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Plan your Andaman holiday with local experts based in Port Blair

Archipelago Exploration

Which Andaman Islands Should You Visit?

The Andaman and Nicobar archipelago comprises over 572 tropical islands set amidst the azure Bay of Bengal. From the world-celebrated white sand shores of Havelock and the laid-back agricultural hamlets of Neil Island, to the jungle-clad ruins of Ross Island and untouched sands of Diglipur, here is your definitive local guide to planning an unforgettable island hopping itinerary.

Havelock Island Swaraj Dweep Andaman #1 Must Visit 90m Catamaran
Ritchie's Archipelago

Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep)

The crown jewel of Andaman tourism. Havelock combines Asia's highest-rated beaches, vibrant scuba dive sites, mangrove kayaking, and luxury beachside properties.

  • Radhanagar Beach (Asia's #7 Beach)
  • Elephant Beach water sports & snorkeling
  • Kalapathar sunrise & black rock bay
Neil Island Shaheed Dweep Andaman Serene & Rustic 60m from Havelock
South Andaman District

Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep)

Referred to as the vegetable bowl of the Andamans, Neil is compact, flat, and slow-paced. Ideal for cycling through tropical villages, exploring coral bridges, and watching majestic sunsets.

  • Howrah Bridge (Natural Coral Rock Arch)
  • Bharatpur Beach glass-bottom boating
  • Laxmanpur Beach sunset & tide pools
Port Blair Sri Vijaya Puram Andaman Capital & Hub Airport Gateway
South Andaman

Port Blair (Sri Vijaya Puram)

The administrative and cultural capital. Port Blair serves as the base for all inter-island ferries and flights, steeped in poignant colonial history, vibrant markets, and museums.

  • Cellular Jail & Light & Sound Show
  • Corbyn's Cove Beach & Chidiya Tapu
  • Aberdeen Bazaar shopping & local seafood
Ross Island Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Dweep Historical Ruins 15m from Port Blair
Port Blair Harbor

Ross Island (Netaji Dweep)

Former British administrative seat dubbed the 'Paris of the East'. Today, giant wild ficus roots intertwine Victorian ruins, church roofs, and historic officers' clubs where spotted deer roam freely.

  • British ballroom, bakery, and church ruins
  • Friendly spotted deer & peacock sanctuary
  • Japanese WWII bunkers & lighthouse
North Bay Coral Island Andaman Coral Sanctuary 20m Speedboat
North Port Blair

North Bay Island

Recognized for the historic octagonal lighthouse depicted on India's ₹20 currency note. North Bay is the prime watersports hub near Port Blair for sea walking, semi-submarine, and snorkeling.

  • Underwater Sea Walking with dive helmet
  • Semi-Submarine Coral Safari ride
  • ₹20 Note heritage lighthouse trek
Baratang Island Limestone Caves Andaman Geological Wonders 100km via ATR
Middle Andaman

Baratang Island

A dramatic change from leisure beaches to raw wilderness. Baratang is known for million-year-old limestone stalactite caves, active mud volcanoes, and thrilling speedboat rides through dense mangrove canopies.

  • Speedboat journey through mangrove tunnels
  • Spectacular limestone rock formations
  • Active mini mud volcano craters
Jolly Buoy Island Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park Strict Marine Reserve Eco Protected
Wandoor Marine Park

Jolly Buoy Island

Located inside the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park. Unrivaled for transparent emerald water and healthy coral reefs. Operates alternately with Red Skin Island to preserve marine ecology.

  • 100% no-plastic protected marine eco-zone
  • Glass-bottom boat rides over live reefs
  • Exceptional underwater snorkeling visibility
Ross and Smith Island Sandbar Diglipur Twin Sandbar Gem North Andaman
Diglipur, North Andaman

Ross & Smith Island

Two tropical islands connected by a pristine, natural 500-meter sandbar that emerges during low tide and submerges at high tide. Reached via fiber boat from Aerial Bay jetty in Diglipur.

  • Walk across the ocean on the natural sandbar
  • Swimming in crystal turquoise twin lagoons
  • Forest trail on Smith Island
Diglipur North Andaman Wild & Untouched 300km from PB
North Andaman

Diglipur (North Andaman)

The northernmost tourist frontier of the Andamans. Renowned for Saddle Peak (highest point in the islands at 732m), turtle nesting beaches at Kalipur, and limestone Alfred Caves.

  • Saddle Peak National Park rainforest trek
  • Sea turtle nesting at Kalipur & Ramnagar
  • Base for Ross & Smith sandbar islands
Long Island Andaman Robinson Crusoe Vibe Ferry from Yeratta
Middle Andaman

Long Island

An eco-traveler's hidden sanctuary with zero motor vehicular traffic. Dotted with traditional wooden cottages, scenic jungle trails to Lalaji Bay Beach, and boat trips to Merk Bay.

  • Trek to secluded Lalaji Bay Beach
  • Day excursion to uninhabited Guitar Island
  • Peaceful, car-free eco-living
Little Andaman Butler Bay Surfing & Waterfalls 6-8 hrs Sea Ferry
South of Duncan Passage

Little Andaman

India's premier surfing destination. Little Andaman offers enormous crescent beaches at Butler Bay, dramatic waterfalls in the rainforest, and the towering colonial lighthouse.

  • Butler Bay world-class surf breaks
  • White Surf & Whisper Wave jungle waterfalls
  • Southern tip lighthouse with panoramic views
Rangat Middle Andaman Mangrove Ecology 170km from PB
Middle Andaman

Rangat

A quiet town ideal for nature lovers. Renowned for Dhani Nallah Mangrove Walkway India's longest wooden boardwalk plus Amkunj Beach and turtle nesting coastlines.

  • Dhani Nallah 713-meter mangrove wooden bridge
  • Amkunj eco-friendly driftwood beach
  • Moricedera sea rock viewpoint & park
Mayabunder Andaman Cultural Heritage 240km from PB
North & Middle Andaman

Mayabunder

Home to the unique Karen Burmese settler community. Mayabunder offers quiet coastlines at Karmatang Beach, uninhabited Avis Island, and WWII historic relics at German Jetty.

  • Karmatang sea turtle breeding sanctuary
  • German Jetty scenic sunset point
  • Coconut-fringed sands of Avis Island
Cinque Island Andaman Restricted Marine Paradise Boat Charter
South of Passage Island

Cinque Island

Consists of North and South Cinque joined by a dazzling sandbar. A fully protected marine sanctuary famous for deep-sea sport fishing, black coral gardens, and 80-foot underwater clarity.

  • Untouched sandbar joining North & South Cinque
  • World-class scuba diving & black coral
  • Rare sea turtles & marine biodiversity
Local Port Blair Tip

Planning an Island Hopping Route in 2026?

Private catamarans (Makruzz & Nautika) between Port Blair ➔ Havelock ➔ Neil ➔ Port Blair book out 2 to 4 weeks in advance during peak season (November to February). Book your confirmed ferry seats and private jetty transfers together to avoid itinerary bottlenecks.

Frequently Asked Questions

For first-time visitors, the classic trio is South Andaman (Port Blair), Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep), and Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep). This 5 to 7 day circuit gives you the perfect mix of national freedom history (Cellular Jail), world-famous beaches (Radhanagar, Elephant Beach), and coral-rich relaxed island life.

Inter-island travel between Port Blair, Havelock, and Neil is operated by premium private catamarans (Makruzz, Nautika, Green Ocean) taking 60 to 90 minutes. For Baratang, Rangat, Mayabunder, and Diglipur in North & Middle Andaman, travel is by private cab or government bus via the Andaman Trunk Road (ATR). Long Island and Little Andaman are reached via government passenger ferries from Port Blair or Rangat.

Out of over 572 islands, islets, and rocks in the Andaman & Nicobar archipelago, only around 38 are inhabited, and approximately 20 to 24 islands are officially open for domestic and international tourists. Restricted tribal reserves (like North Sentinel, Jarawa areas, and Nicobar group) are strictly protected and off-limits.

The ideal time to explore the Andaman islands is from October through May. During these months, the sea is calm, catamarans run on schedule without monsoon interruptions, underwater visibility for scuba diving and snorkeling peaks at 20-30 meters, and sunny tropical beach days are guaranteed.

Indian citizens do not need a passport or permit to visit Port Blair, Havelock, Neil, Baratang, or Diglipur. You only need a valid government photo ID (Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, or Driving License). Special eco-permits for places like Jolly Buoy or Ross & Smith are arranged on-ground through local registered operators like Andaman Vacations.

Let's Plan Your Andaman Vacation Together

Tell us your dates, budget, and travel style. Our Port Blair team will curate a seamless day-by-day itinerary with hotels, catamarans, cabs, and adventures included.

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