Riparian 6 Days Andaman Mangrove Safari | Submerged

The Andaman Islands have some of the most extensive and intact mangrove forest systems in India — island mangroves growing around tidal creeks and coastal fringes in conditions that the Andaman’s relatively undisturbed coastline has preserved better than most of the country’s remaining mangrove cover. Each mangrove system here has its own character. The Baratang creek is dense enough that the canopy closes completely over the narrower sections and the boat moves through a tunnel of root and branch. The Moricedera system near Rangat is a tidal creek that feeds into Rangat Bay, the water moving through the forest in both directions across the day depending on where the tide is. The Chiriya Tapu mangrove belt at the southernmost point of South Andaman holds the forest-sea edge where the tidal zone meets the tree line and the birding in the early morning is as good as anything in the south. The Wandoor mangrove fringing borders the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park coastline. This andaman mangrove safari covers all five across six days — a circuit of the Andaman mangrove world from south to middle and back.

Bon Voyagers manages the complete ground programme from Port Blair Airport arrival. Day 1 covers the pre-dawn Chiriya Tapu mangrove belt and the Wandoor marine park mangrove channel in the afternoon. Day 2 drives north through Baratang where the mangrove creek boat ride is the hero programme. Day 3 is the Rangat mangrove day — the Moricedera creek in the morning and the Rangat Bay fringe in the afternoon. Day 4 returns to Port Blair. Day 5 covers the Port Blair history and reef circuit. Day 6 is the departure. Small boats and motorboats for all mangrove creek excursions are included. Private AC Ertiga or Xylo class vehicle covers all road transfers. Daily breakfast and dinner on MAP basis throughout all six days.