Family friendly resorts in Andaman Islands

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Best Family-Friendly Resorts in the Andaman Islands
• Top Cities and Places for Families
• Tourist Circuits
• Family-Friendly Activities
• Festivals and Events
• Sample Family Itineraries
• Budget Tips
• How to Reach the Andaman Islands
• Accommodation Options and Estimated Costs
• Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
• Travel Tips by Traveler Type
• FAQs
• Conclusion

Introduction

The Andaman Islands are a chain of emerald isles in the Bay of Bengal where shallow turquoise waters meet powder-soft beaches and rainforest. For families, the appeal is simple: easy beach days, safe swimming lagoons, beginner-friendly snorkeling, glass-bottom boat rides, and resorts designed with kids in mind. This guide curates the best family-friendly resorts across Port Blair, Havelock (Swaraj Dweep), Neil (Shaheed Dweep), and beyond—plus how to plan circuits, activities, and costs for a smooth holiday.

Best Family-Friendly Resorts in the Andaman Islands

Below are reliable, family-suited stays by island, highlighting space, safety, kid-focused features, and beach access. Price estimates are for a standard double in INR per night, taxes extra, and vary by season.

Port Blair (best for first/last nights and city sights)

• Welcomhotel Bay Island, Port Blair – Sea-facing rooms, quiet setting near the city, pool, multi-cuisine. Approx. ₹9,000–₹18,000.
• SeaShell, Port Blair – Family rooms, rooftop dining, central location, good for short stays. Approx. ₹7,000–₹14,000.
• Sinclairs Bayview – Cliffside views, pool, lawns for kids to play. Approx. ₹7,000–₹12,000.

Havelock / Swaraj Dweep (for beaches and water activities)

• Taj Exotica Resort & Spa – On Radhanagar Beach; kids’ club, bicycles, vast grounds, lifeguard-patrolled beach, interconnecting rooms. Approx. ₹35,000–₹55,000+ (peak).
• Tilar Siro Andamans – CGH Earth – Contemporary villas, family-friendly pool, eco ethos, curated snorkeling trips. Approx. ₹15,000–₹30,000.
• SeaShell Havelock – Beach access, pool, family cottages, on-site dive center for try-dives. Approx. ₹10,000–₹22,000.
• Symphony Palms Beach Resort – Spacious cottages, private beach stretch, open lawns. Approx. ₹9,000–₹18,000.
• Silver Sand Beach Resort – Lagoon-like shallows, hammocks, relaxed vibe. Approx. ₹8,000–₹16,000.

Neil Island / Shaheed Dweep (quiet, compact, easy for young kids)

• SeaShell Neil – Family rooms, central yet quiet location, bicycles. Approx. ₹8,000–₹16,000.
• Summer Sands Beach Resort (Symphony) – Cottage clusters, pools, short hops to Laxmanpur and Bharatpur beaches. Approx. ₹9,000–₹17,000.
• Silver Sand Neil – Calm beach frontage, sunset views, simple family facilities. Approx. ₹7,000–₹14,000.

Rangat, Baratang, Diglipur (for longer trips up North Andaman)

• Pristine Beach Resort, Diglipur – Basic but clean; access to Ross & Smith sandbar trips. Approx. ₹3,500–₹6,500.
• Information on additional family-focused resorts in North & Middle Andaman: Information not available.

What to look for in a family resort

• Direct beach access with gentle entry and lifeguard presence if possible
• Interconnecting rooms or family cottages; cribs on request
• Pools with shallow ends; kids’ menus and early dinner times
• On-site activity desks for glass-bottom rides and snorkeling
• Reliable backup power and potable water

Top Cities and Places for Families

• Port Blair – Cellular Jail light & sound show, Samudrika Marine Museum, Corbyn’s Cove, day trips to Ross Island (Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Dweep) and North Bay.
• Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) – Radhanagar Beach (gentle surf, sunsets), Elephant Beach (glass-bottom boats, sea walk), Kalapathar (quiet mornings).
• Neil (Shaheed Dweep) – Bharatpur Beach (calm lagoon ideal for kids), Laxmanpur Beach (sunset), Natural Bridge (low-tide walk).
• Baratang – Limestone caves, mangrove creeks by boat. Note: follow official convoy timings and rules.
• Wandoor & Jolly Buoy/Red Skin – Pristine coral-viewing via permits and glass-bottom boats; seasonal opening.
• Diglipur – Ross & Smith twin islands sandbar; turtle nesting in season (strictly regulated).

Tourist Circuits

• 4–5 days: Port Blair (2N) + Havelock (2N). Suits first-time families with young kids.
• 6–7 days: Port Blair (2N) + Havelock (3N) + Neil (1–2N). Balanced beach time and easy logistics.
• 8–10 days: Add Baratang day trip or Diglipur (2N) for the Ross & Smith sandbar.

Note: Inter-island ferries are limited; build buffers of half a day around transfers.

Family-Friendly Activities

• Glass-bottom boat rides: Best at Bharatpur (Neil) and Elephant Beach (Havelock).
• Snorkeling for beginners: Shallow lagoons at Bharatpur and Elephant Beach with guides.
• Sea walk: Helmet-based underwater walk; minimum age/height applies—confirm locally.
• Beach days: Radhanagar and Corbyn’s Cove; carry sun protection and rash guards.
• Light & Sound show: Cellular Jail’s evening program (book early).
• Mangrove kayaking: Calm backwaters near Havelock/Baratang; tandem kayaks for older kids.
• Dolphin/reef watching cruises: Weather-permitting; check age suitability.

Festivals and Events

• Island Tourism Festival (Port Blair, usually January): Cultural performances, food stalls, crafts.
• Subhash Mela (Havelock/Neil, around late Jan): Local music, games, and island specialties.
• Beach festivals: Occasional district events; schedules vary year to year.

Event dates can change—confirm locally close to your travel dates.

Sample Family Itineraries

4 Nights / 5 Days (Young Kids Focus)

• Day 1: Arrive Port Blair; Cellular Jail, Corbyn’s Cove.
• Day 2: Ferry to Havelock; afternoon at Radhanagar.
• Day 3: Elephant Beach glass-bottom ride; easy snorkel.
• Day 4: Kalapathar sunrise; leisure at resort pool.
• Day 5: Return to Port Blair; depart.

6 Nights / 7 Days (Balanced Pace)

• Days 1–2: Port Blair sights + Ross & North Bay.
• Days 3–4: Havelock (Radhanagar, Elephant Beach).
• Days 5–6: Neil (Bharatpur lagoon, Natural Bridge, Laxmanpur sunset).
• Day 7: Port Blair buffer and departure.

8 Nights / 9 Days (Add Nature)

• Port Blair 2N → Havelock 3N → Neil 1–2N → Diglipur 2N (Ross & Smith), or a Baratang day trip.

Budget Tips

• Travel Oct–Nov or Mar–May for better rates; Dec–Jan is peak.
• Use government ferries when possible; private catamarans are faster but pricier.
• Book inter-island ferries and popular resorts 30–60 days ahead in peak windows.
• Carry cash for small vendors on Havelock/Neil; ATMs can run out.
• Opt for CP or MAP meal plans with kids to keep food costs predictable.
• Rent scooters cautiously; for families, pre-book cabs or resort transfers.

How to Reach the Andaman Islands

• By Air: Direct flights to Port Blair (IXZ) from Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Delhi (seasonal). Flight time 2–3.5 hours from east coast.
• By Sea: Passenger ships from Chennai/Kolkata/Visakhapatnam operate occasionally; 60–70 hours; basic cabins; not ideal for young kids.
• Inter-Island Transfers: Government ferries and private catamarans (e.g., Makruzz, Nautika, Green Ocean, Sea Link) connect Port Blair–Havelock–Neil. Schedules are weather-dependent.
• Permits: Indian nationals do not need special permits for permitted islands. Foreign nationals can visit notified areas without Restricted Area Permit for tourism, but rules can change; certain tribal/reserved areas remain off-limits. Jolly Buoy/Red Skin and Ross & Smith require entry permits.
• Connectivity: 4G is intermittent; Airtel/BSNL/Jio work variably. Wi‑Fi can be slow; download essentials beforehand.

Accommodation Options and Estimated Costs

Where families typically stay

• Port Blair: 1–2 nights for arrivals/departures and city sights.
• Havelock: 2–4 nights for beaches and water activities.
• Neil: 1–2 nights for a quieter pace and lagoon swims.

Estimated daily trip budgets (family of 3–4)

• Budget: ₹8,000–₹14,000/day (clean guesthouses, government ferry, local eateries).
• Mid-range: ₹15,000–₹30,000/day (resort with pool, private ferry, guided activities).
• Luxury: ₹40,000–₹90,000+/day (5-star villas, private transfers, curated excursions).

Room-only resort prices typically range from ₹7,000 to ₹55,000+ per night depending on category and season. Look for family packages (meals + transfers) for better value.

Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture

• Food to try: Grilled reef fish, prawn curries, crab (seasonal), South Indian staples, fresh coconuts. Many resorts offer kids’ menus and early dinners.
• Vegetarian options: Readily available; look for thalis, dosas, paneer curries, island-grown vegetables.
• Shopping: Aberdeen Bazaar (Port Blair) for cane/bamboo crafts, shell-inspired art (avoid buying coral or turtle products), local spices and packaged souvenirs.
• Culture & etiquette: Tribal reserves are strictly protected—no interactions or photography on convoy routes. Dress modestly in town; beachwear is fine on beaches and resorts.

Travel Tips by Traveler Type

For Families

• Pack rash guards, reef-safe sunscreen, sun hats, and water shoes.
• Carry motion-sickness meds for ferries; keep buffer time for weather delays.
• Ask resorts for cribs, interconnecting rooms, and life jackets in advance.
• Swim near lifeguard posts; heed red/amber flags and jellyfish advisories.

For Honeymooners

• Choose villas set away from main pools for privacy; consider sunset-facing beaches (Radhanagar, Laxmanpur).
• Book private dinners on non-peak nights; plan a sea walk or guided snorkel together.

For Friends

• Mix in kayaking, introductory diving, and sunset cruises; rent scooters where safe.
• Split costs with family cottages or two-bedroom villas at mid-range resorts.

General Safety & Practical

• Monsoon (roughly May/June–September) brings choppy seas and limited water activities.
• Card acceptance is inconsistent outside Port Blair; carry enough cash.
• Drones require permissions; avoid flying near beaches and reserves.
• Tap water is not always potable—use filtered/bottled water.

FAQs

Q: What is the best time to visit the Andamans with kids?

A: October to May offers calmer seas and clearer visibility. December–January is peak; book early and expect higher rates.

Q: Are the beaches safe for young children?

A: Many beaches have gentle, shallow entries (Bharatpur, parts of Radhanagar). Always check local flags, avoid strong-current zones, and supervise closely.

Q: Do I need permits for all islands?

A: Indians don’t need permits for standard tourist islands. Some excursions (Jolly Buoy/Red Skin, Ross & Smith) require permits. Foreign nationals can visit notified areas without RAP for tourism, but rules can change—check latest advisories.

Q: Which island is better for first-timers—Havelock or Neil?

A: Havelock has more resorts, activities, and iconic Radhanagar Beach. Neil is quieter with very kid-friendly lagoons. Many families do both.

Q: Are baby supplies and pharmacies easy to find?

A: Port Blair has the best stock of diapers, formula, and medicines. Options on Havelock/Neil are limited—bring essentials.

Conclusion

The Andaman Islands combine calm lagoons, clean sands, and approachable marine life—ideal for family beach time. Base in Port Blair for arrivals and museums, then slow down on Havelock and Neil for safe swims and easy snorkels. Choose family-ready resorts with beach access, interconnecting rooms, and reliable transfers, plan ferries with buffers, and travel outside peak weeks if you can. With simple logistics and the right resort, the islands offer a relaxed, memory-rich escape for all ages.