Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Must-Visit Places in Port Blair for Families
- Best Time to Visit Port Blair
- Family-Friendly Things to Do and Sample Itineraries
- Nearby Getaways from Port Blair
- How to Reach Port Blair
- Getting Around and Ferries
- Accommodation Options for Families
- Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
- Estimated Trip Costs and Package Inclusions
- Travel Tips for Families, Honeymooners, and Friends
- Safety, Permits, and Connectivity
- FAQs about Port Blair Family Vacations
- Conclusion
Introduction
Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, is a warm, welcoming gateway to emerald waters, historic landmarks, and island-hopping adventures. For families, it blends slow-paced beach time with easy day trips, marine-life encounters, and a touch of colonial-era history at the iconic Cellular Jail. Whether you plan a short Port Blair–only holiday or a longer itinerary that adds Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) and Neil (Shaheed Dweep), this guide covers the best places, practical logistics, and realistic costs to design a smooth, kid-friendly vacation.
Must-Visit Places in Port Blair for Families
- Cellular Jail National Memorial: A powerful introduction to India’s freedom struggle; don’t miss the evening Sound & Light Show.
- Corbyn’s Cove Beach: Easy-access beach for relaxed evenings, short water sports, and sunset photos.
- Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island (formerly Ross Island): Ruins overrun by roots, deer sightings, and sea views—great for a half-day history-nature walk.
- North Bay Island: Popular for glass-bottom boats, snorkeling, and semi-submarine rides suited to children and first-timers.
- Chidiya Tapu: Birding trails, sunset point, and a small biological park; scenic drive from the city.
- Samudrika Naval Marine Museum & Fisheries Museum: Compact, informative stop to learn about the islands’ ecology.
- Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park (Wandoor): Gateway to Jolly Buoy/Red Skin Islands (seasonal) for crystal-clear snorkeling.
- Anthropological Museum: Cultural exhibits about Andaman’s indigenous communities (respectful, educational visit).
Best Time to Visit Port Blair
- October to May: Best weather, calmer seas, great visibility for snorkeling/diving; peak months are December–February.
- June to September (Monsoon): Lush landscapes but choppy seas and intermittent rain; some boat trips may be canceled.
- School holiday periods: Book flights, ferries, and stays well in advance to secure family rooms and inter-island seats.
Family-Friendly Things to Do and Sample Itineraries
Top Things to Do with Kids
- Glass-bottom boat/semi-sub rides: See reefs without getting wet—ideal for younger children.
- Beginner snorkeling: Shallow, guided sessions at North Bay or Jolly Buoy (seasonal); choose life jackets and calm-water slots.
- Evening show: Sound & Light Show at Cellular Jail brings history alive in an accessible format.
- Beach playtime: Corbyn’s Cove or the beaches near Wandoor for sandcastles and gentle waves (swim only where permitted).
- Museums and aquariums: Quick, informative stops perfect for short attention spans.
Sample 3-Day Port Blair–Only Family Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrive Port Blair, check-in, Corbyn’s Cove, Cellular Jail + Sound & Light Show.
- Day 2: Morning ferry to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island (Ross); continue to North Bay for glass-bottom or snorkeling.
- Day 3: Samudrika Naval Marine Museum, Aberdeen Bazaar shopping, sunset at Chidiya Tapu; depart.
Sample 4-Day Port Blair + Marine Park (Seasonal)
- Day 1: Corbyn’s Cove, Cellular Jail + Show.
- Day 2: Ross & North Bay.
- Day 3: Wandoor to Jolly Buoy/Red Skin (permits/boat); reef viewing and snorkeling.
- Day 4: Museums, local cafes, shopping; depart.
Sample 5-Day Family Itinerary with Havelock (Swaraj Dweep)
- Day 1: Port Blair city highlights + Light & Sound Show.
- Day 2: Ferry to Havelock; beach time at Radhanagar (very family-friendly).
- Day 3: Optional snorkeling trip (Elephant Beach) or relaxed cycling.
- Day 4: Return to Port Blair; Ross Island evening stroll.
- Day 5: Chidiya Tapu or museum visits; depart.
Nearby Getaways from Port Blair
- Havelock (Swaraj Dweep): Famous Radhanagar Beach, beginner dives, and family snorkeling; 1.5–2.5 hours by ferry.
- Neil (Shaheed Dweep): Quiet beaches (Bharatpur, Laxmanpur) and natural rock arch; ideal for 1–2 nights.
- Baratang: Limestone caves and mangrove boat ride; long day trip with early start (check road/ferry timings).
- Jolly Buoy/Red Skin Islands: Part of Marine National Park; limited daily permits, closed in some monsoon months.
How to Reach Port Blair
- By Air: Direct flights to Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ) from major Indian cities (frequency varies seasonally).
- By Sea: Passenger ships from Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam (2–3 days). Basic cabins, weather-dependent; not ideal for short family trips.
Getting Around and Ferries
- Local transport: Taxis, autos, and app cabs (limited). Pre-book cabs for airport transfers and half-day tours.
- Self-drive: Two-wheeler rentals available; carry a valid license and ride cautiously.
- Inter-island ferries: Government and private options. Private ferries are faster and costlier; book round-trips early in peak season.
- Family tip: Choose morning ferries (calmer seas) and sit midship to reduce motion sickness.
Accommodation Options for Families
- Port Blair (City/Aberdeen Bazaar): Convenient for museums, Cellular Jail, and short walks to markets and eateries.
- Corbyn’s Cove area: Quieter stays near the beach; 10–20 minutes’ drive from town.
- Family room features to look for: Interconnected rooms, on-site dining, early breakfast, elevator access, and generator backup.
- Approximate nightly rates (Port Blair):
- Budget family rooms: INR 2,000–4,000
- Mid-range hotels/resorts: INR 4,500–8,500
- Premium stays: INR 9,000–18,000+
Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
Food
- Seafood specials: Grilled fish, crab curry, and prawns; ask for mild spice for kids.
- Island staples: Andaman fish curry, coconut-based gravies, and fresh tropical fruits.
- Vegetarian-friendly: Plenty of North/South Indian options in town; request Jain/vegan meals in advance where needed.
Shopping
- Aberdeen Bazaar: Spices, wooden handicrafts, shell-inspired souvenirs (avoid buying coral, turtle shell, or any prohibited wildlife products).
- Handloom/handicraft outlets: Look for government emporiums for authentic, ethically sourced items.
Culture
- Diverse influences: Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Nicobari, and North Indian communities shape local cuisine and festivals.
- Etiquette: Dress modestly outside beaches, seek permission before photographing locals, and respect museum guidelines.
Estimated Trip Costs and Package Inclusions
Typical Family Package Inclusions
- Airport transfers and all local sightseeing transfers
- Accommodation with breakfast (CP plan)
- Ferry tickets for Ross/North Bay or Havelock/Neil (as per itinerary)
- Entry tickets and permits where applicable
- Guided tour to Cellular Jail + reserved seats for Sound & Light Show (subject to availability)
Estimated Costs (Excluding Flights)
- 3D/2N Port Blair–Only (family of 4): INR 28,000–60,000 total, depending on hotel class and activities.
- 4D/3N Port Blair + Marine Park (seasonal): INR 38,000–75,000 total (includes permits/boat to Jolly Buoy/Red Skin when open).
- 5D/4N Port Blair + Havelock: INR 55,000–110,000 total (private ferries and mid-range stays).
Per adult estimates: INR 8,500–18,000 for Port Blair–only 3N; INR 14,000–28,000 with Havelock add-on. Kids (5–11 years) often receive reduced rates; infants typically pay only minimal charges.
Extra Costs to Consider
- Meals beyond breakfast, room service, and special dinners
- Water sports (snorkeling, sea walk, scuba), photography fees
- Peak-season surcharges and last-minute ferry upgrades
Travel Tips for Families, Honeymooners, and Friends
For Families
- Packing: Reef-safe sunscreen, hats, light cottons, quick-dry towels, floatation aids, and seasickness tablets.
- Kid-friendly planning: Schedule boat trips in the morning; include museum breaks and early dinners.
- Health & comfort: Carry snacks, ORS, and basic meds; keep copies of IDs and permits handy.
For Honeymooners
- Choose sea-view rooms and sunset beaches (Radhanagar, Chidiya Tapu).
- Opt for private ferry seats and quieter midweek travel for fewer crowds.
- Plan one signature experience: candlelit beach dinner (where permitted), couple snorkeling, or spa.
For Friends/Groups
- Combine budget stays with one premium experience (semi-submarine, intro dive).
- Pre-book inter-island ferries together to avoid split seating.
- Consider self-drive two-wheelers in Port Blair town; ride cautiously.
Safety, Permits, and Connectivity
- Swimming safety: Follow lifeguard flags and local advisories. Some areas can have currents or jellyfish; avoid restricted zones.
- Wildlife awareness: Heed crocodile advisories where posted; swim only at designated beaches.
- Permits: Most mainstream sites are accessible to Indian nationals without special permits. For foreigners and specific marine/national park visits, on-arrival or advance permits/registrations may apply and rules can change—verify with official tourism sources before travel.
- Connectivity: Mobile networks (BSNL/Airtel/Jio) operate but data can be slow; download maps and tickets offline.
- Payments: Carry sufficient cash; some island kiosks may not accept cards/UPI due to patchy internet.
FAQs about Port Blair Family Vacations
Q: How many days are enough in Port Blair for a family?
A: Two to three full days cover highlights like Cellular Jail, Ross, North Bay, and Corbyn’s Cove. Add 2–3 more days if including Havelock or Neil.
Q: Is snorkeling safe for kids?
A: Yes, in calm, shallow spots with life jackets and a guide. Choose morning sessions and avoid rough-sea days.
Q: Do we need permits for Jolly Buoy or Red Skin?
A: Yes, daily permits are limited and seasonal operations apply. Arrange via the tourism counter or your hotel/agent at least a day in advance.
Q: What’s the best month to visit Port Blair with children?
A: November to March offers pleasant weather and calmer seas, ideal for boat trips and beach time.
Q: Are there vegetarian and Jain food options in Port Blair?
A: Yes. Many restaurants serve vegetarian meals; request Jain preparations in advance where possible.
Conclusion
Port Blair makes family travel easy: compact sightseeing, calm beaches, simple logistics, and enriching experiences from coral reefs to living history at Cellular Jail. Plan around the October–May window for smoother seas, pre-book ferries and family rooms in peak season, and balance your days between gentle adventures and relaxed beach time. With realistic budgeting and smart scheduling, a Port Blair family vacation can be both memorable and hassle-free.
