What is Kayaking?
Kayaking is an adventurous water sport in which you paddle a streamlined spindle shaped narrow boat. The paddler sits in the boat at 90 degrees, keeping their legs straight. The constant rowing and navigating induces thrill, excitement and raises one’s adrenaline levels. Kayaks are easy to get into and they are safe, even for beginners. And if you are a complete newbie, you can always go tandem kayaking (more on this later). The adventure of exploring lakes and venturing into lagoons and canals always gets the water enthusiasts excited. Apart from giving the thrills, kayaking is also good for one’s physical fitness and strength. When you kayak, your back, arms, shoulders and chest muscles are super engaged due to all the paddling. Trained paddlers have incredible stamina and endurance built over the years through kayaking.
Why are the Andaman Islands Good for Kayaking?
If you are holidaying in India, there are plenty of amazing sites for refreshing kayaking escapades. But, among the best of the best are Andaman Islands. Why? It’s because the archipelago is blessed with gorgeous islands, canals, and lagoons and serene mangrove lakes. All these spectacular natural sites are exceptionally apt for kayaking. Going kayaking in these amazing water bodies lets you observe wildlife, exquisite birds and breathtaking views. Andaman’s Ross Island and Baratang are excellent places to go for a kayaking tour. If you are a beginner, it’s always a good idea to go on group tours and learn more about kayaking.
Best Places to Kayak in the Andaman Islands
To have the complete and unobstructed experience of kayaking in Andamans, one must know all the spots and what to expect from them. The below mentioned places are the best to go kayaking in the Andaman Islands. Try to include them into your Andaman kayak tour:
- Kayaking in Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island)
- Kayaking in Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair)
- Kayaking in Shaheed Dweep (Neil Island)
- Kayaking in Bartang Island
- Kayaking in North Bay Island
1. Kayaking in Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island)
Swaraj Dweep is an incredible destination for kayaking and testing your rowing skills. The island is known for its dense tropical woodlands, lagoons and mangrove creeks. When it comes to beaches, kayaking is available at beach no. 5. If you want to have an extra dose of adventure, try kayaking in mangrove forests of Swaraj Dweep (subject to availability). The waters of the mangrove creek are generally steady with occasional small currents. The soothing shade of mangrove trees offer relief from the blinding sunshine. Carry your binoculars around your neck as you may spot some rare and endemic birds. Another great option of kayaking in Swaraj Dweep is going for night kayaking. Most paddlers go night kayaking in the bioluminescence waters of Radhanar Beach. Experience the magical twinkling waves washing against the shores of Radhangar Beach. The other beaches where you can go night skiing are Elephant Beach and Vijaynagar Beach.
2. Kayaking in Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair)
If you are on a short trip to Andamans and have a limited time, go kayaking in its capital Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair). Most kayaking takes place at Chidiya Tapu beach. It is approximately 17.1 kilometres from the main city centre, but completely worth the visit. Paddle beneath a clear blue sky and on gentle waves of the Bay of Bengal. If you are a beginner, it is suggested to go on a short kayaking tour. The next point for kayaking in Sri Vijaya Puram is Veer Savarkar Park which is also away from the main city. All the main kayaking action happens in a place called Chouldari. There are many kayaking clubs that provide equipment, training and offer guides for kayaking tours. The prices of each kayak session depends on the tour operator and length/duration of the tour.
3. Kayaking in Shaheed Dweep (Neil Island)
Shaheed Dweep is blessed with gorgeous shorelines and beaches. The beaches of Shaheed Dweep have their unique features. The beautiful corals, marine life and significant flora and fauna of this beach renders breathing views to the visitors. The island is so tiny that it can be covered entirely in just 24 hours. All the main water sports action in Shaheed Dweep takes place at Bharatpur Beach. You will find surfers, snorkellers, divers, and kayakers testing the waters (quite literally) for water sports experience. Speaking of kayaking, you can go on kayaking tours at Bharatpur Beach. The waters around this beach are conducive for paddling and you may also witness colourful marine life.
4. Kayaking in Bartang Island
Baratang Island is among the top places to have kayaking experience in Andamans. This island is famous for its thick and precious mangrove forests. These forests alone are home to spectacular species of birds, amphibians, (like salt water crocodiles) and reptiles. The knitted and dense mangrove forests run for several metres before it opens wide into the sea. Paddle you kayak through the creeks of mangrove forest and experience the thrill and adventure of a lifetime. The damp smell of mangroves and humidity has a lingering sensation. If you are sensitive to such smells, carry a mask.
5. Kayaking in North Bay Island
Last but not least, North Bay Island (also known as Coral Islands) is another interesting spot for kayaking in Andamans. This island is just a 30-minute boat ride away from the capital Sri Vijaya Puram. There are no stays or accommodations on the island and it is primarily used for all kinds of water sports like scuba diving, snorkeling, glass bottom boat rides, as well as surfing. Along with the aforementioned water-based activities, kayaking tours are also super popular to do on North Bay Island. Choose a reputed and trusted kayak tour operator who provides you proper training, life jacket and other necessary equipment. It is one of the best places in Andaman to try sea kayaking.
Best Time to Kayak in the Andaman Islands
One needs good weather conditions and steady water streams or gentle currents to go on a kayaking tour. (especially, if you are a beginner). This is exactly why you should choose a time between the months of October and March to go kayaking in Andamans. Hence, the optimal time for kayaking in the Andaman Islands is from October to March.
Type of Kayaking in Andamans
As mentioned above, kayaking is quite a versatile water sport. It truly tests your endurance, stamina and arms strengths. But did you know that there are different types of kayaking? And one can choose depending on their personal sense of adventure and challenge.
- Tandem Kayaking – If you are trying kayaking for the very first time or unsure about your paddling skills, go for tandem kayaking. A tandem kayak holds not one but two paddlers at a time. Both paddlers have to row the kayak, maintaining a synchronicity to smoothly glide forward. You can do tandem kayaking with an expert kayaker and hone your rowing skills.
- Day Kayaking – Those who want to experience the bright day lights and beauty of the bluish green waters, choose daytime kayaking. Day time kayaking is also good for going deep in mangrove forests where it’s difficult for sunlight to seep in.
- Night Kayaking – Night kayaking is great for those who adore the starry nights and want to witness the bioluminescent waters of Andamans.
- Mangrove Kayaking – If you enjoy watching birds, reptiles and other species of the mangrove forest, choose mangrove kayaking.
- Sea Kayaking – Paddle and balance your kayak on sometimes gentle and sometimes a tad tough waves of the Andaman Sea. This activity gives you peak adventure.
These were the top kayaking places and types of kayaking in Andamans. If you have been dreaming about going to an Andaman tour and row your kayak, now is the time. Book yourself an Andaman tour package with inclusion of kayaking and feel the thrill of this adrenaline inducing water activity on your holidays.
