Table of Contents
- Introduction: Andaman in April
- Andaman Weather in April
- Top Places and Islands to Visit
- Tourist Circuits and Routes
- Best Activities in April
- Festivals and Seasonal Events
- Suggested April Itineraries
- Budget Tips and Estimated Costs
- How to Reach Andaman
- Where to Stay: Accommodation Options
- Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
- Traveler-Specific Tips and Packing
- FAQs: Andaman in April
- Conclusion
Introduction: Andaman in April
April is when the Andaman & Nicobar Islands slip into a golden summer rhythm. The seas are calm, visibility is excellent for diving, and daylight stretches long for beach days and island-hopping. Expect warm temperatures, light pre-monsoon showers, and fewer crowds than peak winter, making April a sweet spot for water sports, sunsets at Radhanagar Beach, and bioluminescence night kayaking.
Andaman Weather in April
- Temperature: 27°C to 33°C during the day; warm nights around 26°C to 28°C.
- Rain: Occasional brief pre-monsoon showers; humidity is high (around 75–85%).
- Sea conditions: Generally calm; sea temperature ~28–30°C; underwater visibility often 15–25 meters.
- Sun/UV: Strong UV index—carry reef-safe SPF 50+, hats, and light, breathable clothing.
- Wildlife notes: Early April can still see late hatchlings on select northern beaches (protected); always follow local guidelines.
Why April works: Great diving/snorkeling conditions, easier ferry operations, and better availability than peak winter months. Do plan for heat and humidity.
Top Places and Islands to Visit
Port Blair (Gateway)
- Cellular Jail and Light & Sound Show
- Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island (Ross Island) and North Bay Island
- Chidiya Tapu (sunset, birding), Jolly Buoy/Red Skin (coral-rich, seasonal access)
Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island)
- Radhanagar Beach (Beach No. 7) for sunsets and gentle surf
- Elephant Beach for snorkeling and water sports
- Kalapathar Beach for quiet mornings
Shaheed Dweep (Neil Island)
- Laxmanpur Beach (sunset), Bharatpur Beach (snorkeling)
- Natural Bridge (tide-dependent visit)
Baratang & Middle Andaman
- Limestone Caves, Mud Volcano (guided day trip from Port Blair)
- Rangat and Mayabunder for mangroves and quieter beaches
Diglipur (North Andaman)
- Ross & Smith Twin Islands (sandbar connection; stunning turquoise water)
- Saddle Peak National Park (trekking; start early due to April heat)
Tourist Circuits and Routes
- Classic 3-Island Circuit (5–6 days): Port Blair → Havelock → Neil → Port Blair
- Middle Andaman Adventure (2–3 extra days): Add Baratang and Rangat to see caves, mangroves, quieter beaches
- North Andaman Extension (2–3 extra days): Diglipur for Ross & Smith and trekking
Approximate travel times:
- Port Blair ↔ Havelock: 1.5–2 hours by private catamaran; longer by government ferry
- Havelock ↔ Neil: ~1 hour by ferry
- Port Blair ↔ Baratang (by road): 2.5–3.5 hours (convoy and permit procedures may apply)
- Port Blair ↔ Diglipur (by road): 10–12 hours including breaks; consider overnight in Rangat/Mayabunder
Best Activities in April
Water and Marine Adventures
- Scuba Diving: Excellent visibility; ideal for Discover Scuba (no-cert) and Open Water courses
- Snorkeling: Elephant Beach, Bharatpur Beach, and permitted reefs in Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park (seasonal)
- Sea Walk and Glass-Bottom Boats: Good for non-swimmers to see coral life
- Night Kayaking with Bioluminescence: Best on moonless nights in Havelock mangroves
- Stand-Up Paddleboarding and Easy Surf: Calm bays suit beginners
Beaches and Nature
- Sunsets: Radhanagar (Havelock), Laxmanpur (Neil)
- Short Treks: To Elephant Beach (tide and trail conditions permitting), Saddle Peak (seasoned hikers; start at dawn)
- Birding: Chidiya Tapu and mangrove boardwalks around Rangat
Culture and History
- Cellular Jail Museum + Light & Sound Show
- Anthropological Museum and Samudrika Naval Marine Museum (Port Blair)
Responsible travel: Do not touch corals or shells, avoid plastics, and follow reef-safe sunscreen practices.
Festivals and Seasonal Events
- Poila/Pohela Boishakh (Bengali New Year): Mid-April; low-key cultural observances in Port Blair
- Good Friday/Easter: Often falls in March/April; church services in and around Port Blair
- Eid-ul-Fitr: Date shifts by lunar calendar; may occur in April or May (check yearly)
Note: Major island festivals like the Island Tourism Festival typically occur in other months. Always confirm local calendars closer to travel.
Suggested April Itineraries
4 Days: Highlights
- Day 1: Arrive Port Blair; Cellular Jail + Light & Sound; Corbyn’s Cove for evening
- Day 2: Ferry to Havelock; Radhanagar sunset
- Day 3: Morning dive/snorkel; Elephant Beach by boat; evening at leisure
- Day 4: Early ferry to Port Blair; Ross & North Bay (time permitting); depart
5–6 Days: Classic Circuit
- Days 1–2: Port Blair sights + Jolly Buoy/Red Skin (if open) or Chidiya Tapu
- Days 3–4: Havelock for diving, bioluminescence kayaking, Radhanagar
- Day 5: Neil Island for Natural Bridge and Bharatpur Beach
- Day 6: Return to Port Blair; museum visits and shopping
7–8 Days: Add Baratang or Diglipur
- Days 1–5: As per Classic Circuit
- Day 6: Baratang day trip (Limestone Caves, Mud Volcano)
- Days 7–8: Optional north extension to Diglipur for Ross & Smith or an extra leisure day
April tip: Schedule outdoor/heavy activities early mornings; keep afternoons lighter due to heat.
Budget Tips and Estimated Costs
Smart Ways to Save
- Book ferries early; government ferries are cheaper than private catamarans
- Choose non-beachfront stays on Havelock/Neil; rent scooters for flexibility
- Eat at local dhabas and simple seafood joints; avoid imported alcohol/soda markups
- Bundle activities with reputable dive centers to get multi-dive/course value
- Carry cash; ATMs can be sparse and network unreliable
Estimated Trip Costs (per person, excluding flights)
- Budget (4–5 days): INR 20,000–35,000
- Mid-range (5–6 days): INR 35,000–60,000
- Comfort/Luxury (5–6 days): INR 70,000+
Sample Cost Breakdown
- Port Blair ↔ Havelock ferry: INR 450–1,600 one way (govt vs private, class-dependent)
- Scooter rental: INR 500–800/day (fuel extra)
- Taxis: INR 2,500–3,500 for 8-hour local use (island-dependent)
- Discover Scuba (intro dive): INR 3,500–6,500; Open Water course: INR 18,000–28,000
- Snorkeling trips/glass-bottom: INR 800–1,500
- Sea walk: INR 3,500–4,500
- Hotel (per night): Budget INR 1,500–3,000; Mid INR 3,500–7,000; Upscale INR 9,000–20,000+
Note: Fees, permits, and ferry tariffs change periodically; always reconfirm.
How to Reach Andaman
By Air
- Fly into Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ), Port Blair
- Direct/one-stop flights from Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Delhi (schedules vary)
- Tip: Morning arrivals help you catch same-day ferries to Havelock/Neil
By Sea (Mainland India to Port Blair)
- Infrequent passenger ships from Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam
- Duration: ~60–70 hours; basic facilities; book well in advance
Inter-Island Transport
- Government ferries and private catamarans (Makruzz/Green Ocean etc.) connect Port Blair, Havelock, and Neil
- Carry valid photo ID; report 45–60 minutes before departure
Permits and Rules
- Most tourist islands are open to Indian and foreign travelers without special permits; certain marine parks/islands require separate day permits
- Entry to tribal reserves is strictly prohibited; no photography near protected areas
- Always carry ID; rules can change—check latest advisories
Connectivity
- Mobile data has improved but can be patchy; expect slower speeds on outer islands
- Download maps and tickets offline
Where to Stay: Accommodation Options
Port Blair
- Best for first/last night, museums, and Ross/North Bay trips
- Areas: Aberdeen Bazaar (central), Marine Hill (quieter), Corbyn’s Cove (near beach)
Havelock (Swaraj Dweep)
- Best for beaches and diving; Beach No. 5 has mid-range options; Beach No. 7 is quieter/upmarket
Neil (Shaheed Dweep)
- Compact island; stay near Bharatpur/Laxmanpur for easy access to beaches
North Andaman (Rangat/Mayabunder/Diglipur)
- Simple guesthouses and eco-stays; book ahead due to limited inventory
April note: School holidays can tighten availability—pre-book ferries and stays.
Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
Food to Try
- Fresh seafood: Grilled fish, crab, lobster (ask for sustainable catch)
- Coconut-based curries and island-style fries
- South Indian and Bengali influences; vegetarian thalis widely available
- Cafés on Havelock for smoothies, bakes, and island-grown ingredients
Shopping
- Sagarika Government Emporium for handicrafts, shell-inspired art (avoid live or black-coral products)
- Spices, coconut products, local honey, and eco-friendly souvenirs
- Avoid buying shells, corals, turtle products—illegal and harmful
Culture and Etiquette
- Respect protected areas and local communities; dress modestly in towns/villages
- Dispose waste responsibly; many islands have fragile ecosystems
- Ask before photographing people; avoid drones near sensitive zones
Traveler-Specific Tips and Packing
For Families
- Choose calm beaches (Bharatpur, Radhanagar’s gentler sections)
- Opt for glass-bottom boats and easy snorkel lagoons
- Keep midday indoors; plan museums/siestas during peak heat
For Honeymooners
- Sunset walks at Radhanagar and Laxmanpur; private candlelit dinners at beachfront cafes
- Couple dives or snorkeling sessions early morning
- Choose stays with beach access and shaded hammocks
For Friends and Adventure Seekers
- Stack activities: dive courses, night kayaking, sea walks
- Consider a northward detour for Ross & Smith and a dawn Saddle Peak hike
- Rent scooters for freedom; carry a dry bag for sudden showers
Packing Checklist for April
- Light cotton/linen, reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 50+), wide-brim hat, sunglasses
- Rash guard or swim shirt, quick-dry towel, water shoes
- Insect repellent, rehydration salts, basic meds (seasickness tablets)
- Reusable water bottle, dry bag, power bank, waterproof phone pouch
- Government ID copies (digital + paper)
Safety and Responsible Travel
- Swim only in designated zones; heed lifeguard flags and crocodile/jellyfish advisories where posted
- Avoid night swimming and isolated coves; currents can be strong
- Do not enter tribal reserve areas; no photos near protected communities
- Reef-safe sun care; never touch or stand on coral
FAQs: Andaman in April
Q: Is April a good month to visit Andaman for water sports?
A: Yes. Seas are generally calm with warm water and good visibility, making April excellent for diving, snorkeling, kayaking, and sea walks.
Q: Will it rain a lot in April?
A: Expect occasional short pre-monsoon showers. They rarely disrupt travel for long, but humidity is high—plan outdoor activities in the morning.
Q: Are ferries and flights frequent in April?
A: Flight schedules are regular, and ferries between Port Blair, Havelock, and Neil operate frequently. Book in advance due to school holidays and long weekends.
Q: Do I need special permits to visit islands in April?
A: Most tourist islands require only a valid photo ID. Some marine parks (e.g., Jolly Buoy/Red Skin) need day permits, and protected/tribal areas remain off-limits.
Q: What’s the ideal trip length for April?
A: A 5–6 day trip covers Port Blair, Havelock, and Neil comfortably. Add 2–3 days if you want Baratang or Diglipur.
Conclusion
April in the Andaman Islands blends calm seas, warm weather, and vibrant marine life—perfect for diving, snorkeling, and unhurried beach time. With smart planning for heat, advance ferry bookings, and an eye on responsible travel, you can enjoy the classic Port Blair–Havelock–Neil circuit or explore quieter northern gems. Pack light, start early, and let the islands’ turquoise waters set the pace.
