Table of Contents
- Introduction
- History and Importance
- Best Time to Visit
- Top Things to Do
- Suggested Island-Hopping Routes
- Nearby Attractions
- How to Reach
- Accommodation Options
- Estimated Costs
- Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
- Traveler-Specific Tips
- Practical Tips and Sustainability
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Island hopping from Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep) unlocks a gentler, slower side of the Andamans—think luminous reefs, quiet lagoons, powdery beaches, and short scenic ferry rides to neighboring gems like Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) and Port Blair’s historic islets. Use Neil as your chill base: snorkel at Bharatpur, chase sunsets at Laxmanpur, then hop across turquoise channels for coral gardens, mangrove creeks, and postcard beaches. This guide blends routes, timing, costs, and on-ground tips so you can plan smooth, eco-aware hops around the archipelago.
History and Importance
Neil Island is part of the Ritchie’s Archipelago in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Historically a quiet farming community with settlers from mainland India, it’s known today for calm waters, thriving coral, and a laid-back vibe compared with busier Havelock. Renamed Shaheed Dweep, it sits strategically between Port Blair and Havelock, making it a natural launchpad for short island hops and marine adventures.
Best Time to Visit
- Peak season (Nov–Apr): Clear waters, gentler seas, excellent visibility for snorkeling/diving, golden sunsets.
- Shoulder (May & Oct): Warm seas but variable showers; some trips may be weather-dependent.
- Monsoon (Jun–Sep): Frequent rain, rough seas; many water activities curtailed and ferries can be disrupted.
- Tip: For island hopping, prioritize Jan–Apr for the most reliable conditions and ferry schedules.
Top Things to Do
- Snorkel and glass-bottom rides at Bharatpur Reef to spot clownfish, parrotfish, and vibrant hard corals.
- Sunset at Laxmanpur Beach and a stroll to the Natural Bridge (Howrah Bridge) at low tide to see tidal pools.
- Diving (beginners to certified) with licensed operators around Neil’s reefs; choose reef-safe practices.
- Beach time at Sitapur for an early sunrise and quiet, scenic shores.
- Day hop to Havelock for Radhanagar Beach and Elephant Beach snorkeling.
- History hop from Port Blair to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island (Ross Island) and North Bay (lighthouse on the old INR 20 note).
Suggested Island-Hopping Routes
One Day from Neil
- Option A: Neil + Havelock sprint
- Morning ferry Neil–Havelock (approx. 1 hr).
- Taxi to Radhanagar Beach; optional speedboat/snorkel at Elephant Beach.
- Evening ferry back to Neil.
- Option B: Neil immersion
- Early sunrise at Sitapur, snorkel at Bharatpur, sunset at Laxmanpur.
- Perfect if seas are choppy and you want minimal transit.
Two Days from Neil
- Day 1: Neil highlights (Bharatpur snorkel, Natural Bridge, Laxmanpur sunset).
- Day 2: Early ferry to Havelock; explore Radhanagar, and Elephant Beach. Return to Neil or overnight in Havelock.
Three to Four Days Circuit
- Day 1: Arrive Neil; reef activities and beach time.
- Day 2: Ferry to Havelock; optional dive/snorkel; Radhanagar sunset.
- Day 3: Early ferry to Port Blair; visit Cellular Jail, evening light-and-sound show (subject to schedule).
- Day 4: Half-day hop to Ross Island and North Bay; buffer time for flights.
Notes: Routes depend on ferry timings and weather. Always keep a buffer before flights—sea schedules can change.
Nearby Attractions
- On Neil Island: Bharatpur Beach (reef and glass-bottom boats), Laxmanpur I & II (sunset, Natural Bridge), Sitapur Beach (sunrise), Ramnagar Beach (quiet stretch).
- Havelock (Swaraj Dweep): Radhanagar Beach, Elephant Beach, Kalapathar Beach, diving sites around the island.
- Port Blair: Cellular Jail, Corbyn’s Cove, Ross Island (deer, ruins), North Bay (snorkel/semi-sub experience).
How to Reach
- By air to the Andamans: Fly to Port Blair (Veer Savarkar International Airport) from major Indian cities.
- Ferries to Neil Island:
- Government ferries: Basic, economical; tickets at counters or authorized agents.
- Private catamarans: Faster, reserved seating; book online or via operators in peak season.
- Typical durations: Port Blair–Neil ~1.5–2 hrs; Havelock–Neil ~1 hr (sea-state dependent).
- Local transport on Neil: Rent a scooter, hire an auto-rickshaw, or pre-book cabs. Distances are short; cycling is pleasant in good weather.
Accommodation Options
- Budget stays (approx. ₹1,200–₹2,500 per night): Simple guesthouses near Bharatpur/Laxmanpur; ideal for backpackers.
- Mid-range resorts (₹3,000–₹7,000): Cottage-style stays with in-house cafés and tour desks.
- Boutique/prime beachfront (₹8,000–₹15,000+): Limited inventory; book early for peak months.
- Location tip: Stay near Bharatpur for easy reef access; Laxmanpur for sunsets and quiet.
Estimated Costs
- Ferries (one-way): Govt ₹200–₹600; Private ₹1,200–₹2,800 (class-dependent).
- Local transport: Scooter rental ₹500–₹800/day; Auto rides ₹200–₹500 within island.
- Activities:
- Guided snorkel/glass-bottom at Bharatpur ₹500–₹2,000+
- Intro scuba dive ₹3,500–₹6,000; Certified fun dive ₹3,000–₹4,500 per dive
- Day boat/charter (varies widely) ₹20,000–₹45,000+
- Meals: Local eateries ₹250–₹600 per person; cafés ₹400–₹900 per person.
- Daily budget (indicative per person): Shoestring ₹2,500–₹4,000; Comfortable ₹5,000–₹8,000; Upscale ₹10,000+.
- All prices indicative; season and availability can change rates.
Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
Food
- Fresh catch: grilled fish, masala crab, lobster (season-dependent), prawn curry with coconut.
- Island staples: fish thali, coconut-based curries, Bengali and South Indian influences.
- Café culture: smoothies, wood-fired pizza, beachside grills near Bharatpur/Laxmanpur.
- Tip: Expect slower, made-to-order service; pre-order for large groups.
Shopping
- Pick up local handicrafts, spices, and island-made souvenirs at small stalls.
- Avoid buying corals, shells, or turtle products—collection and sale are illegal and harm reefs.
Culture
- Laid-back island life with communities originally from Bengal and Tamil Nadu; Hindi and Bengali widely spoken.
- Respect local customs; dress modestly away from beaches. Festivals and events are low-key compared to Port Blair.
Traveler-Specific Tips
Families
- Choose shallow, calm-water beaches: Bharatpur (Neil) and Radhanagar (Havelock).
- Plan an early start; rest midday when sun is harsh. Carry snacks and reef-safe sunscreen.
- Glass-bottom rides are great for kids who don’t snorkel.
Honeymooners
- Time sunsets at Laxmanpur and quiet dawns at Sitapur.
- Book sea-facing cottages; consider a private guided snorkel or a relaxed picnic setup (where allowed).
- Avoid peak holiday weekends for privacy.
Friends and Adventure Seekers
- Do an intro dive or advanced dives (book early in Jan–Apr).
- Pack action cams, dry bags, and reef-safe sunscreen; rent a scooter for flexibility.
- Buffer an extra day for weather or ferry changes.
Practical Tips and Sustainability
- Permits & ID: Carry government-issued photo ID. Respect restricted/tribal reserve notices; entry is prohibited.
- Safety: Obey lifeguards; avoid strong-current zones; watch for jellyfish in some seasons. Do not stand on or touch coral.
- Health: Hydrate, use hats/UPF clothing, and reef-safe sunscreen. Pack motion-sickness meds for ferries.
- Money & connectivity: ATMs are limited and may run out of cash; UPI works intermittently. Carry some cash. Mobile data can be patchy.
- Environment: No littering. Avoid single-use plastic; carry refillable bottles. Wildlife and corals are protected by law.
- Booking: In Nov–Feb, pre-book ferries and stays. Keep digital and printed tickets handy at terminals.
FAQs
Q: Can I do a day trip from Neil Island to Havelock and back?
A: Yes. With morning and late-afternoon ferries, a day hop is possible in fair weather. Check schedules in advance and keep a buffer for delays.
Q: Is Neil Island good for first-time snorkelers?
A: Absolutely. Bharatpur’s shallow reef and glass-bottom boats suit beginners. Go with licensed guides and use reef-safe sunscreen.
Q: Do I need special permits to visit Neil, Havelock, or Ross Island?
A: Indian tourists don’t need special permits for these islands. Carry valid ID. Foreign travelers should carry passports and follow current entry regulations; restricted tribal areas remain off-limits.
Q: When is sea visibility best for diving?
A: Typically January to April offers calmer seas and clearer water, though conditions vary with weather.
Q: Are private boat charters available from Neil?
A: Limited and seasonal. Most travelers rely on scheduled ferries. For specialized trips, enquire locally or consider chartering from Havelock.
Conclusion
Using Neil Island as your base for island hopping pairs serene beaches with easy links to marquee sights across the Andamans. Time your visit for calm seas, book ferries early, and plan low-impact activities around coral-friendly practices. Whether you chase Radhanagar’s sunsets, Bharatpur’s reefs, or Ross Island’s ruins, this compact circuit delivers a relaxed, nature-forward itinerary with just the right dose of adventure.
