South Button National Park resides atop South Button Island. This national park is the smallest national park in India. It is a popular destination amongst tourists due to its thriving biodiversity, unexploited coral reefs, white sandy beaches, and varied marine life. This place also has an exquisite expanse of about 12 metres of coral garden in shallow waters. You can enjoy witnessing different types of coloured fishes and reeds of various sizes and shapes. Here, you can also enjoy scuba diving and snorkelling, and keep your adrenaline rushing like never before.
Quick Details About South Button National Park
Location: Strait Islands, Andaman and Nicobar Islands 744104
Distance From Port Blair: 72 km
Distance From Havelock Island: 24 km
Timings: 5 AM – 6 PM
How To Reach: Via ferries or motor boats from Port Blair
Best Time To Visit: December to April
Things To Do
Thanks to shallow water coral reefs with high visibility, this place allows you to indulge in the following activities.
1. Scuba Diving
Photo: AshwiniShinde / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Scuba diving tops the list of South Button Andaman national park activities. It is the most preferred water adventure in this national park. The topography of the diving site and marine life is completely unmatchable. You can enjoy diving from 5 metres to around 25 metres. The tempting cobalt waters and enthralling marine life mesmerise the divers so much that it attracts thousands of people from all over the world every year.
Cost/Person: ₹6000 for one dive
Suggested Read: Scuba Diving In Andaman Islands
2. Snorkelling
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Snorkelling is a perfect activity to indulge in here. The tropical coral reefs are at a depth of just 6 feet, which offers a great snorkelling experience even to a newbie like you. As you enjoy the activity, you can spot exotic fish, sea turtles, sea plumes, yellow snappers, docile fish, and other marine creatures. To make the most of your journey, it is advised to book the activity before visiting this park because the slots get exhausted in no time.
Cost/Person: ₹3500
Places To Visit Around
South Button park is a very small area to explore, so you can choose to visit some nearby places as well. Here is a list of some amazing hotspots for you to explore.
1. North Button Island
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Located at a distance of 11 km from the South Button National Park, this island is a natural habitat for dolphins. Blessed with deep blue waters, it is mainly covered with tropical forests, and has a variety of flora and fauna to explore. You may visit this island for its sheer beauty or indulge in water activities like diving. And, grab a chance to witness spotted deer, spotted water lizards, monitor lizards, sea turtles, dolphins, and more.
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Suggested Read: Water Sports In Havelock Island
2. Long Island
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This island is a tropical paradise, known for its beauty and calm atmosphere. It has lush green forests, white sandy beaches, and clear waters. Surrounded by dense mangrove forests, this place is ideal for trekking. You can also indulge in water sports like scuba diving and snorkelling here, and witness its vibrant coral reefs and marine diversity. Its secluded beaches are perfect to bask in the sun, swim in waters, and relax.
Distance From South Button Island: 21 km
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
3. Havelock Island
Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons
The gorgeous Havelock Island is a real paradise owing to its dazzling white sandy beaches and fascinating coral reefs. It is a heaven for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. It offers a great scuba diving experience and an opportunity to see the exotic underwater life like never before. You may visit this astonishing island to enjoy trekking, scuba diving, snorkelling, or cherish your own company along the beach.
Distance From South Button Island: 24 km
Timings: 6 AM – 5 PM
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Andaman For Honeymoon
Where To Stay
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As you explore South Button National Park, you can later enjoy staying in nearby islands, such as Havelock Island or Long Island that have good lodging options. Some good hotels in Long Island are: Bliss Holiday Resort and Restaurants, AT Hotels and Resorts, Blue Planet, etc. Some of the preferred hotels in Havelock Island are: SeaShell, Havelock Island Beach Resort, Silver Sand Beach Resort, Green Valley Resort, and others.
Where To Eat
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To soothe your hunger pangs, or have a proper 3-course meal, you can head to Long Island. With a simple menu, there are a few restaurants that offer authentic Indian food and snack items. You can also stop by a small stall at the jetty, and treat your taste buds with some local food options.
Suggested Read: Nightlife In Port Blair
Other Factors To Consider
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Average Cost Of Trip ₹50/person, ₹50 for photography, ₹7000 for water activities
Tips For Travellers
- Take the forest pass from the checkpost
- Carry a hat or an umbrella, and always wear a sunscreen to avoid sun rays
- Keep a camera handy to capture the beauty of this park
- Carry extra clothes if you are planning to indulge in water activities
The South Button National Park is a habitat of a variety of animals, marine creatures, birds, and vegetation. White-bellied sea eagles and numerous marine creatures, including shrimps, dolphins, and manta rays can be easily spotted here. It is also a popular destination for scuba diving and snorkelling owing to its crystal clear waters. Does this seem exciting? Connect with TripXL now to book your trip to this astonishing national park.
Cover Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only