Havelock’s hidden gem — more remote than Tribe Gate or Juvis, rewarded with some of the most intact staghorn coral gardens on the island. The reef begins at just 2 metres, one of the shallowest accessible environments from Havelock. In clear water, the 80% staghorn coral coverage is visible in its entirety from the surface — a golden branching forest beneath the waves. Sea turtles are sighted on most sessions here, grazing in the seagrass patches or cruising through the coral.
Lighthouse Reef
An oval coral reef in front of the red channel marker visible from the Havelock jetty — the shallowest accessible entry of any Seahawks site, starting at just 2 metres. In full morning sunlight, coral colours are at their most vivid, and fish density (unicorn fish schools, fusiliers, sergeant majors, giant clams, and anemone-dwelling clownfish) is consistently high. Snorkellers see the whole underwater landscape the way they’d see fish in an aquarium.
Red Skin Island
Crystal blue waters and pristine sandy beaches, located in isolation away from crowded spots and not usually visited by many tourists — perfect for exploring the natural beauty of the island. Shallow reefs from 2 metres are ideal for witnessing vibrant marine life.
South Button
Andaman’s snorkelling paradise, with a boat ride from Havelock that’s mesmerising in itself. Home to famous, rare marine animals like dugongs, sea turtles, dolphins, water lizards, and blue whales. The shallow part of the reef starts at 6 metres, where snappers, lionfish, devil rays, sweetlips, nudibranchs, octopuses, and shrimps can be seen.
Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep)
A perfect blend of natural beauty and rich, diverse marine formations. Uninhabited shallow reefs make Bharatpur, Sitapur, and Laxmanpur Beaches common snorkelling spots. Neil’s aquatic life is quite similar to Havelock’s, since both islands are closely located and share the same channel-fed waters.
Kalipur, North Andaman
A village in north Andaman popular for its serene beauty and excellent beach, considered by many one of the best snorkelling spots in the Andamans. The crystal waters boast colourful coral reefs and diverse marine life — you might spot a sea turtle, octopus, giant parrotfish, sea snakes, or stingrays.
Snorkelling vs Scuba Diving
Which should you choose?
| Parameter | Snorkelling | Scuba Diving |
|---|---|---|
| Your position in water | At the surface, face down | Fully submerged, at depth |
| Breathing | Normal air through an L-shaped tube above water | Compressed air from a tank via a regulator |
| Training required | 10–15 min briefing at the beach | 40–60 min training session before the actual dive |
| Depth level | Surface to 2 m (breath-hold only) | Surface to 12 m (beginner) or deeper |
| Expected sightings | Reef top, coral, surface fish schools | Reef face, crevices, bottom-dwelling species |
| Non-swimmers | Yes — life jacket + instructor | Yes — instructor beside you at all times |
| Time in water | 30–50 min per location | 20–50 min per location (bottom time) |
| Price (with tax) | From ₹2,000 (1 spot) | From ₹3,000 per dive |
| Best for | Families, children, first ocean experience, and those unable or timid to scuba dive | Deeper views, immersive marine encounters, adventure lovers |
No Surprises
Here’s exactly what happens on the day.
Step 1
Check-in & gear up
15 minArrive at Seahawks Dive Shop, Govind Nagar Beach No. 2. Complete paperwork, change into swimwear/wetsuit. Equipment fitted and checked.
Step 2
Beach training
10–15 minShallow water briefing at Govind Nagar Beach: breathing technique, clearing the snorkel, hand signals, and what to do if you’re uncomfortable. This is where non-swimmers build confidence before the actual adventure.
Step 3
Boat to snorkelling site
5–10 minSpeedboat to the reef, with a brief surface check at the mooring before entering.
Step 4
Snorkelling session
30–50 min per siteIn the water with your instructor. They point out species, help you navigate the reef, and ensure you’re comfortable throughout.
Step 5
Snorkelling footage
Seahawks staff capture your session — complimentary 20 photos + 2-minute video per person, shot on a GoPro 12 camera.
What To Bring
We provide almost everything — here’s your part.
- Swimwear (optional)
- Reef-safe sunscreen — standard sunscreen damages coral, so reef-safe is preferred
- Any prescribed medication you need
- Your own prescription goggles if you wear glasses — we also have prescription masks available (−2 to −8 dioptre)
We provide everything else
Wetsuit/rash guard, mask, fins, snorkel, life jacket, boat transfer, instructor, water, and complimentary photos.
Common FAQ
Snorkelling in Andaman — your questions answered.
Yes — snorkelling is a completely safe watersport for novices and non-swimmers in Andaman. You wear a life jacket, and a dive professional stays right beside you the entire time, so you’re never relying on your own swimming ability. Personal instructors assist throughout to keep you comfortable and ensure you get to enjoy the experience to the fullest.
Participants must be at least 10 years old and in reasonably good physical and mental health to snorkel with us. There’s no strict upper age limit, but everyone must be fit enough to handle a short swim in open water with instructor support.
With Seahawks SCUBA, snorkelling starts from ₹2,000 for a 30-minute session at Tribe Gate, going up to ₹4,000 for 50 minutes at Turtle Beach, depending on the site and duration you choose. GoPro photos and HD video, plus all gear, are included free at every price point.
Snorkelling is generally considered a gentler introduction to the underwater world than scuba diving, since you stay at the surface and breathe normal air through an L-shaped tube rather than compressed air at depth. Both are safe with a trained instructor beside you, but snorkelling needs only a short beach briefing rather than a full training session.
Tribe Gate is Seahawks’ primary snorkelling site, known for hosting all five Andaman clownfish species and giant Tridacna clams in 15 to 25 metre visibility. Juvis Reef, Turtle Beach, and Lighthouse are also excellent, closer-to-shore options in Havelock, while South Button, Neil Island, and Kalipur in North Andaman suit those looking to travel further afield.
People with serious medical conditions such as breathing problems or respiratory and cardiac issues should avoid snorkelling, and regular smokers or those who are unfit should also be cautious. Those prone to seasickness are advised not to sign up for the longer island-hopping and sunset-cruise trips in particular.