Spice up your upcoming visit to the Andamans in India by incorporating a stunning island-hopping escapade to the hidden North Reef Island of Diglipur Tehsil in North Andaman district. Discover the dazzling aura of Arctic Blue that renders it truly unique among all the islands in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
The south and southwest coasts of North Reef Island feature a staggeringly vast coral reef flat, dramatically uplifted by the 2004 Tsunami. This expansive reef, now transformed into shallow reef flats, is a spectacle that unfolds during low tide, with portions near the shore exposed. The reflection of sunlight on these exposed areas is so breathtaking that even from a zoomed-out perspective on Google Maps, the radiant glow of the Arctic blue is unmistakably noticeable.
How to Reach the North Reef Island
Reaching North Reef Island from Mayabunder involves a boat trip with day-only visit. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Arrive in Mayabunder:
- Start your journey by reaching Mayabunder, a town in the northern part of Middle Andaman.
- Secure Necessary Permits:
- Ensure you have the required permits. Foreigners should obtain a Restricted Area Permit (RAP), and Indians need Forest Department Permits.
- Charter a Boat:
- Charter a private fishing dinghy or a fiber boat from Mayabunder jetty. You can arrange this through local operators or with assistance from the Forest Department.
- Navigate Austen Strait:
- Embark on your boat journey, navigating through the picturesque Austen Strait. This waterway divides North Andaman from the Middle Andaman Islands.
- Base Camp at Interview Island:
- Utilize Interview Island, situated a few kilometers off the mainland’s shore, as a base camp. This island acts as an intermediary point on your way to North Reef Island.
- Final Leg to North Reef Island:
- Continue your journey from Interview Island to North Reef Island, located further north in the open sea. This final leg offers an opportunity to witness the unique Arctic Blue Magic.
- Coordinate with Local Authorities:
- Stay informed about local weather conditions and coordinate with local authorities or boat operators for the most up-to-date information on transportation and safety.
Remember to plan your trip carefully, considering the tidal conditions, weather, and any regulations imposed by the Forest Department or other relevant authorities.
Situated in the Bay of Bengal, the stretch between the north of Interview Island and the south of North Reef showcases exceptionally rich and thriving coral reefs with various mollusks, including Trochus and other shell species, as well as Holothurians. North Reef Island, in particular, stands out with an impressive count of 164 species of hard corals. This remarkable diversity ranks it second only to Smith Island on the Andaman Sea side of North Andamans. Interview Island also contributes significantly to the region’s biodiversity, boasting 152 distinct coral species.
These healthy reefs enveloping North Reef Island are a bustling haven for marine life, offering an immersive experience for snorkelers. In just a brief 10-minute underwater exploration, enthusiasts can encounter over 50 turtles, specially the Green Turtle, along with diverse array of other marine species including schools of colorful fish like parrotfish, angelfish, and clownfish, graceful rays, and various invertebrates like sea cucumbers and starfish.
