Lakshadweep Coral Reef Cruise Review

Overview of the destination

The word 'cruise' was a misnomer, for Tipu Sultan is a passenger ship and you can see the movement of goods / people through out your journey. There are no entertainment options available on the cruise unless you consider hurrying to your food as one of them. You come late and you will not get food - it is as simple as that !! This is a hard option considering there is no McDonald's near by !!! :) So cancel out plans to star gaze on the deck .. most likely you will be in your cabin .. since the decks are full of local travellers ... But all this is forgotten once you see the place.

Stunning and breathtaking .. the turquoise waters just leave you mesmerized. We went on the Coral Reef package to 2 islands - Kavaratti and Minicoy. It was a very well organized trip .. considering it is a govt agency one ... All water sports are free except scuba diving. There is a local dance before we go on a short trip to an aquarium on Kavaratti and then a drive around the island ... On Minicoy, just enjoy the beach and water sports along with seeing the lighthouse, the local trip to see the village was a complete waste of time .. we would have rather spent time on the beach .... They packaged us early from Minicoy beach which was a disappointment for us .. we felt hurried which we had not felt on the day at Kavaratti ....

Food, sight-seeing and shopping

Food is part of the Sports package and unlike in the ship, you get plenty. So go on your scuba diving without worrying you will miss out on food. Did not see any other options. They give welcome drink of tender coconut water when you land ... We did not come across any souvenir shops which was good and bad .. :) No souvenirs .. but then it spelled how unspoilt the place was .... We got a Lakshadweep T-shirt from SPORTS .. we missed out on the cap ... make sure you get the cap .. the islands are hot and you really need something to cover your head ... we luckily went with our straw hats ... there is no place on the island to get these things if you miss out... same goes for medicines.

Activities & things to do

At Kavaratti - scuba diving is a must ... the water is so clear ... the corals look amazing ... Try the glass bottom ride too - you will get wonderful views of the sea along with coral viewing, snorkelling is fun .... as is kayaking ... Minicoy Island we considered more lovely and unspoilt than Kavaratti .. but both islands are beautiful .... again should do scuba diving and snorkelling in these waters too .... there is no glass bottom ride here ... but kayaking is present .. The view from the lighthouse is also amazing ... definitely a must see ...

Travel tips, How to reach, travel warnings etc.

Take hats, scarves, sunscreen lotions, medicines. Not many shops on the island ... inspite of this be prepared to be tanned .... :) We preferred the cruise option from Cochin since it seemed the best ROI for our money .... and all water sports were free with exception of scuba diving. If we were to go again though we would like the 3 island package .. the 2nd day of the trip was hurried ... so we did not get to enjoy Minicoy Beach much ...

Cameras are allowed on the Minicoy light house .. you just have to pay ... dont take cell phone cameras .. take oly digicams .... cell phones not allowed (don't ask me why !!! )