Tropical vibes, adventure sports, and sunshine—Andaman Islands have it all and more that one needs for a vacation. With a slew of beaches, coral reefs, and marine life Andaman Island is a home for a slew of stimulating and audacious water sports. If you want to feel the rush of adrenaline in your veins and experience the awe-inspiring marine life, Andaman is ready to challenge you.
The two most popular underwater activities in Andamans are snorkeling and scuba diving. However, in this blog, we will explore another fascinating activity that can be done by many people. The underwater activity we are talking about is Sea Walking. Let’s dive in!
What is Sea Walking?
Sea Walking is a one-of-a-kind activity where a participant walks on the sea floor. They typically walk around a depth of 7 to 10 metres wearing a helmet that allows them to breathe underwater. Wearing the oxygen helmet with a transparent visor is a pre-requisite in sea walking and so is adhering to the brief of your guide. You simply walk and breathe underwater normally as you would on land and that’s how you complete a sea walk. Watch the mesmerising and colourful marine life of the Andaman Islands around you.
Sea walking is a great alternative for those who can’t swim or do not want to engage in the training process of scuba diving. It is one of the safest underwater activities to do in Andamans as licensed and trained life guards are always walking alongside you ensuring maximum safety. To walk the sea floor, to be in the sheer vicinity of nature, and to experience the diverse coral reefs and aquatic flora and fauna is an absolute privilege.
Best Places in Andaman for Sea Walking
Here are the best places in Andaman for Sea Walking:
Sea Walking in North Bay Island: A 43 km ferry ride away from Port Blair, North Bay Island is a hub of various water sports and sea walking is no exception. North Bay Island has a rich presence of coral reefs, fishes, turtles and other marine life that one can spot while sea walking. Please note that Sea walking sessions are conducted here from 9 AM to 10:30 AM and later at 11.30 AM to 1 PM. Therefore, plan your session accordingly.
Sea Walking in Havelock Island: Havelock Islands is the star attraction of the Andaman Islands. Any Andaman trip would be considered incomplete without Havelock Island. It is because the island boasts beautiful beaches in all of India. And the famous Elephant Beach with its shallow waters and rich marine life is a hub of water sports, including sea walking. The abundance of corals and fishes that you’d see while sea walking is something to remember for a lifetime. The sea walking starts at 10 AM to 3 PM with each session lasting for 20 to 25 minutes.
Best Time/ Season for Sea Walking in Andamans
The best time for sea walking in Andamans is between October and mid-May, which is the dry season in Andaman. The underwater visibility, sea temperatures and temperatures on land should be at a manageable level for participants. The months of October and mid-May provide exactly a suitable environment for sea walking.
It is no surprise that during the peak tourist season, the best places for sea walking are crowded. One has to wait in a long line for their turn which might be frustrating for some. So, to avoid such circumstances, it is suggested to talk with your operator beforehand. It would be great if you can request an early morning sea walk session. This will help you to avoid the tourist crowds that head to the beaches post 10:30 AM.
Concluding Words
How many people can claim that they have walked the ocean/ sea floor? Not many. However, you have a chance to have this fascinating experience. If sea walking enthrals you, feel free to add this in your Andaman tour packages. Get ready to feel the rush of excitement and you walk the ocean floor.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sea Walking
Q1. What do you wear to a sea walk?
The ideal clothes to wear during a sea walk is dry fit swimwear or a quick dry fit t-shirt and leggings or shorts. However, there are no hard and fast rules. People even wear their regular t-shirts and leggings, and are easily able to go for sea walks.
Q2. Which beach is the best for sea walks in Andaman?
North Bay beaches and beaches of Havelock Island (Elephant Beach) are the best for a first-time sea walking experience in the Andaman Islands.
Q3. How does sea walking work?
In sea walking, a participant walks on the sea floor wearing a helmet that is connected with a pipe supplying fresh oxygen. It is an ideal activity for anyone who is not confident about scuba diving but wants to witness the beautiful underwater world.
Q4. Which is better, scuba diving or sea walk?
Both scuba diving and sea walk offer a unique experience and both are equally enjoyable. While scuba diving is costly, requires training and certification; sea walking is less expensive, and does not require any rigorous training. Between scuba diving and sea walking, the latter is much more doable for most people.
Q5. Is there an age limit for sea walking in Andaman?
Yes, there is an age limit for sea walking in Andaman. Children below the age of 9 and adults above the age of 60 are restricted from participating in the activity. Pregnant ladies and anyone suffering from a pre-existing medical condition (such as asthma or heart problems) must refrain from Sea Walking
Q6. How much does sea walking in Andamans cost?
The cost of sea walking in Andamans differs from operator to operator. However, on an average the cost can be anywhere from ₹3500 to ₹4500 per person.
Q7. How long do I stay underwater while sea walking?
Participant or helmet divers (as they are called) stay for a good 20 to 25 minutes underwater for one sea walk session.
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