Andamans

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[[Category: Islands - India]]
[[Category: Islands - India]]

Revision as of 10:00, 9 June 2011

Andaman Islands Cruising Guide

An online cruising guide for yachts sailing around the Andaman Islands.
Also see the Nicobars

Andaman Islands
Andamanmap.jpg
Andamans
Indiaflag.gif
Flag
Capital: Port Blair
World icon.png 11°40′N, 92°46′E
Language: Hindi, Bengali, Telugu, English, Tamil, Nicobarese
Currency: Indian Rupee (INR)
Timezone: UTC+5:30
More notes about the country
Small info.png Latest News
Content - news items, etc.

Overview

The background an history of the region is best observed on Wikipedia

The coasts of the Andamans are deeply indented, giving existence to a number of safe harbours and tidal creeks, which are often surrounded by mangrove swamps. The chief harbours, some of which are very capacious, are (starting northwards from Port Blair, the great harbour of South Andaman) on the E. coast: Port Meadows, Colebrooke Passage, Elphinstone Harbour (Homfray's Strait), Stewart Sound and Port Cornwallis. The last three are very large. On the W. coast: Temple Sound, Interview Passage, Port Anson or Kwangtung Harbour (large), Port Campbell (large), Port Mouat and Macpherson Strait. There are besides many other safe anchorages about the coast, notably Shoal Bay and Kotara Anchorage in the South Andaman; Cadell Bay and the Turtle Islands in the North Andaman; and Outram Harbour and Kwangtung Strait in the archipelago.

Cruising the region

Andaman Islands
Click for larger view
Havelock Island Beach
Click for larger view
Typical Andaman Village scene
Click for larger view

Samosas, Saris and Shopping
Transport on the island is by local bus, taxi or the more popular three wheel, motor powered tri-shaws. Horns tooting, Indian music, overtaking and threading your way through the wandering herds of cows and goats, buses and cars, motorbikes and pedestrians, makes for an exciting ride. The brilliant colours and sounds of Indian life surprise you at every turn. Women is beautiful saris gracefully parade by. The smiling faces, friendly welcomes, and well stocked markets make provisioning a fun experience. The food is sensational, and Port Blair is hard to leave.

Favourite Andaman Anchorages
Isolation, drift diving over coral gardens, fishing at sunset, sandy beaches, gin-clear waters, cool nights, good sailing winds, and water temperature 28º - what more could a cruiser ask for?

Enjoyed isolated Rutland Island, latitude 11º 25.7' North, longitude 92º36.8' East. Discover fresh turtle tracks on the beach, for it was egg laying season. Make day sails from here to isolated reefs and swim with schools of large Double Headed Parrot fish, Moray Eels, see crayfish hiding in rocks and millions of beautiful reef fish.

Havelock Island, beach #7, latitude 11º58N, longitude 92º57E is also a favourite. Three elephants walk briskly along the white sandy beach most days, the females occasionally splashing in the shallows, then head into the trees for their daily watering. The bull elephant stops at the local spa and was fondly bathed by his two faithful mahouts. Ashore, a great Italian restaurant. Fortunately tourism here is low key, back-packer based and easy on the pocket. The local market town on Havelock Island is a delightful experience. Ginger spiced samosas, enjoy a glass of chai and stock up on freshly produce picked at local market gardens.

There Are Some Challenges: Havelock #7 beach often has great waves, just perfect for boogie boarding and body surfing. Catch a few waves and chill out before late afternoon fishing. However arriving by dinghy on this beach is often challenging. Stripping off to minimum clothes becomes the norm, pull the dinghy up above the high tide mark. Later spray on lotion to ward off the sand flies and relax ! It is still a favourite anchorage.

At Inglis Island you can anchor in a stunning passage between two islands, inspect the reef by dinghy, trawling a lure as you go, catch a Polkadot Cod, oohing and ahing over the underwater delights. Even a crocodile! Inglis Island, latitude 12º 08n, longitude 93º 06E, so beautiful, so dangerous.

The biggest challenge is dragging yourself away... unfortunately, visitors to the Andamans are only allowed 30 days among gracious people.

Andaman Islands Climate & Weather

The Andamans themselves may be described as normal for tropical islands of similar latitude. It is warm always, but tempered by pleasant sea-breezes; very hot when the sun is northing; irregular rainfall, but usually dry during the north-east, and very wet during the south-west monsoon.

Sources of weather forecasting info here.

Andaman Islands Navigation Charts

Submit details of the charts required for safe navigation of the area.

Special Navigation Notes

Any navigation notes here.

Local Radio Nets

Also see World Cruiser's Nets

Submit details of Cruiser's Nets and VHF operating/calling channels here.

Andamans Arrival and Departure Procedures

Port Blair, 11º40.3'North x 92º44.2'East, the Andaman Islands capital, is steeped in British tradition, and the clearance procedures are a lengthy experience. Customs, Immigration, Coast Guard, Harbour Master and the Forestry Department all require written requests before providing formal written approvals. Detailed itineraries need to be planned and submitted, and twice daily radio check-ins ensure that the authorities know where we are at all times. It may take up to a couple of days to clear in, including arranging with the Harbour Master to take on water at the commercial dock. Port Blair water is not potable, but is fine for washing and showering. Clearance requires lots of paperwork:

Procedures:

Immigration & Customs & Visas

Immigration & Visas:
See India

Customs
Details?

Health & Security

Submit any health warnings/information and any security details here.

Andaman Islands Ports & Popular Stops

Also see each Island listed below.

Islands in the Group

Routes To/From the Andaman Islands

Passage notes?

Cruiser's Friends

Submit details/contacts of cruiser's "friends" that can be contacted in advance or on arrival - who can offer information and assistance to our cruising "family".

References & Publications

Books, Guides, etc.

Links to Forum Discussions

List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)

External Links

Personal Notes

Personal experiences from cruisers who have visited the Andamans:


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SailorSmiley.gifContributors to this page [add 3 tildes (~~~) on the name line]

Names: Lighthouse, MMNETSEA, Haiqu


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