The first time I peered through a glass bottom boat in Andaman, I was drifting over North Bay Island’s corals, my jaw dropping as a clownfish darted beneath me—₹20 chai still warm in my hand from a Port Blair stall. I’d landed on a ₹3,000 flight from Kolkata, my ₹500 daily budget already bruised by a ₹150 hostel breakfast that tasted like soggy cardboard. But that ride—₹300 for 20 minutes—turned my trip into an underwater dream without getting wet. Over days of gliding across Andaman’s turquoise seas, from Jolly Buoy’s reefs to Havelock’s lagoons, I learned it’s a must-do—cheap, stunning, and perfect for every traveler if you plan right.
This isn’t just a guide—it’s my wide-eyed journey through glass bottom boat rides in Andaman, a must-do activity packed with every detail, budget hack, and coral-chasing tip I’ve gathered. My goal? Get you floating over Andaman’s underwater wonders—whether you’re a nature lover, a budget traveler, or chasing millions of Google visitors (like I dream for my site). Let’s sail into my aquatic adventure!
The Underwater Window: Why It’s a Must-Do
I’d snorkeled before, but a ₹300 hostel owner in Port Blair sold me: “Glass boats—see it all, no swim needed.” Andaman’s 500+ islands hide coral gardens, fish schools, and turtles—₹300–₹500 rides vs. ₹1,500 scuba dives. My ₹200 daily food-and-fun budget stretched far—₹0 wet clothes, just pure awe. From North Bay’s bustle to Jolly Buoy’s quiet, I saw it all—five top spots, each a window to the sea. Here’s where I went, what I saw, and why it’s unmissable.
1. North Bay Island – Coral Carnival (Port Blair)
My first ride was at North Bay—₹300 ferry from Port Blair, ₹300 for 20 minutes. I’d hopped on at 9 AM, the boat’s glass gleaming, and gasped—corals flared red and blue, parrotfish zipped—₹20 juice cooling my excitement. The operator pointed, “Turtle!”—₹500 sunglasses fogged as I leaned in. Waves rocked us, but the view held—₹0 entry to this water sports hub. Total: ₹620 for a reef-packed thrill.
North Bay Tip: Morning rides—₹300, ₹20 snacks, clear views.
Stay Nearby: Top Budget Hotels in Port Blair Under ₹1000.
2. Jolly Buoy Island – Pristine Peek (Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park)
Next, I ferried to Jolly Buoy—₹950 round-trip with permit, ₹400 ride. From Wandoor Jetty (₹20 bus), we glided over untouched reefs—brain corals glowed, angelfish danced—₹30 pakoras still tangy in my memory. No plastic allowed—₹0 litter, pure nature—my operator whispered, “Rare fish here.” November-May only—₹1,380 total, my priciest, but a crystal-clear jackpot.
Jolly Buoy Hack: Book permits early—₹400 ride, ₹50 food, worth it.
Explore More: Best Beaches in Andaman for Budget Travelers.
3. Elephant Beach – Havelock’s Hidden Gem (Swaraj Dweep)
A ₹500 ferry to Havelock led me to Elephant Beach—₹300 ride, ₹0 entry after a 20-minute trek. The glass revealed a lagoon alive—sea anemones swayed, clownfish peeked—₹20 coconut water in hand. Calm waters made it sharp—₹10 tip to my boatman for extra loops. My ₹400 guesthouse felt cheap—₹830 total beat ₹1,500 scuba rates.
Elephant Tip: Trek in—₹300 ride, ₹30 eats, serene views.
Stay Option: Top Budget Hotels in Havelock Under ₹1000.
4. Bharatpur Beach – Neil’s Quiet Canvas (Shaheed Dweep)
Neil Island’s Bharatpur Beach was my next float—₹500 ferry, ₹300 ride. Shallow waters sparkled—corals shimmered, triggerfish flashed—₹20 juice cooled me post-ride. Less crowded than North Bay—₹0 chaos—I lingered, spotting a stingray—₹10 tip for the operator’s nudge. Total: ₹830 for a peaceful, vivid glide.
Bharatpur Hack: Midday calm—₹300 ride, ₹20 drinks, perfect clarity.
Island Hopping: Havelock Island Budget Guide.
5. Corbyn’s Cove Beach – Urban Underwater (Port Blair)
Back in Port Blair, Corbyn’s Cove offered a quick fix—₹20 bus, ₹300 ride. The bay’s corals were subtler—damselfish darted, sea fans waved—₹30 fish fry fueled my stare. Busier than Bharatpur, but close—₹0 entry—I watched kids splash above my view. Total: ₹350 for an easy, urban peek.
Corbyn’s Tip: Afternoon slots—₹300 ride, ₹20 snacks, handy thrill.
Stay Nearby: Top Budget Hotels in Port Blair Under ₹1000.
Why It’s a Traveler’s Must
Andaman’s glass boats beat snorkeling for ease—₹300 vs. ₹1,000 wet gear. My North Bay ride showed corals I’d have missed—₹20 stalls nearby, no ₹500 tourist gouge. Jolly Buoy’s pristine reefs stunned—₹400 felt raw, not polished. November-May’s dry season peaked my views—₹500 ferries opened every spot. It’s underwater magic, wallet-friendly—my ₹500 budget glowed.
Unique Hack: Dry season—₹300 rides, ₹50 days dazzle.
Weather Guide: Andaman Weather Guide for Budget Travelers.
Safety & Prep: My Lessons Learned
It’s chill, but I learned quick—prep matters. Here’s what kept me floating:
- Sit Steady: North Bay’s waves rocked me—gripped rails, ₹0 spill.
- No Leaning: Jolly Buoy’s operator snapped, “Stay centered!”—₹0 tip, safe view.
- Weather Watch: July’s rain canceled me—₹0 risk vs. ₹300 flops.
- Kid Check: Corbyn’s splashes blurred—₹20 timing dodged chaos.
- Gear Light: ₹100 hat, ₹500 shades—sun off, corals on, my kit.
- Permit Prep: Jolly Buoy’s ₹950 stung—booked ahead, ₹0 hassle.
- Hydrate: ₹20 juice—₹0 cramps, my post-ride savior.
Safety Hack: Operators know—₹10 tips, ₹0 troubles.
Health Prep: How to Stay Healthy Traveling India on a Budget.
Budget Breakdown: My Boat Costs
| Location | Ride Cost | Transport | Daily Total | Tourist Alt. | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Bay | ₹300 | ₹300 | ₹620 | ₹1,200–₹1,500 | ₹580–₹880 |
| Jolly Buoy | ₹400 | ₹950 | ₹1,380 | ₹2,000–₹2,500 | ₹620–₹1,120 |
| Elephant Beach | ₹300 | ₹500 | ₹830 | ₹1,500–₹2,000 | ₹670–₹1,170 |
| Bharatpur Beach | ₹300 | ₹500 | ₹830 | ₹1,500–₹2,000 | ₹670–₹1,170 |
| Corbyn’s Cove | ₹300 | ₹20 | ₹350 | ₹1,000–₹1,200 | ₹650–₹850 |
Total Savings: ₹3,000–₹5,000—more rides or ₹20 fries!
My Pro Hacks for Glass Boat Bliss
- Morning Glory: 9 AM North Bay—₹300, clear seas, my trick.
- Local Bites: ₹20 stalls—pakoras beat ₹100 cafes, Jolly’s win.
- Ferry Plan: ₹500 Havelock—book early, ₹200 saved.
- Ask Locals: “Boat kahan?”—₹0 tips to best views, Neil’s secret.
- Dry Season: Nov-May—₹300 rides, vivid corals, my gold.
- Group Up: ₹600 split—₹300 each, Corbyn’s hack.
- Gear Smart: ₹100 hat—shade over ₹500 kits, my pick.
FAQ: Expert Answers for Travelers
Where’s the best glass bottom boat ride in Andaman?
Jolly Buoy—₹400, pristine reefs—my top pick. North Bay (₹620) is close, coral-rich—perfect starter.
How much does a glass bottom boat ride cost?
₹300–₹400—my Corbyn’s ride was ₹350 total. Ferries bump it—₹830–₹1,380 with transport—still beats ₹1,500 dives.
Is it safe for non-swimmers in Andaman?
Yes—₹0 wet feet, I floated fine at Elephant (₹300). Operators guide—₹10 tip, steady boat—safe for all.
When’s the best time for glass boat rides?
November-May—calm seas, my ₹300 Bharatpur gleamed. Monsoon (June-Sept)—₹0 rides, too choppy.
What can I see on a glass bottom boat?
Corals, clownfish, turtles—my North Bay turtle (₹300) stunned. Jolly Buoy’s angelfish—₹400—pure wow.
How do I book a glass bottom boat ride?
Shacks at Corbyn’s (₹300), Wandoor for Jolly (₹950 permit)—my spots. Havelock’s operators—₹500 ferry, ₹300 ride—easy.
The Coral Road: Your Boat Adventure
Glass bottom boats turned my ₹500 budget into an underwater odyssey. From North Bay’s ₹620 bustle to Jolly Buoy’s ₹1,380 pristine, I lived Andaman’s depths—cheap, dry, unforgettable. It’s not just a ride; it’s a sea-skimming must. Next, I’ll chase Elephant’s dusk corals—join me? Got a boat tale? Drop it below—I’m all eyes and excitement!
Happy floating!