Nestled in the turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea and bragging an astounding 80 feet of underwater visibility with dense formations of colorful live coral, the North and South Cinque Islands had long been off-limits to tourists visiting the Andamans. However, in 2023, authorities began welcoming travelers to experience the Cinque Islands’ unspoiled beauty. Cinque Islands are known for their vibrant coral reefs, marine life, and clear waters, making them a popular spot for snorkeling and diving. They are part of a designated wildlife sanctuary that shelters species like rays, reef sharks, sea turtles, and tropical fish.
Both the Cinque Islands boast a mesmerizing blend of rocky peninsulas, white sandy beaches, tropical forests, and crystal-clear turquoise waters. North Cinque Island, with its three distinct peninsulas interconnected by sandbars, offers panoramic views from hills reaching heights of 154 m. The southern counterpart, South Cinque Island, adds to the allure with its white sand sloping beaches, forested hills in the background, and highly diverse marine life. The passage between them, known as Cinque Strait, invites exploration of stunning gardens of soft corals, meadows of vibrant boulder corals, and rich marine fauna, creating a haven for underwater enthusiasts.
A lighthouse on the tallest hill of the northernmost and largest peninsula of North Cinque Island was established in 1972, approximately 2 km from the landing point. It is a 6.7-meter rectangular masonry tower, painted in a red-and-white band color scheme, with an LED flasher light powered by batteries and solar panels. Accessibility to the lighthouse is only by sea, requiring travel on a departmental or chartered vessel to the anchorage point, followed by a mechanized dinghy to the shore and a walk through dense forest and hilly terrain. Opposite the lighthouse (on the southeastern side) lies a small sandy beach. Across from it, about 50 meters offshore, a sand-and-stony bottom becomes exposed during low tide. This bottom type extends to a depth of 8 meters, beyond which a live coral reef belt begins, becoming denser at 10 meters deep.
The southern shore of the northern peninsula on North Cinque Island forms a sandbar (tombolo) that connects with the southern peninsula. This white sprawling beach has turquoise waters on both sides. The western side beach features shallow waters and an extended sandy bottom interspersed with unique coral formations—a favorite among tourists and one of the best sites for snorkeling, swimming, and sunbathing. This area also serves as the anchorage point for visitors.
Sponsored: Customize Your Andaman & Nicobar Tour Package with Trips to Some of the Exquisite Islands
Bordered by lush hills, the South Cinque Island Beach boasts a generous expanse, offering ample space for visitors to explore and unwind. The sand color is a dazzling white, contrasting beautifully with the vivid turquoise hues of the surrounding waters. The beach berm, characterized by its gently sloping sandy ridge, provides a perfect vantage point for taking in the stunning coastal scenery.
Tourists can embark on a day-long adventure, starting with a boat ride from the Havelock, Port Blair, Manjeri, Wandoor and Chidiya Tapu. The journey itself is a visual feast, with panoramic views of the Andaman Sea, passing by the Rutland Island and glimpses of marine life in the Mannar Strait, that lies between the Cinque and Rutland. Upon reaching the the islands, visitors can explore the virgin white sand beaches, undertake snorkeling adventures in the vibrant coral gardens, and hike through the dense tropical forests and play with the deers and sea eagles who are the only inhabitants in the island
To manage the environmental impact and maintain the ecological balance in the Cinque Islands Wildlife Sanctuary, the number of visitors allowed each day is limited and you need a permit from Forest Department in the Andaman and Nicobar. This exclusive access aims to provide a more intimate and sustainable experience, ensuring that the islands, which also fall within the protected area of Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, remain unspoiled for future generations.
Cinque Islands stand out as a premier diving destination in the Andaman Islands, offering exceptional underwater experiences with crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and diverse marine life. Known for their pristine reefs and visibility up to 30 meters, these waters attract enthusiasts eager to encounter a variety of fish, sharks, manta rays, and other marine species. The islands’ status as a sanctuary underscores their ecological significance, sheltering a vast range of species, including seaweeds, colorful fish, turtles, water snakes, starfish, sea anemones, and even saltwater crocodiles. With safe, accessible conditions and breathtaking underwater landscapes, the Cinque Islands provide a unique setting for snorkeling, diving, and ecotourism amidst a protected marine paradise.
Cinque Islands stand out as a premier diving destination in the Andaman Islands, offering exceptional underwater experiences with crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and diverse marine life. Known for their pristine reefs and visibility up to 30 meters, these waters attract enthusiasts eager to encounter a variety of fish, sharks, manta rays, and other marine species. The islands’ status as a sanctuary underscores their ecological significance, sheltering a vast range of species, including seaweeds, colorful fish, turtles, water snakes, starfish, sea anemones, and even saltwater crocodiles. With safe, accessible conditions and breathtaking underwater landscapes, the Cinque Islands provide a unique setting for snorkeling, diving, and ecotourism amidst a protected marine paradise.
The Cinque Islands, with their unique geography sculpted by nature, promise an immersive experience for those seeking a sanctuary of serenity and adventure amidst the untouched wonders in a island hopping tour of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
