ANDAMANS,THE SNORKLER'S PARADISE

Manoj Jain

 

When we planned our vacations to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, we were not aware of what breath taking underwater view of coral and scuba diving, snorkeling we were in for. The Andaman Islands are really the ultimate place for amateur and professional snorkeling and scuba diving, sea bathing and basking on the beach, fishing and island camping and trekking. The islands comprise of untouched beaches with spectacular view of corals and a real unique luxuriant ambience of clean environment comprising of green tropical forests, fringed by coconut and palm trees and the luxury of unpolluted clean air .It is the paradise for water sport enthusiasts.


The Havelock Islands which is about 2 hours journey from the Port Blairs, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, a distance of approx 40 kms in sea, in a ferry speedboat ,boasts of having one of the oldest stretch of silver palms, clear blue sky and a wild gurgle of youthful sea. The virgin beaches are golden and untouched almost.


The 'scubaworld' dive centre at our resort ,in the Havelock Island ,provided us the opportunity and evolved us into water and under water enthusiasts .We learnt to grow, connect with the underwater sea world, and enjoy snorkeling. The water here was comfortably warm and we had a glimpse of a wide variety of fish, turtles, rays and unique and colourful corals.


Snorkeling is really the practice of swimming at the surface of the water body while being equipped with a diving mask, a shaped tube called a snorkel, and usually swim fins. In cooler waters the snorkeler is also equipped with a wet suit. These tools allow the snorkeler to observe the under water attractions for extended periods of time with relatively little effort.


During our snorkeling trips in the blue sea we learnt that we are not to touch even gently ,any of the sea animals, because even a gentle caress can disturb the mucous coating that helps protect a sea animal like fish from disease. Also we are not to feed the fish. And finally to learn observe God's lovely creation but never touch a coral or disturb the natural balance.


Andaman Islands with its clear blue skies and wondrous under sea attractions really gave us a peek into GOD'S DIVINITY.