Cinque Island is one of the fascinating, virgin islands in the South Andaman region. This island is surrounded by turquoise blue waters and a shore full of white sands. The two island portions of North and South Cinque islands are connected by a spectacular sand bar that was once broken by the tsunami but has reformed naturally over the years and is a very beautiful sight.
South Cinque Island happens to be a part of the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, Wandoor. The Cinque Islands are untouched and undisturbed that keep the corals and the other underwater wonders intact and uninterrupted. A great variety of coral reefs, sea anemones, seaweeds, water snakes, turtles, vibrant colored fishes, and starfishes dwell in these islands making it a sanctuary. The island houses varied species of bird population which are unaffected and free. These islands support ecotourism also special permits are required to visit this place. The rarely available permits and the high cost of these charter boats make it lesser touched by the travelers and hence stands rank one as the most untouched visit-able Island.
How to reach Cinque island From Port Blair?
The Cinque islands politically come under Port Blair city, the island can be accessed only by taking a private charter boat. The charter boats can be taken from the ferry point in Chidiyatapu, Port Blair; these private charters are pretty expensive but it is the best and the only option to reach this island. Cinque island is approximately 39 km from the main city. If you are coming in a group then the cost is peanuts, however, if you are only a couple wanting to travel to Cinque island then the trip will be hefty on your pockets. Its recommended from 6 - 8 Adults per group.
What you can experience at Cinque Island and Things to Do?
The Cinque Islands is an ideal getaway for some lone time with your family or your loved ones as the island is not frequently visited by many tourists and it is just you and the nature that surrounds. The trip to the Cinque islands is a full day tour as this place has no accommodations for night stays.
Tourists can avail of the game fishing activity which is very famous in the Cinque Islands. Variety of fish such as Angle Yellow Fin Tuna, Big Eye Tuna, GT, Wahoo, Barracuda, Grouper’s, Red Snapper just to name a few are out there in the sea. This activity is an amazing experience and one must try it. The Andaman Fishing Community follows a firm rule of “catch and release” policy. The island is a lovely spot for snorkeling; you can snorkel on the beach and explore the beauty of the underwater wonders and spot the undisturbed vibrant corals and various other colorful fishes of the Cinque Islands. It is a great experience to go snorkeling in these beautiful blue waters.
Photography is another activity that can be done in this beautiful secluded island, the connecting sand bar, the rock isle, the thick rainforests, the mind-blowing views, and the amazing beach is a perfect spot for great nature photography. Do not forget to carry your camera kits while heading to Cinque Island.
When is the best time to Visit Cinque?
The Islands can be visited from October Till April as the climate in Andaman is pleasant throughout the year. However, during the monsoon, the administration may not issue the permits to visit the island- as permission for all the water transfers are controlled by the administration based on weather forecasts. The visitor should keep in mind that there no facilities for food or availability of proper space for changing. Hence it is advisable to carry all the essential items such as water, towels, and refreshments, etc. so that the trip will be a smooth one. Escape to the alluring Cinque islands for an ultimate lifetime experience. Enjoy, unfold, and explore the beauty of this magnificent island. Currently, in 2019 all permits to Cinque Island have been stopped. Hopefully, the sailing to this island starts soon.
How is the trip to Cinque Island?
During the trip, we pick up the guests from their hotel/accommodation (dependant on the distance between the hotel and launch site). Guests will be notified of the exact pick-up time 24 hours before their journey. Following the journey, guests will be dropped back to their hotel or an alternate location at Port Blair if required.
Drive through the coastline and tropical rainforest to reach ChidiaTapu. Upon reaching Chidiatapu, board a Game Fishing Yacht geared with fishing rods and other necessary gears required during fishing. Trolling and Jigging begin right from Rutland Island with breaks in between until we reach Cinque Island. We anchor near North Cinque Island, the sand bar joining the North and South Cinque island is scenic. You may take a walk at Cinque island beach during your journey as well. Swimming, snorkeling, and Scuba Diving can be added to your trip. Angle Yellow Fin Tuna, Big Eye Tuna, GT, Wahoo, Barracuda, Grouper’s, Red Snapper, to just name a few many more species waiting for you. During your journey, we would change locations around Cinque Island to hook our best catch of the day. The game fishing yacht is equipped with restrooms and beds for you to refresh and rest. Refreshments will be provided during your journey.
Earlier Night stays at Cinque was allowed where we used to anchor at Cinque Island for the night stay. During this time you can get down to Cinque island and enjoy the virgin beaches on this island. A few of the fish caught during your trip would be cooked and would be offered you during your travel. View of the sunset from the sea is another life turning moment. Spend as much time on Cinque Island before coming back to the yacht for your night stay. Party all night and have a memorable time around this exotic island. The next day we head back to Chidia Tapu. Our chauffeur will attend you and will drop you to your hotel. Unfortunately, in 2019 no night stay trip to Cinque is allowed. Besides the permit to cinque is also not provided by the administration. Its recommended that instead of getting down on Cinque Island, you can charter a boat for fishing which takes you around Cinque Island. However, please note that you will be allowed to get on the island.