Kayaking in Andaman: Complete Guide to Places, Prices and Season
The best place for kayaking in Andaman is Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep). Here you can paddle in the dark to see bioluminescence, watch the sunrise or sunset from the water, and explore calm mangrove creeks. You do not need to know swimming. On Havelock, trips cost ₹2,000 to ₹2,500 per person, inclusive of GST. November to February is the best season.
Why kayak in the Andaman Islands?
The Andaman Islands lie in the Bay of Bengal, far from the Indian mainland. There are hundreds of islands here, and most of them have no people living on them. The sea around them is clear and, in the right season, very calm.
A kayak lets you see this coast slowly and quietly. You sit low on the water, close to the mangrove roots, the birds and the fish. There is no engine noise. For many visitors, a kayak trip becomes the quietest and most peaceful hour of their holiday.
Best places for kayaking in Andaman
Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep)
Havelock has the most kayaking choices in Andaman. You can go before dawn for bioluminescence, early morning for the sunrise, or in the evening for the sunset. The water near the shore is sheltered, so first-timers and families can paddle safely. If you have time for only one kayak trip in Andaman, do it on Havelock.
Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep)
Neil is a small, quiet island close to Havelock. Its beaches are less crowded and the island has very little night light. Many travellers visit Neil for a day or two after Havelock.
Port Blair
Most visitors pass through Port Blair on arrival, because flights land here and ferries to Havelock and Neil leave from here. There are some kayaking options around the capital, but the choice is smaller than on Havelock.
Other islands
Places like Baratang and Long Island are further away and take more planning. They are good for travellers with extra days who want quiet places with few tourists.
Note: Havelock Kayaking runs trips only on Havelock Island.
Types of kayaking you can do on Havelock
Bioluminescence kayaking
This trip starts in the darkest hours before dawn, around 3 to 5 AM. Tiny sea plankton give off a blue light when the water moves. With each paddle stroke, the water around you can glow. The trip lasts 1.5 to 2 hours. The glow is brightest on dark nights with little or no moon. Read more on our bioluminescence kayaking page.
Sunrise kayaking
You meet the guide about 30 minutes before sunrise and paddle out while the sky is still grey. Then you watch the sun come up over the sea from your kayak. The trip lasts 2 to 2.5 hours. See the sunrise kayaking page for details.
Sunset kayaking
This is an easy, relaxed evening paddle. The sky turns orange and pink, and the light falls on the water. It lasts 1.5 to 2 hours and suits couples, families and anyone who does not want an early start. See the sunset kayaking page.
Mangrove kayaking and night kayaking (on request)
Mangrove kayaking takes you along green creeks where the tree roots grow out of the water. Night kayaking is a calm paddle after dark. Both are on request only right now. Message us to check if we can run them on your dates. More on the mangrove kayaking and night kayaking pages.
Kayaking prices on Havelock
All prices are per person and inclusive of GST.
| Trip | Price per person | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Bioluminescence kayaking | ₹2,500 | 1.5 to 2 hours (about 3 to 5 AM) |
| Sunrise kayaking | ₹2,000 | 2 to 2.5 hours |
| Sunset kayaking | ₹2,000 | 1.5 to 2 hours |
| Mangrove kayaking | On request | Ask us |
| Night kayaking | On request | Ask us |
The price includes the kayak, paddle, life jacket, guide, safety briefing, and pickup and drop within 5 km. Pickup from Kalapathar or Radhanagar Beach costs extra. For the full list, see our kayaking price page.
Best time for kayaking in Andaman
- November to February: the best season. The sea is calm, the sky is clear and the weather is pleasant. This is also the best time for bioluminescence. Book early.
- March to May: warmer, with fewer tourists. The sea is usually still calm.
- June to September: the monsoon. Rain is frequent and the sea can be rough, so many water trips stop.
For bioluminescence, the moon matters a lot. A bright moon hides the glow. Check our bioluminescence moon calendar before you pick a date. Even on a good night, the glow is never guaranteed. Nature decides how bright it will be.
Three simple rules for first-time paddlers
- Sit low and steady. Sit in the middle of the seat and avoid sudden movements. The kayak is stable if you stay calm.
- Use your body, not only your arms. Turn your upper body a little with each stroke. You will get tired much less.
- Keep your life jacket on. Everyone wears a life jacket for the whole trip, even good swimmers.
What to wear and bring
- Quick-dry shorts or light trousers and a light t-shirt. Cotton stays wet for a long time.
- Sandals with a back strap. Loose slippers can come off in the water.
- A cap and sunscreen for the sunrise and sunset trips.
- A small bottle of drinking water.
- If you carry a phone, keep it in a waterproof pouch.
How to book
- Pick your trip and date. For bioluminescence, check the moon calendar first.
- Book your flight to Port Blair and your ferry to Havelock. In peak season, book the ferry early.
- Message us on WhatsApp with your date, trip, number of guests and hotel name.
Havelock Kayaking is run by the team at Frogman Scuba Diving Centre in Govind Nagar, Havelock. Frogman has run water trips on Havelock since 2017. Before you pay, please read our cancellation policy.
FAQs
Is kayaking in Andaman safe for beginners?
Yes. You get a safety briefing before you start, a guide stays with the group, and you wear a life jacket the whole time. You do not need to know swimming. Groups are small, with a maximum of 6 guests per session.
Where is the best place to kayak in Andaman?
Havelock Island. It has the widest choice of trips: bioluminescence, sunrise and sunset kayaking, with mangrove and night kayaking on request.
How much does kayaking cost in Andaman?
On Havelock, our trips cost ₹2,000 for sunrise or sunset kayaking and ₹2,500 for bioluminescence kayaking, per person and inclusive of GST.
Can children go kayaking in Andaman?
Yes. Children aged 5 and above are welcome. A parent and child can share a double kayak.
What is your cancellation policy?
If you cancel 72 hours or more before your slot, you get a full refund minus the 5% payment gateway fee and GST. Inside 72 hours, or if you do not show up, there is no refund. Bookings dated 15 December to 15 January are non-refundable. Details are on the cancellation policy page.
