Sea walking in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is a unique and thrilling way to explore the underwater world without needing swimming skills or scuba diving expertise. It’s an ideal activity to complement your interest in scuba diving, snorkeling, and parasailing, offering a safe, beginner-friendly experience with stunning marine views. Given your preference for budget-friendly and comprehensive travel options, here’s a concise guide to sea walking in the Andamans:

Best Places for Sea Walking

• Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep):
  • Elephant Beach: The top sea walking destination, renowned for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and diverse marine life, including colorful fish and volcanic formations. Accessible by a 20-minute boat ride or a 40-minute trek from Havelock’s main jetty.
  • Why Choose: Rich coral forests, rare fish species, and calm waters make it ideal for beginners and non-swimmers.
• North Bay Island (near Port Blair):
  • A short 20–30-minute boat ride from Port Blair’s Water Sports Complex, North Bay is India’s first sea walking site, featuring a vibrant coral reef and diverse marine life like clownfish, parrotfish, and lobsters. A netted platform ensures safety for first-timers.
  • Why Choose: Proximity to Port Blair, beginner-friendly setup, and clear waters with excellent visibility.

Best Time to Sea Walk

• October to May: Optimal for calm seas, pleasant weather, and high underwater visibility (10–20 meters). Water temperatures range from 26–30°C.
• Peak Visibility: May–June, when corals are blooming and waters are clearest. Best time of day: 9:00 AM–4:30 PM.
• Monsoon Season (June to September): Avoid due to rough seas, strong winds, and reduced visibility, which can disrupt activities.

Eligibility and Requirements

• No Swimming Skills Required: Perfect for non-swimmers, as you walk on the ocean floor (6–10 meters deep) with a helmet providing oxygen via a surface-connected pipe.
• Age Limits: Typically 7–60 years, though some operators restrict to 14–50 years for safety. Children under 14 may need parental consent.
• Health Restrictions: Not recommended for those with asthma, heart conditions, high blood pressure, ear problems, recent surgeries, or pregnancy. A medical declaration form is required.
• Training: No prior experience needed. A 5–10-minute briefing covers helmet use, walking techniques, and hand signals for communication.
• Safety: Trained guides accompany you, and netted boundaries (e.g., at North Bay) ensure a secure experience. Helmets allow normal breathing and are glasses/contact lens-friendly.

What to Expect

• Experience: Wear a transparent-visor helmet connected to an oxygen tank, allowing you to breathe normally while walking on the sea bed. Explore coral reefs, tropical fish (e.g., clownfish, angelfish), and marine creatures like lobsters for 20–30 minutes. Guides provide fish bait for an interactive experience, and underwater photos/videos capture the moment.
• Duration: Total activity time is 30–40 minutes, including briefing and boat transfers.
• Marine Life: Vibrant corals, schools of colorful fish, and rare marine species in crystal-clear waters.