April

Why Visit Andaman in April

April is one of the most rewarding months to explore the Andaman Islands. The seas are generally calm, underwater visibility is excellent for diving and snorkeling, and popular beaches such as Radhanagar are far less crowded than the December–February peak. With long, sunny days, April sets the stage for island-hopping, water sports, and unforgettable sunsets across Swaraj Dweep (Havelock), Shaheed Dweep (Neil), and around Port Blair.

Weather in April

• Temperature: 27°C to 33°C during the day; nights are warm and humid.
• Sea temperature: 28°C to 30°C—ideal for long swims and scuba sessions.
• Rain: Occasional pre-monsoon showers, usually brief and refreshing.
• Humidity: Moderate to high; plan outdoor activities in mornings and late afternoons.
• Wind & sea: Generally calm seas, light winds; great for ferries and boat trips.

Travel Tip

Carry a light rain jacket or poncho for sudden showers and a wide-brim hat plus reef-safe sunscreen for strong UV around noon.

Is April a Good Time to Visit?

Pros

• Excellent underwater visibility and comfortable sea conditions.
• Fewer crowds compared to peak winter months; better chances for last-minute bookings.
• Jolly Buoy/Red Skin islands (coral-rich) are typically open around this season.

Considerations

• Midday heat can be intense—plan hikes and beach walks early or late in the day.
• Humidity rises late April; a few showers possible.

Best Places to Visit in April

Port Blair Highlights

• Cellular Jail and the evening light-and-sound show.
• Corbyn’s Cove for an easy beach day close to town.
• Chidiya Tapu for sunsets and short forest walks.
• Samudrika Marine Museum and Anthropological Museum for island culture and ecology.

Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island)

• Radhanagar Beach (Beach No. 7): Legendary sunsets and soft, powdery sands.
• Elephant Beach: Snorkeling, sea-walking, and water sports.
• Kalapathar Beach: Quiet mornings, scenic shoreline, and photo-friendly rock formations.

Shaheed Dweep (Neil Island)

• Bharatpur Beach: Calm waters and beginner-friendly snorkeling.
• Laxmanpur Beach: Natural rock bridge and dramatic sunsets.
• Sitapur Beach: Sunrise point with rugged coastal beauty.

Day Trips from Port Blair

• Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Dweep (Ross Island): Ruins overrun by banyan roots, deer sightings, and coastal views.
• North Bay Island: Classic snorkeling spot; the lighthouse on the back of ₹20 note.

Baratang & Middle Andaman

• Limestone Caves: Boat ride through mangroves and a short hike.
• Mud Volcano: Unique geological feature; quick stop en route.

Note: The route crosses a tribal reserve with regulated timings and rules—follow official guidance strictly.

Jolly Buoy / Red Skin Islands

Part of Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, famed for clear waters and live corals. Glass-bottom boat rides are popular. These islands operate in rotation and with limited permits; April often sees excellent clarity. Book permits in advance and confirm which island is open during your dates.

Top Things to Do in April

Scuba Diving & Snorkeling Conditions

• Visibility: Often 15–25 meters, occasionally more around Havelock dive sites.
• Water: Warm and comfortable; short wetsuits or rash guards are ideal.
• Top dive sites: Lighthouse, Nemo Reef (beginner-friendly), Johnny’s Gorge (for certified divers), and sites off Neil.

Tip for Beginners

Try a Discover Scuba program with a certified operator; morning slots usually offer calmer conditions and better light under water.

Water Sports

• Jet-skiing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding at popular beaches.
• Night kayaking in bioluminescent waters can sometimes be visible—best on moonless nights; check conditions locally.
• Sea walk at Elephant Beach and North Bay.

Beaches & Sunset Points

• Radhanagar (sunset), Laxmanpur (sunset), Sitapur (sunrise), Chidiya Tapu (sunset).
• Pack a picnic, carry back your waste, and avoid stepping on coral rubble.

Wildlife & Nature

• Birding at Chidiya Tapu and in mangrove creeks.
• Short treks to viewpoints on Havelock and Neil.

Cultural Experiences & April Events

Depending on the calendar, local communities may observe festivals such as Tamil Puthandu, Vishu, or Bengali New Year in mid-April. Earth Day (22 April) often inspires beach clean-up activities—consider joining responsibly organized initiatives.

Suggested April Itineraries

Classic 5-Day Plan

• Day 1: Arrive Port Blair; Cellular Jail, Corbyn’s Cove, light-and-sound show.
• Day 2: Ferry to Havelock; Radhanagar Beach for sunset.
• Day 3: Scuba or snorkeling in the morning; Elephant Beach water sports.
• Day 4: Early ferry to Neil; Bharatpur snorkeling, Laxmanpur sunset.
• Day 5: Return to Port Blair; Ross Island + North Bay or museums; depart.

7-Day Relaxed Plan

• Day 1–2: Port Blair with Ross/North Bay and Chidiya Tapu.
• Day 3–5: Havelock with two mornings of diving/snorkeling and downtime at Kalapathar.
• Day 6: Neil Island—Bharatpur, Natural Bridge, Laxmanpur.
• Day 7: Jolly Buoy/Red Skin (permit dependent) or Baratang Limestone Caves; depart.

Booking Note

Always align ferry and inter-island transfers first, then layer activities around confirmed transport times.

How to Reach & Local Transport

By Air

• Fly into Port Blair (Veer Savarkar International Airport) from major Indian cities such as Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Delhi.
• Morning arrivals are convenient for same-day ferries to Havelock/Neil.

By Sea

• Passenger ships operate from Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam to Port Blair (long journey, limited schedules). April seas are usually calmer than monsoon months.

Local Transport

• Inter-island ferries: Government ferries and private operators (e.g., Makruzz, Nautika, Green Ocean). Book early in April weekends.
• On-island: Taxis, shared cabs, scooters, and bicycles. Havelock and Neil are great for renting two-wheelers.

Permits & Entry Rules

• Indian citizens: No special permits for Port Blair, Havelock, Neil, and other commonly visited islands. Some parks/islands (like Jolly Buoy/Red Skin) require entry permits/tickets.
• Foreign nationals: Carry a valid Indian visa and passport. A Restricted Area Permit (RAP) may be required for certain areas and is typically issued on arrival in Port Blair. Check the latest rules before travel.
• Protected areas and tribal reserves are off-limits; follow posted regulations strictly.

Where to Stay: Area Guide

Port Blair

• Best for: First/last night stays, museums, quick beach trips, day excursions.
• Stay zones: Aberdeen Bazaar (central), near Corbyn’s Cove (sea-facing), Haddo (ferry access).

Havelock (Swaraj Dweep)

• Best for: Premium beaches, diving, relaxed cafes.
• Stay zones: Govind Nagar (convenience), Radhanagar side (quiet, upscale), Vijay Nagar (mid-range beachfronts).

Neil (Shaheed Dweep)

• Best for: Calm lagoons, sunsets, budget-to-boutique stays.
• Stay zones: Near Bharatpur Beach for water activities; Neil Kendra for market access.

Booking Tips

• April availability is better than peak season, but sea-view rooms and boutique stays still fill up for weekends.
• Confirm AC and backup power—humidity can be high.

What to Pack for April

• Light cotton/linen clothing, a breathable hat/cap, sunglasses.
• Reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 50+), aloe vera gel, lip balm with SPF.
• Swimwear, rash guard, quick-dry towel, and water shoes.
• Dry bag for boat rides, reusable water bottle, compact rain jacket.
• Basic meds, motion-sickness tablets for ferries, ORS for hydration.
• Cash reserve: Cards and UPI work, but connectivity can fluctuate.

Food to Try in April

• Fresh seafood: Grilled fish, lobster, and crab at beachside shacks.
• Coconut-based curries and local banana-leaf thalis.
• Mangoes and seasonal fruits in late April—great for smoothies and desserts.
• Café culture on Havelock and Neil with island bakes, seafood platters, and vegetarian options.

Costs & Budgeting

• Flights (mainland–Port Blair): Vary with origin; booking 4–6 weeks out keeps costs moderate for April.
• Ferries: Private operators typically cost more than government ferries; factor in baggage allowance.
• Stay: Budget stays from INR 1,500–3,000; mid-range INR 3,000–7,000; upscale INR 8,000+ per night in April.
• Diving: Intro dives usually INR 3,500–6,500; certified dives vary by site and number of dives.
• Activities: Sea walk, kayaking, and glass-bottom rides are add-ons; bundle deals can save money.

Responsible Travel & Safety Tips

Eco & Culture

• Choose reef-safe sunscreen and avoid touching or stepping on corals.
• Carry back all plastic; many single-use plastics are restricted.
• Respect local customs and restricted areas—do not photograph tribal communities or enter protected zones.

Water & Sun Safety

• Swim only in designated zones; heed lifeguard flags and local advice.
• Hydrate regularly; schedule activities outside peak sun (11 am–3 pm).
• For minor jellyfish stings, vinegar can help; seek medical attention for severe reactions.

Connectivity & Cash

• Mobile networks: BSNL, Airtel, and Jio have coverage; data can be slow in remote stretches.
• Keep some cash for entry tickets, local transport, and small eateries.

FAQs for April Travel

Is April too hot for Andaman?

It’s warm and humid but manageable with early/late outdoor plans and adequate hydration. Sea breeze helps on beaches.

Are water sports open in April?

Yes. April is one of the best months for diving, snorkeling, kayaking, and glass-bottom boat rides.

Can I visit Jolly Buoy in April?

Often, yes, but it operates in rotation with Red Skin. Permits are limited—book through authorized counters or operators and confirm the open island during your dates.

Will it rain in April?

Short, occasional showers are possible—typically not trip-disruptive.

Are ferries reliable in April?

Sea conditions are generally calm, making April a reliable month for inter-island ferries.

Conclusion

April in Andaman blends calm seas, vivid underwater life, and quieter beaches—a formula made for island-hopping and unhurried escapes. Plan your ferry routes early, book a couple of mornings for diving or snorkeling, and keep your days flexible for sunsets, short hikes, and spontaneous boat trips. With smart packing and mindful travel habits, April becomes one of the most rewarding times to experience the best of Port Blair, Havelock, Neil, and the vibrant marine parks that make the Andaman Islands unforgettable.