Table of Contents
- Introduction: New Year in the Andaman Islands
- Top Places to Celebrate New Year
- Tourist Circuits for the New Year Week
- Best Activities and Experiences
- Festivals and Seasonal Events
- Suggested New Year Itineraries
- How to Reach the Andamans
- Accommodation Options
- Estimated Costs and Budget Tips
- Local Food, Shopping, and Culture
- Travel Tips for Families, Honeymooners, and Friends
- FAQs about New Year in the Andaman Islands
- Conclusion
Introduction: New Year in the Andaman Islands
Powder-soft beaches, turquoise lagoons, and starry skies—New Year in the Andaman Islands blends barefoot island vibes with just the right dose of celebration. December–January is peak season here: calm seas, clear visibility for diving, and balmy evenings on palm-fringed shores. Expect resort-hosted gala dinners, live music, sunset cruises, and stargazing bonfires (where permitted), alongside world-class snorkeling and serene island-hopping.
Use this guide to plan where to celebrate, how to move between islands, what to book in advance, and how to keep costs in check—while traveling responsibly in one of India’s most pristine marine ecosystems.
Top Places to Celebrate New Year
Port Blair (Base City & Urban Celebrations)
- Why go: Best flight connectivity, city comforts, museums, and sea-view promenades.
- New Year feel: Hotel rooftop gatherings, live bands, curated gala dinners; easy access to short sunset cruises in the harbor.
- Where to spend evenings: Corbyn’s Cove for a breezy walk, Marina Park promenade, Sound & Light show at Cellular Jail (for a culture-forward evening before NYE).
Havelock / Swaraj Dweep (Beachfront Vibes)
- Why go: Iconic beaches like Radhanagar and Vijaynagar; excellent dive sites and night kayaking.
- New Year feel: Beachfront resorts often host private NYE dinners with DJs or acoustic sets; relaxed, upscale island ambience.
- Don’t miss: Sunset at Radhanagar Beach on Dec 31; early-morning snorkel or introductory dive on Jan 1.
Neil Island / Shaheed Dweep (Laid-back & Scenic)
- Why go: Calm lagoons, natural rock formations, vibrant reefs.
- New Year feel: Intimate resort gatherings, quieter shores ideal for couples and families.
- Highlights: Sunrise at Sitapur Beach, snorkeling at Bharatpur Beach, sunset at Laxmanpur Beach.
North Andaman (Rangat, Baratang & Diglipur – For Extended Holidays)
- Why go: Limestone caves at Baratang, mangrove creeks, twin islands of Ross & Smith near Diglipur, and India’s northernmost Andaman adventures.
- New Year feel: Not party-centric; more for nature lovers with extra days. Road travel involves early starts and regulated convoys through protected areas.
Tourist Circuits for the New Year Week
Classic 4–5 Day: Port Blair – Havelock – Neil
- Day 1: Arrive Port Blair; Cellular Jail + Marina Park sunset.
- Day 2: Morning ferry to Havelock; Radhanagar Beach; optional night kayaking.
- Day 3: Elephant Beach snorkeling or introductory dive; NYE gala at resort.
- Day 4: Ferry to Neil; Bharatpur snorkel; sunset at Laxmanpur.
- Day 5: Return to Port Blair; shopping; fly out.
6–7 Day: Add Baratang/Rangat
- Include a Baratang day trip for limestone caves and mangroves (very early departure).
- Optionally stay a night in Rangat for Dhani Nallah mangrove walk and Moricedera beach views.
8–9 Day: Include Diglipur
- Two nights in Diglipur: visit Ross & Smith twin islands (weather/permit dependent) and Saddle Peak trek (for fit hikers).
- Plan buffer time for long drives and ferry schedules.
Best Activities and Experiences
Water & Marine
- Scuba diving: Try dives for beginners; certified dives for experienced. Top spots: Havelock (Nemo Reef, The Wall), Neil (reef fringes).
- Snorkeling: Elephant Beach (Havelock), Bharatpur (Neil), Jolly Buoy/Red Skin (seasonal; permits required; plastic restrictions apply).
- Sea walk and glass-bottom boats: Great for non-swimmers to view corals and colorful fish.
- Kayaking: Mangrove and (seasonal) bioluminescence tours in Havelock on moonless, clear nights.
Evening & New Year’s Eve Ideas
- Resort-hosted gala dinners with live music or DJs (book early; surcharges common on Dec 31).
- Harbor or sunset cruises from Port Blair (availability varies by year and weather).
- Stargazing on quieter beaches; bonfires only where permitted by resort/local rules.
- Note: Large fireworks and loud beach parties are often restricted due to ecological norms; always follow local advisories.
Nature & Culture
- Cellular Jail & museums in Port Blair for history.
- Chidiya Tapu for sunset; Mount Harriet National Park viewpoints.
- Baratang limestone caves and mangroves (guided, with convoy rules through protected areas).
Festivals and Seasonal Events
- New Year’s Eve: Resort and hotel galas across Port Blair, Havelock, and Neil (ticketed; inclusions vary).
- Island Tourism Festival: Typically held around January in Port Blair, featuring cultural performances, food stalls, and local crafts (dates vary annually).
- Local fairs and melas: Community events may occur in January in select towns (schedules change each year).
Event calendars change yearly; check locally upon arrival for up-to-date schedules and tickets.
Suggested New Year Itineraries
4-Day Quick Break (Dec 30–Jan 2)
- Day 1 (Dec 30): Arrive Port Blair; Cellular Jail; evening harbor stroll.
- Day 2 (Dec 31): Early ferry to Havelock; Radhanagar Beach; NYE gala dinner.
- Day 3 (Jan 1): Intro dive or Elephant Beach snorkel; café-hopping by the beach.
- Day 4 (Jan 2): Ferry to Port Blair; fly out.
6-Day Classic (Dec 29–Jan 3)
- Day 1: Port Blair city highlights; Sound & Light show.
- Day 2: Ferry to Havelock; beach time; night kayaking (weather permitting).
- Day 3 (Dec 31): Dive/snorkel; sunset at Radhanagar; NYE at resort.
- Day 4 (Jan 1): Ferry to Neil; Bharatpur snorkel; sunset at Laxmanpur.
- Day 5: Return to Port Blair; Chidiya Tapu sunset or Jolly Buoy (if open; permit needed).
- Day 6: Departure.
7-Day Adventure (Include Baratang)
- Days 1–3: Port Blair + Havelock as above.
- Day 4: Neil Island explorations.
- Day 5: Early Baratang day trip (limestone cave, mangroves).
- Day 6: Leisure/shopping in Port Blair.
- Day 7: Departure.
How to Reach the Andamans
- By Air: Fly to Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ), Port Blair. Nonstop/connecting flights operate from Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad, and other major cities.
- By Sea: Occasional passenger ships from Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam exist but are lengthy (2–3 days) and infrequent; not ideal for quick New Year trips.
Inter-Island Transport:
- Private ferries (fast catamarans) and government ferries connect Port Blair–Havelock (Swaraj Dweep)–Neil (Shaheed Dweep). Book popular sectors well in advance for late December–early January.
- Local transport: Auto-rickshaws, taxis, and rental scooters (helmet mandatory). Buses run on main islands; schedules may be limited.
Accommodation Options
- Port Blair: City hotels near Aberdeen Bazaar for convenience; sea-view resorts near Corbyn’s Cove for quieter evenings.
- Havelock (Swaraj Dweep): Beachfront cottages along Vijaynagar/Beach No. 5 for sunrises; upscale resorts near Radhanagar for sunsets.
- Neil (Shaheed Dweep): Boutique stays and lagoon-facing properties near Bharatpur and Laxmanpur.
New Year Notes:
- Book 6–10 weeks ahead for best availability and ferry alignment.
- Expect mandatory New Year gala surcharges (commonly Dec 31), quoted per person.
- Choose stays with on-site dining; island eateries can be busy on Dec 31–Jan 1.
Estimated Costs and Budget Tips
Typical Costs (per person, indicative)
- Flights (round-trip India–Port Blair): INR 8,000–25,000+ depending on origin and booking window.
- Private ferry (one way PB–Havelock/Neil): INR 1,000–2,800 (class and operator dependent).
- Accommodation (per night, double occupancy):
- Budget guesthouses: INR 1,500–3,000
- Mid-range resorts: INR 4,000–8,000
- Premium/luxury: INR 10,000–25,000+
- New Year gala surcharge (Dec 31): Often INR 2,000–8,000 per adult (check inclusions).
- Meals: INR 300–800 per person per meal at mid-range venues.
- Diving (introductory): INR 3,500–6,500 including gear and photos (operator/season dependent).
- Local transport: Scooter rentals INR 500–800/day; taxis vary by distance and waiting time.
Money-Saving Tips
- Book flights and ferries early for Dec 25–Jan 5 travel; prices spike last minute.
- Consider a Port Blair day trip to Jolly Buoy/Red Skin instead of multiple paid activities.
- Use rental scooters on Havelock/Neil for flexibility and lower costs.
- Opt for brunch or early dinners on Dec 31 to avoid peak surcharges at standalone restaurants.
- Carry some cash; UPI/cards work widely in Port Blair but can be patchy on smaller islands.
Local Food, Shopping, and Culture
- Food: Fresh seafood grills, fish curries, prawn masala, and simple beachside barbecue plates. Vegetarian options include South Indian staples and paneer/veg curries.
- Cafés & shacks: Clustered near Beach No. 5 in Havelock and around Bharatpur in Neil; expect holiday crowds on Dec 31–Jan 1.
- Shopping: Aberdeen Bazaar (Port Blair) for spices, coconut/jute crafts, and local art. Avoid buying corals, shells, or turtle products (illegal).
- Culture: History at Cellular Jail; local performances during Island Tourism Festival (January dates vary).
- Connectivity: 4G has improved (Port Blair, Havelock, Neil), but can drop; download e-tickets and carry printouts for ferries.
Travel Tips for Families, Honeymooners, and Friends
For Families
- Choose calm-water beaches (Bharatpur, Radhanagar) and properties with in-house dining.
- Plan early ferries; kids tend to handle morning sailings better.
- Carry snacks, motion-sickness meds, and reusable water bottles (plastic restrictions in some marine parks).
For Honeymooners
- Pick a beachfront resort; ask about private beach dinners and sunset photo sessions.
- Schedule a couples’ dive/snorkel on Jan 1—clear waters make for memorable firsts.
- Target moonless nights for potential bioluminescence kayaking (weather/tide dependent).
For Friends’ Groups
- Book adjoining cottages or family rooms; split scooter rentals for island hopping.
- Balance one premium activity (scuba/sea walk) with free time on beaches.
- Confirm music cut-off times and in-house NYE plans at your resort.
Packing Checklist (New Year Season)
- Light cottons, a light jacket for breezy evenings, quick-dry swimwear.
- Reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, and insect repellent.
- Water shoes, dry bag, and a microfiber towel.
- Basic medicines, motion-sickness tablets, and personal snorkel mask (optional).
- Power bank, copies of IDs, printed ferry tickets, and some cash.
Safety & Responsible Travel
- Swim only in designated areas and daylight hours; heed red flags and lifeguards.
- Follow crocodile advisories (some southern beaches/creeks may be off-limits if sightings occur).
- No coral/sea shell collection; drones require permissions; strict plastic bans at certain islands (e.g., Jolly Buoy).
- Jarawa Tribal Reserve transit (en route to Baratang) has strict rules—no photography or interaction.
- Alcohol is available at licensed venues; carry valid ID and respect local noise/time regulations.
FAQs about New Year in the Andaman Islands
Q: Is December–January a good time to visit Andaman for New Year?
A: Yes. Seas are calmer, visibility is good for snorkeling/diving, and evenings are pleasantly cool. It is peak season—book flights, ferries, and stays well in advance.
Q: Are there public New Year beach parties?
A: Large public beach parties are uncommon due to ecological regulations. Most celebrations are resort-hosted, ticketed galas or private gatherings with music cut-off guidelines.
Q: Do I need special permits to visit Andaman during New Year?
A: Indian nationals don’t need special permits for the commonly visited islands. Foreign nationals generally don’t require a Restricted Area Permit for notified tourist islands but must carry a valid passport/visa. Some islands/tribal areas remain off-limits. Always check the latest advisories.
Q: Can beginners try scuba diving on Jan 1?
A: Absolutely. Introductory dives operate daily in season, subject to weather and medical fitness. Book slots early around New Year dates.
Q: What’s open on New Year’s Day?
A: Ferries, cafes, and activity operators usually run with holiday crowds. Government museums and some attractions may have adjusted hours—confirm locally.
Conclusion
New Year in the Andaman Islands pairs crystalline lagoons and luminous sunsets with intimate, eco-conscious celebrations. Base in Port Blair for easy logistics, add Havelock for iconic beaches and dives, and consider Neil for quiet, scenic moments. Book transport and stays early, plan a mix of water activities and culture, and travel light and responsibly. You’ll begin the year with salt on your skin, sand in your shoes, and stories you’ll want to relive.
