Andaman & Nicobar Islands 
The Andaman and Nicobar archipelagos are located between the latitudes
6 to 14 degrees North and longitudes 92 to 94 degrees East in the
Bay of Bengal, are part of the Union Territory of India and
home to some of the oldest tribes in this part of the world.
Powder white beaches, coral reefs, lush, green rain forests and
abundant bird life create this remote island paradise.
The combined group of 572 islands lies 420 miles northwest of
Phuket and 115 miles from Cape Negrais in Myanmar.
The Nicobar Islands group is the southern cluster 72 miles south
of Little Andaman. At the time of publication this group is not
open to the public.
Of the 572 islands, only 36 are inhabited creating this magical
undisturbed cruising destination. The Andaman and Nicobar chain
was formed by a submarine mountain range, which separates the Bay
of Bengal from the Andaman Sea. They are the perfect stopover for
world cruisers passaging between Asia to Europe.
The islands have a tropical climate similar to that of Phuket.
There is medium to heavy rain during the southwest monsoon from
May to mid-December.
The islands' indigenous tribes are distinguished in two
groups: the Onge, Sentinelese, Jarawa and Andamanese of Negroid
descent living on the Andaman Islands and the Shompen and Nicobarese
of Mongoloid descent living in the Nicobar Islands. Most of the
tribes are on the verge of extinction. Outsiders attempting to make
contact with some of the more remote tribes are driven away with
bows and arrows. They continue to maintain a unique lifestyle living
in harmony with nature just as they have done for thousands of years.
The islands have prolific aquatic life and some of the best diving
and fishing found in the world.
Port Blair, Chatham Island
All vessels are requested to anchor here where length and draft
permit. Clearance procedures with Customs, Immigration, Port Control
and the Navy take place here. Formalities are generally dealt with
quickly.
The area is well protected with good holding in 3 - 8 metres on
a mud bottom. There is enough room for 6 - 8 boats if well anchored.
This is the best access to Port Blair, the island groups'
capital, for all facilities, provisioning and accommodation. Most
goods can be bought here. If they are not available in Port Blair
you won't find them anywhere else. One of the black and yellow
taxis can take you to town.
|
