Big changes in regulations for visiting yachts

Major changes in visiting yacht regulations to the Andaman Islands have now made it a much friendlier and significantly easier yachting destination. Remote destinations of untouched natural beauty are of high interest to yacht owners and guests and the Andaman Islands offer a new era for superyachts with big changes in regulations. 

“The region has been challenging to access due to tight visa and cruising permit restrictions. Now yachts visiting the Andaman Islands will find a visit much simpler with big changes in permits, visas and what you can and can’t do in the local waters,” reported R. Rathnam of Asia Pacific Superyachts (APS), travelling from India at a special ‘Captains Meeting’. 

The meeting, hosted by APS co-founder Gordon Fernandes and held at the Yacht Haven Marina in Phuket, featured Rathnam sharing with Captains the highly significant changes in regulations, followed by questions and discussions. He also brought news of how the Andaman Islands are transforming to a high-end tourism and superyacht destination.

The major changes reported at the Captains Meeting explain how much easier it is to visit this remote island group, with peaceful cruising from pristine reefs to primeval rainforest (and the only confirmed active volcano in South Asia). The Andaman Islands are one of the last few remaining paradise destinations on planet Earth, where visitors experience Mother Nature’s pristine treasures in total solitude. This most exclusive, remote and spectacular destination is without parallel and now much easier for superyachts to visit. 

Restricted area permit

Andaman Islands superyacht cruising permits previously allowed for a maximum visit of 30 days as this came under a Restricted Area Permit, since the region is ecologically sensitive. Fifteen-day extensions were possible, but only for emergencies. Now foreign visitors no longer need the permit. Instead, they can remain as long as their visas are valid. In another major change, owners and guests enjoying Andaman Islands superyacht cruising are now allowed to scuba dive and fish from their yacht.

Visa

In earlier days, one had to apply in person for a visa by visiting the India Embassy and in most cases, apply in their home country. This regulation made getting a visa a time-consuming and challenging process. Now the entire visa process is online and you can apply for a visa for a month, a year or five years with approval emailed back to you in 3-5 days. For eligibility and further information, please visit indianvisaonline.gov.in  

Inward clearances

Before the new changes in regulations, there was no timeline available for completion of the inward clearances. Rathnam reports that, now and in the future, yachts arriving in the morning will receive clearance that evening. 

He further reported there is no problem with the quality of the fuel and access to marine fuel is much better now. New fuel stations provide high-quality supplies at fair prices and captains can refuel with confidence, knowing that quality meets international standards. APS Andaman Islands agents have assisted several visiting yachts, none of which had any issues.

Exploring the Andamans

The Andaman Islands are a stunning archipelago located in the Bay of Bengal, to the east of the Indian mainland, geographically, part of India and lying closer to Southeast Asia, with Thailand and Myanmar as neighbours to the east. This tropical paradise is a top destination for superyachts, offering a unique experience for those seeking sailing adventures far away from the ordinary. With lush, rain-fed evergreen forests and an abundance of exotic flora and fauna, the 836 islands of this archipelago stand as a testament to untouched beauty. 

After an easy arrival and provisioning along with an APS personalised itinerary, yachts can head north or south from the capital, viewing stunning islands along the way with the best anchorages easily reachable as all enjoy a memorable voyage.  

For those seeking adventure, the Andamans offer a variety of yachting routes, from island hopping to secluded anchorages and experience the serene beauty of the archipelago. A yachting trip around the Andaman Islands provides the opportunity to discover hidden coves, private beaches, and crystal-clear waters far from the crowds. There are many islands with magnificently pristine white beaches, some several kilometres long with not a single footprint on them. Here you will find wildlife, like monkeys, deer, birds, to name just a few.

Through the Diligent Strait, Peel Island and Henry Lawrence Island offer secluded anchorages for snorkeling and interesting coastal outcrops to explore. Exciting and adventurous island cruising for superyachts is accessible only by boat and includes the islands of Inglis, Sister, Passage, Brother, Barren, Narcondum, Little Andaman, Interview, Neil, Cinque, Henry, Lawrence, and Button. 

In transforming the Andamans to a high-end destination, major hospitality groups are entering the eco-friendly resort development in the islands. Yachting visitors who enjoy combining cruising and shoreside stays will have a handful of eco-oriented resorts from which to choose and over the next several years, resorts will appear on Long Island, Aves Island, and Shaheed Dweep (Neil Island). 

The existing Megapode Resort in Sri Vijaya Puram will undergo redevelopment as well, and Rathnam reports the Taj Exotica Resort & Spa is already welcoming visitors along the renowned Radhanagar Beach at Havelock Island. 

Best time to visit

The Andamans climate and weather is normal for tropical islands of similar latitude. It is always warm but tempered by pleasant sea breezes, though it can be very hot when the sun is northing. The rainfall is irregular but usually dry during the north-east, and very wet during the south-west monsoon. Looking at a broad time range, October until mid-June is the best season in general to visit, with October being the start of the season. The heavy southwest monsoon showers are over by September and the scuba diving season starts with waters turning calm, clear, and flat. 

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