Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Best Beaches in the Andaman Islands (Top Picks)
- Top Places & Islands to Base Yourself
- Tourist Circuits & Beach-Hopping Routes
- Activities & Water Sports
- Festivals & Events
- Best Time to Visit
- Local Experiences: Food, Shopping & Culture
- How to Reach
- Permits & Regulations
- Accommodation Guide
- Estimated Trip Costs
- Travel Tips by Traveler Type
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
The Andaman Islands are where aquamarine lagoons meet powdery white sand, coral reefs glow beneath crystal waters, and sunsets linger in tropical pastels. From world-famous Radhanagar Beach to offbeat sandbars like Guitar Island, this archipelago offers beaches for every mood—family-friendly shallows, snorkeling gardens, surf breaks, bioluminescent bays, and wild turtle-nesting shores. This guide maps the very best beaches in the Andamans, with practical circuits, costs, permits, and expert tips to plan a smooth, responsible trip.
Best Beaches in the Andaman Islands (Top Picks)
Havelock (Swaraj Dweep)
- Radhanagar Beach (Beach No. 7): Often ranked among Asia’s best. Wide, soft sand, gentle slope, lifeguards. Great for families and sunset lovers. Limited water sports to keep the vibe serene.
- Elephant Beach: Top for snorkeling and beginner-friendly coral gardens; access by speedboat or a forest trail. Water sports available. Visit early to avoid crowds.
- Kalapathar Beach: Dramatic black rocks, emerald waters, shady stretches. Better for walks and photos than swimming due to rocks and currents.
Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep)
- Bharatpur Beach: Lagoon-like, shallow and calm; best for glass-bottom boats and snorkeling close to shore. Family favorite.
- Laxmanpur Beach: Sublime sunsets, natural rock formations. Wide sands; carry a torch for the walk back.
- Sitapur Beach: Sunrise point with rugged beauty and strong waves. Not ideal for swimming.
Port Blair & South Andaman
- Corbyn’s Cove: City beach with cafés, jet-skiing, and an easy sunset stroll.
- Wandoor Beach: Gateway to Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park (Jolly Buoy/Red Skin islands). Exceptional coral via permitted day trips; check seasonal openings.
- Chidiya Tapu (Sunset Point/Munda Pahad): Forest-backed, golden-hour magic; trek to viewpoint. Swimming is generally discouraged.
North Andaman (Rangat, Mayabunder, Diglipur)
- Ross & Smith Islands (Diglipur): Iconic twin-island sandbar in turquoise waters. Permit required; best visited in calm seas.
- Kalipur Beach (Diglipur): Turtle nesting site (Oct–Mar). Scenic; swimming often restricted—check local advisories.
- Karmatang Beach (Mayabunder): Long, quiet arc ideal for solitude and picnics; turtle nesting in season.
- Ramnagar Beach (Diglipur/Mayabunder side): Offbeat, good for walks and shells (do not collect coral/shells).
- Baludera Beach (Baratang): Gentle, shallow waters and forest backdrop; limited facilities.
Little Andaman & Long Island Sector
- Butler Bay (Little Andaman): Big, curling waves and golden sands; surfing potential. Strong currents—swim only if conditions are safe.
- Lalaji Bay (Long Island): A dreamy, remote sweep reached by a forest trail or boat; clear waters and few people.
- Merk Bay (North Passage Island): Crystal shallows with excellent snorkeling; day-trip by boat with permits.
- Guitar Island Sandbar: Photogenic, guitar-shaped sandbar accessed by boat from Long Island/Yerrata. Time visits with tides.
- Avis Island (Mayabunder): Small, picture-perfect day-trip island with calm waters.
Advanced/Restricted Nature Escapes
- Jolly Buoy & Red Skin: Open on rotation; outstanding coral visibility. No plastic allowed; day permits mandatory.
- Cinque Islands: Stunning marine reserve with limited access via permits and regulated trips; best for experienced divers with authorized operators.
Safety note: Some beaches may be closed for swimming due to currents or saltwater crocodile advisories (especially in parts of South, North, and Little Andaman). Always follow lifeguards and local notices.
Top Places & Islands to Base Yourself
- Port Blair: Best for first/last nights, day trips to Wandoor, North Bay, Ross Island (Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island), Corbyn’s Cove.
- Havelock (Swaraj Dweep): Ideal for beach time and scuba/snorkel. Stay near Radhanagar (quiet) or Govind Nagar/Beach No. 5 (dining, dive shops).
- Neil (Shaheed Dweep): Slower pace, short distances; perfect for 1–2 nights of laid-back beach-hopping.
- Rangat/Mayabunder/Diglipur: For offbeat beaches, turtle nesting, and Ross & Smith. Longer road journeys but fewer crowds.
- Long Island: Rustic, nature-focused base for Lalaji Bay, Guitar Island, Merk Bay.
- Little Andaman: For surfers and wild-beach seekers; basic tourism infrastructure compared to Havelock/Neil.
Tourist Circuits & Beach-Hopping Routes
Classic 5–6 Days (First-Timers)
- Day 1: Arrive Port Blair – Corbyn’s Cove, Cellular Jail light & sound (history).
- Day 2: Wandoor + permitted trip to Jolly Buoy/Red Skin (if open).
- Day 3–4: Havelock – Radhanagar sunset; Elephant Beach snorkeling.
- Day 5: Neil – Bharatpur, Laxmanpur sunset; Sitapur sunrise (optional Day 6).
- Return to Port Blair for flight.
North Andaman 7–8 Days (Offbeat)
- Port Blair → Rangat (Yerrata mangroves) → Mayabunder (Karmatang) → Diglipur (Ross & Smith, Kalipur).
- Optional: Avis Island, Ramnagar. Return via Baratang (limestone caves, Baludera).
Long Island Add-on 2–3 Days
- Base in Long Island; day trips to Lalaji Bay, Guitar Island, Merk Bay (permits/boats required).
Little Andaman 3–4 Days
- Hut Bay base; Butler Bay, waterfalls, surf sessions. Check ferry schedules and weather.
Activities & Water Sports
- Snorkeling: Elephant Beach, Bharatpur, Jolly Buoy/Red Skin, Merk Bay. Use a guide and reef-safe sunscreen.
- Scuba Diving: Havelock (e.g., Nemo Reef, Johnny’s Gorge, Dixon’s Pinnacle), Neil, and selected advanced sites. Discover Scuba to full certifications available.
- Sea Walks & Glass-Bottom: North Bay (Port Blair), Elephant Beach, Bharatpur.
- Kayaking & Bioluminescence: Mangrove kayaking in Havelock/Rangat; bioluminescence often visible on dark, calm nights (season-dependent).
- Surfing: Butler Bay (experienced surfers; variable conditions).
- Turtle Watching: Kalipur, Karmatang (Oct–Mar) with forest permissions/guides where applicable.
- Sunset & Nature Walks: Radhanagar, Laxmanpur, Chidiya Tapu to Munda Pahad viewpoint.
Festivals & Events
- Island Tourism Festival (Port Blair): Typically in January; cultural shows, food stalls, handicrafts.
- Subhash Mela (Havelock/Swaraj Dweep): Around late January; local performances and markets.
- Seasonal Beach Carnivals & Night Markets: Pop-ups in peak months (Dec–Feb) in Port Blair/Havelock with music and food.
Best Time to Visit
- October–May: Best weather and sea conditions; Dec–Feb is peak.
- June–September (Monsoon): Heavy rains, rough seas; many boat trips and water sports curtailed. Lush scenery but plan buffer days.
- For diving: Nov–Apr often offers better visibility; conditions vary by site.
Local Experiences: Food, Shopping & Culture
Food
- Fresh seafood grills, fish curry, prawn masala, and coconut-based dishes.
- Café culture in Havelock and Neil: beachside breakfasts, smoothies, wood-fired pizzas.
- Vegetarian and regional Indian fare widely available in Port Blair.
Shopping
- Aberdeen Bazaar (Port Blair) for spices, local art, and cane/bamboo crafts.
- Avoid buying corals, shells, and turtle products—collection and trade are illegal.
Culture
- Diverse settler communities (Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, North Indian) shape cuisine and festivals.
- Tribal reserves are strictly protected and not tourism zones—respect all boundaries.
How to Reach
By Air
- Fly to Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ), Port Blair from Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Delhi (some via connections).
- Flight time: ~2–2.5 hrs from Chennai/Kolkata; ~3–5+ hrs with connections from other metros.
By Sea
- Government passenger ships from Chennai/Kolkata/Visakhapatnam (limited schedules; ~3–4 days). Basic cabins; plan well in advance.
Inter-Island Ferries
- Port Blair ↔ Havelock/Neil: Government ferries and private catamarans (e.g., Makruzz, Green Ocean, Sea Link). Pre-book in peak season.
- North/Little Andaman: Government ferries; schedules weather-dependent—check locally.
Permits & Regulations
- Entry: Indian citizens do not need special permits for notified tourist areas. Foreigners can visit most open islands without Restricted Area Permit; certain islands remain off-limits.
- Special Permits: Required for Jolly Buoy/Red Skin, Ross & Smith, some marine parks and day-trip islands. Obtainable via Forest Department or authorized counters.
- Prohibited Areas: Tribal reserves (e.g., North Sentinel) and Nicobar Islands are closed to tourism.
- Environment: No coral/shell collection; carry back all trash; plastics restricted on some islands.
- Drones: Need prior permission from local authorities; follow DGCA rules.
- Alcohol & Dress: Alcohol available in licensed outlets; avoid consumption on public beaches. Beachwear is fine on beaches/resorts; dress modestly in towns/villages.
Accommodation Guide
- Port Blair: Budget guesthouses to boutique hotels near Aberdeen Bazaar and sea-facing areas.
- Havelock: Beachfront resorts (mid to luxury) along Govind Nagar/Beach No. 5; quieter nature stays near Radhanagar.
- Neil: Cozy cottages near Bharatpur/Laxmanpur; compact island—short transfers.
- North/Long/Little Andaman: Simple lodges and eco-stays; book ahead and manage expectations on amenities.
Estimated Trip Costs
- Daily budgets (per person, twin-sharing):
- Backpacker: INR 2,500–4,500 (budget stay, govt ferries, local meals).
- Mid-range: INR 5,500–10,000 (comfortable resorts, some private ferries, a couple of activities).
- Luxury: INR 12,000–30,000+ (premium beachfront stays, private transfers, diving/spa).
- Sample activity costs:
- Government ferry (Port Blair–Havelock): ~INR 300–1,000; private catamaran: ~INR 1,500–3,000.
- Discover Scuba (shore/boat): ~INR 3,500–6,500; Open Water course: ~INR 25,000–35,000.
- Snorkeling guided: ~INR 700–1,500; Glass-bottom: ~INR 1,000–2,000; Sea walk: ~INR 3,000–4,500.
- Scooter rental: ~INR 500–800/day; Car with driver: ~INR 2,500–3,500/day (island-dependent).
- Permits (select islands/parks): ~INR 50–200+ per person; camera fees may apply.
Travel Tips by Traveler Type
Families
- Choose Radhanagar and Bharatpur for calm waters; look for lifeguards/flag posts.
- Pack reef-safe sunscreen, hats, quick-dry towels, snacks, and a small first-aid kit.
- Keep kids out of water during high surf or crocodile advisories; avoid night swims.
Honeymooners & Couples
- Stay near Radhanagar or a quiet Neil beach for privacy; time sunsets at Laxmanpur or Chidiya Tapu.
- Plan a bioluminescence night or private dinner (with eco-friendly setups).
- Travel light; carry a dry bag for boat trips and a light shawl for breezy evenings.
Friends & Adventure Seekers
- Stack your days with diving/snorkeling, mangrove kayaking, and Elephant Beach water sports.
- Consider offbeat runs to Ross & Smith, Lalaji Bay, or surf at Butler Bay if conditions allow.
- Rent scooters for flexibility; download offline maps due to patchy signal.
General Safety & Packing
- Follow beach flags and local instructions; currents can be strong even in clear weather.
- Footwear: aqua shoes for rocky entries; carry a dry bag and spare charging packs.
- Cash/UPI: ATMs can run dry; carry some cash. UPI works but network can be spotty.
FAQs
Q: Which Andaman beach is best for families with young kids?
A: Bharatpur Beach (Neil) and Radhanagar Beach (Havelock) offer calmer waters and gentle slopes; always check the day’s flags and lifeguard advice.
Q: Do I need permits to visit Havelock and Neil?
A: No special permits are needed for Indian citizens and most foreign tourists for Havelock/Neil. Certain day-trip islands (e.g., Jolly Buoy, Ross & Smith) require permits.
Q: When is the sea calmest for snorkeling and boat trips?
A: Typically November to April. Monsoon months (June–September) bring rough seas and frequent cancellations.
Q: Where can I see the best sunset?
A: Laxmanpur Beach (Neil), Radhanagar Beach (Havelock), and Chidiya Tapu (South Andaman) are top choices.
Q: Is bioluminescence visible in the Andamans?
A: Yes, on dark, calm nights—most commonly around Havelock’s quieter beaches between roughly November and February. Visibility varies; go with a local guide.
Conclusion
The Andaman Islands deliver an incredible spectrum of beaches—from the iconic sweep of Radhanagar and the snorkeling havens of Elephant and Bharatpur to the wild solitude of Ross & Smith, Lalaji Bay, and Butler Bay. Combine classic hubs like Havelock and Neil with offbeat north or Long Island sectors, travel in the fair-weather months, respect permits and marine rules, and you’ll experience the archipelago’s beaches at their best—safely, responsibly, and memorably.
