Cinque Island Travel Guide – Permit, Transport & Other Details
Plan your trip to Cinque Island with our comprehensive travel guide.
Get details on itinerary, ticket prices, ferry timings, permits, and online booking options.
Dreaming to witness untouched coral reefs, crystal-clear water, and a slice of promised land far from the crowds, Cinque Island fulfills the wish in your Andaman itinerary. Sheltered in the protected marine zone, this mesmerizing island duo, North and South Cinque, is a perfect paradise for peace seekers, divers, and nature lovers alike.
Since it offers limited access to visitors, careful planning is required to get there, but trust us, the outcomes are well worth the effort. To ensure a well-planned day trip to Cinque Island, we will let you know everything you need to know in this Port Blair Cinque Island travel guide, from permits to what to do, safety tips, and more. So, stay tuned!
Cinque Islands At A Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Part of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands archipelago |
| Island Structure | Two parts – North Cinque & South Cinque, connected by a sandbar (submerges during monsoons) |
| Distance from Port Blair | 26 km (14 nautical miles) southwest |
| Access Type | Day trip only (no overnight stay allowed) |
| Permits Required | Yes – from Department of Forest & Environment, A&N Administration |
| Max Tourists Allowed | 372 visitors per day |
| How to Reach | Private charter boats/passenger ships (MS Class) via registered tour operators |
| Departure Point Options | Port Blair (Wandoor) or Chidiya Tapu (30 km by road from Port Blair) |
| Travel Time (Port Blair) | Approx. 3.5 hours by boat (one way, sea-dependent) |
| Travel Time (Chidiya Tapu) | Approx. 2 hours by boat |
| Departure Time | Usually around 8:30 AM |
| Return Time | Around 4:00 PM same day |
| Accommodation | Not Available, No Night Stay Allowed |
| Permit & Booking | Mandatory; must be arranged through a local tour operator |
| Cost Per Person | ₹60,000 – ₹90,000 (includes boat ride and permits) |
| Managed By | Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park |
| Best Time to Visit | November to April |
| Activities Available | Fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving, nature walks, underwater photography |
| Known For | Pristine beaches, marine life, coral reefs, crystal-clear waters |
How to Reach Cinque Island from Port Blair
Cinque Island lies 14 nautical miles, or 26 km, southwest of Port Blair. It is uninhabited and protected by the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park. It spans over 9.53 sq. km, surrounded by dense tropical wet evergreen forest and mangroves. Declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1987 under Notification No.113-86/CF/WL/50-Vol.I., Cinque is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including reef fish, endemic birds, vibrant coral reefs, and mangrove systems. The island is open to day trips for only 372 tourists per day, with special permits obtained from the forest department.
As there are no regular public or private ferries from Port Blair to Cinque Island due to its restricted status, the island is accessible via private charter boats or passenger ships with certified MS Class vessels (Motor powered ship) offered by registered tour operators in Port Blair for day trips, which take 3.5 hours of travel time, depending on sea conditions. There are no proper timings, but both usually depart at 8:30 AM and return at 4:00 PM, as overnight stays are not allowed on the island.
To reach Cinque Island, permission from the Department of Forest and Environment, Andaman and Nicobar Administration, and a private charter boat or passenger ship booked through a local travel agency is mandatory.
Alternatively, Cinque Island can also be reached via Chidiya Tapu, a scenic coastal village located 30 km from Port Blair. The distance from Chidiya Tapu to Cinque Island is approximately 25-30 km (a 2-hour journey by boat), making it an ideal destination for tourists seeking a quick boat ride to Cinque Island and a chance to witness the sunset at Chidiya Tapu. However, the same rules for permits and charter resolutions are also applied in this case. At present there is no direct Govt ferries operational to Cinque Islands.
Route: Port Blair→Chidiya Tapu (by road via bus or cab)→Cinque Island (private charter boats)
Best Time to Visit Cinque Island
November to April is the ideal time to discover the unspoiled splendor of Cinque Island. During these months, the seas remain calmer, the weather remains pleasant, and reefs are visible, making them perfect for activities such as scuba diving, snorkeling, and marine exploration and photography.
Avoid traveling during the monsoons from May to September, as intense rainfall, high tides, and strong winds can disrupt the trip and render water activities impossible.
Detailed Cinque Island travel guide itinerary and activities
Since Cinque Island is uninhabited and only meant for day trips, here’s how you can plan a day here with unmatchable experiences with nature.
6 AM – 7 AM- Depart from Port Blair – Take a cab or bus from the City centre to reach Wandoor village or jetty. If using the alternative route (Chidiya Tapu), this is the ideal time to get the jetty points and present your permissions at the checkpoint. Keep the essentials required for a day trip to the spot.
8:30 AM – Depart from the jetty point. This is the time when private charters, such as MFV Caiman, and passenger ships usually depart, whether you book a full- or half-day trip, ensuring you return by evening.
8:30 -11:30 AM- Arrive at Cinque Island. As you reach, witness the iconic sandy bar (tombolo) connecting the north and south Cinque. You can take a walk if the tide is low. Initially, explore the North Cinque by hiking to the lighthouse, maintained by the Department of Lighthouses and lightships, to witness the panoramic views.
If permission is granted, take a short boat ride to South Cinque to enjoy the beach. You can also engage in some marine activities, such as snorkelling, scuba diving, fishing, and underwater photography.
1:00 – 1:30 PM – Lunchtime – Rest under the shade of coastal vegetationand enjoy the meal you’ve packed. Absorb the beauty and silence of the untouched paradise. Don’t forget to pick up plastic bags.
1:30 – 3:00 PM – Beach relaxation and further exploration – Go for short hikes, birdwatching, nature photography, and complete any remaining water activities.
At 4:00 PM- Depart from Cinque Island – Board your boat or passenger ship back to Wandoor or Chidiya Tapu by early evening. If boarded from Chidiya Tapu, witness the panoramic sunset views after you reach the destination in the evening, for which the spot is known.
Essential Travel Information
Making a trip to Cinque Island is not simply a gateway but a journey into the protected marine world, which requires responsible planning. Before your visit, please ensure you are well-informed.
Permits & Regulations
Because it’s a part of the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, access to this protected zone is strictly regulated.
Cinque Island Permit Fees
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Indians | ₹100 |
| Foreign adults | ₹1000 |
| Foreign children below the age of 12 | ₹500 |
What to Pack?
Below are the essentials to pack before planning a trip to Cinque Island:
Safety Guidelines
The following safety guidelines should be followed while traveling to Cinque Island.
For any kind of emergency, contact:
Tourism police, Port Blair— 03192-232694, 03192-232100, or 100 or 112 (General police)
Andaman forest department for permit-related inquiries: 03192-244664
Coast Guard in case of any emergencies: 155211 or 1554
Closest hospital: GB Pant Hospital, Port Blair.
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