Sea Walking in Andaman: Where, How & What to Expect

Sea walking in Andaman lets you walk on the seabed among fish and corals without swimming and without any diving training. You wear a light helmet that is supplied with air from the surface, step down a ladder and stroll along the sandy bottom with a guide beside you. Your hair and face stay dry, and you can even wear glasses in most cases. It is one of the most popular activities for families, seniors and first-time visitors who want to see the reef but are nervous about deep water. This guide covers where to go, what happens, the safety rules and how to add it to your Andaman tour packages.

What is sea walking?

Sea walking is a guided underwater walk in shallow water. A helmet sits on your shoulders and is fed with air through a pipe from a platform or boat above. Because the helmet is weighted, you do not float and you do not need to swim. You breathe normally, as you would on land.

Where to do sea walking in Andaman

North Bay Island, Port Blair

The easiest place if you are staying in the city. It is reached by a short boat ride and often combined with other water sports. See our North Bay Island guide.

Elephant Beach, Havelock

A favourite for clear water and lively reef life. Read our Elephant Beach guide and the wider Havelock Island guide.

Availability depends on weather, tides and operator schedules, so confirm your slot with us before you travel.

How a sea walk works: step by step

Check-in and briefing: the crew explains hand signals, how to equalise ear pressure and what to do if you feel uncomfortable.
Boat ride: you travel to a floating platform or a marked spot above the reef.
Helmet and descent: the helmet is placed on your shoulders and you walk down a ladder into the water.
The walk: you walk slowly on the seabed with a guide, often at a depth of only a few metres, and can watch or hand-feed the fish with food the crew gives you.
Return: you climb back up, remove the helmet and get a short rest.

The underwater part usually lasts around 15 to 20 minutes, and the whole experience takes longer once the briefing and boat ride are included. Exact timings differ by operator.

Who can try sea walking?

No swimming skills are needed, which makes it a good first step before scuba diving in Andaman.
Most operators accept children from around 7 to 10 years old, and many seniors enjoy it too. Age limits vary, so ask when you book.
Not suitable if you have heart or lung problems, uncontrolled asthma, epilepsy, ear or sinus trouble, a heavy cold, or if you are pregnant. If you are unsure, check with your doctor first.
Tell the crew about any medical condition or fear of water before you start.

Best time for sea walking in Andaman

The best months are November to April, when the sea is calm and visibility is good. Compare conditions in our Andaman weather in January and Andaman weather in February guides. Morning slots are often clearer. In the monsoon, rough seas can cancel boat trips.

What is included and what to carry

Usually included: briefing, helmet and safety equipment, guide and boat transfer. Photos and videos are often paid extras, so ask in advance.
Carry: swimwear, a towel, a change of clothes, a government photo ID and any regular medicines.
Do not bring your own fish food, and do not touch or collect coral.

Sea walking safety tips

Book only with licensed operators who provide a proper safety briefing.
Use the hand signals you are taught and keep your guide within reach.
Equalise your ears slowly as you go down. Signal to stop if you feel pain.
Stay on the path your guide shows you and keep away from corals.

Sea walking vs other reef activities

	Sea walking	Snorkeling	Semi submarine
Swimming needed	No	Basic comfort helps	No
Get wet	Body wet, hair and face mostly dry	Yes	No
Best for	Families, first-timers	Budget trips, most ages	Seniors, toddlers, non-swimmers

Prefer to float on the surface? Try snorkeling in Andaman. Want to stay completely dry? Book a semi submarine ride in Andaman. See every option on our Andaman activities page.

Add sea walking to your Andaman package

Families with children: Andaman family packages
Active travellers: Andaman adventure packages
Couples: Andaman honeymoon packages
Friends travelling together: Andaman group packages
Cost-conscious trips: Andaman budget packages
Government employees: Andaman LTC packages

Want a sea walk in your itinerary? Call +91 9933245630, and read traveller feedback on Andaman Emerald Travels on Google.

FAQ's

No. The helmet is weighted and supplied with air, and a guide stays with you throughout.

Usually not, because the helmet keeps your head dry. Your body will get wet, so carry a change of clothes.

In most cases yes, because the helmet has space inside. Ask your operator to be sure.

Often around 7 to 10 years, but it depends on the operator. Confirm when you book.

Mainly at North Bay Island in Port Blair and Elephant Beach in Havelock, subject to weather and schedules.

It is considered a low-risk activity when done with a licensed operator, a proper briefing and a guide. Follow all instructions and skip it if you have a medical condition that rules it out.