Sundarban Boat Safari Tour is one of the exotic attractions of the mangrove Forest Trip. It is a strictly daylight program, and usually tour operators do not conduct the tour during the monsoon or against a turbulent river current.
What Is the Boat Safari?
In India, in most of the Tiger Reserve parks, tourists visit the forest in a jeep or a covered van. But in the Mangrove Forest, there is a little tweak in the safari arrangement. Instead of 4-wheelers, the Sundarban Boat Safari Tour is arranged by boat. The experienced boatmen take the tourists near the core areas of the forest on small boats.
How is the boat Safari possible in Sundarban?
The delta of the rivers Trio, Padma, Ganges, and Brahmaputra houses one of the biggest Mangrove forests, which is widespread in India and the neighbouring country, Bangladesh. The area has multiple rivulets, creeks, and natural and artificial canals. All these waterbodies have formed an extensive water network, which naturally encircles the mangrove forest.
In this area, high tides are a regular phenomenon. During the high tide, the lowlands of the mangrove forest are filled with tidal water. Sundarban tourism has introduced the Sundarban Boat Safari Tour plan based on these natural settings and the position of the mangrove Forest, Tiger National Park around the banks of the river bodies consistently.
What is the plan for the boat safari tour in Sundarban?
The boat safari in Sundarban involves the experience of the Sundarban boatmen. They take their small boar at the closest range of the tiger reserve core area from the waterside. The core areas of the Tiger Park are completely remote and not worth walking in. The Sundarban Boat Safari Tour can take tourists near these unreachable core areas as part of the Mangrove Forest safari.
The Sundarban boat safari program has gained more popularity than the Sundarban Jungle Safari by Watchtower Tours. But you may wonder about the plan involved in the Sundarban Boat safari.
During the high tide, when sea water reaches the low tide areas, it becomes easier for the expert boatmen to reach the dense forest. However, at Daylight only the program is arranged, and boating is prohibited after sunset.
The boat safari of the Sundarban Forest tour accommodates only a few people in each boat. Tourists are always requested not to shout or to show any action that may attract the attention of the wild animals. In Sundarban, locals believe that “Everybody may not see a Tiger, but when you are in a tiger’s territory, he never loses his focus from you”. When you are near his area, you should stay alert and practice restraint.
Boat Safari Tour: 7 Rules You Should Follow for Safety
Sundarban Boat Safari Tour is not for the faint of heart, and it is not a full-day boat safari program. It is a daytime program. Enthusiastic people can explore the Mangrove Forest core areas with this safari tour. Still, it is better to know the safety rules during the boat journey. It will ensure personal safety and the safety of the other tour members.
- The boatmen take their boat through the canals and creeks, which are narrow and engulfed by dense jungle. Sundarban Royal Bengal tigers are man-eaters. Therefore, it is essential to stay alert and not to make sound judgment under excitement.
- In a jungle safari, the Forest authority always recommends earthly or greenish colours to wear. It often helps in maintaining a camouflage in the jungle ambiance. For a Boat safari, the tourists should wear only the recommended colour of dresses. Lous colours are not good to use.
- The tourists should sit gently in the boats. Standing position is strictly no. Otherwise, there is a risk from the predators.
- Sundarban waterbeds are home to alligators and crocodiles. Touching river water or shouting at the crocodiles may create a dangerous situation for the boats.
- People with swimming experience should join this boat safari tour. Always pay respect to local deities and local customs. The jungle holds some mystic elements, maybe. It is safe to stay away from the unknown threats.
- It is a daylight tour. Do not insist that the boatmen conduct the safari tour after sunset.
- The boatmen are familiar with their safari map. Please do not insist on them violating their journey map for the sake of more excitement. It may lead to a dangerous situation with a 100% risk to life.
How To Book A Boat Safari?
You should leave the responsibility of booking and arranging the Sundarban Boat Safari Tour to your Sundarban Tour operators only. You should talk to the tour operator when booking the Sundarban tour package.
A Sundarban boat safari is a fantastic experience, but staying safe is one of the essential criteria for the boat riders. It is therefore necessary to accompany the boat ride with experienced and authorised boatmen only.
Sundarban Boar safari tour is not available during the monsoon period. If you are enthusiastic about joining a boat safari tour, you have to plan your trip during the post-monsoon time.
Summing Up:
If you are planning to visit Sundarban Mangrove Forest as your next vacation destination, do not forget to include Sundarban Boat Safari Tour in your itineraries list. Talk to your Sundarban tour operator about the availability of the program in the tour itineraries.
Alternatively, you can speak to Madhuban Leisure. The tour operator is one of the most experienced trip conductors in Sundarban and it owns one of the luxury resorts in the Mangrove adjacent area- SundarbanTiger Roar Resort. Madhuban Leisure offers different sundarban Tour package programs like 2 days one night tour, 3 days 2 night tour, etc.
For more tour details, booking assistance, and availability of Sundarban Boat Safari Tour,
FAQs
What makes the Sundarban Boat Safari Tour a must-try adventure?
The Sundarban Boat Safari offers rare wildlife sightings, serene mangrove views, and thrilling river exploration, making it a unique adventure into the heart of the world’s largest mangrove forest.
Why is the boat safari allowed only in daylight hours?
Boat safari in Sundarbans is allowed only during daylight for safety, better visibility, and to avoid disturbing wildlife. Night travel is risky due to tides, narrow creeks, and wild animals.
Can you enjoy the Sundarban Boat Safari during the monsoon season?
You can join the Sundarban Boat Safari during the monsoon, but expect heavy rain, high tides, and limited visibility. Wildlife sightings may decrease, and boat movement can be affected by the weather.
How do boats reach the core areas of the Sundarbans?
Boats reach the core areas of the Sundarbans by navigating tidal rivers and narrow creeks. Only government-approved boats with permits are allowed, following strict routes and forest department guidelines.
What’s so unique about the Sundarban Boat Safari compared to other tiger safaris?
Unlike conventional jeep safari or watchtower tours, Sundarban Boat Safari takes you through water channels and mangrove forests. Sightings may be rare, but the unspoiled, untouched wilderness of the core areas offers a thrilling, silent adventure.
Is there a real chance of spotting a Royal Bengal Tiger on the boat safari?
Yes, there is a chance, but it’s rare like a jackpot. The Royal Bengal Tiger is fierce, cunning, unpredictable, and well-camouflaged. Patience and luck matter, but pugmarks and distant growling often hint its presence.
What safety tips should every Sundarban boat safari traveller know?
Wear life jackets, follow guide instructions, avoid leaning over the boat, carry insect repellent, stay within permitted areas, avoid loud noises, and respect wildlife. Always travel with licensed operators and permits.
How many people can join one Sundarban safari boat ride?
A typical Sundarban safari boat can accommodate 8 to 40 people, depending on size and type. However, smaller boats can enter narrow creeks, while larger ones are not equipped to enter narrow creeks and canals.
Should you know swimming before joining the Sundarban Boat Safari?
No, you don’t need to know swimming for the Sundarban Boat Safari. Life jackets are provided, and boats follow strict safety rules. Trained crew ensures a secure and comfortable journey.
Can you ask the boatman to explore hidden or off-route areas?
No, you cannot ask the boatman to explore hidden or off-route areas. Boats must follow forest department-approved routes for safety and conservation. Sailing off-route is illegal and strictly punishable
What should you wear to blend into the Sundarban jungle during the safari?
Wear earthy or neutral colours like green, brown, or beige to blend into the Sundarban jungle. Avoid bright clothes. Choose light, breathable fabrics, full sleeves, and comfortable shoes for protection.
How do you book the Sundarban Boat Safari the right way?
Book the Sundarban Boat Safari through authorized tour operators or the West Bengal Tourism Department. Ensure permits are included, guides are licensed, and boats are registered for safety and legal access. For example, you can book a boat safari tour with Madhuban Leisure.
Which months give the best wildlife sightings in the Sundarbans?
The peak travel-friendly months for wildlife sightings in the Sundarbans are November to February. Cooler temperatures, low humidity, and clearer skies attract animals near water, increasing chances of spotting tigers and birds.
Who are the most trusted operators for Sundarban Boat Safari packages?
You can bestow trust on Madhuban Leisure which is an experienced Sundarban Tour Operator, recognized and authorized by West Bengal Tourism Department