The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a paradise for travelers, offering stunning beaches, rich marine biodiversity, and exciting adventures. However, as a remote island destination, it requires careful planning and awareness of safety precautions to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience.
This guide covers essential safety tips for travelers, including:
✔ Personal safety precautions
✔ Beach and water activity safety
✔ Wildlife and environmental awareness
✔ Emergency contacts and medical facilities
By following these tips, you can stay safe and enjoy Andaman worry-free!
1. Personal Safety Tips for Travelers in Andaman
While Andaman is generally a safe destination with low crime rates, tourists should take basic precautions to ensure a smooth trip.
✅ Do’s
✔ Keep Your Belongings Secure – Use anti-theft backpacks and store valuables in your hotel’s safety locker.
✔ Carry Sufficient Cash – ATMs are limited on smaller islands; withdraw cash in Port Blair before heading to remote locations.
✔ Stay Connected – Mobile network coverage is weak on some islands. Buy a BSNL SIM card for better connectivity.
✔ Keep a Copy of Your Documents – Carry digital and physical copies of your ID, travel insurance, and permits.
🚫 Don’ts
❌ Avoid Walking Alone in Remote Areas at Night – Stick to well-lit roads and travel in groups when possible.
❌ Don’t Overpay for Local Transport – Use pre-paid taxis or check standard rates before hiring.
❌ Avoid Buying Illegal Coral Souvenirs – It is strictly prohibited to take corals, shells, or marine life products from Andaman.
🏆 Pro Tip: Download offline maps (Google Maps, Maps.me) for navigation, as internet access is limited.
2. Beach & Water Safety Tips
🌊 Understanding Ocean Conditions in Andaman
- Some beaches have strong undercurrents that can be dangerous for swimmers.
- Certain areas restrict water activities to protect marine life.
- The monsoon season (May to September) brings rough seas and high tides.
✅ Do’s
✔ Swim Only in Designated Areas – Stick to marked swimming zones with lifeguards.
✔ Wear a Life Jacket for Water Activities – Whether kayaking, jet skiing, or snorkeling, always wear a certified life jacket.
✔ Listen to Local Authorities – Pay attention to safety instructions from lifeguards and tour operators.
✔ Check Tide Timings Before Visiting Beaches – Certain beaches like Laxmanpur Beach (Neil Island) and Chidiya Tapu can get submerged at high tide.
🚫 Don’ts
❌ Don’t Swim During High Tide or Monsoon – Strong currents make swimming very dangerous.
❌ Avoid Night Swimming – Many beaches have no lifeguards or emergency services at night.
❌ Never Ignore Warning Signs – If a beach has a red flag warning, it means swimming is not safe.
🏆 Pro Tip: Check weather conditions before booking snorkeling, diving, or ferry tickets, as water activities get canceled due to rough seas.
3. Scuba Diving & Snorkeling Safety
✅ Do’s
✔ Choose a Certified Dive Center – Book with PADI/SSI-certified operators for safe diving.
✔ Follow Instructor Guidelines – Pay attention to breathing techniques and underwater signals.
✔ Equalize Your Ears – Prevent ear pain by equalizing pressure every few meters.
✔ Take a 24-Hour Break Before Flying – Avoid scuba diving the day before your flight to prevent decompression sickness.
🚫 Don’ts
❌ Don’t Touch Coral Reefs or Marine Life – It’s illegal and harmful to marine ecosystems.
❌ Never Hold Your Breath While Diving – This can cause serious lung injuries.
❌ Avoid Alcohol Before Diving – Drinking before diving increases risk of nausea, dehydration, and accidents.
🏆 Pro Tip: Go for early morning dives (7:00 AM – 9:00 AM) for the best water visibility and marine life encounters.
4. Wildlife and Environmental Safety
✅ Do’s
✔ Respect Local Wildlife – Andaman is home to endangered species, including sea turtles, dugongs, and exotic birds. Maintain a safe distance from animals.
✔ Follow Eco-Friendly Tourism Practices – Use biodegradable sunscreen and avoid single-use plastics.
✔ Wear Covered Shoes on Forest Treks – Certain areas have snakes and insects. Closed shoes offer better protection.
🚫 Don’ts
❌ Don’t Feed Wild Animals – It disturbs their natural behavior and can be harmful to both animals and humans.
❌ Avoid Visiting Restricted Tribal Areas – Contact with indigenous tribes (Jarawa, Sentinelese, Onge) is illegal and dangerous.
❌ Do Not Litter on Beaches – Andaman follows strict eco-tourism laws; violators may face fines.
🏆 Pro Tip: Always carry a reusable water bottle to reduce plastic waste.
5. Ferry & Transport Safety
✅ Do’s
✔ Book Ferries in Advance – Popular routes like Port Blair to Havelock sell out quickly.
✔ Arrive Early at the Jetty – Ferry terminals can be chaotic; arrive at least 30 minutes before departure.
✔ Carry Motion Sickness Tablets – Many travelers experience seasickness on longer ferry rides.
🚫 Don’ts
❌ Don’t Travel Without Checking Weather Conditions – Monsoon ferry cancellations are common.
❌ Avoid Overloading Small Boats – Choose government-approved ferries for safe transport.
🏆 Pro Tip: Opt for Makruzz or Green Ocean ferries for comfortable and safe journeys between islands.
6. Emergency Contacts & Medical Facilities in Andaman
If you face any health or safety emergencies, knowing where to seek help is essential.
🏥 Hospitals & Medical Centers
📍 G.B. Pant Hospital (Port Blair) – The largest hospital, equipped for emergencies.
📍 Pillar Health Centre (Port Blair) – Best for minor medical issues.
📍 INHS Dhanvantari (Port Blair) – A naval hospital that handles emergencies.
🚔 Emergency Helpline Numbers
📞 Ambulance: 102
📞 Tourist Police Helpline: +91-3192-232102
📞 Coast Guard Helpline: +91-3192-232788
📞 Ferry Inquiry: +91-3192-233258
🏆 Pro Tip: Save these numbers in your phone before you travel.
Final Thoughts: Stay Safe & Enjoy Andaman Worry-Free
Andaman is one of India’s safest travel destinations, but like any trip, it requires smart planning and awareness. By following these safety guidelines, you can enjoy your vacation without unexpected troubles.