Kalipur Beach is the most famous turtle nesting beach in Diglipur and one of the most important in the whole Andaman archipelago. Fringed by forest, with a long curve of grey-brown volcanic sand and clear water, it has been described as one of the few places in the world where four species of sea turtle, the Olive Ridley, Leatherback, Hawksbill and Green turtle, come to nest. In the winter months, forest staff guard the nests and guide hatchlings to the sea. At other times of the year, it is a very quiet beach with hardly anyone on it.
Kalipur lies about 15 to 17 km from Diglipur town on the east coast, and it is the base for the nearby snorkelling island of Craggy Island. This guide covers what to see, the turtle nesting season and the rules that protect it, an honest note on swimming, the best time to go and how to reach it. If you would rather have the transport and timing arranged for you, explore our Andaman tour packages, planned by Andaman Emerald Travels, a travel team based in the Andamans.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Kalipur village, east coast of North Andaman, Diglipur |
| Distance | About 15 to 17 km from Diglipur town; about 8 km from Aerial Bay jetty |
| Known for | Turtle nesting, grey-brown sand, forest backdrop, Craggy Island views |
| Turtle species | Olive Ridley, Leatherback, Hawksbill and Green turtles |
| Nesting season | Roughly December to February (reported from November to April by some sources) |
| Suggested time | 1.5 to 3 hours |
| Best time of day | Early morning, late afternoon and, with guidance, night in season |
| Best season | November to April |
| Best for | Nature lovers, couples, families, photographers, wildlife watchers |
Kalipur is a long, curving beach with unusual volcanic sand, ranging from grey to brown, and clear blue water. Thick jungle runs close to the shoreline, and small waves roll in steadily. There are no crowds and no hawkers, only a few visitors and the occasional fisherman. Because turtle nesting is so important, the beach is protected by the forest department, and local administrations issue advisories each winter asking people not to fish in the nesting areas.
Studies of the Andaman beaches found that Kalipur, along with Ramnagar Beach and Karmatang Beach in Mayabunder, has the right slope, sand and surrounding vegetation to suit turtle nesting. It is also close to Lamia Bay, a pebbly beach about 2 km away at the foot of the Saddle Peak trail, which has its own turtle hatcheries.
From roughly December to February, turtles come ashore at night to dig nests and lay their eggs. Weeks later, the hatchlings emerge and make their way to the sea, usually at night or at dawn. Travel guides note that all four species nest in the area, though Olive Ridley and Green turtles are the ones most often mentioned. Nesting is never guaranteed on any given night, and visitors should be prepared to see nothing.
Advice differs between sources. One tourism guide calls the beach perfect for swimming and snorkelling, and another says it is generally safe, but advises you to check conditions and follow local warnings. Because the beach is remote, with no lifeguard reported, swim only in calm conditions, stay close to shore, avoid the water at night and ask your hotel or the forest staff first. Keep children close, and avoid swimming when the sea is rough.
The wide, quiet shoreline is perfect for a long walk, especially in the early morning when the sand is cool and the light is soft. Look for turtle tracks from the night before, but keep to the paths indicated by staff and do not step on nests.
Craggy Island lies just offshore, visible from the beach, and is one of the best snorkelling spots in the north. See our guide to Craggy Island for boat access and safety.
Lamia Bay Beach, a pebbly beach a short distance away, is a good addition to a turtle-themed day. It is also the start of the Saddle Peak trail. Ask your guide about access and whether the hatcheries are open.
The curve of the beach, the jungle edge and the soft light make it a fine place for photographs. Birds are common along the forest edge, particularly in the morning.
| Highlight | What It Is | Approx. Time Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Beach walk | A long, quiet shoreline with volcanic sand | 30 to 60 minutes |
| Turtle nesting (seasonal) | Up to four turtle species, roughly December to February | Evening or night, with local guidance |
| Craggy Island view | A small snorkelling island just offshore | 10 to 15 minutes to look; half day to visit |
| Lamia Bay and hatcheries | A pebbly beach and turtle hatcheries nearby | 30 to 45 minutes |
| Photography and birds | Beach, forest edge and soft light | 30 to 45 minutes |
Timings are approximate and vary with the tide, season and local rules.
The best season is November to April, when the weather is dry and the sea is calm. For turtles, aim for December to February, when nesting and hatching are most likely. The rest of the year the beach is quiet and pleasant, but turtles are rare. Monsoon months bring heavy rain and rough seas, and the road can be difficult.
| Months | Season | What to Expect | Our Guides |
|---|---|---|---|
| October to November | Post-monsoon | Green landscapes; early nesting activity possible | October, November |
| December to February | Peak season and turtle nesting | Best weather; turtles may nest or hatch at night | December, January, February |
| March to April | Summer | Warm; late hatchlings possible | March, April |
| May to September | Monsoon | Heavy rain, rough seas and road disruption | May, June, July, August, September |
Diglipur is around 300 km from Port Blair, a journey of roughly 12 hours by road or 12 to 16 hours by overnight ship, so most travellers break it into stages. From Diglipur town, Kalipur is about 15 to 17 km by road, and the Aerial Bay jetty is about 8 km away. Autos and taxis are easy to find, and buses run regularly, roughly every 30 to 60 minutes. If you are on one of our packages, your private cab takes you directly and brings you back.
| Option | Best For | Things to Note |
|---|---|---|
| Private cab or pre-booked transfer | Families and groups; evening turtle visits | Arrange the return in advance, as roads are dark |
| Auto or taxi from Diglipur | Independent travellers | Agree the fare and waiting time |
| Local bus | Budget travellers | Regular daytime service; check the last bus back |
Convoy times, ferry schedules and rules change, so confirm everything before you travel. Carry valid photo ID.
| Time | Plan |
|---|---|
| Morning | Beach walk at Kalipur, then a boat trip to Craggy Island if conditions allow |
| Midday | Picnic and rest, and a visit to Lamia Bay |
| Afternoon | Return to Diglipur, or visit Ross and Smith Islands on another day |
| Evening (December to February) | Guided turtle watching, if the forest staff allow it |
Looking for a ready-made plan that includes Diglipur? Longer packages suit the far north best: see our 6 nights 7 days, 7 nights 8 days and 8 nights 9 days Andaman packages. For more quiet places, read our guide to offbeat places in Andaman, or browse all Andaman destinations on our site.
A few resorts and guesthouses sit close to Kalipur, which makes evening turtle visits easier. Facilities are modest, and rooms are limited, especially from December to February, so book early.
Diglipur and north Andaman stops are part of many of our packages. Every traveller has different needs, so we offer a package for each:
| Traveller Type | Package | What It Offers |
|---|---|---|
| Couples | Andaman honeymoon packages | Quiet stays and private transfers |
| Families | Andaman family packages | Comfortable, child-friendly plans |
| Friends and colleagues | Andaman group packages | Shared planning for large parties |
| Value-focused travellers | Andaman budget packages | Affordable trips that cover the highlights |
| Government employees | Andaman LTC packages | Plans designed for LTC travel |
| Thrill seekers | Andaman adventure packages | Trekking, snorkelling and offbeat excursions |
Not sure which suits you? Reach out through our contact page for a customised itinerary.
See what travellers say about us on Andaman Emerald Travels on Google, then call +91 9933245630 or send an enquiry for a free quote on your Andaman tour packages.
It is known as a turtle nesting beach, where up to four species of sea turtle are reported to nest, and for its quiet, forest-fringed shore.
Mainly December to February, though some sources give November to April. Sightings are never guaranteed.
About 15 to 17 km by road, and roughly 8 km from Aerial Bay jetty.
Sources differ. Swim only in calm conditions, near the shore and in daylight, and ask locally first.
The sand is volcanic, described as grey or brown, quite different from the white sand of Havelock.
Yes. It is just offshore and is a popular snorkelling spot.
Yes, for a quiet visit. Keep children close and avoid night visits unless guided.
Longer packages that include Diglipur can include it. Couples often choose a honeymoon package, families a family package and adventure lovers an adventure package. Our team can customise any plan.
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