Diving Sites in Port Blair
If you are new to scuba diving, then choosing to dive Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, Wandoor in Port Blair would be a great decision. Its waters are home to amazing marine life and are waiting for you to explore! If you are on a budget trip to the isles, then diving here would be economical as well. The prices for a complete scuba diving experience are fairly low in Port Blair. This exclusive national park in the Andaman Islands is a great destination for divers. When in the capital city of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, diving here should not be missed at any cost. You will be left awestruck by its oozing natural charm that comprises colourful sea flowers, over 50 kinds of corals like Fungia, Pocillopora, Acropora, Leptoseris, and so much more. One can spot a number of aquatic species here including Clownfish, Surgeonfish, Whitetip Shark, Parrot Shark, Butterflyfish, Angelfish, etc. In short, Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park is a marine wonderland. So what are you waiting for?
SH8, Port Blair, Andaman Islands
Beginners
Answer: In case you are a beginner in scuba diving, opting for a dive in Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, Wandoor in Port Blair is going to be one of the best decisions of your life. The waters of the park are home to several fascinating creatures, which means you should definitely explore them. Besides, diving here is fairly reasonable as well. So if you are on a budget trip, you don’t have to worry about the budget at all. The prices for scuba diving are pretty low here in the capital of Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
Furthermore, when you go scuba diving at Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, you will be stunned by the wide variety of marine life. You’ll get to witness vibrant sea flowers besides about 50 types of corals such as Leptoseris, Acropora, Pocillopora, and Fungia. Not to mention the colorful fish species that you will spot underwater. So overall, you should definitely consider scuba diving here if you want to experience an aquatic wonderland.
Answer: There are a number of diving spots in Port Blair, let alone in the Andamans. However, we recommend you go for your scuba diving experience in Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park because of its uniqueness. The park covers over 280 square kilometers of the area made from 17 islands and open sea creeks running across the region.
The park is popular for its rich array of coral reefs as well as its marine life. Besides, one can even spot water snakes, saltwater crocodiles, shells, and sea anemones. Needless to say, the national park has splendid life on land besides underwater. This means that when you come here for scuba diving, you can also enjoy birdwatching and walking through the forest area. When it comes to any other diving spot, all there is to see is marine life.
The Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park is home to a wide variety of birds such as sifts, waders, terns, herons, Andaman teals, parakeets, and white-bellied sea eagles. In fact, there are over 271 kinds of species of birds that live in the landscape of the park. Further, the rich fauna and flora of the place makes it ideal for those who love nature.
The park region consists of a wide stretch of exquisite blue waters, glistening sandy beaches, tall magroves, enchanting coral reefs, and bushy vegetated island. The crystal blue water and sandy beaches provide outstanding recreational amenities.
Answer: While you dive underwater in Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, you will get to see a great variety of marine life. From a wide range of corals to several species of fish, the beauty of the world underwater will amaze you. During your dive, you will witness schools of angelfish, butterflyfish, parrot shark, whitetip shark, surgeonfish, and clownfish. Moreover, you will spot corals like Leptoseris, Acropora, Pocillopora, and Fungia
Answer: The permit for Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park varies for foreigners and Indians. For Indian nationals, it is INR 50 and for foreigners, it is INR 500. Further, if you are carrying a camera, you will be required to obtain a permit for the same which will cost you INR 25.
For a boat to Jolly Buoy Island, the price is INR 650 for an individual and the same for Red Skin Island is INR 300 per person.
Answer: Anybody who is physically and mentally fit and is between the age of 10 and 60 can scuba at Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park. The diving spot is particularly ideal for beginners.
Answer: Especially because of the absence of preying fishes close to coral reefs and beaches, Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park is extremely safe for scuba diving. From beginners to experts, anyone can take a trip underwater. Nonetheless, one must be certified for the same and be escorted by a guide.
And if you are wondering if Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park is safe for tourists, the answer is yes. It is absolutely safe. All you need to do is follow the rules and regulations of the place and the instructions provided by your guide.
Answer: Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park is located on SH8, Port Blair, Andaman Islands. From the capital’s Central Bus Stand, it is about 25 kilometers away. In order to reach Wandoor, the place where the park is situated, you will require to hire a bus or a taxi. It will take you about 45 minutes to reach. In fact, the park is easily accessible by road from all the prominent cities of the islands.
You can get a bus from Port Blair to Wandoor very easily - they run about every 30 minutes. The local ones ply from 6 in the morning to 8 at night. All you need is a day to spend to reach the park and get back.
Answer: The ideal time for visiting Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park is between October and February. During these months, the days are pleasant and nights are cool, which makes it perfect for a traveler.
Answer: The timings for visiting Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park are from 9 AM to 3 PM on any day of the week. However, on Mondays, the park is closed for visits.
Answer: No, there are not any food joints or restaurants in Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park. However, you can carry eatables along with you. Make sure to not litter around.