Andaman 5-Day Itinerary 2026 — Port Blair, Havelock & Neil Island
The Andaman Islands deliver India’s best beaches and clearest waters — turquoise bays, coral reefs, and powder-white sand — all without leaving the country. This detailed 5-day itinerary covers Port Blair, Havelock (Swaraj Dweep), and Neil (Shaheed Dweep), with ferries, timings, costs, and tips for a smooth island trip.
Best time to visit
October to mid-May is ideal — calm seas, good visibility for diving and snorkelling. The monsoon (June–September) brings rough ferry crossings and frequent rain.
Day 1 — Port Blair
Arrive and visit the poignant Cellular Jail, staying for the evening Light & Sound show. If time allows, relax at Corbyn’s Cove beach.
Day 2 — Havelock (Swaraj Dweep)
Take a morning ferry to Havelock. Spend the afternoon at Radhanagar Beach — regularly rated among Asia’s best — for a spectacular sunset.
Day 3 — Havelock water activities
Go scuba diving or snorkelling at Elephant Beach or nearby reefs (great for beginners), or try sea kayaking through the mangroves. Havelock is the Andamans’ adventure hub.
Day 4 — Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep)
Ferry to the quieter Neil Island. Explore Bharatpur and Laxmanpur beaches and the Natural Bridge rock formation, with time to snorkel in calm shallows.
Day 5 — Return & depart
Ferry back to Port Blair; if your flight is late, catch the sunset at Chidiya Tapu before departing.
Getting there & ferries
Fly to Port Blair (IXZ) from major Indian cities. Inter-island travel is by ferry — book both government and private (Makruzz, Nautika) ferries in advance, as they sell out in season. Indian nationals don’t need a permit for the main tourist islands, but some areas require permits — check before visiting.
Budget
A mid-range 5-day trip runs roughly ₹25,000–45,000 per person excluding flights (ferries, stays, food, one dive). Flights from the mainland are the biggest variable — book early.
Practical tips
- Pre-book ferries and dive operators; they fill up fast in peak season.
- Carry cash — ATMs and connectivity are limited on Havelock and Neil.
- Mobile data is patchy; download maps and tickets offline.
- Respect marine life — never touch or stand on coral.
- Pack reef-safe sunscreen, a dry bag, and water shoes.
FAQs
Is 5 days enough for the Andamans? Yes — it covers Port Blair, Havelock, and Neil. Add days for more diving or remote islands.
Do Indians need a permit? Not for the main tourist islands, but some areas do — check current rules before travel.
