Andaman Sightseeing – Top 5 Places to Visit in Rangat Island

Cuthbert Bay Beach 

If you are a nature lover, Rangat Island is definitely a place you shouldn’t miss. If you are fond of gusty sea breeze and blue sea waves, this place is truly an obsession. It has the most beautiful white sandy beaches that are best for sunbathing. This place is literally filled with clear skies and lush greens. It is ideal heaven when going for a long and relaxing vacation that is away from the busy life. You can find lots of options to have fun and relax in Rangat. 

Located in the heart of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Rangat is a vast island stretched over 1070 sq. km. The pristine beaches and waterfalls are a major draw to different people across the world. Rangat is located around 90 km from Port Blair by sea and around 170 km by road. 

This place will definitely leave you amazed by several amazing moments and memories. You can find a lot of moments to enjoy on a trip. 

Panchvati Hills 

Reasons to visit – Nature Photography, Agriculture, Waterfalls 

Entry – Free 

Duration – 2 hours 

Timings – Always open, but recommended to get there before sunset

It goes without saying that Panchvati Hills is one of the best epitomes of nature at its best. Waterfalls are really a delight to every photographer and are truly amazing. Most South Indian immigrants live here. So, you can definitely see the impact of their culture. The main source of their income is agriculture and fishing and they can be seen by vast agricultural lands. 

Famous Activities 

  • Explore the Panchvati Waterfalls 
  • Trekking 
  • See the agricultural lands 

Panchvati Hills 

Cuthbert Bay Beach 

Reasons to visit – Flora and Fauna, Nature, Beach, Turtles 

Entry – Free. But there are charges to visit the sanctuary – Rs. 25 for Indians, Rs. 250 for foreigners and Rs. 10 for children 

Duration – up to 2 hours 

This beach is lesser-known but really different when it comes to witnessing serene surroundings and scenic views. It is one of the natural gems which are multi-faceted when it comes to natural beauty. It has some of the beautiful views to give the most majestic views of behemoth and crystal-clear sea. It is one of the main purposes to explore this beach. Cuthbert Bay Beach is dotted by thousands of tiny turtles padding to the sea in December and January. Sea turtles enter this beach for nesting.  This is why you shouldn’t skip this beach in your bucket list. 

Famous activities 

  • Explore the Eco Hut
  • Nesting of sea turtles at the sanctuary 
  • Walk along the coast 

Cuthbert Bay Beach 

Long Island 

Attractions – Nature, Virgin Beaches

Entry – Free 

Duration – Around half day

Timings – Always available 

Long Island is truly an isolated and scenic island to explore. It has been isolated well to preserve its original and natural form. It is known to have Kitply Industries which had closed their operations here. This place has been a bit busy since then. It has a lot of beautiful beaches with mangroves. Dolphins are also known to gather at this place. You can find one if you are lucky. 

Famous activities 

  • Scuba Diving
  • Snorkeling
  • Sightseeing at the well-known Lalaji Beach and Guitar Island
  • Chill out at Merk Bay Beach

Long Island 

Amkunj Beach 

Attractions – Watchtower, Rocky Beach

Entry – Free 

Duration – Around 1 hour 

Timings – Everyday 

Amkunj Beach truly seems to be out of this world at first sight. It is one of the most popular beaches in Andaman. Its vivid and enriched colors, as well as freshness, are truly something you won’t be able to resist. It is known to have white sands with beautiful sea waves to break over and excite you. 

This place is definitely worth visiting for recreation and Andaman sightseeing. You can also go for long strolls in this place or take a dip in the sea. Its appealing beauty and environment add to its excitement. Everything you can find here is just perfect. Its beaches and dustbins are another unique attraction. 

A lot of trees were uprooted due to the tsunami which had hit this place in 2004. They were strewn around the beach. Hence, those trees were turned into stools, benches, and dustbins to utilize them well. You can find these benches all around the beach. After the tragedy, this place has become even more beautiful. 

Famous activities 

  • Sunbathing 
  • Beachcombing 
  • Exploring the views from watchtower

Amkunj Beach andaman

Dhani Nallah Mangrove Nature Walkway 

Attractions – Nature Walk, Beach, Creeks, and Mangroves 

Timings – Everyday 

Duration – 1 hour 

Entry – Free 

If you are seriously into nature walks, you are definitely going to have a great time in Rangat. This nature walk is truly mesmerizing and serene in its own way. This wooden boardwalk is beautifully zigzagged across the mangroves. It is definitely one of the most beautiful attractions in Rangat and it has been attracting lots of tourists. 

This place is known for its true natural beauty and you can witness the same under moonlight and sunrise. You can also spot the sea turtles nesting on the beaches if you are truly lucky. This walkway is very unique in India. Walking along the mangroves is truly an experience to behold. You can definitely be in the lap of nature. 

Activities 

  • Turtle breeding (as per the season)
  • Visit the Dhani Nallah Beach 

Dhani Nallah Mangrove

Final Thoughts

Some of the other famous attractions in Rangat are Yerata Mangrove Park, Moorys Dare, and Yerrata Creek. Rangat is truly one of the most beautiful places where you can definitely see another side of Andaman. It really has something special for every tourist, which you can’t explain with words. It really attracts the tourists from every nook and cranny of the world.  

Everything You Need to Know about Dugongs – The Sea Cows of Andaman

Dugongs 

You can find a lot of rare marine species and adventures that can leave you in awe when you encounter the marvels of nature while enjoying several water sports in Andaman. The dugong is one of the lesser-known creatures which inhabits the sea and is herbivorous. The dugong is found mostly in Little Andaman and is the state animal of the islands. It is the only species alive from the Dugongidae family. Its survival is critical and its number is declining rapidly due to several reasons. It is also called the Lady of the Sea with a lifespan of over 70 years. 

These are strictly marine mammals. They are also known as sea cows because they feed completely on seagrass. They become sexually mature from 10 to 17 years. Every 5 to 7 years, a female gives birth to only one calf. Young calves depend on their mother completely for a year and a half. Hence, their population grows slowly. There are just two species of sea cow – Stellar and Manatee. 

These days, dugongs are about to become extinct in Indo-Pacific regions. The current distribution is limited along the west coast, Gulf of Kutch, the Palk Bay region, Gulf of Munnar and Andaman & Nicobar. Dugongs were completely extinct about 60 years ago in Lakshadweep waters. 

Key Features of Dugongs 

  • Herbivorous – Apart from other sirenians, Dugongs are also known as ‘sea cows’ as they mainly feed on grasses. They are the only herbivorous sea mammals with features of a cow. While eating, they ingest the whole plant along with roots. They are docile mammals living in the depths of the sea. There are hardly 50 dugongs in Andaman and their survival is a major concern for the government. 
  • Back Defense – Their back is the protective part of dugong where they deposit most of the blubber. They don’t indulge in fights and they also avoid attacking small fishes. They are calm animals like cows. They can easily avoid the attack as they show only their back to the predators and attackers.  
  • Thawte – They are also known as pani-suwar or sea pigs (Thawte) in the Andaman Islands. These mammals got this name for their bulky size and shape. They are called sea pigs for their eating behavior.  
  • Lekking – It is the process when males protect the area from other males to attract a female partner. There is a season when these creatures practice this thing. They become sexually active and mature from 8 to 18 years. Males are seen with their erupted tusks when they have high testosterone levels. 
  • Reproduction – During the lifespan of females, they give birth to few calves only. They are capable of reproducing only one calf at once. Their gestation period lasts up to 15 months. Newborns weigh up to 30 kg and they are around 4 feet long. They stay closer to their mother for up to 18 months after birth to be nursed and to learn swimming. Infants learn to feed on seagrass. Mothers are very caring to their calves and they protect against other sea creatures. Mothers teach their calves to defend with back, feed and breathe oxygen by coming out from the ocean. 

Why are they extinct?

The dugongs are found only in around 37 countries. They have been hunted for oils and meat for centuries. Due to this reason, their population has declined. Its meat is vital for oil production. Hence, they are vulnerable to human activities as they depend only on seagrasses which are found only in coastal regions. They fall under the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species and they are near extinction. Loss of their habitat, gill netting, squalor loss, and large scale hunting and chemical pollutants are some of the reasons for their extinction. 

What Indian Government doing to protect them?

Along with the Persian Gulf, most of Dugong also inhabit the Red Sea. There are only 200 dugongs found in the world. India is also trying to encourage its South Asian neighbors to sign UNEP/CMS Dugong MOU. 

Dugongs in the Andaman Islands 

Dugongs are mainly found in Little Andaman along Dugong Creek in Andaman & Nicobar Islands. According to a research, you can find them in several parts of Havelock Islands, Ritchie’s Archipelago of Neil Island, South Andaman (Rutland, Jolly Buoy, and Tarmugli Islands), in Hutbay, middle and North Andaman (along Reef, White Cliff, Mayabunder and Landfall islands), and along the heart of Nicobar Islands. Andaman and Nicobar region has over 50 dugongs but they are hardly surviving due to rise in poaching and declining corals. 

Commercialization is another major threat to the survival of dugong which is an endangered species. In Association with Andaman and Nicobar Environment, the Forest Department and Nature Conservation Foundation are implementing a lot of efforts for the conservation of these creatures. The government is trying hard to create a natural habitat for these creatures so they can live peacefully and reproduce well. The authorities are looking forward to knowing the habitats of such types of rare and mysterious species and to build awareness among the locals like boat owners, fishermen, and others to reduce poaching. It is known to be the first step to preserve these sea mammals. 

Final Thoughts 

All in all, the state animal of Andaman is definitely the rare mammal found across the world due to the threat of commercialization, poaching, and other human activities. Even tourists and locals should take responsibility to generate awareness about this creature and conserve it and its natural habitat. A lot of divers visit Andaman with a hope to spot this sea mammal. Book Andaman Nicobar packages now if you also want to see this animal in its own habitat. 

Andaman Trip Plan – Traveling to the Andaman Islands with Kids

Andaman trip plan

Traveling with kids in the Andaman Islands is definitely once in a lifetime experience you should try. You will definitely love the pleasant environment and beaches and your kids will explore historical attractions. But there are several questions you may have regarding the safety of your kids and whether you should bring your child to the islands. You maybe worry about having these questions in mind – 

  • Are beaches safe Andaman Island for babies? 
  • Should you worry about mosquitoes as they may harm your infants? 
  • Is accommodation available at the beachside in huts or cottages?
  • Is there a threat to wild animals on the beaches? 
  • Is the weather too harsh for my child?
  • What kinds of water activities your kids can enjoy?

If you ask us, we must tell you that Andaman is completely safe for you and your children. It is literally a beautiful place and there is no harm you can suspect on this paradise for your kids. In fact, your kids will love the days they would spend here. There are lots of activities you can add to your Andaman trip plan. Along with it, beachside cottages and rooms are completely safe. There is no risk of wild animals on the islands. 

However, you must be careful and practice extra caution for the safety of your young ones. In this guide, we are here to help you to make the most of your holidays in Andaman with children. Plus, we will cover the activities you should and shouldn’t do with kids. 

Are Medical Facilities offered for Kids? 

Honestly speaking, you may not get the private medical facilities that are possible in your city. However, you can get basic medical facilities in islands like Neil and Havelock. If anything serious happens, you need to move to Port Blair. It has a GB Panth government hospital where you can avail of basic treatments. If your child has a specific condition, be sure to carry proper medical kit and medications. You don’t have to worry because there are medical stores located all around the islands. But we will still recommend being least dependent on such facilities. 

The local tour operators and hotel management are friendly and they can do anything possible in case of an emergency. 

Here are the few things to consider –

Carry hats and full-sleeved clothes for your kids and babies as direct sunlight and mosquitoes may affect their health. Sandfly is another major concern on the beachside by the sunset. Full sleeve clothing can make your visit stress-free and protect your child. 

Prevention is always better than cure. So, carry all the edibles like Cerelac for your infants. There are some hotels that maintain proper food hygiene though. Always use mineral water or boiled water wherever you go to avoid any health issues due to contaminated water.

Attractions you should avoid if you are traveling with kids below 5 years – 

  • Elephant Beach, Havelock Island – From Havelock Island, it is located around 30 minutes if you travel by boat. This stunning white sand beach is known for its beautiful coral reef which can be seen at a meter of depth. The rides often get bumpy and you might have problems with infants. But it shouldn’t be a concern if there is clear weather. 
  • Baratang Island – From 3 AM to 3 PM, you can enjoy a full day trip to this island. The whole journey can be stressful for your elders and kids. 

Both of the above islands are the perfect staple for the itinerary of most tourists. But your kids would be uncomfortable if you are traveling with them. But it doesn’t mean you have to compromise on your adventure. Here are some of the must-do activities you can enjoy with kids in Andaman.  

  • Glass Boat Ride – It is actually a semi-submarine where your kids will love to explore marine life closely. 
  • Snorkeling – It would be fun for kids above 4 years old. But you need to be cautious. 
  • Beachside fun or Swimming – Of course, you shouldn’t miss this experience. 
  • Cruise – You can choose from Green Ocean, Makruzz or Government ferry to have a different experience. 
  • Boat rides

Attractions and Activities to Enjoy with Kids 

Kids above 7 years can now enjoy sea walking tours. The instructor ensures the feasibility and kids can go for this activity before it begins. But it is not that difficult as compared to scuba diving and your kids can definitely enjoy this activity. If your kids are above 10 years, they can easily enjoy scuba diving. But your kids will also be examined before starting the activity. 

A lot of travelers visit the islands with their family and they have given positive feedback about the islands. You don’t have to worry if you are traveling with kids. Here are the things you should enjoy with kids – 

  • Private cruise to explore Havelock Island – Havelock Island is one of the most beautiful sightseeing attractions to spend some quality time. 
  • Ride to the coast of Kalapathar Beach – Explore the turquoise blue waters while driving to Kalapathar Beach to have a great experience. 
  • If you are non-vegetarian, seafood is worth a try. 
  • Visit Radhanagar Beach where you can swim and explore at its best. 
  • Cellular Jail – If you are traveling with kids, they will definitely love it. 
  • Museums in Andaman – You can enjoy every sight with your family the whole day. 
  • Chidiya Tapu – It is another great attraction for your kids with lots of uprooted trees and driftwood. You can spot different migratory birds and enjoy the serene sunset.
  • North Bay and Ross Islands– Have a pleasant experience with kids. North Bay is the island you may have seen in 20 Rupee notes. Ross Island is the first British settlement in Andaman. 
  • Andaman Water Sports Complex – Your kids will enjoy several water activities here. 

Visit Japanese bunkers and underground tunnels – You can visit them all around at Ross Island and Corbyn’s Cove.

Amazing Ideas to Enjoy Nightlife and Enliven Your Vacation in Andaman

Candle Light Dinner

When it comes to the Andaman Islands, we often think of the feeling of tranquility, rejuvenation and utmost beauty. There is a huge range of islands that allures you to take a break from the grueling work pressure, hustles and bustles of city life, and maddening crowd. The clear blue sky and turquoise blue water will definitely make you connect with yourself.  

People often ask about islands and their nightlife before going for the Andaman Nicobar tour. Can I find any night clubs here? What are the nightlife options available? In this guide, we are going to answer all these questions and share different options for party animals and night owls – 

How’s life in the Andaman Islands?

Natives in Andaman live a very traditional lifestyle. Their routine starts at around 5 am. This way, people go to work early so they can get back home by sunset. The capital city of Island, Port Blair has no lack of markets and hotels. Most of the markets open till 9 PM only. Nightlife is not that happening in Andaman. Even in the capital city, there is no nightclub to hang out. But most hotels have private pubs to enjoy and chill with live music. 

There are no night clubs even in Neil and Havelock Islands along with Port Blair. You can have private parties or enjoy at the pubs in Summer Sands, Silver Sand Beach Resort, Coral Reef Resort, and Corbyn’s Resort. 

Nightlife Options in Andaman

Andaman has a lot of eco-friendly islands where you can enjoy peaceful walks, indulge in different activities, and relax with spa treatments. Here are a few of the best options for nightlife – 

  • Jungle Trekking 

After sunset, you can enjoy trekking in Andaman. The thrill that comes at night is truly unmatchable. If you want to have a unique experience with nature and you are looking for the adrenaline rush, jungle trekking is really very exciting to have a great nightlife. No matter how prepared and excited you are, you must have a professional guide by your side. Avoid the jungles and go to safer areas. Seek advice from professionals before going for night trekking. 

Jungle Trekking

  • Enjoy the Romantic Candle Light Dinner 

Islands nightlife in Andaman is not all about adventure and partying. If you have your beloved, there is no better option than enjoying a romantic dinner with her. There is no better feeling than enjoying candlelight dinner while gazing at the starred sky reflected on the gamboling sea. You can either go to one of the beachside cafes or restaurants or talk to the beach resort management to arrange a candlelight dinner on the beachside for you. 

Candle Light Dinner

  • Marine Adventures 

If you are certified in snorkeling or a professional scuba diver, you can definitely go underwater and get a different experience at night. But it is recommended only for advanced scuba divers who are very professional to dive late in evening or night. You can dive at night to have a different thrill. But diving is not available throughout the year. Keep in mind that it is not operational in monsoons and it is just seasonal. 

Marine Adventures 

  • Floating Restaurant 

The government also runs a floating restaurant in Andaman where you can have a completely different experience. The restaurant has nothing special and is a typical setting but dining over there is a different feel. 

Floating Restaurant

  • Evening Cruise in Andaman 

You can definitely opt for an evening cruise to enjoy the nightlife here. You can enjoy dining and wine on a cruise to make your life enjoyable with live music. However, you need to book a few days in advance and you will get booking confirmation only a few days before the trip. It relies on how many people are going to travel. 

cruise

  • Bar Hopping 

Since it is about enjoying the nightlife in Andaman, this list cannot be completed without hopping the bar in the archipelago. You can consider some bars and pubs for nightlife and entertainment in Andaman and Port Blair and Havelock Island are some of the best places in Andaman. Keep in mind that these bars are not something you can expect. They have strict closing times and are quite simple. You also need to arrange your vehicle in advance as there is no public transport available. 

Bar Hopping

  • Bonfire and Beach Camping 

When planning a vacation with friends, you can complete your experience with bonfire and camping. Andaman is known to serve as an ideal destination. At night, you can pitch the tents, gather at bonfires, and sing along to acoustic guitar’s tunes at a picture-perfect beach. 

Bonfire

Enjoying Nightlife in Christmas and New Year

During New Year, Andaman remains crowded. You can host your private parties. You can also book most of the hotels and host New Year’s Eve. A lot of tourists visit these islands for the purpose of hosting private parties and enjoying some time alone. From December 24th to January 1, Havelock Island never sleeps and remains crowded. A lot of 4-star hotels like Symphony Palm Beach Resort, Havelock Beach Resort, Barefoot, etc. host beach parties to welcome New Year. In 4-star hotels, you can also host destination parties if you are visiting in a group and you can enjoy this New Year in style. You can also enjoy the parties on cruises or ships. 

Final Thoughts 

Andaman Islands are well regarded for their natural beauty and are ideal to have a peaceful vacation. But these islands are also famed for having urban living. The islanders here believe in a peaceful and relaxed lifestyle. So, nightlife is not something you can expect in any beach destinations or cities in Andaman. Be sure to leave your urban trend behind and get ready to enjoy simple pleasures when visiting Andaman, such as enjoying candlelight dinners, walking on the beach, and taking a break from the busy world. Phone signals and the internet are limited here and restricted to just some parts. 

Should You Go to Andaman by Cruise?

cruise

The ships from Andaman to the mainland are available from Kolkata, Chennai, and Visakhapatnam. These are not typical cruise ships that you are used to seeing in movies. They don’t have all the lavish amenities that you are dreaming of. These are actually used to carry basic utilities from the above cities to Andaman. These government-run cargo ships also carry islands’ residents between the mainland and Andaman. Since these are commercial ships, you shouldn’t expect any luxuries you may have seen on private cruises. 

Is it comfortable to go on these cruises? 

The actual definition of comfort varies as per your individual taste and choices. Some people can find comfort even on the bunk bed while others can’t compromise below 5-star luxury. To be specific, you can choose from different types of rooms and your comfort level varies as per your health requirements and budget. You can find most categories of accommodation available on a sharing basis. For most travelers, it is a big NO. 

You can also find dormitory options. There are 4 sharing options, 2 sharing cabins, and 6 sharing cabins. It is up to the class you choose to opt while traveling to islands. 

Is Cruise Expensive? 

It is another obvious reason why people prefer the sea route even though it takes up to 4 days to travel between the mainland and Andaman. There are also differences in the costs of sea and flight. If you choose double sharing instead of the dormitory, the ticket cost of the cruise will be the same as the flight. 

The meal may or may not be included in the flight ticket. But you need to pay extra for food for sea travel. You might pay for 9 meals for traveling by cruise (i.e. 3 meals per day x 3 days of cruise). Hence, going to Andaman by cruise is quite expensive. 

Booking Options for Cruise to Andaman 

Keep in mind that there are limited seats on the cruise and you can get tickets only before 15 days of the journey. So, there are chances that you may not get tickets and it can affect your plan. Booking tickets is also very difficult. There is no online booking and it works in a traditional way. You can book these cruises only through travel companies or counters. 

Also, keep in mind that there are limited options for privacy. There are common restrooms and dormitories. So, forget about spending some personal time unless you book a separate room, which is costly. 

Should You Travel on a Cruise?

Of course, there are some limitations on traveling by sea from Kolkata, Chennai or Vizag. But it doesn’t mean there are no benefits of doing so. If you are traveling on a very low budget, you can easily choose to travel to Port Blair. Most people just want to have experience of traveling by ship. You can consider this option for an experience. But it has its own limitations, such as – 

Unexpected Weather Changes 

Sailing on a ship depends a lot on the weather. If rough weather or rain is seen in the weather forecast, the ship might be delayed. Suppose you have planned to cruise from Chennai or Kolkata and the journey gets delayed due to some reason, you need to pay extra for accommodation. The weather may take several days or weeks to get cleared. It can easily affect your travel plans and you may need to cancel your hotel bookings. 

Lengthy Journey 

As discussed earlier, it takes over 3 to 4 days if you are traveling from Chennai, Kolkata or Visakhapatnam. It is the ideal condition when the ship is not delayed or there is no halt. Additional day is expected when you need to reach the ports from your city. 

On the other side, you can easily save several days of stress and discomfort on a cargo ship by traveling through flight, which is more comfortable and faster. If you have only a few days to travel and you work in the corporate sector, it is always better to take a flight which takes only a few hours and is available from all major cities of India. 

Pros of Cruise Journey 

Different Experience 

If you are looking for new experiences and you haven’t traveled on the ship ever, it is going to be an affordable option. You can have peaceful and exciting experiences if you are traveling with family. Your children will definitely fall in love with this journey as they get a chance to witness marine life, gaze at the stars and enjoy on the deck. 

Serene Views 

If you don’t have time constraints, you can definitely go for sea travel. You will definitely be covered by crystal clear water everywhere. You can have serene views of waves and fish jumping around. Silence, starry skies and an open environment will definitely calm your mind. Couples can also find some more time to discover themselves. 

Cost-effective 

Don’t let your budget spoil your travel mood and wanderlust to explore new destinations. If you are lacking money and you can’t spend on a flight journey, you can opt for a sea route to spend vacations on Andaman. You can save on expenses by choosing bunk class. It can help you make the most of your days on cruise while enjoying the beautiful views of the sea. 

Final Thoughts 

If you still want to enjoy Andaman Nicobar cruise, why don’t you fly to Port Blair and then take a sea route for the return journey? Don’t know and wondering how it will work? If you suffer from seasickness a lot, cruise might be a strict No-No. Also, the sea route takes a lot of time. So, it will affect your hotel bookings if you need to cancel on a short note. Seasickness might last even when you reach the island. 

So, taking a flight to Andaman will take less time and even make your journey safe without any risk of nausea or seasickness. You can enjoy the vacations as per your plans without any cancellation woes. You can explore all the places you have desired as you will have enough time. 

Andaman Islands Tourism – Colorful and Vivid Fish Species

Ocellaris Clownfish

Andaman is equally beautiful both outside and underwater, with plenty of fishes that you haven’t even seen and don’t know until now. The fishes are one of the most beautiful creatures made by nature and you can’t even express the sheer feeling of witnessing them in the Andaman Islands. The marine life in Andaman makes the water world even more exciting if you explore. You can find a huge variety of fish species in the Andaman. We have come up with few of them – 

Ocellaris Clownfish

The False Percula Clownfish or Common Clownfish is a marine fish belonging to the Pomacentridae family. You may have seen them in many aquariums as they are easy to breed, maintain and care for. According to the location, they are found in various colors. In Andaman, they are mainly found in orange colors with white stripes and are usually harmless creatures.  

Ocellaris Clownfish

Giant Trevally 

Natively called KOKARI in Andaman, Giant Trevally is the largest fish belonging to the jack family. These giant fishes can grow up to 200 lbs of weight and plunge the reefs and surface waters. Watching the fishermen catching this fish is truly a sight to behold. It can be identified by its strong tail scutes, steep head, dark spots, and silvery color. However, males can be dark or black after getting matured. 

Giant Trevally 

Bluefin Trevally 

This fish is usually called Neel KOKARI in Andaman. These are widely distributed across the tropical waters of the Pacific and Indian Oceans. They can grow up to 43.5 kg and 117cm in length. They are identified by their tapered snout, black and blue spots on both sides and electric blue fins. It inhabits lagoons, bays, and shallow reefs, along with atolls, deeper offshore reefs, and bomboras. 

Bluefin Trevally 

Coral Trout 

The Leopards of the Reef, Coral Trout is also known as Leopard Coral Trout or Leopard Coral Grouper. It belongs to the Serranidae family and is native to its natural habitat, coral reefs, and seas. One of the main features is that they are known to change colors at different times of the day. They use every pound of weight to escape and are usually fast. They rely on prawns and a variety of reef fish for survival. 

Coral Trout 

Green Jobfish 

This fish looks really very beautiful and it belongs to the snapper family. It is well known as game fish. It inhabits a lot of reef settings and it grows up to 112 cm in length. It has great demand in the aquarium and commercial fisheries. It is well revered for its great fighting skills and speed. 

Green Jobfish 

Wahoo

Also called Kaw-wa Surmai and is found widely in blue waters, Wahoo is considered one of the fastest fishes and often comes in shallow waters. It is not easy to catch as it weighs up to 70 pounds. It is found in tropical and subtropical waters across the world. It is a valuable game fish for its speed and quality flesh. Its flesh can be delicate or dense, white or grey, and tastes like mackerel. 

Wahoo

King Mackerel 

Popularly known as kingfish, King Mackerel is a migratory mackerel species which has a great demand for recreational and commercial fishing industries. They weigh around 70 lbs and grow around 2m in size. This medium size fish is hardly seen and is covered with loosely attached, small scales. Its color is olive on the back which fades to silver and rosy indescence. 

King Mackerel 

Barracuda

Weighing up to 45kgs, Barracuda is a predatory, large fish with ray fins known for weight to escape. They look very furious and scary. It is a saltwater fish and cannot be kept in aquariums or school. It changes colors in neon shades and fights with high jumps. They live for around 5 years. It is found in subtropical and tropical oceans across the world. 

Barracuda

Skipjack Tuna 

Skipjack tuna is one of the widely available and beautiful fishes of the Andaman Islands and is really an amazing fish to eat. It can pump up more blood to its body as its heart is three times larger than its actual size. Hence, it swims with complete force and indulges in fierce fight. It is medium size and belongs to the tuna family. It is also known as mush mouth, arctic bonito, balaya, tongkol, striped tuna, oceanic bonito or victor fish. It is found in warm and tropical waters. 

Skipjack Tuna 

Dorado 

Andaman natives call it Haathi Kokari and it is also known as Mahi Mahi or Dolphin fish. This species has single dorsal fins and compressed heads running the full length of bodies of fishes. They can grow up to 40kg. It is believed that they use their high-pitched volume to communicate like dolphins.  It is an offshore game fish and males have a flat forehead. It works hard to break through the fishermen’s clutches. 

Dorado 

Hawai Surmai 

They are known to have bills like swords that are used to threaten the attackers and bait. Their backside is in dark blue color and the belly is in silver-white color. They usually weigh up to 110 kg and over 3m long. It is also not easy to catch and used as a famous dish in Andaman. 

Bottom Line 

These colorful and vivid fishes in Andaman are like living stars in the ocean. Every fish is a soul blessed by nature with different qualities and features. On the secluded shores of Andamans, the deep sea is a paradise where no one intrudes. You will definitely fall in love with Andaman Islands tourism with their water kingdom and serenity. They are known to have diverse flora which shouldn’t be missed. The tour to the islands can be complemented with the tourists diving in the depth of sea waters and you can witness the depths of the ocean

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4
5
6
…
10