Craggy Island
Craggy Island is a tiny, rugged islet located a short distance off the coast of Kalipur Beach near Diglipur. As its name suggests, it is characterized by a rocky shoreline and dense tropical greenery, contrasting beautifully with the clear blue waters surrounding it. It is predominantly famous among locals and seasoned travelers for being an outstanding, accessible spot for snorkeling and shallow scuba diving. The underwater visibility is excellent, revealing vibrant coral reefs, a diverse range of colorful fish, and other marine creatures, often considered better than the sites near the mainland. Strong swimmers can attempt to swim across from Kalipur Beach, but a motorized boat is the recommended and safer option. It is a peaceful, less-crowded alternative to the twin islands for underwater exploration.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
Snorkeling & Relaxation: 2 to 3 hours.
Boat Trip: 30-45 minutes of round trip boat travel.Place Type:
Snorkeling, Adventure, Island HoppingEntry Fees:
Boat Hire/Transfer Fee: The primary cost is the hire of a motorized dinghy/boat from Kalipur Beach or Aerial Bay for the return trip to the island (Approximate: Rs.2,000 to Rs.3,500 for a private return trip, depending on negotiation and duration).
...Boat Hire/Transfer Fee: The primary cost is the hire of a motorized dinghy/boat from Kalipur Beach or Aerial Bay for the return trip to the island (Approximate: Rs.2,000 to Rs.3,500 for a private return trip, depending on negotiation and duration).
Snorkeling/Gear Rental: Fees for renting high-quality snorkeling gear (mask, snorkel, fins) from the dive operators near Kalipur (Approximate: Rs.300-Rs.500 per person).
No Official Entry Fee: There is no formal entry fee or forest permit required for the islet itself as it is not an officially managed tourist attraction like the twin islands.
Swimming Caution: If attempting to swim, there is a risk of a fine from the local police or coast guard if the conditions are deemed too dangerous (no official fee, but a potential penalty).
Total Expected Cost: The cost is driven by the boat hire and gear rental, making it a moderately priced water activity day.Timing:
Regular Timings: 08:00 to 16:00 Hrs (4 PM). Boat operators run during daylight hours, depending on sea conditions.
Ideal Visit Time of Day: Mid-morning (09:00 to 12:00 PM) is best for high visibility for snorkeling and to take advantage of ...Regular Timings: 08:00 to 16:00 Hrs (4 PM). Boat operators run during daylight hours, depending on sea conditions.
Ideal Visit Time of Day: Mid-morning (09:00 to 12:00 PM) is best for high visibility for snorkeling and to take advantage of the calmer sea conditions before the afternoon winds pick up.
Best Sea Condition: Visit when the sea is calm and the weather is sunny to ensure the clearest water for optimal coral viewing and a safe boat transfer.
Duration of Stay: 2-3 hours on the islet.Special Events:
Annual Snorkeling Camp: Local adventure and diving clubs often host informal weekend snorkeling camps and introductory free dive sessions at the site during the peak season (November to February).
Coastal Clean-up Dive: Small groups of diver...Annual Snorkeling Camp: Local adventure and diving clubs often host informal weekend snorkeling camps and introductory free dive sessions at the site during the peak season (November to February).
Coastal Clean-up Dive: Small groups of divers and conservationists organize periodic, specialized underwater clean-up dives and surveys around the fringing reefs to monitor coral health.
Small Sailing Regattas: During the calm months, small, locally-organized sailing dinghy or kayaking regattas may take place around the islet, visible from Kalipur Beach.
Photo Contest Spot: Due to its unique "craggy" profile, it is a frequent, unlisted subject for entries in the local annual Andaman Coastal Photography contest.Best Photo Spots:
The Rugged Profile: Capture the whole Craggy Island islet from the boat, showing its unique, craggy (rocky) profile and dense green cover against the clear blue sky and water.
Snorkeler Action Shot: A snorkeler's view (half-in, half-out of t...The Rugged Profile: Capture the whole Craggy Island islet from the boat, showing its unique, craggy (rocky) profile and dense green cover against the clear blue sky and water.
Snorkeler Action Shot: A snorkeler's view (half-in, half-out of the water) or an action shot of someone preparing to dive off the boat with the island in the background.
The Rocky Cove: Photograph the small, secluded rocky coves and ledges on the shoreline, especially where the rocks meet the clear water, emphasizing the raw, dramatic coastal texture.
Coral Macro: Macro shots of the healthy coral polyps and the smaller, colorful tropical fish near the surface while snorkeling.
View from Kalipur: A distant, framed shot of the small island from the end of Kalipur Beach, visible across the water, often taken at sunset.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Best Snorkeling Experience: Engage in the primary activity of snorkeling directly from a boat to explore the shallow yet rich coral reefs teeming with colorful fish, sea turtles, and other marine life.
Shallow Water Diving: For certified divers, the area offers excellent shallow scuba diving opportunities, often less crowded than other famous dive spots in the Andamans.
Kayak/Canoe Exploration: Rent a kayak or canoe from Kalipur and paddle slowly around the rugged shoreline of the islet to explore its hidden coves and dramatic rock formations from the water.
Strong Swimmer Challenge: If you are a very strong and experienced swimmer, attempt the short, supervised, but challenging swim from Kalipur Beach to the islet (flippers and a buddy are highly recommended). <...
Information
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Why Famous:
Unparalleled Snorkeling: It is locally famous as having some of the best and clearest water near Diglipur for snorkeling and viewing dense, healthy coral reefs and colorful fish in shallow depths.
Proximity to Kalipur: Its location a short b...Unparalleled Snorkeling: It is locally famous as having some of the best and clearest water near Diglipur for snorkeling and viewing dense, healthy coral reefs and colorful fish in shallow depths.
Proximity to Kalipur: Its location a short boat ride from Kalipur Beach makes it an easily accessible half-day trip for water sports and reef exploration.
Rugged Scenery: Unlike the soft, sweeping beaches, its craggy (rocky) terrain offers a unique and dramatic coastal landscape, appealing to those seeking a raw, undeveloped natural experience.
Thrill for Swimmers: The challenge and accomplishment of swimming the short distance from Kalipur Beach to the island is popular among strong, experienced local swimmers. -
Architecture:
Rugged Coastal Terrain: Craggy Island is a small, elevated landmass characterized by its irregular, uneven, and rocky shoreline, with steep, jungle-covered sides rising from the sea. Its "craggy" nature is due to its composition of volcanic rock and weathered stone.Rugged Coastal Terrain: Craggy Island is a small, elevated landmass characterized by its irregular, uneven, and rocky shoreline, with steep, jungle-covered sides rising from the sea. Its "craggy" nature is due to its composition of volcanic rock and weathered stone.
Snorkeling Depth: The coral reefs are located in shallow waters, often just a few meters deep (e. g. , 3-8 meters), making them easily accessible for snorkeling directly from a boat or its small, unmanaged beach coves. -
How To Reach:
By Air: Fly to Port Blair (IXZ), then take the journey to Diglipur (by road/sea).
By Train: No Train facilities are available.
By Road: Take the ATR from Port Blair to Diglipur (Approx. 10-12 hours). From ... -
Near Tourist Places:
Kalipur Beach:
1 KM (Boat ride start) Lamiya Bay Beach:
2 KMS Aerial Bay Jetty:
8 KMS Ross & Smith Islands: 10 KMS (Boat from Aerial Bay) Saddle Peak National Park:
10 KMS Diglipur Town Center:
18 KMS Turtle Resort:
1 KM Ramnagar Beach:
30 KMS Alfred Caves:
32 KMS (Trek start from Ramnagar) Kalpong River: 15 KMS
Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety: Always take the motorized boat unless you are an extremely strong, experienced swimmer with a buddy. Be cautious of the sharp rocks and barnacles on the shoreline. Always snorkel with a buddy and avoid going out in rough sea conditions.
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