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The Andamans boast about ⅕th of India’s total mangrove cover. Crystal-clear waters, and pristine beaches. Kayaking through these waters to witness the majestic wildlife and biodiversity is a lifetime experience. Kayaking in Port Blair is very popular, owing to its proximity to some of the best islands in the Andaman. It is like meditating in nature and becoming a part of it. Kayaking is one of the safest and most relaxing activities to do in Port Blair that will reside in your heart forever.
Factors Affecting Kayaking In Port Blair
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Kayaking depends on a few key elements that influence where you choose to go. Here’s what to consider for a good kayaking experience:
- Water Flow: How strong the water currents are
- Weather: What the weather is like
- Safety: How safe the area is
- Access: How easy it is to get to the location
- Wildlife: Whether there are animals and marine life nearby
Suggested Read: Nightlife In Port Blair
Types Of Kayaking
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Port Blair offers two types of kayaking – Day Kayaking and Night Kayaking. Tourists can enjoy both these types of kayaking to make their experience wholesome.
Day Kayaking: Day kayaking is done during the daytime, at low tides. The visibility is clear during the day and you can paddle through dense mangrove canopies and even enjoy sea kayaking in the vast ocean.
Night Kayaking: It is done at night when the tide is high. The main attraction of this kayaking is the glowing marine creatures like fireflies. It gives a sense of falling shadows of the stars under the night sky. This is a lifetime experience for anyone to witness.
Places For Kayaking In And Around Port Blair
Kayaking in Port Blair, the capital city of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, is a popular sport in the region. Some of the best places for kayaking in and around Port Blair are:
1. Veer Savarkar Park
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Port Blair’s Veer Savarkar Park is very famous for kayaking activities, be it mangrove kayaking or night kayaking. This place is a protected wildlife sanctuary that has calm waters, tiny islets, mangroves, and amazing biodiversity. If you are enthusiastic about kayaking, then you must visit this place to get the best experience. Night Kayaking is extremely popular here due to the bioluminescence effect the sea creatures depict at nighttime. It is best observed during the new moon week. Paddle through the enchanting waters and unravel the mystery behind them.
Timings: 6 PM – 11 PM (night kayaking), 6 AM – 3 PM (day kayaking)
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Port Blair
2. Neil Island
Photo: Parikh5555 / Wikimedia Commons
Another place on our kayaking in Port Blair list is Neil Island, which is amongst the famous places for Kayaking. It consists of five beaches and all of them are unique in their way. The shallow waters make it perfect for kayaking here as you can see the coral reefs right under the kayak. You can spot colourful fish, sea turtles, and other beautiful sea life on this island. Kayaking is considered to be the best way to explore this island.
Location: 52 km from Port Blair
Timings: 5 AM – 6 PM
3. North Bay Island
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This island is well-known for its natural beauty, breathtaking landscapes, and panoramic views. Adventure enthusiasts love this place due to the number of water activities it offers. Kayaking is an excellent activity here that brings you closer to the abundant marine life and its diverse ecosystem. The scenic beauty that you can explore while kayaking is unparalleled.
Location: 13 km from Port Blair
Timings: 9 AM – 4 PM
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4. Jolly Buoy Island
Photo: MoniKaranam / Wikimedia Commons
This tiny island is surrounded by crystal-clear waters and is a paradise for water enthusiasts. Its pristine white sand beach and exotic marine life attract all the tourists. Kayaking is a great activity that you can indulge in here, all thanks to its vibrant coral reefs and calm waters. Apart from marine exploration, you can also explore the birds and other wildlife while kayaking around.
Location: 18.4 km from Port Blair
Timings: 8 AM – 2 PM (closed on Mondays)
5. Havelock Island
Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons
This is the island that is called a hub for water sports near Port Blair. Kayaking is the perfect sport to be done on this island, especially passing through its Mangrove brooks. The serene nature here is very captivating and green. Both day and night kayaking is extremely popular on this island. Tourists throng in huge numbers to witness the magic of night kayaking here and observe the marine life lit up under the waters. In three hours of kayaking, you will witness the different colours and exotic biodiversity of this island. It will keep you mesmerised for a lifetime.
Location: 85.8 km from Port Blair
Timings: 6 AM – 3 PM (day kayaking), 6 PM – 1 PM (night kayaking)
Suggested Read: Water Sports In Andaman
Best Time To Visit
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The best time for kayaking on Port Blair’s island is from November to May. These months are pleasant and have calm waters and excellent visibility. The cool breeze you will feel while kayaking in these months will enhance your experience.
Other Factors To Consider
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Price For Kayaking
The price for kayaking in Port Blair is economical. Day kayaking with a guide costs around ₹3500 and night kayaking costs around ₹3800. All the kayaking equipment, prior briefing, a guide, and life jackets are generally covered under this cost.
Tips For Travellers
Travellers planning to Kayak in Port Blair must keep the following tips in mind:
- Keep the life jacket on throughout the ride.
- Keep a hat and sunscreen to keep safe from the sun’s rays during the day.
- Keep a water bottle and pack some snacks in case you want to grab a bite.
- Keep a camera handy to capture the mesmerising views and wildlife you encounter on the way.
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Andaman is one of the popular places for kayaking in India, and there are several spots near Port Blair for this activity. Kayaking in Port Blair is an exhilarating experience that you’ll remember forever. You can enjoy the mesmerising views from the water, cruise through the dense mangrove canopies, and witness diverse marine life. Plan a trip to Andaman with TripXL and don’t miss out on enjoying this thrilling sport.
Cover Photo: Jnanam Shah / Wikimedia Commons
