Table of Contents
- Introduction
- History & Importance
- Best Time to Visit
- Top Things to Do on Neil Island
- Nearby Attractions
- How to Reach Neil Island
- Accommodation Options for Groups
- Estimated Costs & Budgeting
- Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
- Sample Group Tour Packages & Itineraries
- Travel Tips for Neil Island
- Tips by Traveler Type
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Neil Island, officially called Shaheed Dweep, is the Andamans’ laid-back paradise—turquoise lagoons, powdery beaches, and coral gardens wrapped into a compact island that’s perfect for group trips. Whether you’re planning a friends’ getaway, a family reunion, or a corporate offsite, Neil Island group tour packages make logistics simple: synchronized ferry transfers, group-friendly resorts, and curated water activities at Bharatpur, Laxmanpur, Sitapur, and the famous Natural Bridge. This guide covers the best time to visit, what to do, how to reach, costs, and sample itineraries tailored for groups.
History & Importance
Neil Island is part of the Ritchie’s Archipelago in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands of India. Historically a quiet agricultural settlement, the island is known for its vegetable and fruit cultivation that supplies neighboring islands. Its name was changed from Neil to Shaheed Dweep in 2018. Today, it’s prized for serene beaches, thriving coral reefs, and a slower rhythm than busier Havelock (Swaraj Dweep), making it a favorite for nature-focused group tours and beginner-friendly water activities.
Best Time to Visit
- October to May: Ideal weather, calmer seas, best water clarity (peaking Nov–Apr) for snorkeling/diving.
- December to February: Peak season; book ferries and group stays well in advance.
- June to September (Monsoon): Fewer crowds and lush scenery, but choppy seas and possible ferry disruptions.
Top Things to Do on Neil Island
Bharatpur Beach
- Shallow lagoon ideal for groups; great for snorkeling and glass-bottom boat rides.
- Try guided reef walks at low tide with certified naturalists.
Laxmanpur Beach
- Iconic sunsets and long shoreline for leisurely group walks.
- Short trail to the Natural Bridge (Howrah Bridge) at low tide—check tide timings.
Sitapur Beach
- Best for sunrise; dramatic rock formations and calmer early-morning vibes.
Scuba Diving & Snorkeling
- Beginner-friendly discovery dives and guided snorkel trips. Discuss group discounts and staggered batches for safety.
Cycling & Island Hopping
- Rent bicycles/scooters to explore Ramnagar and interior villages.
- Combine with day trips to Havelock or Port Blair for a multi-island group plan.
Nearby Attractions
- Havelock (Swaraj Dweep): Radhanagar Beach, Elephant Beach for snorkeling/sea-walks.
- Port Blair: Cellular Jail, Light & Sound Show, Corbyn’s Cove, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island (Ross), North Bay.
- Chidiya Tapu (near Port Blair): Sunset and birding.
How to Reach Neil Island
- Fly to Port Blair (IXZ): Direct/connecting flights from Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and others.
- Ferry to Neil Island: 1–2 hours from Port Blair. Options include government ferries and private catamarans (e.g., Makruzz, Nautika, Green Ocean). Pre-book in peak season.
- From Havelock to Neil: 45–75 minutes by ferry; many group itineraries combine both islands.
- Local Transport: Pre-arranged AC coaches/tempo travellers for groups, or taxis and autos; bicycles/scooters for small groups.
Accommodation Options for Groups
Neil Island has beach resorts, boutique stays, and homely guesthouses, many clustered near Bharatpur and Laxmanpur.
- Beachfront Resorts (Mid to Premium): Ideal for larger groups needing banquet lawns or meeting spaces.
- Mid-range Hotels & Cottages: Good value with group meal plans (MAP/CP).
- Eco Huts & Homestays: Cozy setups suitable for small groups seeking local experiences.
Group-friendly amenities to request: room blocks close together, buffet dinners, early breakfasts for ferry days, bonfire permissions (where allowed), projector/sound for offsites, and staggered dive/snorkel slots.
Estimated Costs & Budgeting
Indicative per-person costs for a group of 10–20 travelers (excluding flights). Prices vary by season, availability, and inclusions.
- Ferries (one-way): Govt: INR 500–900; Private: INR 1,200–3,000.
- Accommodation (per room/night): Budget: INR 2,000–3,500; Mid-range: INR 3,500–6,500; Premium: INR 6,500–12,000+.
- Meals: INR 300–700 per person per meal at local eateries; resort buffet: INR 700–1,200.
- Activities: Guided snorkeling: INR 800–1,800; Glass-bottom boat: INR 500–900; Discover scuba: INR 3,500–6,500.
- Local transport (group vehicle): INR 3,500–6,500 per day depending on vehicle size and routes.
Package ballparks (land-only):
- Neil Day Excursion from Port Blair: INR 2,500–4,500 per person (transfers + basic activities).
- 2D/1N Neil Island: INR 5,500–9,500 per person (hotel, breakfast, transfers, sightseeing).
- 3D/2N Neil + Port Blair: INR 8,500–15,000 per person (hotel, breakfasts, ferries, sightseeing).
Note: GST, seasonal surcharges, and peak-date supplements may apply. Always confirm inclusions (permits, guide, activity gear) before booking.
Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
Food
- Fresh seafood thalis, grilled fish, crab and prawn curries; vegetarian curries and coastal-style staples available.
- Coconut water, tropical fruit shakes, and casual beach shacks near Bharatpur.
Shopping
- Pick up coconut/bamboo crafts and island spices from the local market near Bharatpur Jetty.
- Do not buy corals or shells—collecting/possession is illegal.
Culture
- Settler communities from mainland India contribute Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi influences.
- Local festivals around Durga Puja, Diwali, and island fairs; Island Tourism Festival events are largely in Port Blair.
Sample Group Tour Packages & Itineraries
Option 1: Neil Day Trip (from Port Blair)
- Morning: Early ferry to Neil; arrive and head to Bharatpur Beach for snorkeling/glass-bottom.
- Midday: Lunch at a beachside café.
- Afternoon: Natural Bridge and Laxmanpur Beach for sunset; return ferry.
Option 2: 2D/1N Neil Relaxed Group Escape
- Day 1: Ferry to Neil; check-in; Bharatpur water activities; evening at Laxmanpur.
- Day 2: Sunrise at Sitapur; Natural Bridge; depart post-lunch for Port Blair/Havelock.
Option 3: 3D/2N Neil + Port Blair (Balanced)
- Day 1: Arrive Port Blair; Cellular Jail & Light & Sound Show.
- Day 2: Ferry to Neil; Bharatpur + Laxmanpur sunset.
- Day 3: Sitapur sunrise; Natural Bridge; return to Port Blair for flights.
Group packaging tips: Reserve ferries 2–4 weeks ahead in peak season, block rooms together, and split the group into activity batches with certified instructors for safety.
Travel Tips for Neil Island
- Permits & ID: Carry government photo ID. Foreign national access and RAP rules can change—check the latest advisory before travel.
- Cash & Connectivity: Limited ATMs; carry sufficient cash. Mobile data can be patchy; some resorts offer Wi‑Fi.
- Safety at Sea: Obey lifeguards, wear life jackets, and avoid venturing beyond designated zones.
- Tides & Timing: Visit Natural Bridge at low tide. Plan ferries and sightseeing around sunset/sunrise beaches.
- Responsible Travel: Use reef-safe sunscreen, avoid touching corals, and carry back plastic waste.
- Health & Comfort: Pack motion-sickness meds for ferries, a basic first-aid kit, and aqua shoes for rocky sections.
Tips by Traveler Type
Families
- Choose resorts with family rooms and easy beach access (Bharatpur). Keep activities short with snack breaks.
- Carry hats, floatation aids for kids, and pre-book early ferries.
Honeymooners
- Time Sitapur sunrise and Laxmanpur sunset; request private dinners and sea-facing rooms.
- Opt for a discovery dive or couple’s snorkel with a photographer.
Friends & Corporate Groups
- Cluster rooms on the same floor/wing; plan team activities like beach volleyball, treasure hunts, or kayak relays.
- Confirm meeting space, projector, and early breakfast slots for tight schedules.
Packing Checklist (All Groups)
- Light cottons, swimwear, quick-dry towel, reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses, cap, aqua shoes, dry bag.
- Power bank, spare ID copies, basic meds, reusable water bottle, insect repellent.
FAQs
Q: How many days are ideal for a Neil Island group tour?
A: A well-paced 2D/1N is ideal for Bharatpur activities, Laxmanpur sunset, Sitapur sunrise, and Natural Bridge. Add a day if you plan multiple dives or a relaxed schedule.
Q: Is Neil Island good for beginner snorkelers and divers?
A: Yes. The lagoons are shallow and calm in season, and several operators offer beginner-friendly snorkeling and discovery dives with full safety briefings.
Q: Can we visit Neil and Havelock on the same day?
A: It’s possible but rushed. For groups, it’s better to allocate at least one full day to each island to manage ferry timings and activities smoothly.
Q: Are ATMs and card payments reliable on Neil Island?
A: ATMs are limited and may run out of cash. Some resorts and cafés accept cards/UPI, but carry backup cash for peace of mind.
Q: What’s the dress code for beaches and temples?
A: Beachwear is fine at beaches and resorts; dress modestly when visiting villages or temples—carry a light cover-up or scarf.
Conclusion
Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep) blends crystal-clear lagoons, soft-sand beaches, and a relaxed coastal culture that suits groups of all sizes. With straightforward ferry access from Port Blair, group-friendly resorts near Bharatpur and Laxmanpur, and a roster of safe, beginner-ready water activities, it’s easy to craft an itinerary that balances adventure with downtime. Plan around tide and ferry schedules, book peak-season slots early, and travel responsibly to preserve the island’s fragile coral ecosystems.
