Cinque Island is one of the most beautiful and relatively untouched destinations in the Andaman Islands. Located in the South Andaman region, the island is known for its clear blue waters, coral reefs, tropical forests and peaceful natural surroundings.

Cinque Island is made up of North Cinque and South Cinque, with a sandy stretch connecting the two islands. The sandbar is one of the most distinctive features of the area and changes with the movement of the tides. The combination of white sand, turquoise water and dense tropical greenery gives the island a striking natural appearance.

The surrounding marine environment is one of the main attractions of Cinque Island. The island and its waters support coral reefs and a variety of marine life, including colourful reef fish, sea turtles, starfish and other organisms associated with the coral ecosystem. The clear waters can provide excellent opportunities for observing marine life and coral formations.

Cinque Island is also a protected area. The Cinque Island Wildlife Sanctuary was notified in 1987 and covers an area of approximately 9.51 square kilometres. The protected ecosystem includes coral reefs, open sea, mangroves and vegetated islands, providing habitat for a variety of marine and terrestrial species.

Visitors who are able to access the island may experience activities such as snorkelling, swimming and marine-life observation, subject to Forest Department permissions, weather conditions, sea conditions and the rules applicable to the protected area. The island's remote character makes it particularly attractive to travelers looking for a quieter and more natural experience away from the more developed tourist destinations.

How to reach: Cinque Island is approximately 26 km by sea from Sri Vijaya Puram and can only be reached by boat. There is no regular scheduled ferry service to the island. According to the South Andaman District administration, permitted chartered boats can operate from Sri Vijaya Puram and Wandoor, with the required Forest Department permission.

Because Cinque Island is a protected and uninhabited destination, visitors cannot treat it like an ordinary beach. Access is regulated, and permits are required. Visitors should arrange their journey through authorised operators and confirm the latest permit requirements before travelling.

The natural environment of Cinque Island is extremely sensitive. Visitors should not touch or damage coral reefs, collect shells or marine life, feed wildlife or leave any waste behind. Following Forest Department instructions and responsible tourism practices is essential for protecting the island's ecosystem.

Cinque Island is best suited to travelers who appreciate remote natural destinations, marine biodiversity and peaceful island landscapes. Its combination of pristine beaches, coral reefs, tropical forests and the distinctive sandbar between the two Cinque islands makes it one of the more special experiences in the Andaman Islands.

Best for: Nature lovers, snorkelling enthusiasts, marine-life enthusiasts, photographers, adventure travelers and visitors interested in protected island ecosystems.