FACT FILE...
YOU NEED TO KNOW THIS

CHARTER COSTS

By comparison to other unique destinations for similar adventures, the Charter costs for the Andaman Islands are most reasonable. The quality of Boat & Crew are highly professional & to exacting International standards. The costs are not reflective of the additional economic burdens placed upon the operators. Consider traveling nearly 900 nautical miles round trip from home port, India's strict requirements (payments to absolutely every department), mandatory Agent's Fees, Transport, Dinghy & Boat security and the excess fuel costs all combine greatly. The all-inclusive boat charter cost in reality is low.

AIR TRAVEL

We discussed in 'Port Blair' section the domestic air schedules. But we have seen a number of Guests over time in trouble with their Air bookings. It is vital to book a long way in advance with International connections into India. Many flights are booked-out early with the current policy of airlines reducing number of flights nearing the departure dates and the over-booking that is becoming increasingly common. Don't leave it.

VISA FOR INDIA

The current requirement is for you to obtain from your local India Consulate/Embassy a Tourist Visa of minimum one month duration.

TIPPING LOCALS

Because most everything is inexpensive it follows that salaries are also low and tipping is an essential survival part for all employees and services on the Island.

TIPPING BOAT CREWS

This applies to all crew working on-board. No good / no tip. But, if they do their best and especially if they exceed your fishing expectations, then a sensible tip is obvious for their commitment to ensure you a great memory. Everyone asks how much.. this purely at your discretion.

A rough guide seems to be the Thai crew get about US$15-20 per person per day and the Foreign Fishing Captain around US$25-30 per day.

PHONE & EMAIL

Email services are both rare & of snail pace in Port Blair. Your International phone will work fine but only in close proximity to Port Blair and around 10 miles to sea. A local Indian Sim card is an option to allow you very cheap calls and SMS service. Coverage though is still limited as the international phone. I will provide you with a Satellite Phone number that I have on board so your people can call you (but no SMS facility) for important matters, but we cannot call from this phone to numbers outside India with this service.

PERSONAL NEEDS

Pharmacy & toiletry needs are readily available, so can always 'top-up'. Bring a high quality water repellent sun screen, a thin long-sleeved shirt for the odd blistering times and a hat with sun protecting brim. Designer Caps are an accessory, not for fishing protection. Shorts and T-shirts are the sole clothing requirement and a pair of non skid 'flip-flops' or deck type shoes is about all you need. Whilst this next item may sound over cautious, throw in a tube of strong 'CounterPain' type cream as many anglers get painful strains from the incessant battles from specie of gigantum strength!

SMOKING & DRINKING

If you smoke, the Indian cigarettes are about as toxic as the Chernobyl fall-out. Better to bring a good supply on the way thru a Duty Free en route. Alcohol generally is not easy to come by except for some strange anomaly where Bacardi is procurable and inexpensive (better to order any alcohol when booking charter & the boat can bring from Phuket). You can however bring 2 litres of spirits per person with you on arrival and be reminded that the Indians are strict in this regard.

MONEY

The Indian Rupee is changeable from US$ only, so bring only 50 & 100 denominations & you will need photocopies of your Passport front page & your Indian visa page. 2 copies for every time you make a transaction. Don't forget this.

OTHER BITS

Camera (with plenty of memory space) and spare batteries (many night time flash pics of fishing). That should just about do it.

Finally, suitcases are a definite no-no. There is simply no room on-board for storage. Restrict your luggage to soft easily stored bags.