Planning an Andaman Islands trip in 2026?
Indian nationals need no passport, no visa, and no special permits to visit the main Andaman tourist islands, just your Aadhaar card and a flight ticket. A 5-night Andaman trip costs between ₹50,000 and ₹1,00,000 per person including return flights from mainland India. The classic route – Port Blair, Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep), and Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep) covers the best the islands have to offer in 5 to 7 days. And the single most important activity you will do in Andaman is scuba diving or snorkelling the underwater world here is among the finest in the Indian Ocean.
Most Indians who have not been to the Andaman Islands are surprised by what they find when they get there. The expectation is a nice beach destination. The reality is something considerably more extraordinary emerald green islands rising from a sea that cycles through impossible shades of turquoise and cobalt blue, coral reefs teeming with life that have not been degraded by decades of overtourism, colonial-era history that is genuinely moving, and a pace of island life that is the complete antithesis of mainland India’s noise and density.
Radhanagar Beach on Havelock Island, now officially known as Swaraj Dweep has Blue Flag certification and has been rated one of the best beaches in Asia. The cellular jail in Port Blair, where India’s freedom fighters were imprisoned by the British, is one of the most powerful historical sites in the country. And the coral reefs around Havelock, Neil Island, North Bay, and the outer islands are some of the healthiest and most biodiverse in the Indian Ocean.
This guide covers everything: permits, costs, the classic and extended itinerary, the best islands, underwater activities explained honestly, the best time to visit, and practical tips for planning an Andaman trip in 2026.
Permits for Andaman Islands: What Indians Actually Need in 2026
This is the most frequently confused topic for first-time Andaman travellers, so here is a completely clear answer:
| Traveller Type | Permit Required? | What to Carry |
|---|---|---|
| Indian nationals | No — no passport, no visa, no Restricted Area Permit (RAP) for the main tourist islands | Valid government-issued photo ID (Aadhaar card is sufficient). Flight ticket. |
| Foreign nationals (most countries) | Valid Indian tourist visa required. No additional RAP needed for the 29 permitted islands including Havelock, Neil, and Port Blair. | Passport with valid Indian visa. RAP issued on arrival for 30 days. |
| Foreign nationals (China, Afghanistan, Pakistan) | RAP required in addition to Indian visa. Prior approval from Ministry of Home Affairs needed. | Contact Indian embassy before travel. |
For Indian nationals, the vast majority of Andaman tourists — the process is simply: book a flight from Chennai, Kolkata, or Delhi to Port Blair (Veer Savarkar International Airport), carry your Aadhaar card, and go. There is no bureaucratic step between you and the islands beyond the flight ticket.
The Nicobar Islands are different: The Nicobar Islands (Great Nicobar, Little Nicobar, Car Nicobar, Nancowry etc.) require a Restricted Area Permit even for Indian nationals and are not part of the standard tourist circuit. The Nicobar Islands are primarily naval territory and restricted for ecological and defence reasons. Tourist packages do not include the Nicobars.
North Sentinel Island: Approaching within 3 nautical miles of North Sentinel Island is illegal and dangerous — the Sentinelese tribe is protected under Indian law and has no contact with the outside world. This restriction is absolute and non-negotiable.
How to Reach Andaman Islands from India
| Mode | Route | Duration | Cost (per person) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flight (recommended) | Chennai, Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore to Port Blair (Veer Savarkar International Airport) | 2 to 2.5 hours from Chennai/Kolkata, 3 to 3.5 hours from Delhi/Mumbai | ₹4,000–₹12,000 return depending on city and booking window | Book 6 to 8 weeks in advance. Chennai has the most frequency. IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet operate the route. |
| Ship (slow travel option) | Chennai or Kolkata to Port Blair | 55 to 60 hours (2.5 days each way) | ₹3,000–₹8,000 depending on cabin class | Ships operate 3 to 4 times a month — not a practical primary option for most travellers. Good for those who specifically want the ocean journey experience. |
Flying is the clear choice for almost all travellers. The ship journey takes 2.5 days each way – adding 5 days to a trip for transport alone. Flying from Chennai is the cheapest and most frequent option. Booking 6 to 8 weeks in advance for peak season (November to February) is strongly recommended – flights sell out and prices spike significantly close to peak season dates.
Best Time to Visit Andaman Islands in 2026
| Season | Months | Sea Conditions | Weather | Prices | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peak season | November to February | Calm, crystal clear — best visibility for diving and snorkelling | 26–30°C, low humidity, dry | Highest — book 2 months ahead | Best overall – perfect beach and underwater conditions |
| Shoulder | October, March | Good — calming down or still settled | Warm, occasional cloud | 15–25% lower than peak | ✅ Good value – solid conditions, fewer crowds |
| Summer | April to May | Acceptable — seas getting rougher but manageable | Hot, 28–35°C, increasing humidity | Lower | ⚠️ Warm but beach activities still possible. Diving conditions variable. |
| Monsoon | June to September | Rough — inter-island ferries frequently cancelled. Diving not possible. | Heavy rain, 26–30°C | Cheapest | ❌ Not recommended. Ferries unreliable, diving closed, most beach activities not possible. |
The Andaman Islands have a clear season — unlike hill stations or heritage cities, the experience here is fundamentally ocean-dependent. Outside November to March, the quality of the underwater experience (which is the primary reason to visit) drops significantly and inter-island ferry reliability decreases. Book in the window and book early.
The Islands: Which Ones to Visit
Port Blair — The Entry Point
Port Blair is where all flights arrive — the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and your base for the first day or two. It is not a beach destination in itself but has significant historical and practical importance. The Cellular Jail — where the British colonial administration imprisoned Indian freedom fighters, including Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Veer Savarkar — is one of the most moving historical sites in India. The Sound and Light Show at the Cellular Jail (evenings, approximately ₹50 per person) narrates the history of the jail in a way that is genuinely affecting. Port Blair also has North Bay Island (accessible by boat, good snorkelling and water sports), Corbyn’s Cove Beach, and the Samudrika Marine Museum.
Spend 1 to 2 nights in Port Blair for sightseeing and as a logistics base before island-hopping.
Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep) — The Crown Jewel
Havelock Island is why most people come to Andaman. Radhanagar Beach (Beach No. 7) — Blue Flag certified, on the western coast of Havelock — is one of the finest beaches in Asia. A 2-km stretch of pale white sand backed by dense forest, facing the open Andaman Sea, with water that goes through extraordinary colour gradients from pale turquoise at the shore to deep blue at the horizon. Sunsets here are extraordinary. Arrive by 5 PM, watch the sky change, and understand why people plan return trips to Andaman before they have left.
Beyond Radhanagar:
- Elephant Beach — a 30-minute boat ride from the main jetty, this is the best snorkelling site accessible from Havelock. The coral garden here is excellent for first-time snorkellers. Entry by boat: approximately ₹700 to ₹1,000 per person return. Snorkelling equipment rental on the beach.
- Kalapathar Beach — a quiet, dramatic beach on the eastern coast — dark rocks against clear water, no facilities, few visitors. Best for a morning walk rather than swimming.
- Scuba diving — Havelock has the Andaman’s best concentration of dive sites, dive shops, and PADI-certified instructors. Beginner dives at sites like Aquarium and Nemo Reef give non-divers a first underwater experience. Certified divers access sites like Lighthouse, Barracuda City, and Minerva’s Ledge — some of the finest dives in the Indian Ocean. Cost: ₹5,000 to ₹6,500 for a beginner dive including equipment and instructor.
- Havelock Island Biodiversity Nature Trail — a 2.5 km guided forest trail that passes through the island’s interior rainforest to the coastline. Excellent for birdwatching — the Andaman crake, Andaman woodpigeon, and Andaman treepie are endemic and seen here.
Spend 2 to 3 nights on Havelock — do not rush it.
Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep) — Quiet, Small, Charming
Neil Island is smaller, quieter, and less developed than Havelock — a compact island of pristine beaches, coral reefs, and a pace that is even slower than Havelock’s. The main beaches — Laxmanpur Beach, Bharatpur Beach, and the Natural Bridge (a coral formation eroded into a natural arch) — are beautiful and almost always uncrowded compared to Havelock. The snorkelling at Bharatpur Beach (right at the jetty) is excellent even for those who prefer not to take a boat.
Neil Island works well as a 1-night addition to the Havelock-Port Blair circuit — break the ferry journey between Havelock and Port Blair with an overnight stop on Neil. The quiet here is restorative.
Baratang Island — The Offbeat Option
Baratang, 100 km north of Port Blair, is reached by driving through the Jarawa Tribal Reserve on the Andaman Trunk Road — a convoy system operates through the reserve to protect the Jarawa tribe’s territory. The drive itself, through dense rainforest with the possibility of Jarawa sightings (though contact is prohibited and must not be attempted), is memorable. At Baratang: limestone caves accessible by a jungle boat ride through mangroves, mud volcanoes (one of only a handful accessible in India), and the Parrot Island — hundreds of parakeets roost here at dusk creating an extraordinary spectacle.
Baratang requires an early start from Port Blair (convoy departs at 6 AM from Jirkatang checkpoint) and is best done as a full-day excursion or with an overnight stay at the basic guesthouse there.
Diglipur and Ross & Smith Islands — For Serious Explorers
The northernmost accessible part of the Andaman archipelago — 9 to 10 hours from Port Blair by road and ferry. Ross and Smith Islands are two islands connected by a natural sandbar that appears at low tide, creating one of the most photographed images in Andaman. Diglipur also has Saddle Peak (the highest point in the Andaman Islands at 732 metres) and Ramnagar Beach (leatherback sea turtle nesting site). For travellers with 8 to 10 days and a preference for offbeat destinations over beaches.
5-Day Andaman Itinerary 2026 (Classic Circuit)
Day 1 — Arrive Port Blair + Cellular Jail
- Arrive at Veer Savarkar International Airport, Port Blair
- Check in at hotel in Port Blair — stay near Aberdeen Bazaar for best access to ferry terminal and market
- Afternoon: Cellular Jail — allow 2 hours. The individual cells, the gallows, and the exhibition of prisoner testimonies are genuinely moving.
- Samudrika Marine Museum — a good introduction to the Andaman’s marine ecosystem before you experience it underwater
- Evening: Cellular Jail Sound and Light Show (approximately ₹50 per person) — narrates the history of the freedom struggle through the jail’s stories. Book at the counter earlier in the day.
- Overnight Port Blair
Day 2 — Port Blair: North Bay + Corbyn’s Cove, Ferry to Havelock
- Morning: North Bay Island by glass-bottom boat from the Phoenix Bay Jetty (approximately ₹600 to ₹800 per person return). The glass-bottom boat gives non-swimmers a view of the coral without getting in the water. Good snorkelling also available.
- Return to Port Blair by noon
- Early afternoon: ferry to Havelock Island — the government ferry takes approximately 2 hours and costs ₹350 to ₹500 per person. Private speedboats take 1 hour and cost approximately ₹900 to ₹1,200 per person. Book government ferry tickets in advance at the Directorate of Shipping Services office or online at andaman.gov.in.
- Arrive Havelock, check in
- Evening: sunset at Radhanagar Beach (Beach No. 7) — 12 km from the main jetty, auto-rickshaws and rental bikes available
💡 Book your Havelock ferry well in advance during peak season — the government ferries have limited capacity and sell out. Private speedboats are more flexible but significantly more expensive.
Day 3 — Full Day Havelock: Diving + Beaches
- Early morning: scuba diving or snorkelling at Elephant Beach — morning is the best time for water clarity and calmer conditions. Book your dive at a PADI-certified dive shop on arrival — Barefoot Scuba, Dive India, and Ocean Tribe are well-regarded operators on Havelock.
- Beginner scuba dive: ₹5,000–₹6,500 per person. Snorkelling at Elephant Beach: ₹1,000–₹1,500 per person including boat ride and equipment.
- Afternoon: Kalapathar Beach — walk the beach, explore the rocky shore, see the contrast with the white sand beaches
- Late afternoon: Havelock Island Biodiversity Trail (arrange through your hotel or a local guide, approximately ₹300 to ₹500 per person)
- Sunset: back to Radhanagar Beach for the day’s second sunset — it gets better each time
- Overnight Havelock
Day 4 — Havelock to Neil Island
- Morning: final swim at Havelock, check out
- Ferry from Havelock to Neil Island — approximately 1 to 1.5 hours. Government ferry approximately ₹150 to ₹200 per person, speedboat ₹600 to ₹800 per person.
- Arrive Neil Island, check in at beach resort or guesthouse
- Afternoon: Natural Bridge — a natural coral arch on the southern coast of Neil Island. Accessible on foot from Laxmanpur Beach at low tide (check tide times before setting out).
- Snorkelling at Bharatpur Beach (right at the ferry jetty) — one of the most accessible good snorkelling spots in Andaman. Rent equipment from the beach (₹200 to ₹400)
- Evening: sunset at Laxmanpur Beach — wide, open, quiet. The kind of sunset that justifies the journey.
- Overnight Neil Island
Day 5 — Neil Island Morning + Ferry to Port Blair + Departure
- Early morning: sunrise at Laxmanpur Beach or a morning kayak in the calm waters
- Breakfast at a Neil Island restaurant — local fresh seafood breakfast is excellent here
- Ferry from Neil Island back to Port Blair — approximately 1.5 to 2 hours
- Transfer to airport for departure
7-Day Extended Andaman Itinerary (Adding Baratang)
For travellers with 7 days, add Baratang Island as a Day 3 excursion from Port Blair before heading to Havelock:
- Day 1: Arrive Port Blair, Cellular Jail, Sound and Light Show
- Day 2: Baratang Island full-day excursion — depart 5 AM, convoy through Jarawa Reserve, limestone caves, mud volcanoes, return Port Blair by evening
- Day 3: North Bay Island morning, afternoon ferry to Havelock
- Day 4–5: Havelock Island — scuba diving, Radhanagar Beach, Elephant Beach snorkelling, trails
- Day 6: Havelock to Neil Island — beaches, Natural Bridge, snorkelling
- Day 7: Neil Island morning, ferry back to Port Blair, departure
Andaman Trip Cost 2026: Complete Breakdown
| Expense | Budget (per person, 5 nights) | Mid-Range (per person, 5 nights) | Premium (per person, 5 nights) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Return flights (Chennai/Kolkata to Port Blair) | ₹4,000–₹8,000 | ₹8,000–₹14,000 | ₹14,000–₹22,000 |
| Return flights from Delhi/Mumbai (longer route) | ₹7,000–₹12,000 | ₹12,000–₹20,000 | ₹20,000–₹35,000 |
| Accommodation (5 nights) | ₹5,000–₹9,000 | ₹12,000–₹25,000 | ₹30,000–₹65,000 |
| Inter-island ferries (Port Blair → Havelock → Neil → Port Blair) | ₹1,000–₹1,500 (government ferry) | ₹2,500–₹4,000 (mix of govt + speedboat) | ₹5,000–₹8,000 (private speedboats) |
| Scuba diving (1 beginner dive) or snorkelling package | ₹1,000–₹1,500 (snorkelling) | ₹5,000–₹6,500 (scuba dive) | ₹6,500–₹10,000 (multiple dives) |
| Meals (5 days) | ₹2,500–₹4,000 | ₹5,000–₹9,000 | ₹10,000–₹20,000 |
| Local transport (autos, bike rental, boat trips) | ₹1,500–₹2,500 | ₹2,500–₹5,000 | ₹5,000–₹10,000 |
| Entry fees, Cellular Jail, Sound and Light Show | ₹300–₹600 | ₹600–₹1,000 | ₹1,000–₹1,500 |
| Travel insurance | ₹700–₹1,200 | ₹1,200–₹2,500 | ₹2,500–₹5,000 |
| Total per person (5 nights, from Chennai) | ₹16,000–₹28,300 | ₹36,800–₹67,000 | ₹74,000–₹1,41,500 |
The biggest cost levers in Andaman are flights (flying from Chennai vs Delhi makes a significant difference) and accommodation on Havelock (which ranges from basic beach huts at ₹1,500 per night to luxury resorts at ₹15,000+ per night). Mid-range Havelock accommodation near Radhanagar Beach — comfortable, clean, with a beachside restaurant — costs ₹3,000 to ₹6,000 per night and gives you everything you need.
Underwater Andaman: Scuba Diving and Snorkelling Guide
The Andaman Sea has some of the healthiest coral reefs in the Indian Ocean. Unlike many tropical destinations where coral bleaching and overtourism have degraded reefs, Andaman’s remoteness has preserved remarkable biodiversity — reef sharks, sea turtles, manta rays, barracuda, moray eels, lionfish, Napolean wrasse, and coral gardens that look like they belong in a nature documentary.
Scuba Diving
Scuba diving in Andaman is accessible to complete beginners — most reputed dive shops offer a “Discover Scuba” or beginner introductory dive that includes a briefing, shallow water practice, and a guided dive at a beginner site. No prior experience or certification required.
| Dive Type | Requirements | Cost (approx.) | Best Sites |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beginner / Discover Scuba dive | No prior experience. Minimum age 10 years. | ₹5,000–₹6,500 | Aquarium, Nemo Reef (Havelock) |
| PADI Open Water course (certification) | No prior experience. 3–4 days. | ₹20,000–₹28,000 | Havelock — multiple training sites |
| Fun dive (certified divers) | PADI Open Water or equivalent | ₹3,500–₹5,000 per dive | Lighthouse, Barracuda City, Minerva’s Ledge, Junction |
💡 Always use a PADI-certified dive shop. Andaman has numerous dive operators — quality and safety standards vary significantly. Barefoot Scuba, Dive India, and Ocean Tribe on Havelock are consistently well-regarded. Never dive with an operator who does not show PADI certification, does not conduct a proper briefing, or uses visibly worn-out equipment.
Snorkelling
For those who prefer to stay on the surface, Andaman’s snorkelling is exceptional — the shallow reef gardens are clearly visible just a few metres below, and many species can be seen without descending. Best snorkelling sites:
- Elephant Beach, Havelock — the best all-round snorkelling site in Andaman. Accessible by 30-minute boat ride. Coral garden starts at 1 to 2 metres depth. Fish including parrotfish, clownfish, angelfish in abundance. Cost: ₹1,000 to ₹1,500 per person including boat and equipment.
- Bharatpur Beach, Neil Island — excellent snorkelling directly from the beach. No boat needed. Equipment rental ₹200 to ₹400. Coral garden starts 50 metres from shore.
- North Bay Island, Port Blair — accessible by boat from Port Blair jetty. Good variety of coral and fish. Best as a half-day excursion combined with glass-bottom boat.
- The Wall, Havelock — accessible by boat, a vertical coral wall dropping to 30 metres. Snorkellers float on the surface looking down the wall — one of the most dramatic snorkelling experiences in Andaman even without diving down.
Practical Tips for an Andaman Trip in 2026
Book government ferries well in advance. The inter-island government ferries (operated by Directorate of Shipping Services) are the most affordable way to move between islands — but they have limited capacity and sell out weeks in advance during peak season. Book online at andaman.gov.in as soon as your trip dates are confirmed. Arriving in Port Blair hoping to get a same-day or next-day ferry to Havelock during peak season is a plan that frequently fails.
Book your flight to Port Blair early. Andaman sees a massive surge in bookings from October onwards for the November–February peak season. Flights from Chennai and Kolkata (the closest mainland airports) fill up quickly and prices spike. Book 6 to 8 weeks ahead for peak season, 3 to 4 weeks for shoulder season.
Carry sufficient cash. ATMs exist in Port Blair but are limited on Havelock and Neil. Carry enough cash from Port Blair for your entire island-hopping budget — accommodation, food, activities, and tips. UPI works where mobile signal is available but Havelock’s connectivity is intermittent.
Rent a bicycle or scooter on Havelock and Neil. Both islands are small enough to explore entirely by bicycle or scooter — far better than depending on auto-rickshaws, which are limited in number and expensive. Bicycle rental: ₹80 to ₹150 per day. Scooter: ₹400 to ₹600 per day. The freedom to stop anywhere on the road to Radhanagar as the light changes is worth the small cost.
Respect the marine environment. The Andaman reefs are healthy precisely because they are protected. Do not touch corals while snorkelling or diving — even incidental contact damages coral polyps. Do not feed fish. Use reef-safe sunscreen. Do not collect shells or coral. The marine environment is what makes Andaman extraordinary — treat it accordingly.
Avoid Jarawa tribal contact on the Andaman Trunk Road. When driving through the Jarawa Tribal Reserve on the way to Baratang, you may see Jarawa individuals near the road. Do not stop, do not offer food or gifts, do not photograph them. The Jarawa are a protected and legally isolated tribe — any contact is prohibited under Indian law and deeply harmful to their wellbeing and immunity. This is not a tourist opportunity. Drive through the convoy in silence and with respect.
The sea is the boss. Ferry services between islands, boat trips to Elephant Beach, and diving schedules are all subject to sea conditions. During transitional months (October, March to May), cancellations are possible. Build flexibility into your island-hopping schedule — have a backup plan if a ferry is cancelled, and do not book a non-changeable flight out of Port Blair on the same day you are scheduled to ferry back from Neil Island.
Frequently Asked Questions — Andaman Islands Trip 2026
Do Indians need a permit or passport to visit Andaman?
No — Indian nationals do not need a passport, visa, or any special permit (Restricted Area Permit) to visit the main tourist islands of the Andaman archipelago including Port Blair, Havelock (Swaraj Dweep), and Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep). A valid government-issued photo ID such as an Aadhaar card is sufficient. The Nicobar Islands and certain tribal reserve areas require special permits even for Indian nationals and are not accessible on standard tourist packages.
How much does an Andaman trip cost in 2026?
A 5-night Andaman trip costs approximately ₹16,000 to ₹28,000 per person at a budget level, ₹36,000 to ₹67,000 per person mid-range, and ₹74,000 to ₹1,41,000+ per person premium — all including return flights from Chennai or Kolkata. Flights from Delhi or Mumbai add ₹3,000 to ₹8,000 per person. The biggest cost variables are accommodation category on Havelock Island and whether you use government ferries or private speedboats for inter-island transfers.
What is the best time to visit Andaman Islands?
November to March is the best time to visit Andaman — calm seas, crystal clear water, excellent diving and snorkelling visibility, and dry pleasant weather (26 to 30°C). October is a good shoulder month with post-monsoon freshness and lower prices. The monsoon months of June to September are not recommended — inter-island ferries are frequently cancelled, diving is not possible, and most beach and water activities are unavailable due to rough seas.
How many days are enough for Andaman?
5 to 7 days is ideal for the Andaman Islands. The classic 5-day circuit covers Port Blair, Havelock Island, and Neil Island comfortably. 7 days allows you to add Baratang Island (limestone caves, mud volcanoes) or spend an extra day on Havelock for a second dive or a more relaxed pace. For travellers interested in serious diving with multiple dive days, or the offbeat northern islands (Ross and Smith, Diglipur), 8 to 10 days is worth planning for.
Is scuba diving safe for beginners in Andaman?
Yes — with a reputed PADI-certified dive operator. Beginner dives (Discover Scuba) in Andaman are conducted in shallow water (6 to 8 metres maximum for first-timers) with a 1:1 ratio of instructor to diver. No prior experience or swimming ability beyond basic comfort in the water is required. The main safety consideration is choosing a certified dive shop — always verify PADI certification, check equipment condition, and ensure a proper briefing is conducted before entering the water. The standard beginner dive experience in Andaman is safe and genuinely extraordinary for first-time divers.
What is Radhanagar Beach and why is it famous?
Radhanagar Beach (officially Beach No. 7) on Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep) is the most celebrated beach in Andaman and one of the finest beaches in Asia. It holds Blue Flag certification — an international quality standard for clean, safe, and environmentally managed beaches. The beach is 2 km of pale white sand backed by dense forest, facing the open Andaman Sea with no development visible from the waterline. The water cycles through extraordinary shades of turquoise and blue. Sunsets at Radhanagar are among the most beautiful in India. The beach is accessible by auto-rickshaw or rented bike from the main Havelock jetty — approximately 12 km.
How do I travel between Andaman Islands?
Inter-island travel is by ferry — either the government ferries operated by the Directorate of Shipping Services (cheaper, slower, must be booked in advance online at andaman.gov.in) or private speedboats (faster, more expensive, more flexible on booking). The government ferry from Port Blair to Havelock costs approximately ₹350 to ₹500 per person and takes 2 hours. The speedboat takes 1 hour and costs approximately ₹900 to ₹1,200 per person. From Havelock to Neil Island: approximately 1 to 1.5 hours by ferry. Book government ferries as early as possible for peak season — they sell out weeks ahead.
Is Andaman good for families with children?
Yes — Andaman is excellent for families with children of all ages. The beaches at Havelock and Neil Island have calm, safe water for swimming. Snorkelling is accessible even for children (minimum age for most snorkelling tours is around 8 years). Glass-bottom boat rides give younger children a view of the coral without getting in the water. The Cellular Jail and marine museum provide educational interest for older children. The islands are safe, relatively compact, and the pace is relaxed — well suited to family travel. Book accommodation in advance, particularly on Havelock where the best family-friendly properties sell out early in peak season.
Plan Your Andaman Trip with TravelDham
Andaman looks simple to plan — book a flight, find a hotel, get on a ferry — and for a first-time visitor, the reality is more logistically involved than it appears. Government ferry bookings that sell out, hotel quality on Havelock that varies enormously, inter-island scheduling that needs to fit around ferry departures and arrival times, dive operator quality that ranges from excellent to unsafe — getting these details right makes the difference between an exceptional Andaman trip and a frustrating one.
TravelDham plans customised Andaman packages for families, couples, honeymooners, and groups — handling flights from your city, government ferry bookings made well in advance, pre-verified accommodation on each island, dive shop recommendations matched to your experience level, and an island-hopping schedule that flows logistically without rushing. We also cover travel insurance for water activities.
Whether you are planning a classic 5-day Port Blair-Havelock-Neil circuit, a 7-day trip with Baratang, or an extended 10-day offbeat journey through the northern islands — TravelDham builds it around your dates, your group, and what you want most from the Andaman experience.
Contact TravelDham today for a free Andaman itinerary and quote. We confirm government ferry availability as part of the first consultation — so you know what is realistically bookable for your dates before committing to anything.
