Andaman Islands Travel Guide 2026
Andaman Islands: Quick Reference
The Andaman Islands sit far closer to Thailand and Myanmar than to mainland India, and it shows — turquoise water, coral reefs, and beaches that regularly top “best in Asia” lists, all still technically within India and requiring no separate international visa for most travellers already holding an Indian tourist visa. This guide covers the practical side: which islands to visit, how the ferry system works, permits, diving, and when to go.
Which Islands to Visit
Port Blair is the arrival point and the historical anchor of any Andaman trip — home to Cellular Jail, the colonial-era prison used to hold Indian freedom fighters, now a sound-and-light memorial most visitors see on their first or last day.
Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep) is the main event. Radhanagar Beach, often ranked among Asia’s best beaches, is here, along with the bulk of Andaman’s dive schools and resorts. Most itineraries spend the most nights on Havelock.
Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep) is smaller and quieter — fewer resorts, fewer crowds, and a slower pace. Laxmanpur Beach and the natural rock bridge are the highlights. Best paired with Havelock as a calmer final stop rather than visited alone.
How to Get to the Andaman Islands
Fly into Veer Savarkar International Airport (Port Blair), with direct flights from Chennai (~2 hours), Kolkata, Delhi, and Bengaluru. From Port Blair, Havelock and Neil Island are reached only by sea — government ferries and faster private catamarans both run daily, taking 1.5 to 3 hours depending on the vessel and route. Booking ferry tickets in advance during peak season (December-January) is strongly recommended, since seats sell out.
Permits: What Foreign and Indian Visitors Need
Foreign nationals require a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) to visit the Andaman Islands. The good news: it is issued free, on arrival, alongside your passport stamp at Port Blair airport, and is valid for 30 days covering Port Blair, Havelock, and Neil Island. No advance application is needed for these standard tourist areas.
Indian citizens do not need a permit for Port Blair, Havelock, or Neil Island, but certain tribal reserve areas (such as parts of the Nicobar Islands) require separate permission and are generally outside standard tourist itineraries.
Scuba Diving in Andaman
Havelock is one of India’s principal scuba diving hubs, with multiple PADI-certified dive schools. First-time divers can do an introductory “Discover Scuba” dive with no certification or prior experience required, under direct instructor supervision. Certified divers have access to deeper sites and multi-dive packages. Visibility and coral condition are best November through April; the monsoon months reduce both.
Suggested 6-Day Andaman Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Port Blair, permit issued on arrival, Cellular Jail sound-and-light show in the evening.
Day 2: Ferry to Havelock, afternoon at leisure.
Day 3: Radhanagar Beach sunset, or an introductory scuba dive.
Day 4: Full diving day or snorkelling at Elephant Beach.
Day 5: Ferry to Neil Island, Laxmanpur Beach and the natural bridge.
Day 6: Return ferry to Port Blair, departure.
Best Time to Visit
October to May is the full visiting window, with December to February the most comfortable stretch for temperature and calm seas. The monsoon (June to September) brings rough water that can disrupt ferry schedules and cut diving visibility significantly — we generally advise against travel in this window.
How We Help
Before you travel, check our India visa guide for UK citizens if you’re travelling from the UK, so your visa is sorted before your trip. We arrange private Andaman itineraries with ferry bookings confirmed in advance — the single biggest planning headache travellers hit on their own, especially in peak season when seats sell out days ahead. Dive school bookings, resort selection on Havelock versus Neil, and pacing between the islands are all handled as part of the plan.
Plan Your Andaman Islands Trip
Tell us your travel dates and we will build an Andaman itinerary with ferries and dive slots confirmed in advance. Ministry of Tourism recognised. Est. 1991.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do foreign tourists need a permit for Andaman?
Yes, but it is free and issued on arrival at Port Blair airport, valid 30 days.
Havelock or Neil Island — which is better?
Havelock has Radhanagar Beach and the main diving hub; Neil is quieter. Most trips combine both.
How do you get to the Andaman Islands?
Fly to Port Blair from Chennai, Kolkata, Delhi, or Bengaluru, then ferry to Havelock or Neil Island.
What is the best time to visit?
October to May, with December to February the most comfortable. Avoid the June-September monsoon.
Is Andaman scuba diving good for beginners?
Yes, Havelock’s PADI dive schools offer introductory dives with no prior experience needed.