Adventure Activities in Port Blair! Experience thrills in paradise

Port Blair is well-connected by flights with regular direct flights from Kolkata and Chennai. Foreigners and NRIs need to get a protected area permit(PAP) on arrival which is valid for 30 days in Port Blair. Here you can experience thrilling adventure sports, enjoy lip-smacking seafood and pamper yourself with a relaxing spa. 

One must select Andaman tour packages for the next vacation and enjoy the beauty of beaches like Kala Pathar Beach, Wandoor Beach, Merk Bay Beach, and Elephant Beach etc. 

It is home to a major naval base INS Jawara of the Indian Navy all major departments of the local and central government function from there.  Port Blair has variations in temperature and a large amount of precipitation throughout the year. The capital is also famous for the historic Cellular Jail and other small islands like Carbyn’s Cove, Wandoor, Ross, and Viper which were once home to British colonies.

The top 10 adventure activities in Port Blair are:

1. Snorkelling
2. Scuba diving
3. Island camping
4. Parasailing
5. Zorbing
6. Banana boat rides
7. Barren Volcano 
8. Seaplane ride
9. Jet-skiing 
10. Trekking to Mount Harriet 

1. Snorkelling

Brightly coloured fishes swim past exotic corals, making it an unforgettable sight many tour operators are offering snorkelling courses and give snorkelling gear for rent. The famous spot for snorkelling is the Elephant Beach, Havelock Island, Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park ( Jolly Buoy Island)  and Red Skin Island. 

Things to keep in mind while snorkelling are 

• Always go with someone
• Beware of waves, currents and potential hazards such as rocks
• Snorkelling excursion packages range from 1000 to 3000 or more per person depending on the inclusions and the reputation of the operator.
• If you want to explore independently you can rent snorkelling equipment which typically ranges from 200 to 500 per person for a day depending on the quality of the equipment and duration.

Some of the snorkelling sites such as North Bay Island and Jolly Buoy Island in Andaman require an entry fee or permit that usually ranges from hundred to 500 per person depending on the island and government regulation.

2. Scuba Diving

The diving school of Andaman provide all the attire for scuba diving and they also provide instruction for you to learn diving Scuba diving, is a lot of fun and it shouldn’t be missed. 

The best time for scuba diving in Andaman and Nicobar Islands is from December to April since the skies are sunny and the sea lies flat. There are several places and spots for scuba-diving in the Andaman Sea like Havelock Island, Jolly Buoy Island, and Snake Island are the best beaches in Andaman. Before going on an underwater adventure it is essential to be a certified diver. There are many experienced certified instructors Available to help the vacationer in getting into the sea. You don’t necessarily need to know how to swim to try diving. The only requirements are that you are comfortable in the water and are in good health.

• The cost for scuba diving varies across providers starting from 4500 to 30000.

3. Island Camping

Many camping sites offer basic amenities such as tents, sleeping bags, and cooking facilities allowing visitors to immerse themselves in nature without sacrificing their comfort. It is essential to obtain the necessary permits and follow eco-friendly practices to preserve the fragile ecosystem of these islands.

• Campsite fees vary from 500 to 2000 per night per person for basing camping facilities on islands like Havelock, Neil and Long Island.
• If you opt for a guided camping tour the cost typically ranges from 3000 to 8000 per person for a multi-day camping experience depending on the tour operator. 
• Keep in mind the additional expenses such as permits or entry fees to the protected areas of the island which range from 50 to 500 depending on the location.

Suggested Read: Travel tips for Andaman

4. Parasailing

Various tour operators in Port Blair offer parasailing experiences, typically lasting around 10 to 15 minutes per session. With experienced instructors providing briefings and ensuring all equipment is in proper condition, safety is the top priority here. Participants are usually fitted with safety gear before being lifted into the air where they can enjoy the sensation of flying.

• If you are going for solo parasailing the price ranges from 1500 to 3000 per session depending on the duration of the ride and the operator.
• If you are opting for tandem parasailing where two people can parasail together the charges typically range from 2500 to 5000 per session.
• Many tour operators in Port Blair offer parasailing as a part of their adventure packages prices for these packages vary from around 2000 to 6000 per person.

5. Zorbing

Zorbing is a fun activity suitable for all individuals of various ages and fitness levels. Since zorbing facilities are limited in Port Blair it is advised to check with local adventure companies and tour operators to ensure zorbing experiences are available. Listing 31 things to do in Andaman.

• Solo Zorbing prices range from 500-1000 per person per session.
• Tandem Zorbing is typically around 700 to 1500 per session.
• Zorbing may be included as a part of the adventure package by the tour operator prices can vary anywhere between 1000 to 3000 per person.

6. Banana boat rides

Safety is a top priority during banana boat rides participants are provided with life jackets and briefed on the safety instructions before the ride begins. Experienced operators ensure that the speed and maneuvering are suitable for the participant’s comfort and safety.

• A Banana boat ride is typically a group activity. 6 people sit on one boat.
• A 10-to-15-minute session costs around 500-1000 per person per ride.
• Though it is a year-round activity it also depends on the sea weather. It’s better to make reservations in advance, especially during peak seasons 

Suggested Read: Best Restaurants in Andaman

7. Barren Island Volcano

If you want to visit Barren Island it is advisable to take an early morning trip to the island starting at around 4 AM. It takes around 4 to 5 hours to reach the island. Tourists generally travel by ship. No one is allowed to land on the Barren island so they enjoy the view from the ships. The island can be visited by chartered boats only with the approval of the forest department after getting the necessary permits.

• If you rent a charter boat it can cost around 20,000 to 50,000 or more depending on the arrangements and amenities provided.
• Some tour operators offer specialized expeditions to Barren Island as a part of package deals. Prices of these tour packages can vary depending on the operator, duration of the trip, and inclusions it can be anywhere between 10,000 to 30,000 per person.

8. Seaplane ride

Operated by private companies, seaplanes provide breathtaking aerial views of green islands, turquoise lagoons, and coral reefs from a bird’s eye view. The seaplane rides typically last around 15 to 30 minutes. While seaplane rides are primarily offered for sightseeing purposes, they can also provide convenient transportation between islands offering an efficient alternative to traditional ferry services.

• Expect to pay anywhere between 5000 to 15000 per person depending on the duration and route of the flight.

9. Jetskiing

• The cost of jet skiing in Andaman varies from beach to beach and it is approximately 800-2000 depending on duration.

10. Trekking to Mount Harriet

Trekking through the park is quite popular as it passes through an attractive beach, a 2 km trek leading to Kala Pathar beach for all adventure enthusiasts, and is a must-do adventure activity in Port Blair. The major attraction for tourists visiting Mount Harriet is the natural trek up to Madhuban. The walk along the natural trail is one of the most exotic experiences for any traveller coming to tour the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

It is a very popular picnic spot where tourists can have an excellent time in the beauty and charm of nature. They can go for long walks to explore the fauna and flora of the place and soak in the magic of the surroundings. Charges to visit this park are very nominal around 50/ day.