7 Unexplored Islands in Andaman Nicobar for Snorkeling Lovers

The Andaman & Nicobar Islands are the kind of place that makes you wonder if paradise was real all along. Sparkling turquoise waters, soft white sand, and skies that stretch forever, this is what dreams are made of.

Everyone flocks to Havelock and Neil, but the archipelago has secret corners where the underwater world is even more magical.

For snorkelers, these hidden islands are like playgrounds for fins and masks, full of colorful fish, coral mazes, and that “I can’t believe this is real” feeling.

Here are seven lesser-known islands where adventure, beauty, and a little slice of solitude meet your snorkeling dreams.

1. Little Andaman: Wild, Free, and Totally Untamed

Little Andaman is a place that refuses to be tamed. Think wide beaches, crashing waves, and coral reefs bursting with life just waiting to be explored. Snorkel around Butler Bay or Hut Bay, and you’ll see fish darting through corals like they’re putting on a private show for you.

And the fun doesn’t stop underwater. Trek through waterfalls, hike thick forests, and meet local tribes who welcome curious travelers. Little Andaman is raw, wild, and unforgettable, the kind of island that leaves you grinning long after you leave.

Also read: The best 7 day Andaman itinerary for first timers

2. Ritchie’s Archipelago: Secret Coral Hideaways

A quick boat ride from Havelock, Ritchie’s Archipelago is basically a cluster of small islands that are still whisper-quiet. Julius Island and Alexander Island are perfect for snorkeling, crystal-clear waters, calm waves, and fish so colorful you’ll wonder if someone turned up the saturation.

These islands give you that explorer vibe, like you’re the first person in the world to discover their coral playgrounds. Every splash, every fin flick, every colorful coral formation feels like a secret you’ve been let in on.

3. Long Island: Chill Vibes and Coral Thrills

Long Island is the perfect mix of chill and thrill. The coral reefs near Saddle Peak are teeming with clownfish, parrotfish, and all sorts of little ocean acrobats. The waters are gentle enough for beginners but still exciting for seasoned snorkelers.

Above water, there’s more to love. Forest trails, birdwatching, and sunsets that look straight out of a painting make this island a multi-sensory adventure. Long Island doesn’t just let you snorkel; it makes you fall in love with the island life.

4. North Sentinel Island: Peek Without Disturbing

Okay, so you can’t actually go on North Sentinel Island because of the indigenous Sentinelese tribe, but nearby waters are still amazing for snorkeling. Guides can take you to the surrounding reefs, which are untouched, colorful, and teeming with marine life.

It’s rare to find snorkeling spots that feel so pristine. Floating in these waters, you’ll get a sneak peek at what the Andamans were like long before the crowds arrived.

5. Interview Island: Your Private Ocean Playground

Interview Island is the ultimate spot for solo or small-group snorkel adventures. The reefs are untouched, the waters calm, and the marine life is spectacular, think butterflyfish, angelfish, and even small reef sharks gliding elegantly below.

The best part? You’ll probably have the whole island almost to yourself. Every dive feels like a personal performance by the ocean. This is “exclusive paradise” in the truest sense.

6. North Button Island: Coral Overload

North Button Island is small but mighty. Part of the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, the reefs here are packed with life, parrotfish, clownfish, and corals in every shape and color. Swimming above them is like drifting through a living kaleidoscope.

It’s quiet, it’s beautiful, and it’s one of those places that reminds you why snorkeling is basically therapy with fins.

7. Cinque Island: The Hidden Underwater Wonderland

Cinque Island is easily one of the most underrated snorkeling spots in the Andamans. Crystal-clear water, vibrant coral beds, and playful schools of fish make every dive feel like stepping into another world.

The beaches are empty, the waters untouched, and every moment underwater is like a mini adventure. Snorkeling here is pure joy, without the crowds, without the noise, just you and the ocean putting on a show.

Also read: The Ultimate Scuba Diver's Guide to India's Coastal Paradises

Conclusion: Adventure, Solitude, and Snorkeling Bliss

If you love snorkeling, these seven unexplored islands are basically a dream come true. Crystal-clear waters, rainbow-colored coral reefs, and almost nobody around, it’s the perfect mix of adventure and peace.

Beyond the snorkeling, the islands invite you to stroll on deserted beaches, watch waves lap against the shore, and let nature remind you that the simplest pleasures are often the best. Sometimes, the best adventures are just under the surface.