Andaman Trip Guide: Havelock (Swaraj Dweep), Neil and Port Blair in 6 Days, With Scuba Diving and Costs

An Andaman trip gives you a Maldives-style view without leaving India. You walk out of the forest onto Radhanagar Beach on Havelock Island in the late afternoon, and the sand stretches in a long, pale crescent, backed by towering mahua and padauk trees. The water shades from clear to turquoise to deep blue, gentle waves roll in, and as the sun sets the whole beach turns gold and pink. It was once named the best beach in Asia by a major international magazine, and standing here, it is easy to see why.

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, a chain of more than 500 islands in the Bay of Bengal, are closer to Myanmar and Thailand than to mainland India. They offer some of the country's clearest water, healthiest coral reefs, empty white beaches and dense tropical forest, along with a powerful chapter of India's freedom struggle at Port Blair's Cellular Jail. For Indian honeymooners, families and divers, it is one of the best beach holidays in the country, with no passport or visa required.

This guide covers the islands' new names, the best time, getting there, a 6-day itinerary, water sports and scuba diving, ferries, stays, food, costs and practical tips for your Andaman trip.

The islands' new names

Several places in the Andamans have been renamed in recent years, and you will see both names on signs and tickets:

• Port Blair is now officially Sri Vijaya Puram (renamed in 2024).
• Havelock Island is now Swaraj Dweep.
• Neil Island is now Shaheed Dweep.
• Ross Island is now Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep.

Best time for an Andaman trip

• October to May: the best time, with calm seas, sunny days and excellent visibility for snorkelling and diving. December to February is peak season.
• March to May: hot but very clear water, great for diving.
• June to September: the monsoon brings rough seas, rain and cancelled ferries and water sports, though prices drop.

How to reach the Andamans

Flights connect Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair) with Chennai, Kolkata, Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and other cities. Chennai and Kolkata offer the most frequent flights, about two hours. Ships from Chennai, Kolkata and Visakhapatnam take several days and are mainly used by locals.

A 6-day Andaman trip itinerary

Day 1: Port Blair and the Cellular Jail

Land in Port Blair and visit the Cellular Jail, a national memorial where the British imprisoned Indian freedom fighters in solitary cells, a place known as Kala Pani. The evening light and sound show tells its moving story. Watch the sunset at Corbyn's Cove beach.

Day 2: Ross Island and North Bay

Take a boat to Ross Island (Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep), the former British administrative headquarters, where ruins of churches, bungalows and a bakery are being swallowed by giant tree roots, and deer and peacocks wander freely. Continue to North Bay Island for snorkelling, glass-bottom boat rides and sea walking among coral.

Day 3: Ferry to Havelock, Radhanagar Beach

Take a morning ferry to Havelock (Swaraj Dweep), about 90 minutes to two hours on private catamarans. Check in and spend the afternoon at Radhanagar Beach (Beach No. 7), swimming in calm water and staying for sunset.

Day 4: Scuba diving and Elephant Beach

Havelock is one of India's best places to try scuba diving, with PADI and SSI dive centres offering try dives for beginners and certification courses. Or take a boat to Elephant Beach, famous for snorkelling over shallow coral reefs, with sea walks and water sports. In the evening, relax at Kalapathar Beach or a beachside cafe.

Day 5: Neil Island

Take a ferry to Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep), a quieter, smaller island of villages, paddy fields and beaches. Visit the Natural Bridge rock formation at low tide at Laxmanpur Beach 2, snorkel at Bharatpur Beach, and watch sunset at Laxmanpur Beach 1. Cycle around the island in an hour or two.

Day 6: Return to Port Blair and fly home

Take the ferry back to Port Blair and fly home, or add a day trip to Baratang for limestone caves and a mud volcano, though the road passes through the protected Jarawa tribal reserve, where strict rules apply, including no stopping and no photography.

The history behind the islands

The Cellular Jail was built by the British between 1896 and 1906 with 693 solitary cells arranged in seven wings radiating from a central tower, so that prisoners could not communicate with each other. Freedom fighters including Veer Savarkar and Batukeshwar Dutt were imprisoned here in harsh conditions. During the Second World War, the islands were occupied by Japan, and on 30 December 1943, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose hoisted the Indian tricolour in Port Blair, one of the first places on Indian soil where it flew free of British rule. This history is why several islands now carry names honouring the freedom struggle.

The best beaches in the Andamans

• Radhanagar Beach, Havelock: long white sands and famous sunsets.
• Kalapathar Beach, Havelock: turquoise water and black rocks, lovely at sunrise.
• Elephant Beach, Havelock: the best spot for snorkelling and water sports.
• Laxmanpur Beach, Neil: the Natural Bridge and sunset views.
• Bharatpur Beach, Neil: calm, shallow water, great for families.
• Chidiya Tapu, near Port Blair: a sunset point surrounded by forest and birdlife.

Andaman for honeymooners

Couples love the islands' quiet beaches and eco-resorts. Book a beachfront cottage on Havelock, take a candlelit dinner by the sea, try a couple's scuba dive, and go bioluminescence kayaking through the mangroves on a moonless night, when every paddle stroke lights up the water with glowing plankton.

Water sports and diving

• Scuba diving: try dives from about ₹4,000 to ₹7,000; open water courses cost more. Choose certified operators with good safety records.
• Snorkelling: easy at Elephant Beach, North Bay, Bharatpur and many other spots.
• Sea walking: walk on the seabed wearing a helmet supplied with air, suitable for non-swimmers.
• Glass-bottom boats and semi-submarines: good for children and older travellers.
• Kayaking: through mangroves in Havelock, including magical bioluminescence kayaking on dark nights.

Ferries between islands

• Private catamarans connect Port Blair, Havelock and Neil and are faster and more comfortable than government ferries.
• Book ferries in advance in peak season.
• Sailings depend on weather and can be cancelled in rough seas; keep a buffer day before your flight.

Where to stay

• Port Blair: hotels for the first and last nights.
• Havelock: from simple beach huts to luxury eco-resorts near Radhanagar and along the east coast.
• Neil: relaxed resorts and cottages near the beaches.

Food in the Andamans

Seafood is the island speciality, but vegetarian travellers will find North and South Indian food, Bengali dishes and continental menus in Port Blair and Havelock. Try fresh coconut water on every beach, tropical fruits, and banana chips. Resorts serve buffets with vegetarian options.

How much does an Andaman trip cost?

• Return flights: typically ₹10,000 to ₹25,000 per person from Chennai or Kolkata; more from the north.
• Ferries: ₹1,500 to ₹3,000 per person per sector on private catamarans.
• Hotels: ₹3,000 to ₹8,000 per night mid-range; luxury resorts ₹15,000 and up.
• Water sports: ₹2,000 to ₹7,000 per activity.
• Food: ₹1,000 to ₹2,000 per person per day.

A 6-day Andaman trip typically costs ₹45,000 to ₹80,000 per person including flights, ferries, hotels, sightseeing and food.

Andaman with children

The Andamans are excellent for families. Choose calm, shallow beaches such as Bharatpur on Neil and Radhanagar on Havelock, glass-bottom boats and semi-submarines for young children, and sea walking for older children who cannot yet swim. The light and sound show at the Cellular Jail is a powerful history lesson for teenagers. Plan short ferry days and keep afternoons for rest.

Island rules to know

• Collecting coral, shells, sand or marine life is illegal and can lead to heavy fines.
• Plastic is restricted on many beaches; carry reusable bottles.
• Some islands and beaches are protected or closed to visitors; follow local signage.
• Drones require permission and are restricted in many areas.
• Photography of tribal communities is strictly prohibited.

Timing tip: the sun rises very early in the Andamans, often before 5.30 a.m. in summer, and sets early too. Plan beach walks and snorkelling for the mornings, when the light is soft and the water is calmest, and keep evenings for sunset points and seafood dinners.

Getting around the islands: on Havelock and Neil, rent a scooter or bicycle, or hire auto-rickshaws and taxis by the trip or by the day. Distances are short, roads are quiet, and cycling between beaches through villages and paddy fields is one of the joys of island life.

Book popular dive centres and ferries a few weeks ahead in December and January.

What to pack

• Light cotton clothes, swimwear and a rash guard.
• Reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat.
• Sandals and water shoes for rocky shores.
• Insect repellent.
• A waterproof phone pouch.
• Cash; ATMs exist on Havelock and Neil but can run out.

Practical tips

• Carry ID: no permit is needed for Indian citizens for the main islands, but carry ID for flights, ferries and hotels.
• Protect the reef: do not touch or stand on coral, and do not collect shells or coral, which is illegal.
• Mobile networks are limited on the islands, and internet can be slow.
• Swim at safe beaches and follow lifeguard instructions; watch for currents.
• Respect tribal reserves and never try to contact or photograph protected tribes.

Mistakes to avoid

Scheduling a ferry and flight on the same day without buffer. Ferries can be delayed.

Visiting in the monsoon expecting water sports. Many are suspended.

Trying to cover too many islands. Port Blair, Havelock and Neil are enough for a week.

Forgetting cash. Card payments are not universal.

Who an Andaman trip suits

Honeymooners love the beaches and resorts. Families enjoy calm beaches and glass-bottom boats. Divers find some of India's best reefs. History lovers are moved by the Cellular Jail and Ross Island.

Plan your Andaman trip with The Vacation Code

An Andaman trip offers turquoise water and white sands without a passport. Our team can arrange flights, ferries, resorts and diving. For more beach escapes, explore our Maldives Overwater Luxury and Alibaug beach glamping packages, read our honeymoon destinations in India guide, or browse all our tours.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best time for an Andaman trip?

October to May is the best time for calm seas and clear water. The monsoon from June to September brings rough seas and cancelled ferries.

Do Indians need a permit for the Andamans?

Indian citizens do not need a permit for the main tourist islands such as Port Blair, Havelock and Neil, but should carry ID for flights, ferries and hotels.

What are the new names of Havelock and Neil islands?

Havelock Island is now Swaraj Dweep, Neil Island is Shaheed Dweep, Ross Island is Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep, and Port Blair is Sri Vijaya Puram.

How much does a 6-day Andaman trip cost?

A 6-day Andaman trip typically costs 45,000 to 80,000 rupees per person including flights, ferries, hotels, sightseeing and food.

Can non-swimmers do scuba diving in the Andamans?

Yes. Introductory try dives in shallow water are offered to non-swimmers with close instructor supervision. Sea walking is another option.

How do I travel from Port Blair to Havelock?

Private catamarans and government ferries connect Port Blair and Havelock in about 90 minutes to two hours. Book in advance in peak season.

Which is the best beach in the Andamans?

Radhanagar Beach on Havelock Island is the most famous, known for its long white sand and beautiful sunsets. Elephant Beach and Laxmanpur Beach are also popular.