Summary

You have to get into the right frame of mind to go to the Andaman Islands as the paperwork you need on arrival is copious. There are some documents that 11 copies are required; I submitted a total of 122 pages, all indexed. You must be organized or your clearance into the country will be a nightmare.

Visas

You need a visa with the Andamans named as a destination on your application. If you are in your home country, you may apply online and expect a result in about a week for around USD$150. If you are not in your home country the only places to apply are Penang or Bangkok.

Clearance

Try to arrive early morning, as the clearance process is a lengthy process and may take all day; if you delay, your clearance may stretch through to the next day. You are not allowed into the harbor before 0500. The anchorage is about 0.8nm from the jetty and you have to ferry the officials, typically three at a time, in and out. There is nowhere to safely leave your dinghy unattended, but there is a reliable boat boy at the jetty who will tie it off and move it as necessary for 300 Rupees a day. 

Cruising Plan

You must submit a cruising plan on arrival for the entire duration of your stay, including specific dates and places. If you change your itinerary, you will need to submit a revised plan. You must report your position to Port Control twice a day at 0800 and 1700. Note: Doing this on SSB can be time-consuming as ships are also reporting in; otherwise, you can use a mobile connection (though often unreliable) to send email updates though coverage is intermittent and unreliable, and very often not available. Satellite phones are illegal and will be bonded.

You must switch on “tracks” on your chart plotter as you will be required to photograph the track at the end of each day to prove where you have been. You will need a clear print out of each day’s track in order to clear out. Note: most electronic charts are out by about 250 yards – eyeball navigation is essential.

Many islands are strictly off limits. You will be given the up-to-date list of approved sites on arrival.

Additional Comments

In February and March there is very little wind. Expect to be motoring for three days out of five.

This is a unique destination but one where often there is little entertainment ashore and you will often be the only boat in the anchorage. If your preference is a sociable cruise, you may want to consider traveling in the company of other cruisers.  

Fishing is strictly prohibited. Fish and your boat will be confiscated. Harpoons will be bonded. You are not allowed to dive from your own boat, only with registered dive companies.

There are strict daily limits on the amount of alcohol you may buy (at the time, eight beers/person per day). 

Many of the restaurants do not serve alcohol. 

Fruit and vegetable markets are good, particularly in Port Blair, but the supermarkets have limited stock. 

Laundromats are available but often take a few days to turnaround. 

Saltwater crocodiles are always a danger, more in some area than others. Request local advice before swimming.

For More Information

• Agent: “Sail the Andamans” Yacht Carnival & Rally
• Website: https://andamanholidays.com/services/andaman-island-yacht-services/
• Email: yachtagency@andamanholidays.com
• Noonsite: Andaman Islands Country Profile 

Anthony Swanston 
SV Wild Fox

The opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not reflect the view of Noonsite.com or World Cruising Club.