Andamans, just the thought of that pristine white sand and blue-green oceans send me into dreamland. I hadn’t been very keen on visiting Andamans with my then small daughter, but I was so wrong. It was one of the most laid back trips that we ever had. It was also the time when we saw a beautiful side of the ocean and regaled in numerous water sports!
Andaman is abundant in natural beauty. The scintillating views of the blue ocean and the mangroves along the island make the islands look like emeralds scattered on rich blue silk. One of the best experiences that I had here was underwater walking!
Yup, walking not snorkeling or scuba diving.
For the most part, the water is really clean and clear. We tried our hand at the underwater walking when we were in Havelock. We went to Elephant Beach for our water sports activities. I didn’t see any elephants there, so no idea why it is called Elephants beach! On second thoughts, I wonder if there are any elephants in Andaman. But that’s not the point, so back to the topic!
Sadly No Scuba
This was actually the result of my incomplete research. Both me and hubby didn’t know swimming then. We just assumed that scuba diving would need swimming. So confident were we, that we didn’t even bother asking the diver about it. Big Mistake! Apparently, you can scuba dive without knowing how to swim ( such guided scuba diving of course!) We tried our hand at snorkeling and then some regular water sports. As scuba was not an option, I half-heartedly agreed to a glass-bottom ride to see the beautiful corals.
Underwater walk
Just as we booked the glass-bottom ride, we saw this board about under-water walking! As I read the board I was like, I am definitely doing this! The other couple in our group backed out but graciously agreed to look after our daughter who was busy playing with their daughter. This was super helpful as underwater walking was not allowed for kids below 8 years.
After we paid, we were taken on a small ferry to a bigger boat that was anchored some distance away from the coast. As we got on the Boat the divers and the crew gave us diving costume to change into. We actually had no idea what we were getting into so this was kind of fun!
The actual Dive
At the far end of the boat, two divers were waiting for us. They asked if we had any heart problems or were claustrophobic etc. Once we had answered in the negative, they gave us two large helmets to wear. The helmet was connected to a huge pipe, which would be supplying us oxygen underwater. The helmet and the huge pipes reminded me of astronauts!
They told us the basic symbols that would indicate ‘FINE’ ‘NOT FINE’ ‘NEED To Go Back’ etc to the diver. The helmets were open from the bottom and the diver said, the water did not enter the helmet because of air pressure.
While it sounded all perfect scientifically, I quickly sent up a prayer. I was sure, if the water did start getting in, I wouldn’t remember any symbols in panic and would probably scare the diver himself 😛
The Underwater Walk Experience in Andaman
As we got down in the water, the water did enter the helmet but stayed near the chin level. As we got comfortable of the experience, the divers took us for a walk on the ocean bed. They had put nets around the area to cordon it off, which was a relief to me! Hey! Don’t blame me; I blame the Hollywood movies that keep churning out scary movies with sharks that have sharp teeth, at regular intervals.
However, all my fears melted as I saw underwater life in action. Schools of colorful fishes whizzed past us as if they were getting late to work! The colorful corals amazed me and the cherry on the cake was a giant clam that looked all-important on a rock!
Exploring and experiencing this aquatic life up close was surreal. No glass partitions, no rush, and absolutely no barriers. We could touch them and it was all just awesome! The 45 min walk was a window to the underwater world and I fell in love with it.
I missed scuba diving this time; however, I will be going back and that time I will be doing scuba diving and more!
Wow Looks amazing!
wohoo this gave me an adrenaline rush, no it’s not ok, you have to go scuba next time my dear..
Back in the 80s, apparently the forest department guys used to employ elephants to log woods from the nearby jungle and that is how the place got its name. But that was in the past and now there are no elephants around.
This underwater walk thing must have been one of a kind experience
Wow i did not know about the under water walking experience in andaman, will definitely check it out next time 😃
Oh! You missed scuba diving! Hope you get to do it sometimes soon, I loved my experience. Underwater walking seems like a great way to explore and observe the marine life. Would like to definitely check it out!!
I explore Andaman and Nicobar island ,done scuba diving , snorkeling it was fun
I am sure you will return for scuba diving, but you really enjoyed other activities immensely
Wow! I am sure, it was the thrilling experience Neha. Andaman is a very beautiful and peaceful place in the lap of nature.
Wow what an awesome experience you must have had! I hope to do it some day.
I am a total water baby but everytime I hear about scuba diving or anything related I cant hold my excitement This must have been very good experience.
This looks so exciting. I so want to do this when I go to the Andamans
Wow that’s awesome, I have been planning to visit Andaman and now adding this underwater experience as a must visit to my list .
I have been to Pattaya Beach n did underwater and this has been my best adventure till date
Wow this is such a beautiful experience under water. I would plan a trip here soon.
wow! That’s such an interesting experience. I am sure you had a good one. Looking forward to have one myself
Lovely experience, Neha…thanks for chronicling it…
Andaman has always been at the top of my bucket list, your post has made me long for a visit right now.
Wow! I did not know about underwater walking in Andaman. I will definitely keep it in mind when I visit Andaman. Thanks for sharing your experience.
Wow. What an experience. I was also unaware of the beauty of Andamans but many of my friends suggested otherwise
I am dying get this experience and explore Andamans.. Someday maybe.. My son will love scuba and under water walk both.
Wow! Underwater walking sounds like so much fun. Our last vacation was to Andaman and it is one of our best trips till date. But I missed out on the scuba due to my BP. Hubby did the scuba and the video was mesmerising!
This sounds like an amazing experience. Maybe this is even better than the scuba diving for the beginners!