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One offbeat jewel tucked in the heart of Andaman is Red Skin Island. The island’s name was derived from the sight of red corals which come to the coastline during low tides. The sight of this island is breathtaking and unique making it a must-visit for every nature admirer. This island has rich and diverse marine life, coral reefs and is surrounded by lush greenery. This Island is also an excellent spot for swimming, snorkelling, and taking glass-bottom boat rides. This island is nature’s best-kept secret and a destination that should not be missed.
Location
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This island is located at a distance of 30 km from Port Blair and is situated in the lush Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park. You can reach this island by taking a boat ride from the Wandoor Jetty.
Suggested Read: Beaches In Andaman
How To Reach
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You can easily reach this Island from Port Blair. Firstly, the tourists need to reach Wandoor Beach, either by a rented cab or public transport and this journey takes around 45 minutes. From Wandoor Jetty, tourists can take a boat ride which starts around 9 AM everyday except Mondays to the Island. The boat ride takes around 1 to 2 hours, depending on the sea conditions.
Things To Do At Red Skin Island
Red Skin Island location is such that it is a home to varied flora and fauna. It is a dream destination for water enthusiasts as they can indulge in the following activities:
1. Snorkelling
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This island has shallow, clear and untouched waters, thus offering snorkelers a clear view of underwater marine life and vibrant coral reefs. The island is surrounded by the beauty of nature on all sides making it an ideal destination for everyone. This island’s water is abundant in biodiversity, which is why snorkelling is a highly preferred water sport here.
Timings: 9 AM-2:30 PM
Cost/Person: ₹550
Suggested Read: Snorkelling In Andaman
2. Scuba Diving
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Scuba diving is another thrilling water sport that tourists love to indulge in while visiting this Island. The divers get an opportunity to dive deeper and explore the sea. The mesmerising coral reefs are so close and the variety of fish fascinates the divers here. This island is an ideal destination for every scuba diver starting from beginners to seasoned divers due to the guided tours offered by the centres.
Timings: 9 AM – 2:30 PM
Cost/Person: ₹3500
3. Glass Bottom Boat Ride
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Glass-Bottom Boat Ride is another water sport tourists can indulge in while on this Island. This is an ideal water activity for anyone who doesn’t want to get deep in the water but still wants to enjoy the diverse marine life this Island has to offer. The glass floor beneath the boat lets you witness the paradise underwater – the rich coral reefs, vibrant colours of fish, and other marine creatures. It is an unforgettable ride that shows the true colours of this beautiful island.
Timings: 9 AM – 2:30 PM
Cost/Person: ₹1850
Suggested Read: Water Sports In Havelock Island
4. Sunbathing
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It is an activity for tourists who want to immerse themselves in the beauty of this Island. The setting of this island is perfect – azure waters, red corals adorning the shore, white sand, and forests surrounding it. This makes it an ideal place for sunbathing and soaking yourself in its calmness. Tourists can sunbathe after taking a water adventure or just sit there and watch nature unfolding itself.
Timings: 9 AM – 2:30 PM
Cost/Person: Free
Places To Visit Around Red Skin Island
After spending some time at this splendid Island, tourists can also explore some nearby places. These places are easily accessible from this island.
1. Jolly Buoy Island
Photo: Ritu Kulshrestha/ Wikimedia Commons
Jolly Buoy is a secluded, untouched and eco-friendly island only 28 km from this island. It is also a part of Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park and is popular for its underwater marine corals and colourful fish. Its spotless serene waters offer a perfect swimming experience. This place also makes it an ideal spot for other water activities like scuba diving, snorkelling, boat riding, etc.
Location: Jolly Buoy Island, Manjery, Andaman and Nicobar Islands 744105
Timings: 9 AM – 2:00 PM (Tuesday-Sunday)
Entry Fee: ₹50 for Adults and ₹25 for Children.
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Andaman And Nicobar In 5 Days
2. North Bay Island
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North Bay Island is blessed with pristine beaches and varied marine life. This stunning Island is also known as Coral Island due to the lovely coral reefs that are spread over a large area here. Tourists can spot various fish, lobsters, and clams on the reefs. You can either relax here amidst nature or also indulge in water activities like snorkelling, undersea walking, scuba diving, and glass-bottom boat riding. It is one of the very popular tourist destinations in Andaman.
Location: North Bay Island, Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands 744107
Timings: 9 AM – 4 PM
Entry Fee: Free
3. Chidiya Tapu
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Chidiya Tapu, a beach famous for breathtaking sunset views, is a home to thousands of migratory and native birds. It is a silent beach that offers scenic views everywhere you look starting from evergreen forests on one side and short hills on the other. There are around 46 species of endangered birds and white spotted deer offering an attractive view. It is also ideal for adventure seekers as this place offers water sports like scuba diving, snorkelling, deep sea walking, etc.
Location: Chidiya Tapu Beach, Andaman and Nicobar Islands 744105
Timings: 6 AM – 7 PM
Entry Fee: ₹25 for adults
Suggested Read: Andaman And Nicobar Nightlife
4. Corbyn’s Cove Beach
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Corbyn’s Cove Beach is one of the most famous beaches with azure waters, surrounded by coconut-fringed palms on the shoreline. This beach is renowned for water sports like swimming, jet skiing, scuba diving, snorkelling and sea karting. Red Skin Island tourism is significantly dependent on the nearby tourist attractions, like this beach.
Location: Corbyn’s Cove Beach, Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands 744101
Timings: 24*7
Entry Fee: Free
5. Cellular Jail National Memorial
Photo credit: Abhishek R Patel / Wikimedia Commons
Another historical place to visit near this Island is the Cellular Jail. It was a colonial prison, also known as ‘Kala Pani’, where Britishers used to keep political prisoners in exile. The isolation, geography and the remains of the jail give the whole place a very rustic charm. Another attraction that drags the tourists to this place is the Sound and Light Show that costs ₹300 for an adult and ₹150 for a child.
Location: Cellular Jail, Atlanta Point, Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands 744104
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: ₹30
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Andaman And Nicobar At Night
Where To Stay
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Even though it is a small island, it offers comfortable places to stay for the tourists. Some good hotels and resorts available nearby are – Hotel Shreesh, Hotel Shompen, Rose Valley Port Blair Island Retreat, Hotel Diviyum Manor, and Classic Regency. They offer good hospitality and services for a nice stay.
Where To Eat
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This island has many good restaurants that serve local delicacies and a vast variety of cuisines and seafood. Tourists can have a hearty meal at these places – Full Moon Cafe, Icy Spicy, Lighthouse Residency, Annapurna, and Kattabomman.
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Andaman For Honeymoon
Best Time To Visit
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This Island is open only from May to October and is closed on Mondays. The weather during these months is optimal for indulging in water activities and exploring the place. The water is also crystal clear during and visibility goes up to 20 metres underwater, offering a perfect view of the beautiful coral reefs and marine life.
Other Factors To Consider
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After learning about the things to do and places to visit around this Island, let’s learn about some costs associated with the trip and tips to remember.
Average Cost Of Trip
The average cost to visit this island is very reasonable. Tourists usually visit here for a day trip. Considering the transportation, food and water activities, the cost may vary anywhere from ₹500 to ₹5000 per person. The cost varies for each water sport.
Tips For Travellers
Tourists visiting this island must keep the following points in mind before planning:
- Acquire a permit from the Forest Department a day before visiting this island.
- Keep a government ID proof handy before taking the boat ride.
- Do not carry plastic water bottles on this island.
- Wear a hat or sunscreen to keep away from the harsh sun rays.
- Carry your swimsuit and other useful stuff if you wish to indulge in water sports.
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Andaman
Red Skin Island is home to pristine untouched clear waters, colourful and flashy fish, sea turtles, and some of the world’s most beautiful and endangered species of coral reefs, like table coral, brain coral, fire coral, etc. It offers a picture-perfect holiday due to its picturesque beach and adjoining forest. So, wait no more and plan a trip with TripXL to this secluded island and enjoy its majestic beauty.
Cover Photo credit: Singhabhinav7 / Wikimedia Commons
