7-Day Andaman Itinerary: Port Blair, Havelock & Neil Island

Planning an efficient andaman itinerary 7 days trip requires balancing ferry schedules, tide-dependent sightseeing, and beach relaxation across the Andaman archipelago. The classic island-hopping circuit connects Sri Vijaya Puram (formerly Port Blair), Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island), and Shaheed Dweep (Neil Island). This detailed guide provides a practical, day-by-day blueprint for first-time travellers, families, couples, and groups—incorporating official name updates, precise ferry logistics, exact entry fees, local transport tariffs, and critical safety rules verified for 2025/2026 travel.

Official Island Names and Entry Regulations

Before booking flights and inter-island ferries, it is important to understand the official place names used across government portals, airport terminals, and ticket bookings. In September 2024, the Union Home Ministry officially renamed Port Blair to Sri Vijaya Puram to honor the region’s naval history and freedom struggle. This follows the 2018 renamings of Havelock, Neil, and Ross Islands.

Documentation Requirements for Indian Citizens

Indian nationals do not require a passport, visa, or Restricted Area Permit (RAP) to visit Sri Vijaya Puram, Swaraj Dweep, Shaheed Dweep, or Baratang. Flying into Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ) is legally classified as domestic travel. However, you must carry an original government-issued photo ID (Aadhaar Card, Driving License, Voter ID, or Passport). You will present this document at airport security, hotel check-ins, inter-island ferry jetties, and forest check-posts.

Documentation Rules for Foreign Nationals & OCI Cardholders

Foreign travellers and OCI cardholders must hold a valid passport and an Indian Tourist Visa or e-Visa. The Restricted Area Permit (RAP) requirement has been relaxed for 30 designated tourist islands, including the main circuit. Foreign nationals simply complete a basic immigration form upon arrival at the airport. Citizens of Pakistan, China, Afghanistan, or foreign nationals of Pakistani origin remain subject to prior approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

Protected and Restricted Zones

General tourism is strictly prohibited in the Nicobar Islands and indigenous tribal reserves. When traveling through the Jarawa Reserve on the Andaman Trunk Road en route to Baratang, strict laws prohibit stopping your vehicle, taking photographs, or attempting interaction with tribe members.

Day-by-Day Andaman Itinerary 7 Days Breakdown

This 7-day routing maximizes your time on the islands while keeping transfer logistics smooth and stress-free.

Day 1: Arrival in Sri Vijaya Puram & Cellular Jail Heritage

Land at Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ) in Sri Vijaya Puram during the morning or early afternoon. Prepaid union taxis to central city hotels take 15 to 20 minutes and cost between ₹400 and ₹600. Check into your hotel, refresh, and head out for lunch.

1:30 PM – 4:00 PM: Cellular Jail National Memorial
Visit the historic colonial prison where Indian freedom fighters were incarcerated. Explore the solitary cells, the central watchtower, and the historical photo gallery.
Timings: Open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 1:30 PM to 4:45 PM. Closed every Monday and on national holidays.
Entry Fee: ₹30 per adult for Indian nationals, ₹100 for foreign visitors. Camera permits cost ₹50 for still cameras and ₹200 for video cameras.

4:30 PM – 5:30 PM: Corbyn’s Cove Beach
Drive 7 km along the coastal road to Corbyn’s Cove for coconut water and seaside views before returning to the city center.

5:50 PM – 7:30 PM: Cellular Jail Light & Sound Show
Attend the evening light show narrated from the perspective of an ancient banyan tree inside the jail complex.
Show Timings: Show 1 (Hindi) starts at 5:50 PM; Show 2 starts at 6:80 PM (Hindi on Tue, Thu, Sat, Sun; English on Mon, Wed, Fri); Show 3 (Hindi) starts at 7:50 PM.
Tickets: ₹300 per adult, ₹150 for children (ages 5–11). You must pre-book these tickets online through the Andaman Tourism e-Tourist portal (dstr.andaman.gov.in), as offline ticket counters sell out well in advance during peak season.

Day 2: Private Ferry to Swaraj Dweep & Sunset at Radhanagar

Check out of your hotel early and report to Haddo Jetty or Phoenix Bay Jetty at least one hour before your ferry departure.

7:00 AM – 9:00 AM: High-Speed Ferry Crossing
Board a private AC catamaran (Makruzz, Nautika, Green Ocean, or ITT Majestic) for the 1.5 to 2-hour voyage across the sea to Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island).

10:30 AM – 1:00 PM: Arrival & Local Setup
Disembark at Swaraj Dweep Jetty. Union taxi transfers to beach resorts along Govind Nagar (Beach No. 3) or Vijay Nagar (Beach No. 5) cost ₹500 to ₹800. After checking in, rent a gearless scooter near the jetty or market area (₹500–₹700 per day) for flexible island travel.

3:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Radhanagar Beach (Beach No. 7)
Spend the afternoon at Radhanagar Beach, renowned for its wide stretch of soft white sand, calm turquoise waters, and surrounding mahua forest. The beach features pristine water ideal for swimming, complete with changing facilities and active lifeguard patrols.
Timing Tip: Sunsets occur early in the Andaman Islands—typically between 5:15 PM and 5:40 PM. Arrive by 3:30 PM to enjoy a solid hour of swimming before settling on the shore for the sunset.

Day 3: Elephant Beach Water Adventures & Kalapathar Shoreline

7:30 AM – 12:30 PM: Elephant Beach Excursion
Head to Elephant Beach, the island’s central hub for motorized water activities and shallow-reef water sports. You can reach the beach via two methods:

• Option A (Speedboat): Take a 20-minute shared speedboat ride from Swaraj Dweep Jetty. The round-trip fare costs ₹950 to ₹1,500 per person and includes a life jacket.
• Option B (Forest Trek): Hike the 1.8 km guided nature trail through dense tropical forest and mangroves, starting near the main road check-post. Local guide services cost ₹500 to ₹1,000 per group.

At Elephant Beach, certified operators offer helmet Sea Walking along designated underwater tracks (₹3,500–₹4,500 including underwater video), parasailing (₹3,000–₹3,500 per flight), jet-ski rides (₹800–₹1,200), and glass-bottom boat tours (₹1,500).
Correction Note: Scuba diving is not conducted at Elephant Beach due to heavy boat engine traffic; all beginner shore and boat dives are hosted at Nemo Reef (Beach No. 2) or offshore dive sites.

3:30 PM – 5:30 PM: Kalapathar Beach
Ride along the eastern coastal road to Kalapathar Beach. Distinct dark volcanic boulders line the white shoreline here, contrasting against brilliant aqua waters. It is a quiet, wind-swept stretch perfect for evening walks and photography.

Day 4: Island Hopping to Shaheed Dweep & Laxmanpur Sunset

9:00 AM – 10:30 AM: Ferry to Shaheed Dweep (Neil Island)
Board a morning catamaran from Swaraj Dweep Jetty to Shaheed Dweep. The inter-island transit takes roughly 45 to 60 minutes.

11:00 AM – 2:00 PM: Resort Check-In & Relaxation
Arrive at Shaheed Dweep Jetty and take a local taxi to your hotel (₹400–₹600 fixed drop rate). Shaheed Dweep is small, flat, and rural—scooters (₹500–₹600/day) or bicycles are great options for getting around.

2:30 PM – 4:00 PM: Bharatpur Beach
Visit Bharatpur Beach, located right next to the island’s main jetty. The bay features an unusually broad, shallow sandy reef extending hundreds of meters offshore. It is the top site on Shaheed Dweep for glass-bottom boat coral viewing, snorkeling, and banana boat rides.

4:30 PM – 6:00 PM: Laxmanpur Beach No. 1 Sunset
Head to the western tip of the island at Laxmanpur Beach No. 1. This broad, shell-littered beach offers open vistas across the ocean and is widely considered the best sunset vantage point on the island.

Day 5: Natural Rock Bridge (Low Tide Required) & Return to City

6:30 AM – 8:30 AM: Natural Rock Bridge (Howrah Bridge / Laxmanpur Beach No. 2)
Visit the living natural limestone rock formation on the dead coral bed of Laxmanpur Beach No. 2.
Tide Requirement: Access to the Natural Rock Bridge is strictly tide-dependent. You can only safely walk across the exposed coral shelf during low tide. During high tide, the coral path is completely submerged under surging ocean waves. Check tide tables with your resort reception or local guide the previous evening to align your morning departure time. Walk carefully and wear sturdy footwear with good rubber grip to avoid slipping on damp coral. Shallow tide pools along the shelf contain live starfishes, sea anemones, sea cucumbers, and clownfish.

11:30 AM / 2:00 PM: Return Ferry to Sri Vijaya Puram
Board an afternoon catamaran back to Haddo Jetty in Sri Vijaya Puram (90 to 120 minutes travel time).

4:30 PM – 7:30 PM: Shopping at Aberdeen Bazaar
Spend the evening browsing Aberdeen Bazaar in central Sri Vijaya Puram. Key local items include certified pearl jewelry, mother-of-pearl crafts, coconut-shell lamps, and traditional wooden handicrafts crafted by local artisans.

Day 6: Day Excursion Options & Chidiyatapu Sunset

Choose one of two distinct day excursions based on your group’s preferences:

Option A: Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Dweep (Ross Island) & North Bay

Book a shared speedboat trip package from the Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex or Aberdeen Jetty (₹900–₹1,200 per head). Spend two hours walking through the overgrown British administrative ruins on Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Dweep, where friendly spotted deer and peacocks roam freely. Afterward, continue to North Bay Island for coral viewing, semi-submarine rides, or Sea Walking. If you are traveling during the cooler months, this historical trail pairs well with other heritage routes across India; for broader seasonal ideas, check out our guide to the 15 Best Places to Visit in India in October.

Option B: Baratang Island Limestone Caves & Mangrove Creek

For an adventurous eco-tour, set an early morning alarm for a 3:00 AM hotel pickup. Drive 100 km north along the Andaman Trunk Road to line up for the 6:00 AM police-escorted vehicle convoy through the Jarawa Tribal Reserve at the Jirkatang check-post. Cross Middle Strait via vehicle ferry (₹20), then board a 10-seater motorboat that navigates dense, twisting mangrove channels (approx. ₹900 per head round trip). Disembark and hike 1.2 km through rainforest terrain to reach the massive underground Limestone Caves. Return with the 3:00 PM convoy back to the city.

5:00 PM – 6:30 PM: Chidiyatapu (Sunset Point)
If you chose Option A or returned early, drive 25 km south of the city to Chidiyatapu. The coastal road winds through tropical rainforest to a quiet bay scattered with massive fallen trees.
Crocodile Safety Warning: Prominent warning nets line Chidiyatapu beach. Swimming, paddling, or entering the water here is strictly prohibited by local marine police due to saltwater crocodile activity in the surrounding estuarine waters.

Day 7: Souvenir Shopping & Departure

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, complete your final packing, and check out. Arrange a cab transfer to Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ) at least two hours before your domestic flight. Ensure your flight home is scheduled at least 24 hours after your last scuba dive.

Ferry Logistics, Ground Transport, and Activity Tariffs

Inter-island travel in the Andaman Islands relies heavily on private high-speed catamarans. Booking private ferry seats well in advance ensures smooth transitions between islands on your 7-day trip.

Private Ferries vs. Government Ferries

Ferry Cancellation and Rescheduling Policy (Industry Standard)

• More than 48 Hours Before Departure: Flat administrative deduction of ₹250 per ticket.
• 48 Hours to 24 Hours Before Departure: 50% deduction of total ticket fare.
• Less than 24 Hours Before Departure: 100% fare deduction (No refund).
• Weather Disruptions: If the Port Management Board or Coast Guard suspends sailings due to rough seas or tropical storms, passengers receive a 100% refund or free ticket rescheduling.

Ground Transportation Tariffs & Scooter Rules

Local transport pricing across the islands operates on fixed union tariffs, meaning metered cabs are not available:

• Sri Vijaya Puram Airport Pick/Drop: ₹400 – ₹600 per sedan.
• Sri Vijaya Puram Full-Day Taxi Hire: ₹2,200 – ₹3,000.
• Swaraj Dweep Scooter Rental: ₹500 – ₹700 per day (Honda Activa / TVS Jupiter). Petrol is purchased at local market stalls in glass bottles for ₹110 to ₹120 per liter.
  
  Helmet Mandate: Traffic Police strictly enforce mandatory helmet use for both the rider and the pillion passenger across Swaraj Dweep and Shaheed Dweep. Violators face immediate fines.
• Shaheed Dweep 3-Point Sightseeing Taxi (Bharatpur + Laxmanpur + Natural Bridge): ₹1,800 – ₹2,500.
• Baratang Day Trip Private Vehicle (Return AC Sedan/SUV): ₹5,000 – ₹7,500.

Water Sports and Activity Pricing

Mobile Connectivity and Cash Requirements

Although the undersea optical fiber link from Chennai has improved mainland communication, mobile data performance drops as you travel farther into the outer islands.

Island Network Matrix

• Sri Vijaya Puram: Airtel and Reliance Jio provide stable 4G data. BSNL offers full voice call reliability.
• Swaraj Dweep (Havelock): Airtel and BSNL maintain good connectivity around the main market and jetty zones. BSNL is the only mobile network that gets a signal at Radhanagar Beach. Reliance Jio data is often patchy.
• Shaheed Dweep (Neil Island): BSNL is the primary reliable provider. Airtel and Jio experience frequent dead zones across rural hotel belts.

Cash vs. Digital Payments

Do not count entirely on digital UPI transfers (Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm). High server latency frequently causes transactions to time out at local beach shacks, scooty rental stalls, and small restaurants in Swaraj Dweep and Shaheed Dweep. Furthermore, Shaheed Dweep has only two ATMs, which regularly run out of cash during peak winter season.

Action Rule: Withdraw ₹10,000 to ₹15,000 in hard cash at airport or bank ATMs in Sri Vijaya Puram upon arrival. Use this reserve for water sports, local snacks, cab fares, scooty fuel, and tips.

Best Time to Visit the Andaman Islands

Weather plays a central role in ferry operations and marine clarity across the Bay of Bengal.

Peak Season (October to April)

This window brings sunny skies, calm sea conditions, and pleasant ambient temperatures between 22°C and 30°C. Underwater visibility reaches up to 25 meters, creating prime conditions for scuba diving, sea walking, and coastal transfers. The weeks between December 15 and January 15 mark the peak holiday rush, bringing surge pricing and high demand for accommodation—book your hotels and catamarans 60 to 90 days ahead. If you’re exploring regional travel options during this time, take a look at our Best Time to Visit South India guide.

Shoulder Season (May & September)

Temperatures rise to between 28°C and 34°C, accompanied by higher humidity and short pre- or post-monsoon showers. Hotel prices drop by 20% to 35%, beaches are uncrowded, and private ferries run on normal daily schedules.

Monsoon Season (June to August)

Heavy monsoonal rains, squally winds, and rough ocean swells define these months. The harbor master routinely halts inter-island ferries and tourist speedboats for safety during squalls, which can disrupt strict travel plans. For alternative holiday destinations that perform better during the summer rain, read our guide on Places to Visit in India During Monsoon.

Four Critical Errors to Avoid on Your Trip

1. The Scuba-to-Flight Hazard (Decompression Safety):
   Never dive on Day 6 and board a flight on Day 7 morning. International PADI and SSI diving standards require a mandatory 12 to 24-hour surface interval after scuba diving before ascending in an airplane. Flying too soon risks Decompression Sickness (nitrogen bends). Keep all scuba activities scheduled early in your itinerary on Swaraj Dweep.
2. Same-Day Ferry & Flight Bookings:
   Do not book a morning ferry from Shaheed Dweep or Swaraj Dweep to Sri Vijaya Puram on the same day as your flight back to the mainland. Engine glitches, tidal holds, or sudden weather delays can easily make you miss non-refundable flights. Always spend your final night (Day 6) in Sri Vijaya Puram.
3. Visiting the Natural Rock Bridge at High Tide:
   Do not walk down to Laxmanpur Beach No. 2 on Shaheed Dweep in the late afternoon without checking tide charts. At high tide, the coral pathway is submerged under deep, breaking waves, making it dangerous to approach the arch. Always align this visit with the morning low tide.
4. Planning City Sightseeing on Mondays:
   The Cellular Jail daytime museum, Samudrika Naval Marine Museum, Anthropological Museum, and boat trips to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Dweep (Ross Island) are all closed every Monday. Keep your Mondays open for inter-island transit or relaxed beach days instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a passport required for Indian citizens visiting the Andaman Islands?

No. Indian citizens do not need a passport or visa to enter Sri Vijaya Puram or the main tourist islands. You only need a valid government photo ID (Aadhaar Card, Driving License, Voter ID, or Passport) for airport entry, hotel check-ins, and ferry boarding.

How far in advance should I book private ferry tickets?

Book your private ferry tickets (Makruzz, Nautika, Green Ocean) 30 to 45 days in advance during regular months, and 60 days in advance if traveling between December and January. Popular morning ferry slots sell out early, leaving only late-afternoon sailings that cut into your sightseeing time.

Is it safe to ride scooters on Swaraj Dweep and Shaheed Dweep?

Yes, island roads on Swaraj Dweep and Shaheed Dweep have gentle terrain and light traffic. However, drive cautiously on wet coastal curves and watch out for loose sand on shoulders. Traffic police actively enforce helmet usage for both riders and pillion passengers.

Can non-swimmers do scuba diving and sea walking in Havelock?

Yes. Beginner shore dives (Try Scuba) at Nemo Reef and helmet Sea Walking at Elephant Beach are specifically designed for non-swimmers. Certified instructors stay right beside you throughout the entire underwater experience.

What should I budget per person for a 7-day Andaman trip from India?

Excluding mainland flights, a comfortable mid-range 7-day trip costs approximately ₹35,000 to ₹50,000 per person. This estimate covers 3-star resort accommodation, private ferry seats, union cab transfers, scooter rentals, entry tickets, meals, and standard water sports (a trial dive and boat transfers).