Table of Contents
- Introduction
- About Neil Island: History & Importance
- Taxi Services in Neil Island: How It Works
- Best Time to Visit
- Top Things to Do on Neil Island
- Nearby Attractions & Island Hopping
- How to Reach Neil Island
- Accommodation Options
- Estimated Costs & Budget Planner
- Local Experiences: Food, Shopping & Culture
- Essential Tips for Visiting Neil Island
- Traveler-Specific Tips
- FAQs: Taxi Services in Neil Island
- Conclusion
Introduction
Neil Island, officially Shaheed Dweep, is the Andamans’ laid-back paradise of turquoise lagoons, coral gardens, and powdery beaches. Because the island is compact and serene, getting around is easy—especially with local taxi services that connect the jetty, beaches, and hotels efficiently. This guide covers everything you need to know about taxis in Neil Island, plus the best times to visit, what to do, how to reach, where to stay, and travel tips for different kinds of travelers.
About Neil Island: History & Importance
Neil Island sits about 36–40 km from Port Blair, known for its clear waters, thriving reefs, and agricultural farms. In 2018, it was officially renamed Shaheed Dweep to honor India’s freedom struggle. Historically quieter than Havelock (Swaraj Dweep), Neil offers unhurried coastal life, sunrise and sunset vistas, and easy cycling routes between beaches.
The island’s importance lies in its protected marine ecosystems—especially around Bharatpur and Laxmanpur—making conservation-friendly travel essential.
Taxi Services in Neil Island: How It Works
Overview
Neil Island does not have app-based cabs like Uber or Ola. Instead, local taxi unions, hotel travel desks, and drivers provide point-to-point rides, jetty transfers, and sightseeing circuits. Because distances are short (most beaches are 2–6 km apart), taxis are quick, convenient, and ideal if you prefer not to rent a scooter.
Types of Taxis & Availability
- AC hatchbacks and sedans for 1–4 passengers.
- MUVs/SUVs and vans for 5–7 passengers and luggage.
- Shared jeeps are occasional; e-rickshaws or autos are limited and seasonal.
- Operating hours: typically 6:00 am–8:00 pm; night/early-morning rides by prior arrangement.
Typical Fares and Sample Costs (Indicative)
Fares vary by season, vehicle type, waiting time, and fuel costs. The following ranges are indicative only and subject to change:
- Jetty to nearby hotel: INR 200–400.
- Point-to-point within island: INR 200–500 per hop.
- Half-day sightseeing (3–4 hours, 3–4 stops): INR 1,200–2,000 for a small car; INR 1,800–2,800 for an SUV.
- Full-day sightseeing (5–7 hours): INR 2,000–3,500+ depending on route and vehicle.
- Waiting charges: approx. INR 150–250 per hour after a grace period.
- Night/early-morning surcharge: 20–30% may apply.
Common sightseeing loops:
- Loop A (popular): Jetty/Bharatpur Beach → Natural Bridge (Howrah Bridge) → Laxmanpur Beach (sunset).
- Loop B (sunrise): Jetty/Hotel → Sitapur Beach (sunrise) → Ramnagar Beach → Bharatpur Beach (glass-bottom/snorkel).
Transfers: Jetty, Hotel, and Inter-Island
- Jetty pickup/drop: Pre-arrange with your hotel or a local driver. Ferries can be early; confirm timing one day in advance.
- Port Blair/Havelock connections: Taxis on Neil handle only island-side transfers. Inter-island travel is by ferry; coordinate taxi with ferry arrivals/departures.
- Luggage: Most vehicles can handle 2–3 medium bags; request a larger vehicle for dive gear or family luggage.
How to Book
- Hotel travel desk: Easiest way to arrange reliable pickups and sightseeing.
- Jetty counters/driver lineup: On-arrival hires are common, especially in the morning.
- Phone/WhatsApp via local operators: Network can be patchy; confirm the day before.
- Pre-book in peak months (Dec–Jan, Mar) when demand is high.
Payments, Safety & Accessibility
- Payments: Cash preferred; UPI works intermittently due to patchy data. Carry small change.
- Child seats: Rare—bring your own if needed.
- Seat belts: Available in most vehicles; wear them on main roads.
- Accessibility: Low-floor vans are limited; many beach paths are sandy or rocky (Natural Bridge requires a careful walk over reef flats at low tide).
- Eco rules: No littering, don’t touch corals, and avoid buying shells/corals.
Best Time to Visit
- October to May: Best weather, calm seas, and clear visibility for snorkeling/diving.
- June to September (monsoon): Fewer crowds, lush scenery, but rougher seas and occasional ferry disruptions.
- Peak periods: Christmas–New Year and long weekends; pre-book taxis and ferries.
Top Things to Do on Neil Island
- Bharatpur Beach: Shallow lagoon, glass-bottom boat rides, beginner-friendly snorkeling.
- Laxmanpur Beach I & II: Dramatic sunsets, long beach walks, tidal pools.
- Natural Bridge (Howrah Bridge): Iconic rock formation, best at low tide with a guide to spot marine life.
- Sitapur Beach: Golden sunrise point with rugged coastline.
- Ramnagar Beach: Quiet stretch for solitude and photography.
- Leisure cycling: Flat roads through farms and coconut groves.
Nearby Attractions & Island Hopping
- Havelock (Swaraj Dweep): Radhanagar Beach, Elephant Beach (snorkeling, water sports).
- Port Blair: Cellular Jail, light-and-sound show, Corbyn’s Cove, Ross Island (Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island), North Bay.
- Long Island/Rangat (for longer trips): Offbeat beaches and mangroves on the Middle Andaman circuit.
How to Reach Neil Island
- By Air: Fly to Port Blair (IXZ). No airport on Neil Island.
- By Ferry from Port Blair: Government ferries and private catamarans (e.g., Makruzz, Green Ocean, Sea Link) to Neil (1–2 hours). Book early in peak season; carry photo ID.
- From Havelock (Swaraj Dweep): Direct ferries (45–60 minutes). Many travelers do Port Blair → Havelock → Neil → Port Blair.
- Check-in: Arrive at the jetty 45–60 minutes before departure; schedules can shift with weather and tides.
Accommodation Options
- Beachside resorts (mid-range): Near Bharatpur/Laxmanpur for easy beach access and sunsets.
- Budget guesthouses: Around Neil Kendra and inner roads; simple, clean stays.
- Boutique/ecostays: Limited but growing; book ahead in peak months.
Tip: Choose Laxmanpur side for sunsets, Sitapur for sunrise tranquility, Bharatpur for lagoon activities and proximity to the jetty.
Estimated Costs & Budget Planner
- Taxi transfers (daily local use): INR 600–1,500 depending on hops and waiting.
- Half-/Full-day taxi sightseeing: INR 1,200–3,500+ by vehicle type and duration.
- Two-wheeler rental (alternative): INR 500–800 per day + fuel.
- Accommodation (per night): Budget INR 1,000–2,000; Mid-range INR 3,000–7,000; Boutique INR 7,000+.
- Food: INR 300–800 per person per meal depending on café vs. resort.
- Activities: Glass-bottom boat/snorkeling priced locally; carry cash.
Note: Prices fluctuate with season and availability. Confirm latest rates on arrival or via your hotel.
Local Experiences: Food, Shopping & Culture
Food
- Fresh seafood thalis, grilled fish, prawn curries, and coconut-based dishes.
- Simple island cafés serving Indian, Bengali, and some continental fare.
- Breakfast staples: South Indian tiffin, island-style omelettes, fresh coconuts.
Shopping
- Neil Kendra market for snacks, basic supplies, and souvenirs.
- Avoid buying corals/shells—illegal and harmful to reefs.
- Better for handicrafts: Sagarika Emporium in Port Blair before/after Neil.
Culture
- Unhurried island life with farming and fishing roots.
- Respect quiet hours; minimize plastic use; follow beach conservation signs.
Essential Tips for Visiting Neil Island
- Connectivity: Airtel/Jio work in parts; BSNL can be more reliable. Expect patchy data.
- Cash & UPI: Carry cash for taxis and small vendors; UPI depends on signal.
- Ferry timing: Build buffer time. Pre-book taxis for early ferries or late arrivals.
- Tides: Visit Natural Bridge at low tide for safe access and best marine life sightings.
- Sun & sea: Reef-safe sunscreen, hat, water, and sturdy sandals for rocky sections.
- Responsible travel: No littering, no coral stepping or touching, no drones without permits.
Traveler-Specific Tips
Families
- Pre-book larger vehicles for strollers and luggage.
- Carry portable child seats and snacks; restrooms are limited at beaches.
- Choose early morning or late afternoon sightseeing to avoid midday heat.
Honeymooners
- Time a taxi loop for Sitapur sunrise and Laxmanpur sunset on the same day.
- Ask drivers for photo stops on quiet beach stretches.
- Confirm return pickup times if lingering on less-crowded beaches.
Friends/Groups
- Book an SUV/van for cost-sharing; agree on total fare and waiting time beforehand.
- Mix taxi and scooter rentals if some prefer riding.
- Carry a basic first-aid kit and power bank for long beach days.
Packing & Safety
- Essentials: Reef-safe sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, quick-dry towel, refillable bottle, light rain jacket (monsoon).
- Footwear: Water shoes or sandals with grip for reef flats.
- Documents: Photo ID for ferries; keep digital and paper copies.
FAQs: Taxi Services in Neil Island
Q: Are Uber or Ola available on Neil Island?
A: No. All taxis are locally operated. Book via your hotel, at the jetty, or directly with local drivers.
Q: How much does a full-day taxi cost for sightseeing?
A: Typically INR 2,000–3,500+, depending on vehicle type, hours, and number of stops. Confirm waiting charges and any night surcharge in advance.
Q: Can I hire a taxi for early morning sunrise at Sitapur Beach?
A: Yes. Arrange the ride a day prior; night/early-morning surcharges may apply due to limited availability.
Q: Do taxis allow multiple beach stops with waiting time?
A: Yes. Most drivers offer set loops with agreed waiting times. Extra waiting is usually billed hourly.
Q: Is renting a scooter better than using taxis?
A: For confident riders, scooters are economical for short distances (INR 500–800/day). Taxis are better for families, groups, luggage days, or when roads are wet.
Conclusion
Neil Island’s taxi services are straightforward, reliable, and well-suited to the island’s easy pace. With short distances between beaches and scenic loops that cover sunrise, lagoon time, and sunset, taxis make it simple to explore without the hassle of navigation or parking. Plan around ferry timings, carry some cash, and travel light and responsibly to enjoy the coral lagoons, coastal walks, and tranquil island life at its best.
