Andaman 5-Day Itinerary 2026 — Port Blair, Havelock & Neil Island

Last updated: July 8, 2026

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Five days is the ideal length for a first Andaman Islands trip — long enough to combine Port Blair’s poignant history with the dazzling beaches and reefs of Havelock and the laid-back calm of Neil, but short enough for a focused island getaway. This itinerary island-hops by ferry across India’s tropical paradise, taking in Radhanagar Beach, scuba and snorkelling, the Cellular Jail and surreal coastlines — all visa- and permit-free for Indian travellers. It is the perfect tropical escape without leaving the country.

This 2026 itinerary guide covers how to get there, the best time to go, what it costs, a day-by-day plan, where to stay and eat, and the practical tips for a smooth Andaman trip.

Part 1 of 8

Why this 5-day Andaman route works so well

This itinerary gives you the best of the Andamans without rushing — a taste of Port Blair’s history on arrival, the headline beaches and diving of Havelock for the heart of the trip, and the quieter charm of Neil before you head home. The islands are close enough to hop by ferry, and five days strikes the right balance between beach time, water sports and exploration, all visa-free and within India.

Whether you want beaches, diving or a relaxed island break, this five-day route packs the Andamans’ greatest hits into one well-paced trip.

Five days, three islands — Port Blair’s history, Havelock’s white sands and Neil’s quiet coves, all a visa-free flight from the mainland.

Part 2 of 8

Getting there and getting around

The Andamans are reached by air via Port Blair, with ferries handling the island-hopping.

By air: Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ) in Port Blair has flights from Chennai, Kolkata, Delhi, Bengaluru and other cities. Indian nationals need no visa or special permit for the main tourist islands.

By ferry: Government and private ferries (such as Makruzz and Green Ocean) link Port Blair with Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) and Neil (Shaheed Dweep). Book the faster private ferries in advance, as they sell out and largely dictate the day-by-day plan.

Getting around: On each island, autos, scooters and hired cars cover the sights, while dive shops and operators arrange beach and reef trips. Distances are short once you are on an island.

Part 3 of 8

Best time for this trip

The Andamans have a tropical climate, so the dry season is by far the best time for beaches, diving and ferries.

Season	Months	What to expect
Peak	Nov–Apr	Sunny, calm seas and clear water for diving — the ideal window. Book ahead.
Shoulder	Oct & May	Warm and mostly good, with the season starting or winding down and fewer crowds.
Monsoon	Jun–Sep	Heavy rain and rough seas; ferries and water sports are often disrupted.
Year-round	—	Hot and humid always — pack light, breathable clothing and sun protection.

For the calmest seas, clearest underwater visibility and the most reliable ferries, come between November and April. The monsoon brings rough water that disrupts sailings and diving, so it is best avoided for a short, ferry-dependent trip like this one.

Part 4 of 8

Costs and budgeting for Indians

The Andamans sit a little higher on the cost scale because of flights, ferries and the remote location. Here is a realistic per-person, per-day guide for 2026, excluding flights.

Style	Daily budget	What it covers
Backpacker	₹2,000–3,500	Guesthouse, government ferries, local food and a snorkelling trip.
Mid-range	₹4,000–8,000	Comfortable resort, private ferries, a dive or two and good meals.
Premium	₹12,000+	Luxury beach resort, private transfers, premium diving and curated experiences.

Your main planned costs are flights, the private ferries and diving. Scuba dives, including beginner discover-dives, are sold as packages by reputable centres. Carry cash, as ATMs are limited on the smaller islands and connectivity is patchy, so digital payments are not always reliable.

Part 5 of 8

The 5-day Andaman itinerary

This plan island-hops from Port Blair to Havelock and Neil and back.

Day 1 — Port Blair: Arrive, visit the Cellular Jail and Corbyn’s Cove, and stay for the evening light-and-sound show.

Days 2–3 — Havelock (Swaraj Dweep): Ferry across, relax at Radhanagar Beach, snorkel or dive at Elephant Beach, and enjoy island sunsets and seafood.

Day 4 — Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep): Ferry to Neil for Bharatpur and Laxmanpur beaches, the natural bridge and a slower pace.

Day 5 — Return & depart: Ferry back to Port Blair for North Bay water sports or last-minute sights, then fly out.

Extend your trip: Add a Baratang caves day trip, more diving days, or a night on remote Long Island for a longer Andaman adventure.

Part 6 of 8

Where to stay, what to eat and experiences

Where to stay: Spend a night in Port Blair on arrival, the bulk of the trip on Havelock (beach huts to upscale resorts), and a night on quieter Neil if you include it. Havelock has the widest choice and is the natural base for beaches and diving.

What to eat: Seafood is the star — fresh fish, prawns and crab, often cooked South Indian or Bengali style — alongside coconut curries and tropical fruit. Vegetarians are catered for, with wider choice in Port Blair and the bigger resorts than on the smaller islands.

For more, kayak the Havelock mangroves at dusk, try sea-walking or a glass-bottom boat at North Bay, and catch a sunset at Chidiya Tapu near Port Blair.

Part 7 of 8

Practical tips for Indian travellers

A few practical notes make this island-hopping trip smoother, given the remote setting.

The Andamans are safe and relaxed, suiting families, couples and solo travellers, with the main considerations being logistical and environmental rather than about security. Build buffer time around ferries and flights, carry cash and any regular medication as island supplies are limited, and protect the fragile reefs by not touching coral or littering. Respect the strict rules protecting indigenous tribal areas, which are off-limits.

This route is a self-contained tropical break, but the Andamans pair conceptually with India’s other beach and island escapes like Goa, Gokarna and Lakshadweep for a wider coastal theme. Within the islands, adding Baratang, more diving or a remoter island like Long Island turns a five-day trip into a fuller marine adventure.

Part 8 of 8

Frequently asked questions

Is 5 days enough for the Andamans?

Yes, five days is ideal for a first trip — a night in Port Blair, two to three days on Havelock for the beaches and diving, and a night on Neil. Add days for Baratang, more diving or a remoter island if you have time.

Do Indians need a permit for the Andamans?

No. Indian nationals do not need a visa or special permit for the main tourist islands like Havelock and Neil. Protected tribal areas are strictly off-limits, but the popular destinations are freely accessible.

How do I get between the islands?

Government and private ferries (such as Makruzz and Green Ocean) link Port Blair with Havelock and Neil. Book the faster private ferries in advance, as they sell out, and plan your five-day itinerary around the sailing times.

When is the best time to visit the Andamans?

November to April is the prime dry season with calm seas and clear water for diving, with October and May good shoulder months. The June–September monsoon brings rough seas that disrupt the ferries this trip depends on.

Can beginners scuba dive on this trip?

Yes. Havelock has reputable dive centres offering beginner discover-dives and certification courses over beautiful, beginner-friendly reefs. Always choose certified operators and follow their safety briefings.

Should I include Neil Island in 5 days?

It is worth it if you enjoy a slower pace — Neil is quieter and more laid-back than Havelock, with lovely beaches and a natural bridge. If you prefer more beach and diving time, you can spend the extra day on Havelock instead.

Is there good connectivity in the Andamans?

Connectivity is reasonable in Port Blair but patchy on Havelock and Neil, and ATMs are limited beyond the capital. Carry enough cash and download offline maps, and do not rely solely on digital payments on the smaller islands.

Why should I keep a buffer before my flight?

Ferries can be delayed or cancelled due to weather or sea conditions, so returning to Port Blair the day before your flight, rather than the same morning, protects you against missing your departure.

How much does an Andaman trip cost overall for 5 days?

Excluding flights, a comfortable mid-range five-day trip typically runs ₹20,000–40,000 per person, covering hotels, private ferries, meals and a dive or two. Backpackers can do it for much less with guesthouses and government ferries, while luxury resorts and extensive diving push it higher.

Is the Andaman trip suitable for non-swimmers?

Yes. Non-swimmers can still enjoy the beaches, glass-bottom boats, sea-walking (which uses a helmet and lets you walk on the seabed) and snorkelling with a guide and life jacket. Many of the islands’ best experiences do not require strong swimming skills.

Can I do scuba diving and a beach holiday in 5 days?

Absolutely. Two to three days on Havelock give plenty of time for a beginner dive or two alongside beach relaxation, while Port Blair and Neil add history and quieter sands. Just book dives in advance during peak season, as the best operators fill up.

The bottom line

This five-day Andaman itinerary is the perfect tropical escape — Port Blair’s history, Havelock’s world-class beaches and diving, and Neil’s quiet calm, all visa-free and within India. Come in the November–April dry season, pre-book your ferries, build in a buffer before your flight, and carry cash for the smaller islands. Do that, and the Andamans will reward you with one of the most beautiful and relaxing beach trips in the country. Lock in your ferries early, leave the rest to island time, and five days among the Andamans’ white sands and coral seas will feel like a far-flung tropical holiday — without ever leaving India.

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Photos sourced from Wikimedia Commons under their respective Creative Commons licences. Travel details are indicative for 2026; confirm flights, ferry schedules and access rules locally before you travel.