The Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex is the waterfront hub of Port Blair for boats, water activities and island trips. Located in the Aberdeen area beside Marina Park, it is where many visitors catch the boat to Ross Island and North Bay, try a first water sport and watch the harbour at its busiest. It is a lively, easy-to-reach place that suits families, couples and groups, and it is often the starting point of a day of sightseeing in the city.
The complex sits in the heart of Port Blair, a short distance from Aberdeen Bazaar and the Cellular Jail. This guide covers what you will find, the activities on offer, how island boat trips work, the best time to go, how to reach it and how to plan your day. If you would rather have the boats, tickets and activities arranged for you, explore our Andaman tour packages, planned by Andaman Emerald Travels, a travel team based in Port Blair.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Aberdeen waterfront, central Port Blair (Sri Vijaya Puram), beside Marina Park |
| Type | Water sports complex, boat jetty and waterfront |
| Known for | Water sports, boat departures to nearby islands, harbour views |
| Includes | Aberdeen Jetty and a memorial to the Battle of Aberdeen (1859) |
| Suggested time | 1 to 3 hours, plus any island trip |
| Best time of day | Morning for boat trips; late morning to afternoon for activities |
| Best for | Families, couples, groups, first-time water sports fans |
The complex was built as a central place for water activities in Port Blair, and it combines calm, family-friendly options with more adventurous sports. Paddle boats, row boats and glass-bottom boats suit young children and relaxed travellers, while jet skis, speed boats, banana boats and parasailing are on the adventure side. The complex also includes the Aberdeen Jetty, which is one of the main departure points for boat trips to the nearby islands.
The setting has history too. A memorial at the complex commemorates the Battle of Aberdeen, fought in 1859 between the British and the Andamanese. For a wider view of the islands’ past, read our guide to the history of the Andaman Islands.
Availability and prices vary by season, weather and operator, but visitors can typically find the following:
| Activity | Suitable For | Experience Level |
|---|---|---|
| Paddle boats and row boats | Families, children, couples | No experience needed |
| Glass-bottom boat | Families, seniors, young children | No experience needed |
| Bumper boats and water cycling | Children, groups | Beginner |
| Jet skiing | Friends, couples, thrill seekers | Beginner (with instructions) |
| Speed boat ride | Families, groups | Beginner |
| Banana boat ride | Groups, families | Beginner |
| Parasailing | Thrill seekers | Beginner |
For more detail, see our guides to jet skiing, speed boat rides, banana boat rides and parasailing. Kayaking and sea walking may also be offered at times, so ask about kayaking and sea walking when you book. Browse everything on our Andaman activities page.
Safety comes first. Life jackets are provided, briefings are given before each activity and some sports have age, weight or health limits. Listen carefully, follow the instructor’s directions and do not take part if you are unwell.
The complex is one of the main starting points for boat tours to nearby islands. Many visitors use it to reach Ross Island, North Bay Island and Viper Island. A combined two-island trip, usually Ross Island and North Bay, is the most popular choice and takes up most of a day. A three-island option adds Viper Island.
| Trip | What You See | Approx. Time |
|---|---|---|
| Ross Island only | Ruins of the old British settlement | 2 to 3 hours |
| North Bay only | Lighthouse, coral and water activities | 3 to 4 hours |
| Ross Island and North Bay | The two main island sights in one trip | Most of a day |
| Three islands with Viper | Adds the penal settlement ruins | Full day |
Two points are worth knowing. First, tourist boat services to the islands have traditionally not run on Wednesdays, so plan around that. Second, departure points sometimes shift to the nearby Junglighat Jetty on certain days, for example around public events and the tsunami anniversary on 26 December, when water sports are not permitted at Aberdeen Jetty. Always confirm the day’s arrangements before you travel, or let our team handle it.
| Highlight | What It Is | Approx. Time Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Water activities | Boat rides, jet skis, parasailing and more | 30 to 60 minutes per activity |
| Island boat departures | Boats to Ross Island, North Bay and Viper | Depends on the trip |
| Harbour views | Boats, jetty and city skyline | 15 to 20 minutes |
| Battle of Aberdeen memorial | Memorial to the 1859 battle | 10 to 15 minutes |
| Nearby Marina Park | Waterfront walk and cafe | 45 minutes to 1 hour |
Timings are approximate and vary with season, queues and weather.
The best season is October to May, when the sea is calm and activities run reliably. During the tourist season the complex is generally open every day. Morning is best for boat trips because the water is calmer, while late morning and afternoon suit most water sports. Monsoon months bring rough seas, and activities and boat trips are often suspended.
| Months | Season | What to Expect | Our Guides |
|---|---|---|---|
| October to November | Post-monsoon | Seas settling; activities restarting | October, November |
| December to February | Peak season | Calm seas and the busiest period; book early | December, January, February |
| March to May | Summer | Warm and bright; visit early for cooler water | March, April, May |
| June to September | Monsoon | Rough seas; many activities and trips cancelled | June, July, August, September |
The complex is in the Aberdeen area, a short walk from Aberdeen Bazaar and beside Marina Park. It is easy to reach from almost any hotel by cab or auto, and many visitors walk from nearby stays. If you are on one of our packages, your private cab drops you at the right entrance and picks you up after your trip.
| Option | Best For | Things to Note |
|---|---|---|
| On foot | Those staying near Aberdeen Bazaar | A short walk through busy streets |
| Auto | Short, budget-minded trips | Agree the fare in advance |
| Private cab | Families and groups | Convenient when combining several sights |
Water sports and boat services usually run during the day, roughly from the morning to the late afternoon, and may be closed on certain days or in bad weather. Ticket prices vary by activity and by the type of boat or tour. Because timings, prices and rules change, always confirm current details before you go, or ask our team to book for you.
The complex is surrounded by sights, so it is easy to build a half-day or full day:
| Attraction | Why Pair It | Approx. Time Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Fisheries Museum | A small marine aquarium nearby, popular with children | 45 minutes to 1 hour |
| Cellular Jail | The historic prison and evening Light and Sound Show | 1.5 to 2 hours plus the show |
| Samudrika Museum | Covers the islands’ marine life and ocean ecosystems | 1 to 1.5 hours |
Timings are approximate and vary with season and crowds.
| Time | Plan |
|---|---|
| Morning | Take the boat to Ross Island and North Bay |
| Midday | Return and have lunch near Aberdeen Bazaar |
| Afternoon | Try a water sport or glass-bottom boat at the complex |
| Evening | Stroll through Marina Park, then the Light and Sound Show at the Cellular Jail |
Looking for a ready-made plan that includes the Water Sports Complex? See our 3 nights 4 days and 4 nights 5 days Andaman packages. You can also browse all Andaman destinations on our site.
Port Blair sightseeing and island trips from the complex 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 | Romantic stays, private transfers and 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 | Water sports 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 waterfront complex in Port Blair offering water activities and serving as a departure point for boat trips to nearby islands.
It is in the Aberdeen area of central Port Blair, beside Marina Park and close to Aberdeen Bazaar and the Cellular Jail.
Typical options include paddle boats, glass-bottom boats, jet skiing, speed boats, banana boat rides and parasailing. Availability varies by season and operator.
Yes. It is a main departure point, though the exact jetty can change on certain days. Our team confirms this for guests on our packages.
Tourist boats have traditionally not run on Wednesdays, and trips may also be suspended in bad weather or around special events. Always confirm before you go.
Yes. Paddle boats and glass-bottom boats suit all ages, while some adventure sports have age and health limits.
Plan 1 to 3 hours for activities, plus extra time if you take an island trip.
Most of our Port Blair packages include activities or island trips from the complex. Couples often choose a honeymoon package, families a family package and adventure lovers an adventure package. Our team can customise any plan.
C-43 WARD NO. 12, DIGNABAD, PORT BLAIR, South Andaman, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, 744101
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