The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are gearing up to make waves around the globe with two audacious underwater Guinness World Record attempts slated to take place on May 2 and 3, 2026, at Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island). The first attempt, scheduled for May 2, off the coast of Radhanagar Beach, intends to unfurl the largest underwater Indian national flag, measuring about 60 meters by 40 meters, or about 2400 square feet, visible under the surface in what officials believe will be a record-breaking spectacle. The second, on May 3, near the lighthouse region of the Swaraj Dweep jetty, is aimed at the highest human stack underwater, with the goal of a coordinated 10- to 20-metre formation including synchronised divers.
The activities are part of a larger scheme by the Andaman & Nicobar Administration under the leadership of Lieutenant Governor Admiral DK Joshi to promote eco-tourism and make the islands an adventure tourism hub. Swaraj Dweep is expected to attract divers, tourists and record officials from around the world with its pristine coral reefs and crystal-clear waters, the administration said, adding that there will be preparation drills, practiced dives and strict adherence to Guinness guidelines to ensure safety and environmental protection. The maritime tourism festival will include networking dinners and beach activities alongside the records, aiming to showcase the region’s natural beauty and promote sustainable practices as tourist numbers expand.
The spectacle of the record-breaking
The largest underwater flag unfurling to take place at Radhanagar Beach on May 2 from 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM will see a team of professional divers coordinate to unfurl the massive Indian flag without disturbing the coral ecology in the vicinity. Divers will hang the flag, constructed on an especially buoyant frame, to meet Guinness rules with precise timing and spacing procedures and multiple visibility checks. On May 3rd, between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM, divers will try a human stack at the Light House Dive Site, creating a vertical pyramid with base layers securely anchored to the seafloor and upper tiers meticulously built to prevent collapse, all under the watchful eye of dive masters to ensure safety.
The current Guinness World Record for the largest underwater flag is held by an international team and is smaller than the one in question, according to local news. The record for the highest human stack underwater is approximately 15 meters and was achieved in a controlled pool environment. The natural characteristics of Swaraj Dweep with its low currents and high visibility are ideal circumstances for these initiatives which could break existing benchmarks if done perfectly,” said officials in Andaman. The events are spread across a weekend festival from May 1 to 4 and include resort check-ins, DJ nights and beach dinners. The dual records are intended to create a buzz across social media platforms like Instagram Reels, where the promotional clips have already received significant attention, organizers said.
Enhancing Eco-Tourism and Worldwide Recognition
The move by the Andaman and Nicobar Administration is in line with India’s larger push for sustainable tourism as the islands try to balance the increasing tourist numbers with the maintenance of corals. During preparations, stringent surveillance is in place at Radhanagar Beach, a Blue Flag certified site and the coral-rich lighthouse diving locations with divers not allowed to touch reefs or use damaging gear. Officials expect the events to boost eco-tourism revenue by 20-30% this year, luring adventure seekers to activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving and marine wildlife tours, and creating local jobs for dive operators and hospitality workers.
These record attempts on the global scale will place Andaman on the map together with other adventure destinations like the Maldives and Bali but with a difference — environment-friendly approach. The human stack formation requires steady breathing and little bubbles, and the administration said it will time it so as not to disturb marine life. The flag show will be brief to avoid disturbing sediment. “This project will be a catalyst for other locations to connect world records with conservation and set a new benchmark for eco-friendly tourism,” he said. As things go, the world will be looking to see if Andaman can not only claim the records, but also set an example for protecting its underwater treasures.
Andaman to set two underwater Guinness World Records for promoting eco-tourism
