Table of Contents
- Introduction
- History & Importance
- Best Time to Cruise the Andamans
- Top Things To Do on an Island-Hopping Cruise
- Suggested Routes & Sample Itineraries
- How to Reach the Andaman Islands
- Accommodation Options
- Estimated Trip Costs
- Local Experiences: Food, Shopping & Culture
- Nearby Attractions to Add Before/After Your Cruise
- Essential Tips for Your Cruise
- Traveller-Specific Tips
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Island hopping in the Andaman Islands is the most scenic way to experience their glass-clear lagoons, living coral reefs, and sugar-white beaches. Whether you’re sailing on a scheduled day-cruise, a private charter, or stringing together ferries between Port Blair, Havelock (Swaraj Dweep), and Neil (Shaheed Dweep), the journey itself is the star—emerald islands, pods of dolphins, and sunsets that set the Bay of Bengal aflame.
This guide blends storytelling with practical details: the best seasons, can’t-miss stops, sample routes, costs, permits, and insider tips for families, honeymooners, and friends planning an Andaman island-hopping cruise.
History & Importance
The Andamans have long been a maritime crossroads. Indigenous communities like the Great Andamanese, Jarawa, Onge, and Sentinelese have lived here for millennia, while colonial-era Port Blair developed as a strategic harbor—its infamous Cellular Jail still stands as a memorial. Modern island hopping grew from inter-island ferries and small fishing boats into eco-conscious cruises that showcase the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, historical islands like Ross (Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island), and the region’s biodiverse reefs.
Today, cruising is more than leisure: it disperses tourism beyond a few beaches, supports local boatmen and dive operators, and—when done responsibly—funds reef conservation while giving travelers front-row seats to manta rays, parrotfish, and vibrant coral gardens.
Best Time to Cruise the Andamans
- Peak pleasant season: November to February (mild temperatures, calmer seas, popular months—book early).
- Best underwater visibility: February to May (clear water, minimal wind; hotter on land, excellent for diving/snorkeling).
- Monsoon/rough seas: Late May/June to September (swells, rain; many sea trips curtailed; choose cautiously).
- Seasonal openings: Jolly Buoy & Red Skin Islands typically open in the dry season on a rotating basis; check locally before you go.
Top Things To Do on an Island-Hopping Cruise
Snorkeling and Reef Watching
- North Bay Island: Classic beginner-friendly coral gardens; glass-bottom boats available.
- Jolly Buoy (Marine National Park): Exceptional clarity, protected reefs; no plastic allowed; seasonal access.
- Elephant Beach, Havelock: Snorkel straight off the beach or by boat; vibrant hard corals and schools of reef fish.
Scuba Diving
- Havelock (Swaraj Dweep): Sites like Nemo Reef, The Wall; discover scuba for first-timers and fun dives for certified divers.
- Neil (Shaheed Dweep): Quieter sites with gentle drifts; good for macro spotting and relaxed dives.
- Advanced/liveaboard zones: Select multi-day trips operate in permitted areas; always dive with licensed operators.
Beaches and Blue Hours
- Radhanagar Beach (Havelock): “Asia’s best” lists for a reason; aim for a sunset mooring.
- Bharatpur & Laxmanpur (Neil): Lagoon blues by day; rock pools and silvery sunsets by evening.
- Ross & Smith (Diglipur): Twin isles connected by a sandbar; often part of extended itineraries to the North Andamans.
History & Heritage Stops
- Ross Island (Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island): Ruins swallowed by banyan roots; a short boat ride from Port Blair.
- Cellular Jail (pre/post-cruise): Stirring light-and-sound show; pair with a harbor sunset cruise.
Mangroves and Caves
- Baratang Island: Boat through mangrove tunnels to Limestone Caves; note restricted timings and permits along the Andaman Trunk Road corridor.
Suggested Routes & Sample Itineraries
4 Days: Classic South Andaman Hop
- Day 1: Arrive Port Blair; Cellular Jail and evening harbor cruise.
- Day 2: Ferry to Havelock; Radhanagar Beach; optional night plankton watch on calm nights.
- Day 3: Morning snorkel/dive at Elephant Beach; cafe-hopping by the shore.
- Day 4: Hop to Neil; Bharatpur snorkeling, Natural Bridge; return to Port Blair.
6–7 Days: Marine Park & Heritage
- Day 1: Port Blair city and Light & Sound show.
- Day 2: Ross Island + North Bay day-cruise.
- Day 3: Jolly Buoy/Red Skin (seasonal) glass-bottom + snorkel.
- Day 4–5: Havelock dives and beaches.
- Day 6: Neil for lagoons and sunset.
- Day 7: Buffer day for weather or Baratang mangroves and caves.
Adventure Focus: Dive-Centric Liveaboard (5–7 Days)
In permitted zones, advanced divers can join liveaboards for multiple dives a day, night dives, and remote reef explorations. Availability, routes, and permits are strictly regulated—book with licensed operators and verify current guidelines.
How to Reach the Andaman Islands
- By Air (fastest): Daily flights to Port Blair (IXZ) from Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Delhi. Typical durations:
- Chennai/Kolkata: ~2–2.5 hours nonstop
- Bengaluru/Hyderabad: ~2.5–3.5 hours (often nonstop or via Chennai)
- Delhi/Mumbai: ~4.5–6 hours (usually via Chennai/Kolkata)
- By Sea (limited, long): Government passenger ships run infrequently from Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam to Port Blair (approx. 60–70 hours). Basic cabins; schedules vary; book well in advance.
- Inter-island ferries/cruises: High-speed catamarans and government ferries connect Port Blair, Havelock, and Neil. Peak season sells out—book early and keep buffer time for weather.
Accommodation Options
- Port Blair: Handy for first/last night, museums, and day-cruises to Ross/North Bay/Jolly Buoy.
- Havelock (Swaraj Dweep): Beachfront stays near Radhanagar, Govind Nagar, and Vijay Nagar; best for diving/snorkeling.
- Neil (Shaheed Dweep): Smaller, quieter stays near Bharatpur/Laxmanpur; ideal for slow days and sunsets.
Typical nightly budgets (INR, per double room):
- Budget guesthouses: 1,200–2,500
- Comfort/mid-range resorts: 3,000–7,000
- Premium/luxury beachfront: 12,000–35,000+
Estimated Trip Costs
- Day-cruise/boat tickets: 1,500–4,000 per person (Ross/North Bay/Jolly Buoy, glass-bottom options extra).
- Private boat charters: 20,000–60,000+ per day, depending on boat size, route, and inclusions.
- Inter-island ferries (Port Blair–Havelock/Neil): 500–1,500 per person each way (class and operator dependent).
- Snorkeling gear rental: 500–1,000 per set; guided sessions 1,000–2,000.
- Discover Scuba (intro): 3,500–5,500 per person; certified fun dives 3,500–6,500 per dive.
- Entry/park fees: 50–500 per person at select islands; camera fees may apply.
- Meals: 250–600 per person at local eateries; 800–1,800 at mid-range beachfront cafes.
Prices fluctuate by season and operator; verify the latest rates and inclusions (permits, safety gear, guide, and refreshments) before booking.
Local Experiences: Food, Shopping & Culture
Food
- Fresh seafood: grilled fish, crab, squid, lobster (ask for the day’s catch).
- Coastal flavors: coconut-based curries, fish thalis, and South Indian staples.
- Cafes by the beach in Havelock/Neil for sunrise breakfasts and sunset dinners.
Shopping
- Ethical souvenirs: coir products, spices, island-made handicrafts.
- Avoid buying coral/shell products—collection and sale can be illegal and harms reefs.
Culture & Etiquette
- Diverse settler culture with Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, and North Indian influences.
- Strictly respect indigenous communities and protected tribal reserves; no contact or photography.
- Dress modestly in villages; beachwear is appropriate on beaches and boats only.
Nearby Attractions to Add Before/After Your Cruise
- Cellular Jail, Port Blair: Museum and evening light-and-sound show.
- Chidiya Tapu: Golden-hour viewpoint; birding and a mangrove-fringed shore.
- Wandoor: Gateway to the Marine National Park; long, driftwood-strewn beach.
- Baratang: Mangrove creeks, Limestone Caves, and mud volcanoes (day trip with early start).
Essential Tips for Your Cruise
- Weather buffers: Keep at least one buffer day for sea trip cancellations in peak winds or monsoon spells.
- Permits and rules: Many tourist islands are open without special permits, but some areas are regulated or prohibited. Always follow crew and park guidelines.
- Reef safety: Use reef-safe sunscreen, never stand on coral, and keep fins off the reef.
- Cash & connectivity: ATMs and mobile data can be spotty; carry cash and download confirmations offline.
- Seasickness: Choose morning departures, sit mid-ship, and consider medication if prone.
- No-plastic policy: Some islands (e.g., Jolly Buoy) enforce plastic bans. Bring refillable bottles.
- Drones: Drone use is regulated; permits may be required and restrictions apply near ports and heritage zones.
Traveller-Specific Tips
For Families
- Pick larger, covered vessels for stability and shade.
- Carry snacks, oral rehydration, and basic medicines.
- Choose calm-water beaches (Bharatpur, North Bay, Nemo Reef) for beginners.
For Honeymooners
- Plan a sunset cruise or private sandbar picnic where permitted.
- Opt for a beachfront stay on Havelock for slow, scenic mornings.
- Book a photographer-friendly golden hour at Radhanagar or Laxmanpur.
For Friends and Groups
- Charter a boat to split costs; customize snorkeling and beach-hopping.
- Pack speakers only if allowed; be mindful of noise and wildlife.
- Scooters on islands are handy; carry licenses and helmets.
Packing Checklist
- Light, quick-dry clothing; sun hat; polarized sunglasses.
- Reef-safe sunscreen, rash guard, water shoes.
- Waterproof phone pouch, dry bag, spare power bank.
- Basic first aid, motion-sickness tabs, insect repellent.
- Photocopies of ID/passport and offline maps.
Safety & Sustainability
- Wear life jackets on transfers; heed lifeguard flags and crew instructions.
- Do not approach wildlife; no feeding fish or turtles.
- Pack out all waste; avoid single-use plastics; respect quiet coves and nesting sites.
- Never enter or attempt to view protected tribal areas.
FAQs
Q: Do I need a special permit to go island hopping in the Andamans?
A: Most popular tourist islands (Port Blair, Havelock, Neil, North Bay, Ross) are accessible without special permits for Indian nationals. Foreign nationals should carry valid passports/visas and may need to register on arrival. Certain islands and tribal reserves are restricted or prohibited—always check current advisories and travel only with licensed operators.
Q: Is monsoon a good time for an island-hopping cruise?
A: Monsoon (roughly June–September) brings swells and rain; many sea trips are curtailed or canceled. For calmer conditions and clearer water, travel between November and May.
Q: Can beginners snorkel safely?
A: Yes—choose gentle sites like North Bay, Bharatpur (Neil), or guided sessions at Elephant Beach. Use a life jacket, stay within marked zones, and follow your guide.
Q: What about mobile networks and ATMs?
A: Coverage improves yearly but is still patchy on water and remote beaches. Carry cash for small expenses, and download tickets and maps offline.
Q: Are drones allowed on the islands?
A: Drone usage is regulated. You may need permissions, and flying is restricted near ports, heritage sites, and sensitive zones. Check the latest rules before bringing one.
Conclusion
An island-hopping cruise in the Andamans brings together translucent lagoons, living reefs, and storied isles—best enjoyed between November and May with time to linger on Havelock and Neil. With smart planning around ferries, weather, and permits, you can weave snorkeling, diving, heritage, and mangroves into a seamless journey that leaves only ripples on the water and none on the environment.
