Table of Contents
- Introduction: Day trips from Port Blair
- Must-visit islands and day trip ideas
- Best time to plan day trips
- How to reach Port Blair
- Getting around for day trips
- Sample day trip itineraries
- Local culture, food, and shopping
- Accommodation options for day trippers
- Estimated costs
- Tips and essentials
- Traveler-specific tips
- Nearby getaways beyond day trips
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction: Day trips from Port Blair
Port Blair, the gateway to India’s Andaman Islands, makes island-hopping incredibly easy. Within minutes, you can be skimming over teal waters to explore coral reefs, WWII-era ruins, mangrove creeks, and powder-soft beaches—all on relaxed day trips. Whether you’re keen on snorkeling at North Bay, wandering the atmospheric ruins on Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island (formerly Ross Island), or venturing to Baratang’s limestone caves, Port Blair is a superb base for one-day adventures.
Must-visit islands and day trip ideas
Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island (Ross Island)
Just 10–15 minutes by boat from Port Blair’s Water Sports Complex, this small island is a photogenic time capsule of British-era ruins wrapped in banyan roots, with friendly deer and peacocks roaming free.
- Highlights: Church ruins, Chief Commissioner’s House, Japanese bunkers, coastal trails.
- Pair with: North Bay Island for a half- or full-day combo.
- Good to know: Late afternoon visits can be paired with an evening light-and-sound show (check schedules on arrival).
- Note: Do not confuse this with Ross & Smith Islands (far north near Diglipur).
North Bay Island
One of the most accessible snorkeling and sea-walk spots near Port Blair, North Bay’s lighthouse even features on the Indian 20-rupee note.
- Activities: Snorkeling, sea-walk, glass-bottom boat rides, scuba for beginners.
- Water clarity: Good in the Nov–Apr window; variable during monsoon.
- Typical duration: 4–6 hours including transfers.
- Departures: Boats from Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex.
Jolly Buoy / Red Skin Islands (Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park)
The clearest water and healthiest shallow reefs near Port Blair. Only day visits are allowed; these islands are alternated to let reefs recover.
- Access: From Wandoor Jetty (about 45–60 minutes by road from Port Blair), then by permitted boats.
- Permits: Forest permits are mandatory; plastics are restricted—carry reusable bottles.
- Seasonality: Jolly Buoy typically Nov–Apr; Red Skin often opens when Jolly Buoy closes. Schedules can change; some closures on Mondays.
- Activities: Snorkeling, glass-bottom viewing; excellent for families and first-timers.
Elephant Beach (Havelock/Swaraj Dweep) as a day trip
Ambitious but doable for early risers. Take a morning high-speed ferry to Havelock, then a short speedboat or forest trail to Elephant Beach for watersports.
- Transit: Port Blair–Havelock by high-speed ferry (~1.5–2.5 hours one way).
- Plan: Pre-book round-trip ferries, stick to timings to avoid missing the return.
- Activities: Snorkeling, sea-walk, parasailing, jet ski; or pair with Radhanagar Beach for a short sunset stop.
- Reality check: It’s a packed day; consider an overnight stay if you want it relaxed.
Baratang Island (Limestone caves & mangroves)
A different kind of day trip that swaps reefs for rainforests and karst caves.
- Start early: Typically 3:30–4:30 am departure from Port Blair by road.
- Experience: Scenic mangrove boat ride and a short walk to limestone caves; the mud volcano is a quick add-on when active.
- Logistics: Road passes through the Jarawa Reserve—follow all rules; photography restrictions apply along certain stretches.
- Return: By evening (approx. 5–7 pm), depending on traffic and queue timings.
Chidiya Tapu and Munda Pahad
Not an island, but a popular half-day or sunset excursion close to Port Blair with birdlife, a pretty beach, and a short viewpoint hike.
- Travel time: ~45–60 minutes by road.
- Best for: Sunset photos, easy nature walk, relaxed golden-hour vibes.
Rutland / Cinque Islands (charter-only)
These pristine islands require special permits and private charters organized through licensed operators. Availability can be limited and weather-dependent.
- Best for: Experienced snorkelers/divers, photographers seeking offbeat lagoons.
- Important: Check latest permissions and conservation rules before planning.
Best time to plan day trips
The prime season runs from November to April with calmer seas and clearer water. May can be hot and humid with rising swells; June to September is monsoon—expect choppy seas and frequent cancellations. Shoulder months (October and early May) can still reward with good days, but build flexibility into your plans.
How to reach Port Blair
- By air: Fly into Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ). Direct/connecting flights operate from Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and seasonally from Delhi and other metros.
- By sea: Passenger ships from Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam operate infrequently (voyage ~60–70 hours). Basic cabins; schedules vary.
Getting around for day trips
- Boat jetties:
- Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex: Boats for Ross/NSCB Island and North Bay.
- Wandoor Jetty: Boats for Jolly Buoy/Red Skin.
- Haddo/Phoenix Bay Wharf: Private ferries for Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) and Neil (Shaheed Dweep).
- Local transport: Taxis are convenient; auto-rickshaws for short hops; limited app cabs. Two-wheeler rentals exist but check fuel availability and parking rules at jetties.
- Ferry brands: Schedules and vessels change; typical operators include Makruzz, Nautika/Sea Link, and Green Ocean. Always verify latest timings a day in advance.
Sample day trip itineraries
Itinerary 1: Classic Coral Combo (Full day)
- Morning: Boat to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island (Ross). Explore ruins and coastal trails (1.5–2 hours).
- Late morning to afternoon: Transfer to North Bay Island for snorkeling/sea-walk and lunch at simple shacks (3–4 hours).
- Return: By mid to late afternoon.
Itinerary 2: Marine National Park Snorkel Day (Full day)
- Early morning: Drive to Wandoor Jetty; board permitted boat to Jolly Buoy or Red Skin.
- Midday: Guided snorkeling or glass-bottom sessions in clear, protected waters.
- Afternoon: Return to Wandoor; sunset stop at Wandoor Beach if time allows.
Itinerary 3: Havelock Sprint (Long day)
- Early morning: High-speed ferry to Havelock.
- Late morning: Elephant Beach by speedboat; watersports/snorkeling.
- Afternoon: Quick visit to Radhanagar Beach.
- Evening: Return ferry to Port Blair.
Itinerary 4: Baratang Caves & Mangroves (Full day)
- Pre-dawn: Road transfer towards Baratang, boat through mangroves.
- Late morning: Walk to limestone caves with local guide.
- Optional: Mud volcano stop if conditions permit; return to Port Blair by evening.
Local culture, food, and shopping
Port Blair blends Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, and Nicobari influences, reflected in its food and festivals. Seafood is the headline act, with simple island-style preparations that let the catch shine.
- What to eat: Grilled or tawa-fried reef fish, prawn curry, crab masala, lobster in garlic butter (seasonal). Veg favorites include coconut-rich curries and banana-flower fritters.
- Where: Aberdeen Bazaar and MG Road for casual eateries; sea-facing restaurants near Marina Park and Corbyn’s Cove for views.
- Cafes and bakeries: Handy for early starts; pick up sandwiches, fruit, and water before boat trips.
- Shopping: Sagarika Government Emporium for shell craft, wooden curios, and handicrafts. Avoid buying corals, black corals, or turtle products—illegal and harmful to reefs.
Accommodation options for day trippers
Stay in Port Blair to minimize transfer times to jetties.
- Areas to base: Aberdeen Bazaar (central and budget-friendly), Phoenix Bay/Haddo (near wharf), Marine Hill/Goal Ghar (quiet and central), Corbyn’s Cove (beach vibe, slightly away).
- Budget stays: Clean guesthouses/hostels (~INR 1,200–2,500 per night).
- Mid-range hotels: Comfortable rooms with breakfast (~INR 3,000–6,000 per night).
- Upscale resorts/boutique: Sea-view rooms and amenities (~INR 7,000–15,000+ per night).
Estimated costs
Indicative per-person costs from Port Blair (verify on ground; prices vary by season and operator):
- Ross + North Bay boat package: INR 900–1,800 (boat only); activities extra.
- North Bay activities:
- Snorkeling: INR 800–1,500
- Sea-walk: INR 2,500–3,500
- Glass-bottom: INR 500–1,000
- Jolly Buoy/Red Skin: Boat and permit ~INR 1,200–1,800; snorkeling/glass-bottom extra.
- High-speed ferry (Port Blair–Havelock one-way): INR 1,500–3,500 depending on class and operator.
- Elephant Beach speedboat (from Havelock): INR 1,200–2,000.
- Baratang day tour (shared AC vehicle + boat): INR 2,000–3,000.
- Private taxi in Port Blair: ~INR 2,500–3,500 for 8 hours (small car); per-transfer rates vary.
Tips and essentials
- Permits and ID: Indians generally don’t need permits for Port Blair day trips; foreigners need a Restricted Area Permit (usually issued on arrival). Jolly Buoy/Red Skin require forest permits—carry government ID.
- Weather and seas: Build buffer time in monsoon months; morning boats are more reliable.
- Cash matters: ATMs exist in town but can run dry during peak season—carry adequate cash for island activities.
- Connectivity: Mobile data can be patchy; download tickets and maps offline.
- Reef etiquette: No stepping on corals, no shell/coral collection, and no feeding fish. Use reef-safe sunscreen sparingly.
- Packing for the day:
- Reusable water bottle, quick-dry towel, light rain jacket (seasonal)
- Sun protection: hat, polarized sunglasses, high SPF sunscreen
- Water shoes or snug sandals, spare set of clothes, dry bag
- Basic meds: motion sickness tablets, antihistamine, band-aids
- Waterproof phone pouch and power bank
- Safety: Follow lifeguard and boat crew instructions; wear life jackets during transfers and watersports.
- Sustainability: Many islands restrict single-use plastic; pack in, pack out.
Traveler-specific tips
Families
- Choose calmer-water days (check wind/swell forecasts) and favor Jolly Buoy/Red Skin for clear, shallow snorkel zones.
- Carry snacks and ORS, and confirm availability of child-size life jackets.
- Midday sun is strong—plan shaded breaks and early starts.
Honeymooners
- Pick golden-hour slots at Ross Island or Chidiya Tapu for photos.
- Consider a private boat charter for North Bay or a relaxed overnight at Havelock to slow the pace.
- Book sea-view dining in Port Blair for post-excursion evenings.
Friends and backpackers
- Bundle activities at North Bay or Elephant Beach for better value; negotiate as a group.
- Rent two-wheelers for local hops; confirm parking options at jetties.
- Target weekdays for fewer crowds and smoother ticketing.
Nearby getaways beyond day trips
- Havelock (Swaraj Dweep): 1–2 nights for Radhanagar Beach sunsets, Elephant Beach watersports, and diving.
- Neil (Shaheed Dweep): 1–2 nights for relaxed beaches like Laxmanpur, Bharatpur, and natural bridge.
- Diglipur (North Andaman): 2–3 nights for Ross & Smith twin-island sandbar, Alfred Caves (seasonal), and turtle nesting (seasonal).
FAQs
Q: Can I do Havelock as a day trip from Port Blair?
A: Yes, with an early outbound and late return ferry, you can visit Elephant Beach and briefly stop at Radhanagar. It is rushed; an overnight stay is far more relaxed.
Q: Do foreigners need special permits for these day trips?
A: Foreign nationals need a Restricted Area Permit (often issued on arrival at Port Blair). Certain islands and protected areas may have additional restrictions. Always carry your passport.
Q: Which is better for snorkeling—North Bay or Jolly Buoy?
A: Jolly Buoy (and Red Skin when open) usually offers clearer water and healthier shallow reefs. North Bay is more commercial with many activity options and easy access.
Q: Are ferries and boat trips reliable during monsoon?
A: Expect weather-related cancellations from June to September. Morning departures have higher success; keep a flexible schedule and confirm one day in advance.
Q: Can I rent a scooter in Port Blair for day trips?
A: Yes, scooters are available for local travel, but you cannot take them on passenger ferries. For islands like North Bay or Havelock, you’ll rely on boats and local transport at the destination.
Conclusion
From coral gardens at North Bay and Jolly Buoy to evocative ruins on Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island and mangrove-lined creeks in Baratang, Port Blair unlocks a variety of day trips for every kind of traveler. With smart planning around ferry timings, permits, and weather, you can sample the Andamans’ best waters and wilderness while basing yourself comfortably in the capital.
