The Andaman Islands are a paradise of a destination for water sports adventurers and nature lovers. The waters of the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea washes the shores of Andamans. Mahua, Padauk, Gurjan, coconut palms, and mangrove trees blanket the huge chunk of the islands. The healthy corals and rare marine life makes the underwater activities an exhilarating experience. Most tourists visit well-known and established tourist destinations in Andaman. But apart from the touristy sites, there is also a secret gem in Andamans called Cinque Island.
About Cinque Island
Cinque Island is a gorgeous uninhabited island and an offbeat destination to visit in Andamans. Only those with a curiosity and interest of exploring far off places, travel to this island. If you have visited Andaman island several times before, and want something fresh and new to explore, visit Cinque Island. The island is between the Passage and Duncan island towards the north side. It also shares its borders with Wandoor Marine National Park.
Different species of endemic birds are found like Andaman Treepie, Andaman Wood Pigeon, and Andaman Drongo on this island. It has rare corals and beautiful marine life. It has ivory white beaches and a sand bar connecting North and South Cinque Island. Together the North and South Cinque forms the single large Cinque Island. Scroll below to know more about Cinque Island:
How to Reach Cinque Island?
Cinque Island rests 39 kilometres away from the capital Sri Vijaya Puram. There are no government run ferries that operate between Cinque Island and Sri Vijaya Puram. So, how does one exactly get to Cinque Island? To get to Cinque Island, one has to avail service of a private boat operator, negotiate prices and go on the journey. You also have to take the permission of the Forest Department to travel to Cinque Island. It is recommended to travel in a group of 6 to 8 people to share expenses of boating.
Best Time to Visit Cinque Island
The best time to visit Andaman Island is also the best time to go to Cinque Island, i.e. from October to April. This period is the only time of the year when a tourist can actually visit Cinque Island. The clear skies, balmy weather, and superb underwater visibility for scuba diving and snorkeling. The maximum and minimum temperatures are around 31 and 24 degree celsius. Monsoon season (July to September) is not the ideal time to visit Cinque Island. Besides, the Forest Department does not issue permission to visit the Island due to rainy weather and unpredictable sea conditions.
Things to Know About Cinque Island
Before you plan a trip to Cinque Island or are considering to add Cinque Island in your Andaman tour packages, here are some things to know:
- Only Day-time Visits to Cinque Island: Cinque Island is an uninhabited island with no tourist infrastructure like hotels, restaurants or washroom facilities. This is why only day-time visits are allowed on the island and by evening you return to Sri Vijaya Puram. There was a time when overnight stays were allowed on the island, but post 2019 the rule changed.
- Plan Ahead for Water Activities : Travelers must plan ahead for any water activities and talk to your tour operator. Tourists must carry their essentials for water activities like diving gear or snorkel gear, beach towels, etc, if they plan to engage in water activities.
- Carry Your Essentials: Carry a first aid kit, some snacks, water bottle, a beach mat, etc. on your day trip to Cinque Island from Sri Vijaya Puram.
- When Should Your Visit: There is only a limited amount of time you can spend on Cinque Island with no option for an overnight stay. It is advisable to visit the island from the first boat leaving from Sri Vijaya and return by evening.
- Don’t Expect Robust Connectivity: There is little to no mobile connectivity found on Cinque Island. Jio and Airtel do not work in comparison to Vodafone. The latter does provide signals sometimes, but isn’t fully reliable.
- Best Place to Enjoy Solitude: Cinque Island is peaceful featuring a vast expanse of open sea. Its beaches and greenery are captivating and healing. You won’t find any massive tourist crowds here. This gives a visitor plenty of time, space and tranquillity to sit by themselves and be contemplative.
Activities to do in Cinque Island
- Beach Picnics:
The white sandy beach of Cinque island is perfect for spreading out a mat and having a little picnic. It’s not a daily occurrence when city folk get a chance to enjoy an al-fresco breakfast or lunch on the beach. There are no crowds or tourist chatter around — only forest green beauty, salt air, and clear blue skies.
- Photography:
What’s a trip to Cinque Island without clicking some good photos? Whether you are a professional photographer or not, the beauty of Cinque Island will compel you to create snapshots of your memories. The scenic backdrop of the blue waters or the knotted green forested are perfect for enviable photos.
- Snorkelling & Diving:
Spot some rare marine life and healthy coral population in Cinque Island. Going for snorkeling or diving in the waters around Cinque Island is a must. You can spot species like Red Snapper, Big Eye Tuna, Grouper, Angle Yellow Fin, etc. If you are lucky, you can also spot marine life like: sea anemones, turtles, starfish, etc.
- Fishing:
Believe it or not, fishing yachts also take you to Cinque Island to participate in Game fishing. This island gives you plenty of opportunities to test your angling skills. Fishing is a great way to test your patience, build camaraderie, and to enjoy simple pleasures of life.
- Birdwatching:
The tropical rain forests on Cinque Island are home to endemic birds that enriches the avifauna of the island. Use a pair of binoculars to spot birds like Andaman pigeon, Andaman woodpecker, Andaman Drongo, etc.
- Sunset Viewing:
Cinque Island is among the best places in Andaman to view the sunset. Watch the hues of the sky changing into orange and pink when the setting reflects in war glow. The dotted clouds hang like cotton pods — a beautiful view to capture in the sun.
- Sunbathing and Strolling:
The clean beach and little to no tourists mean plenty of space to unwind and relax. No chattering sounds, no hullabaloo, just peaceful surroundings. Use this opportunity to splatter sunscreen and bask in the sun or simply reflect while taking a therapeutic walk along the shoreline.
What Not to Do in Cinque Island?
There are certain norms and rules that you must follow while spending time on Cinque Island:
- Do not smoke or start a fire on the Island.
- Do not harm or disturb the natural environment of the island. This includes flora and fauna, marine life etc.)
- Do not step on corals or touch them while snorkeling, maintaining a distance is advisable.
- Do not litter on Cinque Island as it can harm the fragile ecosystem. Carry a trash bag and collect all your waste back with you.
- Avoid using single use plastic bags, plastic bottles or cutlery on Cinque Island or anywhere on Andamans.
This concludes the guide to Cinque Island. If you have been looking for an offbeat trip to Andaman, Cinque island is among the best places.