November

• Andaman in November: An Overview
• November Weather in Andaman
• Why Visit Andaman in November
• Top Places to Visit
• Best Things To Do in November
• Suggested Itineraries (4–7 Days)
• Events and Festivals in November
• Where to Stay
• What to Eat & Drink
• How to Reach & Getting Around
• Permits, Rules & Responsible Travel
• Costs & Booking Tips
• November Packing Checklist
• FAQs for Andaman in November
• Conclusion

Andaman in November: An Overview

November is the sweet spot for an Andaman and Nicobar Islands vacation. The monsoon has retreated, seas turn calm and clear, and the official tourist season swings into action. Expect lush green landscapes, superb underwater visibility for scuba diving and snorkeling, and fewer crowds than the Christmas–New Year rush.

November Weather in Andaman

• Temperature: 24°C–30°C (pleasant days, comfortable nights)
• Rain: Occasional short showers; mostly dry compared to monsoon
• Sea conditions: Generally calm; good for ferries and water sports
• Underwater visibility: Around 15–25 meters in popular dive spots
• Sea temperature: ~28–29°C (ideal for long swims)
• Note: The Bay of Bengal can see occasional cyclonic systems in November—keep a small buffer in your plans.

Why Visit Andaman in November

• Start of peak season: Better availability and pricing than late December
• Water clarity: Prime time for scuba diving and snorkeling
• Jolly Buoy Island opens: Coral-viewing hotspot typically accessible Nov–May
• Comfortable trekking: Manageable heat and humidity for light hikes
• Romantic ambience: Quieter beaches and gorgeous sunsets—great for honeymoons

Top Places to Visit

Port Blair

• Cellular Jail & Light and Sound Show
• Corbyn’s Cove Beach (easy sunset spot)
• Ross Island (Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island) for colonial-era ruins and peacocks
• North Bay Island for sea walks and glass-bottom boat rides
• Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park (Wandoor) as a gateway to Jolly Buoy

Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island)

• Radhanagar Beach (Beach No. 7): Iconic sunsets
• Elephant Beach: Snorkeling and water sports
• Kalapathar Beach: Serene mornings
• Dive sites: Nemo Reef (beginners), Dixon’s Pinnacle, Johnny’s Gorge (advanced)

Shaheed Dweep (Neil Island)

• Bharatpur Beach: Snorkeling, glass-bottom rides
• Laxmanpur Beach: Sunset point
• Natural Bridge: Best at low tide

North Andaman Highlights

• Diglipur: Kalipur and Ramnagar beaches (turtle sightings begin around late Nov/Dec), Saddle Peak trek
• Rangat: Mangroves and quiet beaches
• Chidiya Tapu (near Port Blair): Birdwatching and sunsets

Note

Nicobar Islands are not open to tourists. Stick to designated tourist zones in Andaman.

Best Things To Do in November

Scuba Diving & Snorkeling

• Conditions: Clear water, mild currents—excellent for first-timers and certified divers
• Where: Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) and Neil (Shaheed Dweep); Jolly Buoy for pristine corals
• Tip: Pre-book dive slots during weekends and late November

Bioluminescence Kayaking

• When: Dark, moonless nights from Nov–Feb often see glow-in-the-dark plankton
• Where: Havelock’s mangroves; go with certified eco-guides

Island Hopping & Beaches

• Classic trio: Port Blair → Havelock → Neil
• Day trips: Ross/NSCB + North Bay; Jolly Buoy from Wandoor

Trekking & Nature Walks

• Saddle Peak (North Andaman): For experienced hikers
• Mount Harriet National Park: Panoramas of the archipelago
• Chidiya Tapu: Easy trails and birdlife

Wildlife & Conservation Experiences

• Turtle nesting: Early season around Diglipur and Little Andaman (peak Dec–Mar)
• Reef education: Choose operators with eco-briefings and reef-safe practices

Cultural & Heritage

• Cellular Jail: Freedom struggle history
• Anthropological Museum & Samudrika Naval Marine Museum (Port Blair)

Pro Tips

• Carry reef-safe sunscreen and avoid touching corals
• Wear quick-dry clothing and water shoes for boat landings
• Start early to avoid midday heat

Suggested Itineraries (4–7 Days)

4 Days: First Look at Andaman

• Day 1: Arrive Port Blair, Cellular Jail + Light & Sound
• Day 2: Ross/NSCB + North Bay day trip
• Day 3: Jolly Buoy (if open) or Wandoor beach
• Day 4: Souvenirs, Aberdeen Bazaar; depart

5–6 Days: Classic Island Hop

• Day 1: Port Blair arrivals, Corbyn’s Cove
• Day 2: Ferry to Havelock; Radhanagar sunset
• Day 3: Scuba dive/snorkel; Elephant Beach
• Day 4: Kayak mangroves or leisure; ferry to Neil
• Day 5: Bharatpur, Natural Bridge, Laxmanpur sunset; back to Port Blair
• Day 6: Buffer day for shopping/museums; depart

7 Days: Add Nature & North Andaman

• Days 1–4: Port Blair + Havelock as above
• Day 5: Neil Island circuit
• Day 6: Chidiya Tapu or day trip towards Rangat (if keen on mangroves)
• Day 7: Jolly Buoy or reserve as weather buffer; depart

Honeymoon Angle

• Pick boutique beachfront stays on Havelock
• Book private candlelight dinners and sunset cruises
• Plan a bioluminescence kayak on a moonless night

Events and Festivals in November

• Diwali/Post-Diwali: Depending on the lunar calendar, you may catch festive lights and sweets
• Local cultural evenings: Look for folk performances and craft stalls around Port Blair in season

Where to Stay

Port Blair

• Location picks: Aberdeen Bazaar (central), Phoenix Bay (near jetty), near Corbyn’s Cove (beach vibes)
• Stay types: City hotels, boutique B&Bs

Havelock (Swaraj Dweep)

• Beach No. 5 and Govind Nagar: Good for dive shops and eateries
• Beach No. 7 area: Tranquil luxury stays near Radhanagar

Neil (Shaheed Dweep)

• Bharatpur/Laxmanpur vicinity: Easy access to beaches and sunset spots

Booking Tip

November weekends get busy—reserve ferries and preferred resorts 2–4 weeks ahead.

What to Eat & Drink

• Seafood: Grilled fish, tiger prawns, crab masala, lobster (in season)
• Local flavors: Coconut-based curries, banana flower dishes
• Cafés: Havelock and Neil have casual beachfront cafés and bakeries
• Drinks: Fresh coconuts, seasonal fruit juices; alcohol is available but limited outside Port Blair and Havelock

How to Reach & Getting Around

Flights

• Daily direct flights to Port Blair (IXZ) from Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Delhi
• Morning arrivals help align with ferry schedules

Ferries Between Islands

• Private: Makruzz, Green Ocean, ITT Majestic (book online in advance)
• Government ferries: Budget-friendly; tickets via counters
• Monsoon is over by November—smoother sailings are the norm

Local Transport

• Port Blair: Taxis, auto-rickshaws
• Havelock/Neil: Scooters, cycles, or pre-booked cabs
• Connectivity: 4G works in towns; patchy in remote pockets—download maps offline

Permits, Rules & Responsible Travel

• Indian nationals: No special permit for main tourist islands
• Foreign nationals: Carry valid passport/visa; some islands/parks require permits on arrival—check current advisories
• National Parks (e.g., Jolly Buoy): Day permits required; operators arrange these
• Restricted zones: Do not enter tribal reserve areas; no photography on the Andaman Trunk Road where prohibited
• Environment: No coral/sea shell collection; no plastic littering; use reef-safe sunscreen

Costs & Booking Tips

• Scuba intro dive: Approx. ₹3,500–₹6,000 per person
• PADI Open Water course: Approx. ₹18,000–₹30,000
• Private ferry: ₹1,000–₹3,000 per sector depending on class
• Stay: Budget ₹2,000–₹4,000; mid-range ₹4,000–₹8,000; luxury ₹10,000+ per night
• Guided bioluminescence kayak: Around ₹2,000–₹3,500
• Booking window: Flights 6–8 weeks out; ferries and dive slots 2–3 weeks out
• Insurance: Consider travel insurance covering weather-related disruptions

November Packing Checklist

• Light cotton/linen clothing, swimsuit, quick-dry towel
• Reef-safe sunscreen, after-sun aloe gel, hat, polarized sunglasses
• Water shoes, flip-flops, lightweight rain jacket (for the odd shower)
• Basic meds, seasickness tabs, reusable water bottle
• Dry bag for boat trips; power bank; flashlight for evening walks
• Cash backup; ATMs can be limited on smaller islands

FAQs for Andaman in November

Is November a good time to visit Andaman?

Yes. It’s one of the best months—calm seas, clear water, and comfortable weather before peak-season crowds arrive.

Will water sports be open?

Most water sports (scuba, snorkeling, sea walk, kayaking, jet-ski) operate at full scale, weather permitting.

Is Jolly Buoy open in November?

Typically yes, from November to May, offering superb coral viewing. Always confirm locally before planning.

Can I see bioluminescence?

Often visible on dark nights from November to February, especially around Havelock. Book a guided kayak tour.

Any risks of cyclones?

Occasional systems can form in November. Keep a buffer day and follow official weather updates and operator advisories.

Do I need permits?

No special permits for Indian citizens for main tourist islands. Foreign nationals should carry passports/visas; certain parks/islands may require permits issued locally. Restricted tribal areas remain off-limits.

Conclusion

With warm waters, vibrant reefs, and tranquil beaches, November sets the stage for an unforgettable Andaman holiday. Plan a balanced itinerary—history in Port Blair, lazy beach days and dives on Havelock, sunsets and natural bridges on Neil—and keep a small weather buffer. Book your ferries and preferred stays in advance, travel light and eco-friendly, and you’ll experience Andaman at its coastal best.