Feel The Rush Of Adrenaline In Andaman And Nicobar Islands If you are one of those people who love to feel the adrenaline rush through your veins then these islands of Andaman and Nicobar are the place to be. There are a number of adventure sports available on these islands for you to choose from. Whether it is plunging deep into the sea, snorkeling on the surface or just camping and enjoying the nature, they have it all. Given below are some of the most famous and widely available sports on these islands.

1. Scuba Diving

The Andaman Islands are probably the only place in all of India that offers Scuba Diving. The islands are home to a rich coral reef ecosystem in the world and hence diving here is an experience of a lifetime. What sets these corals apart is that they have remained untouched by human activity and hence have remained undamaged. The period between December and April is considered to be the most ideal season for diving. Most of the islands of the archipelago are surrounded by beautiful reefs which are usually a few hundred meters away from the shore. You may also find underwater hills made due to the lava which has flowed out due to the volcanic eruptions. While diving in these waters you are most likely to find hammerheads, leopard, nurse, white tip and grey sharks. Manta rays are also visible though not regularly. Havelock has always been the best place to scuba dive and continues to be so. However new dive shops have been cropping up in Port Blair, Long Island and Neil Island.

2. Snorkeling

As opposed to diving which is carried out in deep waters, snorkeling is done on the surface of shallow waters. A vacation in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is incomplete if you haven’t had a look at the coral reefs which happen to be one of the rarest varieties in the world. The best part about snorkeling is that you do not need the knowledge of swimming to do it. You can simply laze around in the water and be mesmerized by the corals. The water around the Andaman usually remains calm and tranquil, making it an ideal location for snorkeling with the entire family. North Bay located near Port Blair is the most popular location for snorkeling. Other sites include Jolly Buoy, Red Skin and also in the areas near Havelock.

3. Sea Walking

This is a relatively new adventure sport, but it is fast gaining popularity. As the name suggests Sea Walking involves walking underwater on the sea bed. Though Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a beautiful place to look at, underneath the water surrounding it is a whole new world. This is for all those people who do not know how to dive. It involves going down to about 6-7 m under water and enjoying the beautiful corals, fauna and possibly the widest range of dishes you’ve ever seen. Certified guides guide you through the entire walk and will help you engage in an exhilarating experience.

4. Game Fishing

Game Fishing, sometimes known as Angling is widely practiced here. Several organizations offer all the fishing equipment which you will need along with the boats. The area located off the coast of Neil Island, Havelock Island, Ritchie’s Archipelago and Long Island provide the fishing enthusiasts with great catches. There are companies, although less in number, which offer services in sports fishing in Andaman.

5. Active Volcano

Volcanoes are widely unpopular due to the kind of destruction they cause but at Barren Island, you will learn to appreciate and respect its beauty and power. Located at approximately 139 kms from Port Blair, Barren Island has an active volcano which has erupted twice after being dormant for about 177 years. It erupted back in 1991 and again in 1994 – 95. The island has a diameter of just 3 kilometers with the volcano located about half a kilometer from the shore. A visit to the islands is possible by chartered boats only if permitted by the Forest Department.

6. Trekking

The archipelago comprises of several islands with each island being unique and beautiful in its own way. They are home to about 3000 different plant species and 270 bird species which make them an ideal place for trekking. Trekking through the natural trail which starts from Mt. Harriet and goes right up to Madhuban is one of the best experiences for a nature lover. You can choose a duration ranging from a couple of days to weeks or sometimes months and enjoy the beauty the island has to offer. Guides are available to take you through the rain forests and trekking equipment is easily available on hire from October right up to May which is the ideal time to be one with nature.

7. Island Camping

The islands of Andaman and Nicobar are a haven to nature lovers. The tourists are provided with ample opportunities to get drenched in the fun – filled spirit of the islands all the while experiencing the pulse pounding adventure. After the turn of the 21st century, the islands have seen an increase in the number of people opting for island camping. It seems to be the preferred choice for all adrenaline junkies who do not prefer taking the conventional route. Island camping in these islands is not very different from regular camping. The former sees several campers moving from one island to the other using water taxis, which happen to be the primary means of transport there. These tourists primarily assemble at the beaches near the forests and set up camp. These campers generally set up camp in an island for a couple of days before moving out onto another. A lot of tourists tend to mix island camping with hiking or backpacking to maximize the fun. The above mentioned sports are the conventional ones which most of the people enjoy. For those who like living on the edge and love, the island also offers extreme sports like wind surfing, water skiing, para – sailing, glass bottom boating etc which are guaranteed to give that adrenaline rush. Whether you like your adventure with a large dose of adrenaline or like it toned down, these islands have something to offer for everyone.