Cinque Island Andaman is one of the most untouched and beautiful islands in the south of the archipelago. This protected island is made up of two small islands joined by a narrow sandbar, with clear turquoise water, pale sand, healthy coral and almost no one around. There are no shops, no cafes and no buildings, only sea, sand and forest. For nature lovers, snorkellers and anyone who wants to see the Andamans at their most natural, Cinque Island is a rare treat.
Cinque Island lies off the coast near Port Blair, and it can be reached only by boat. Access is limited and carefully controlled to protect the island, so a visit takes planning. This guide covers what to expect, the permit and access rules, the best time to go, what to bring and how to plan your day. If you would rather have the boats, permissions and guides arranged for you, explore our Andaman tour packages, planned by Andaman Emerald Travels, a travel team based in Port Blair.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Off the southern coast of South Andaman, reached by boat from the Port Blair area |
| Type | Protected island and part of a marine conservation area |
| Known for | Sandbar between two islands, clear water, coral, snorkelling, solitude |
| Facilities | None: no shops, food or shelter on the island |
| Suggested time | Full day, including the boat journey |
| Best season | October to May |
| Before you go | Permission is needed; access can change by season and rules |
Cinque Island is a small, forested island group in the south of the Andamans, surrounded by coral reefs and clear water. It is made up of two parts, usually called North Cinque and South Cinque, which are linked by a thin strip of sand. When the tide is right, the sandbar rises out of the sea, and you can walk along it with water on both sides, a view that is hard to forget.
The island is protected, and the surrounding sea is home to a wide range of marine life. Because access is controlled, there are far fewer visitors than at popular beaches, and the reef is in much better condition than at many busier spots. The island has no development of any kind, so everything you need for the day must come with you. To compare it with other islands near the city, see our guide to offbeat places in Andaman.
The sandbar is the island’s most famous sight. At low tide it appears as a narrow white path between the two islands, with turquoise water on either side. Walking along it is a magical experience, and it is a favourite spot for photographs. Because tides decide when it can be seen, timings are planned around the water level, and the sandbar may be covered at high tide.
The clear water and healthy coral make Cinque Island one of the best places for snorkelling in the south. Colourful fish, coral formations and sometimes larger marine life can be seen close to the shore. Visibility depends on the weather and tide, so conditions vary from day to day. Always wear a life jacket, stay with your guide and never stand on or touch the coral.
The reefs around Cinque Island are also known to experienced divers. Whether scuba diving is available on your dates depends on permissions, weather and local operators, so ask our team in advance. Beginners should start at one of the more established dive centres in other parts of the islands.
The beaches on the island are quiet, with soft sand and calm water. Visitors can walk along the shore, swim in suitable conditions and sit in the shade of the trees. Because the island is protected, walking is limited to permitted areas, and visitors must follow the guidance of the guides at all times.
The forest and the shoreline are home to birds, crabs and other small wildlife. Keep your distance, do not feed any animals and leave plants, shells and coral exactly as you found them.
| Highlight | What It Is | Approx. Time Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Boat journey | A long scenic ride across open water | 1 to 2 hours each way (varies with conditions) |
| Sandbar walk | Narrow white strip between two islands at low tide | 30 to 45 minutes |
| Snorkelling | Coral and fish close to the shore | 1 to 2 hours |
| Beach time | Quiet sand and calm water | 1 to 2 hours |
| Diving (if available) | Experienced divers only, subject to permission | Half day |
Timings are approximate and vary with tides, weather and the boat used.
Cinque Island is within a protected area, and visitors need permission from the forest authorities before they can land. The number of visitors is limited, the island may be closed on certain days or in certain seasons, and the rules can change. Because the permissions process is detailed, it is best to let a local operator handle it.
Our team handles the paperwork and checks current status for guests on our packages.
The best time to visit is October to May, when the sea is calmer and the water is clearer. The days are bright, and boat trips are more reliable. Monsoon months bring rough seas and low visibility, and the island is usually not accessible during rough weather.
| Months | Season | What to Expect | Our Guides |
|---|---|---|---|
| October to November | Post-monsoon | Improving sea conditions, fewer crowds | October, November |
| December to February | Peak season | Clearest water and calm seas; book early | December, January, February |
| March to May | Summer | Hot days, good visibility; start early | March, April, May |
| June to September | Monsoon | Rough seas and low visibility; trips often cancelled | June, July, August, September |
Cinque Island can be reached only by boat. Trips usually start from the southern coast near Port Blair, often from the jetty at Wandoor Beach, and the journey takes a long time across open water. Because the sea can be rough, trips depend on weather, and the boat may turn back if conditions are poor. If you are on one of our packages, we arrange the transfer, the boat, the permit and the guide.
| Stage | What Happens | Approx. Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Early departure | Leave your hotel early for the jetty | Early morning start |
| Transfer to the jetty | Drive to the departure point in the Port Blair area | About an hour |
| Boat to the island | Cross open water to Cinque Island | 1 to 2 hours (varies) |
| On the island | Sandbar, snorkelling and beach time | 3 to 4 hours |
| Return | Boat and road back to Port Blair | 2 to 3 hours |
Schedules, timings and rules change, so always confirm before you travel.
| Time | Plan |
|---|---|
| Early morning | Depart from Port Blair and travel to the jetty |
| Morning | Boat ride to Cinque Island |
| Late morning | Sandbar walk at low tide, then snorkelling |
| Midday | Packed lunch on the shore and some beach time |
| Afternoon | Return boat ride and drive back to Port Blair |
Looking for a ready-made plan? Port Blair island excursions can be included in our 3 nights 4 days and 4 nights 5 days Andaman packages, subject to permissions and weather.
Cinque is part of a group of southern island excursions. Depending on permissions and the season, you can also consider Jolly Buoy Island and Red Skin Island for more snorkelling. They are usually done on separate days, since each needs its own permit and boat. You can also browse all Andaman destinations on our site.
Port Blair island excursions can be arranged in 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 | Romantic stays and private island trips |
| 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 | Snorkelling, diving and active 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 a protected island made of two parts joined by a sandbar, with clear water, healthy coral and very few visitors. Walking along the sandbar is its most famous experience.
Yes. It is a protected area, and permission is required. Our team arranges it for guests on our packages and checks current rules.
No. There are no facilities and overnight stays are not allowed. It is a day trip only.
Plan for a full day, since the boat journey each way takes a while. Exact times depend on the sea, the boat and the departure point.
Yes. The clear water and coral are among the best near Port Blair, though conditions vary with weather and tide.
The crossing can be rough, and there is no shelter or medical help on the island. Discuss your group’s needs with us first, as the trip may not suit very young children, seniors or anyone prone to seasickness.
Trips can be cancelled for weather or rule changes. We always plan a backup, such as another island excursion, and will explain your options in advance.
Island excursions can be arranged on request, subject to permissions and weather. 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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