Andaman Islands 2026 – First-Time Visitor’s Complete Guide
Last updated: June 29, 2026
Andaman is the cheapest international-feeling destination accessible to Indians without a passport. Crystal clear waters, world-class diving, untouched beaches. Here’s how to actually plan it.
Permits + Logistics
Indians need NO permit. Just board the flight. Foreigners need a Restricted Area Permit (free, issued on arrival).
How to reach: Only by flights to Port Blair (Veer Savarkar Airport). Direct from Chennai, Kolkata, Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad. 3.5-4.5 hours. Round-trip Rs.18,000-35,000 depending on season.
The 3 Main Islands to Visit
- Port Blair – Capital, gateway, base for 1-2 nights. Cellular Jail, Corbyn’s Cove Beach.
- Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep) – Main beach destination. Radhanagar Beach (Asia’s best beach by multiple rankings). 2.5-hour ferry from Port Blair. Stay 3-4 nights.
- Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep) – Quieter, smaller, fewer crowds. Bharatpur Beach, Laxmanpur Beach sunset. 1.5-hour ferry. Stay 1-2 nights.
7-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Port Blair afternoon. Cellular Jail visit + Sound & Light show evening (Rs.250, mandatory). Dinner at Excel Restaurant.
Day 2: Morning Ross Island + North Bay Coral Island combo ferry (Rs.800, includes snorkeling). Afternoon Chidiya Tapu sunset.
Day 3: Catch Makruzz Premium Ferry to Havelock (Rs.1,500/person, 90 min). Check in. Radhanagar Beach sunset.
Day 4: Discover scuba diving at Lighthouse Reef or Aquarium (Rs.3,500/person, no certification needed). Afternoon Elephant Beach speedboat trip + snorkeling.
Day 5: Cycle around Havelock village, visit Kalapathar Beach, sunset at Radhanagar (yes, again – it’s that good).
Day 6: Ferry to Neil Island (1.5 hours, Rs.1,000). Bharatpur Beach snorkel, Natural Bridge at Howrah Bridge formation, Laxmanpur sunset.
Day 7: Morning Sitapur Beach (sunrise), ferry back to Port Blair (3 hours), evening flight home.
Scuba Diving
Andaman has the best diving in India – water visibility 20-30m. Operators: Barefoot Scuba, Dive India, Ocean Tribe. Open Water Certification (4 days, Rs.22,000-28,000). Discover Scuba (single dive, no certification, Rs.3,500). Manta rays, turtles, dugongs occasionally.
Budget for Couple, 7 Days
- Round-trip flights: Rs.30,000-55,000
- 6 nights stays (mix): Rs.30,000-65,000
- Inter-island ferries: Rs.6,000-9,000
- Food: Rs.10,000-15,000
- Activities, dives, ferries to small islands: Rs.15,000-30,000
- Local transport, scooter rental: Rs.4,000-6,000
Total: Rs.95,000-1,80,000 for couple’s 7 days.
Best Time
October-May: Dry season, calm seas, all activities running. Peak December-January.
June-September: Monsoon, ferries irregular, but hotels 40-50% cheaper, fewer crowds. Diving still possible on calm days.
First-time guide to the Andaman Islands
The Andamans are India’s tropical paradise — white-sand beaches, turquoise water and world-class diving, all without needing a passport. Most trips centre on three islands: Port Blair (the gateway, with the historic Cellular Jail), Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) for the stunning Radhanagar Beach and diving, and Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep) for quieter beaches and snorkelling. Fly into Port Blair, then take ferries between islands. A first trip of five to seven days comfortably covers the highlights with time to relax on the beaches.
What to do and see
In Port Blair, visit the Cellular Jail and its moving light-and-sound show, and Corbyn’s Cove beach. On Havelock, sunbathe at Radhanagar (one of Asia’s best beaches), snorkel or dive at Elephant Beach, and watch the sunset. On Neil Island, explore Bharatpur and Laxmanpur beaches and the natural rock bridge. Scuba diving and snorkelling are the star activities, suitable even for beginners. Take a glass-bottom boat if you prefer to stay dry. The marine life and coral here are spectacular.
Tips for an Andaman trip
The best time to visit is October to May; the monsoon brings rough seas. Book ferries (especially the popular private ones) and Havelock stays in advance, as they sell out in season. Carry cash, as ATMs and connectivity are limited on the smaller islands. Mobile networks are patchy — treat it as a digital detox. Respect marine-protected areas and reef safety. With ferries booked and a relaxed five-to-seven-day plan, the Andamans deliver a world-class beach holiday within India.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need for the Andamans?
Five to seven days comfortably covers Port Blair, Havelock and Neil Island with time to relax and dive or snorkel. Add days for more islands or diving courses.
When is the best time to visit the Andaman Islands?
October to May, when seas are calm and ideal for beaches and water sports. The monsoon (roughly June to September) brings rough seas and ferry disruptions.
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