Andaman Islands Yacht Charter - Overview
Floating in splendid isolation in the middle of the Bay of Bengal are the Andaman Islands. Administered by India, these 300 or so islands are the highest peaks of a submerged mountain range that stretches from Sumatra in the south to the Irawaddy delta in the north.
The Andaman Islands have everything you could desire from an adventurous eco-tourism charter destination. There are literally hundreds of deserted islands to explore, each one seemingly more spectacular than the last. The beaches are magnificently pristine. The snorkeling and scuba diving is amongst the best in the world with an almost untouched marine ecosystem. There is a live volcano, thousands of square miles of untouched jungle, exotic and thriving wildlife and primitive hunter-gatherer tribes. The fishing (catch & release) is probably the best in the world. The Andamans is also starting to develop a superb reputation as a frontier surfing destination where the reef breaks have never been surfed before.
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Our knowledge of the Andaman Islands
The Andaman Islands is an exceptionally remote area. It is essential, both for your enjoyment and safety that your crew really know the area. Paul Johnson, the captain and owner of SY Asia has an unrivalled knowledge of the Andaman Islands and writes the yacht cruising guide for this area. He has written many internationally published magazine articles on the Andaman Islands. |
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When to visit the Andaman Islands
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High season. Pleasant NE winds, hot and sunny, cool overnight. Great sailing. Great fishing. |
Very hot - no wind. Great diving. Superb surfing. |
Effectively closed with heavy rain, strong winds, rough seas and hurricanes. |
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Andaman Islands Yacht Charter - Example Itinerary
All of our charters in the Andaman Islands are carefully planned specfically for you using the knowledge and experience we have gained during 12 years of operation in this unique area. Here is an example 7 day charter itinerary for the Andaman Islands to provide an idea: Andaman Islands 7 day example itinerary.
Below are some examples of the activities you can choose to do during your charter in the Andaman Islands.
Andaman Islands Sailing
Sailing in the Andaman Islands is superb during the height of the North East monsoon (December to mid March). Expect hot sunny conditions during the day, cooler nights and a steady 15 to 20 knots of wind. |
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Andaman Islands Scuba Diving
Scuba diving in the Andamans is world class. With many open ocean dive sites we tend to see large numbers of pelagics including manta rays, whale sharks, whales and sharks.
In 2001 we were chartered by UNDP for a wide area coral reef survey of the Andaman Islands. This survey ultimately resulted in the Andaman Islands being declared a World Heritage Site.
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Andaman Islands Fishing
The Andaman Islands has never been commercially fished. As a result the fish life is truly incredible. As the fish in this area generally die of old age rather than being caught, they grow to a remarkable size.
In this environment is is essential to fish responsibly. We keep small numbers of fish for eating but the majority of fish we catch are returned to the ocean unharmed.
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Andaman Islands Surfing
During March, April and early May, winter storms far away in the southern Indian Ocean create huge swells that that create perfect surf breaks on the west coast of the Andamans.
The Andamans west coast is one of the few places on earth where you can catch a perfect wave with no other surfers or tourists within hundreds of miles of you.
Learn more about Andaman Islands Surfing... |
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How to get to the Andaman Islands
Scheduled Flights
Your yacht charter in the Andaman Islands starts and ends in Port Blair on South Andaman Island. Port Blair is the main town, harbour and adminstrative center of the Andaman Islands. All scheduled flights into the Andaman Islands are from mainland India. Operators are:
Private Charter Flight
The flights from mainland India to Port Blair connect poorly to international flights. This may require you to spend a night in Kolkota or Chennai on the way to the Andamans and possibly on your return. This can add a day or more to your total flying time. An alternative is a private charter flight direct from the regional transport hub of Bangkok to Port Blair. This saves lots of time and provides VIP service all the way to the yacht - something that is rather lacking when flying via mainland India. Learn more about our private charter flights Bangkok - Port Blair...
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Andaman Islands Yacht Charter - Additional Information
Visas
All foreign nationals require a standard Indian visa. This can be obtained from any Indian Embassy or consulate worldwide and usually takes 3 days to obtain. A special endorsement which allows you to stay in the Andaman Islands for up to 30 days is automatically issued to you on arrival at Port Blair airport.
Currency
Local currency is the Indian rupee. Approximate exchange rates are:
1 Euro = Indian Rupee 61
1 US Dollar = Indian Rupee 47
Timezone
GMT +5.5
Port Blair Hotel
On arrival in Port Blair you can proceed directly from the airport to the yacht. If you wish to spend a night in Port Blair then the only reasonable hotel is the Fortune Resort Bay Island.
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Andaman Islands Photo Gallery
Click here to view a selection of our own photos taken during our last 12 years of yacht charters in the Andaman Islands. |
