Overview
Explore the remote Cinque Island Wildlife Sanctuary on a full-day boat trip from Havelock. The experience combines a long scenic speedboat journey with a visit to North Cinque Island, where guests can walk along the tidal sandbar, relax on the beach and enjoy guided snorkelling over the surrounding reef.
Cinque Island lies south of Port Blair and is made up of two uninhabited islands, North Cinque and South Cinque, connected by a sandbar that becomes visible around low tide. The area is protected, and visitor access is controlled through Forest Department permits.
The trip begins early in the morning with hotel pickup in Havelock and a transfer to the jetty. The private speedboat then travels approximately 85 km towards Cinque Island. The journey takes around 1 hour 45 minutes each way under suitable conditions. Because this is an open-sea crossing, the exact timing can change with weather, tides and sea conditions.
The main water activity is guided snorkelling in approximately 2–6 metres of water. Depending on visibility and conditions, guests may see different reef fish and coral formations.
Itinerary
- Day 1
Cinque Island Wildlife Sanctuary
- Early morning pickup from the Havelock hotel.
- Transfer to the jetty and safety briefing.
- Board the private speedboat.
- Cruise approximately 85 km to Cinque Island.
- Complete the Forest Department permit check on arrival.
- Explore North Cinque beach.
- Walk the sandbar when tide conditions allow.
- Enjoy guided snorkelling in the shallow reef area.
- Optional second snorkelling session or pre-booked scuba add-on.
- Return to the boat for hot lunch, fruit and drinks.
- Cruise past South Cinque from the water.
- Return to Havelock and transfer to the hotel.
Difficulty and fitness
Basic fitness for a long boat ride, beach walking and optional snorkelling.
- Prepare with regular walking and comfortable outdoor activity.
What to bring
Start the day well rested because the activity begins early and involves a long boat journey. Wear swimwear under comfortable clothes and carry a towel, dry clothes, sun protection and a refillable bottle. If you are prone to seasickness, prepare suitable medication before departure.
Essentials
- Government photo ID
- Swimwear
- Towel and dry clothes
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Sunglasses and sunhat
- Light long-sleeve layer
- Refillable water bottle
- Motion-sickness medicine if required
- Cash for permit fee
Getting there
Hotel pickup in Havelock around 5:45 AM; transfer to the departure jetty.
Reach Havelock Island/Swaraj Dweep by scheduled marine transport. The operator provides hotel pickup within Havelock and transfers guests to the departure jetty. From Havelock, the private speedboat travels approximately 85 km to Cinque Island and takes around 1 hour 45 minutes each way in suitable conditions.
Trip details
Included
- Return private speedboat
- Havelock hotel pickup/drop
- Snorkelling equipment
- Life vest
- In-water guide
- Hot lunch and refreshments
- GoPro photos/video
- Safety equipment
- Permit filing assistance
Not included
- Forest Department permit fee
- Optional scuba diving
- Personal expenses
- Items not listed under inclusions
Before you book
- Cinque Island is a protected wildlife sanctuary.
- Every visitor requires a Forest Department permit.
- Government photo ID details must be provided in advance for permit processing.
- The standard trip lands at North Cinque; landing on South Cinque requires separate permission.
- The sandbar is tidal and may not be exposed on every visit.
- There are no regular ferries to Cinque Island.
- Mobile connectivity may be unavailable during the trip.
- Day visits are permitted only during the designated sanctuary hours.
- Book at least 4 days in advance because permits need advance processing.
Safety notes
- Follow the captain and guide's instructions throughout the trip.
- Wear the provided life vest during boat and water activities as instructed.
- Stay with the group while snorkelling.
- Do not swim outside the area cleared by the guide.
- Do not walk onto the sandbar without following the guide's tide instructions.
- Do not touch, collect or remove coral, shells or marine life.
- The trip involves an open-sea crossing and may be changed or cancelled if conditions become unsafe.
Participant requirements
Name, age, contact number, group size and government photo ID details.
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