Overview
Lakshadweep is a group of islands, islets, atolls, submerged banks, and reefs situated 260 nautical miles ( 480n kilometers) away at the southwestern coast from Cochin in mainland India. Paradise on earth, Lakshadweep is blessed with extravagant coral reefs, which are alive and so colorful that they attract more than 100 plus different species of fishes, sea snakes, turtles, and other marine creatures near Islands, making it rich with tropical flora and fauna.
Islands
Out of more than 30 plus islands and islets, only a few are occupied with human presence. Only a few are accessible by tourists: Agatti, Kavaratti, Bangaram, and Kalpeni Kadmat, Minicoy, Thinkarra. The best way to visit these islands is by booking a package for islands hopping by Boat in Lakshadweep. To protect endangered coral reefs and marine life on Islands, the Government controls travelers' number to the islands through Government approved and Society for Promotion of Nature Tourism and Sports (SPORTs) designed tour packages.
Six ships, namely, MV Kavaratti, MV Arabian Sea, MV Lakshadweep Sea, MV Amindivi, MV Minicoy, and MV Bharath Seema, are used by the tourism department to travel from Cochin to Lakshadweep Islands where they take you for a certain number of days tour, in which you spend your day exploring the islands. By night you come back to ship to reach the next Island on another day. While you are on Island you can do sightseeing, water sports like scuba, snorkeling, have local delicacies or explore the local markets. The ships are constructed with necessary accommodations and requirements which serve breakfast, lunch, dinner on Boat as per packages.
You can also reach Agatti Island and hire a private boat, which can take you for Island hopping in Lakshadweep.
Best season
In Lakshadweep, the best season for Island hopping by Boat is from October to May as there is no rain and the weather is pleasant. During monsoons, boat services do not operate due to heavy rains and rough seas.
Island hopping by Boat in Lakshadweep Prices
For Island hopping by Boat in Lakshadweep rates vary from package to package, depending upon the duration and which locations are covered, and what is included.
If you are taking a private boat for Island hopping, it can be a bit expensive depending on your requirements and the islands you cover. But in a private yacht, you can cover all islands as it will be on your terms and conditions.
Permit to visit Lakshadweep Islands
while visiting Lakshadweep, it is mandatory to have a permit for every island visit, stay, and per person. To get that, see the Society for Promotion of Nature Tourism and Sports (SPORTs) official website, where you can get the details of Island hopping by Boat in Lakshadweep charges and booking details as well.
How to reach Lakshadweep
For Island hopping by Boat in Lakshadweep, all you have to do is reach Cochin, hop on the Boat you have booked, and travel from there.
FAQ
Q.1 Which islands are covered in Island hopping by Boat in Lakshadweep?
Ans Depending on packages out of Agatti, Kavaratti, Bangaram, Kalpeni, Kadmat, Minicoy, Thinnakarra islands, three to four islands are covered in Island hopping by Boat in Lakshadweep.
Q.2 How to reach Lakshadweep for Island Hopping?
Ans For Island hopping in Lakshadweep first, you have to reach Cochin in any case. From here, either you can take Government approved packages and boats, or you can go Agatti, and from there, you can hire a private boat for Island hopping by Boat in Lakshadweep.
Q.3 Which is the best season for Island hopping by Boat in Lakshadweep?
Ans For Island hopping by Boat in Lakshadweep, the best season is from October to May as there is no rain and the weather is acceptable. During monsoons, heavy rain and stormy weather cause turbulence, making it difficult to travel, Hence boating is not allowed.
Q.4 What is the Island hopping by boat cost in Lakshadweep?
Ans Island hopping by boat rates in Lakshadweep depends on the packages you have taken and whether it is government boats or private boats that you are hiring.
Q.5 Which islands are most famous for Island Hopping by Boat in Lakshadweep?
Ans Bangaram, Kalpeni, Agatti, Kavaratti, Kadmat, Minicoy, Thinkarra islands are famous for Island hopping by Boat in Lakshadweep are the only islands which are open for tourists by the Government.
Q.6 What are the options for a stay while Island hopping by Boat in Lakshadweep?
Ans If you are taking government packages, you can stay on the boat during the night while it sails to another island, and Island hopping by Boat in Lakshadweep cost covers the stay. But if you are going on a private boat, you can stay on Islands like Agatti, Minicoy, Kadmat, Bangaram, where Government approved resorts are available for stay.