Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Top Places to Visit in Andaman in February
- Tourist Circuits & Suggested Routes
- Best Activities in February
- Festivals & Events in February
- 4–8 Day Itineraries
- Budget & Estimated Costs
- How to Reach Andaman
- Where to Stay: Accommodation Options
- Food, Culture & Shopping
- February Weather & What to Pack
- Tips for Families, Honeymooners & Friends
- Safety & Responsible Travel
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Andaman in February is postcard-perfect: warm days, calm seas, little to no rain, and superb underwater visibility. It’s peak season for beach time, snorkeling, scuba diving, island-hopping, and sunsets that linger in memory. This guide covers where to go, what to do, how to plan routes, budgets, and insider tips tailored to February’s ideal conditions.
Top Places to Visit in Andaman in February
1) Port Blair (South Andaman)
- Cellular Jail & Light-and-Sound Show
- Corbyn’s Cove, Chidiya Tapu (sunset), Mount Harriet National Park (views)
- Samudrika Naval Museum, Anthropological Museum
2) Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island)
- Radhanagar Beach (Asia’s top-ranked beach; best at sunset)
- Elephant Beach & Lighthouse area (snorkeling, water sports)
- Kalapathar Beach (quiet mornings)
3) Shaheed Dweep (Neil Island)
- Bharatpur Beach (clear, shallow lagoon)
- Laxmanpur Beach (sunset, natural rock bridge)
4) Baratang (Day trip from Port Blair)
- Limestone Caves, Mangrove creeks
- Mud Volcano (unique geology)
5) North Andaman (Rangat, Mayabunder, Diglipur)
- Ross & Smith Twin Islands sandbar (calm, turquoise waters)
- Alfred Caves (seasonal), Saddle Peak trek (for fit hikers)
Tourist Circuits & Suggested Routes
- Classic Island Hop (5–6 days): Port Blair → Havelock → Neil → Port Blair
- Adventure & Nature (7–8 days): Port Blair → Havelock (dive/snorkel) → Neil → Baratang (day trip) → Port Blair
- Extended North Andaman (8–10 days): Port Blair → Baratang → Rangat/Mayabunder → Diglipur → Port Blair
Ferry durations (fast ferries): Port Blair–Havelock 1.5–2.5 hours; Havelock–Neil ~1 hour; Neil–Port Blair 1–1.5 hours. Road to Baratang is ~2.5–3.5 hours one way plus short boat across Middle Strait. Follow convoy timings through the reserve corridor.
Best Activities in February
- Snorkeling: Clear water, vibrant reefs at Elephant Beach, Bharatpur, North Bay.
- Scuba Diving: 15–30 m visibility; water 27–29°C. Try DSD or fun dives at Havelock/Neil.
- Sea Kayaking: Dawn or night mangrove paddles; potential bioluminescence on dark moonless nights.
- Sea Walk, Parasailing, Jet Ski: Elephant Beach, Bharatpur Beach.
- Trekking: Mount Harriet trails, Saddle Peak (advanced, North Andaman).
- Sunsets: Radhanagar Beach, Laxmanpur Beach, Chidiya Tapu.
- Wildlife & Nature: Mangrove creek cruises, birding around Chidiya Tapu and Sippighat wetlands.
- History Trails: Cellular Jail, Ross Island (Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island) ruins and deer.
Festivals & Events in February
- Island Tourism Festival: Dates vary year to year, often around Jan–Feb in Port Blair with cultural shows, food, and crafts. Check latest schedule.
- Religious and local fairs: Temple festivals may occur depending on calendar (e.g., Maha Shivaratri when it falls in February).
4–8 Day Itineraries
4 Days: Highlights Sprint
- Day 1: Arrive Port Blair; Cellular Jail + Light-and-Sound; Corbyn’s Cove.
- Day 2: Morning ferry to Havelock; Radhanagar sunset.
- Day 3: Elephant Beach water sports/snorkeling; evening cafes.
- Day 4: Early ferry back; Port Blair museums; departure.
6 Days: Balanced Island Hop
- Day 1: Port Blair sightseeing.
- Day 2: Ferry to Havelock; beach time.
- Day 3: Scuba DSD or 2 fun dives; Radhanagar sunset.
- Day 4: Morning to Neil; Bharatpur snorkeling; Laxmanpur sunset.
- Day 5: Natural bridge; ferry to Port Blair; shopping at Sagarika.
- Day 6: North Bay + Ross Island excursion or Chidiya Tapu; fly out.
8 Days: Add Baratang or North Andaman
- Days 1–5: As per 6-day plan.
- Day 6: Baratang day trip (limestone caves, mangroves).
- Day 7: Leisure day in Port Blair or extra dive/kayak.
- Day 8: Departure.
Budget & Estimated Costs
- Round-trip flights (from major Indian metros): INR 8,000–20,000+ per person (book early for Feb).
- Ferries (per sector, one-way): Government ferry ~INR 400–900; Private fast ferries INR 1,200–1,800+.
- Stay (per night, double):
- Budget: INR 1,000–2,500
- Mid-range: INR 3,000–7,000
- Luxury: INR 10,000–30,000+
- Meals: INR 400–900 per person/day (budget), INR 1,000–2,000 (mid-range), higher at resorts.
- Activities:
- Snorkeling boat trips: INR 700–1,500
- Scuba DSD: INR 3,500–6,500; Certified fun dives: INR 2,800–4,500 per dive
- Sea walk/Parasailing: INR 3,000–4,500
- Transport: Scooters INR 500–700/day; Autos short hops INR 100–300; Private cabs day hire INR 2,000–3,500.
Indicative 5–6 day trip (per person, excluding flights): Budget INR 18,000–30,000; Mid-range INR 35,000–60,000; Luxury INR 80,000–1,50,000+.
How to Reach Andaman
- By Air: Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ), Port Blair. Direct or via connections from Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and seasonal connections from Delhi and others.
- By Sea: Passenger ships occasionally operate from Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam (approx. 60–70 hours). Limited schedules; not ideal for short trips.
- Entry Permits:
- Indian nationals: No special permit for notified areas/islands.
- Foreign nationals: Typically require a Restricted Area Permit (RAP), often issued on arrival at Port Blair; verify latest rules before travel.
Where to Stay: Accommodation Options
- Port Blair:
- Best for: First/last night, museums, day trips.
- Areas: Aberdeen Bazaar (central), Marine Hill (views).
- Havelock (Swaraj Dweep):
- Best for: Beaches, diving, cafes.
- Areas: Govind Nagar (beach-facing stays), Radhanagar side (quiet, upscale).
- Neil (Shaheed Dweep):
- Best for: Relaxed vibe, shallow lagoons.
- Areas: Bharatpur (lagoon access), Laxmanpur (sunset).
- North Andaman (Diglipur/Rangat/Mayabunder):
- Best for: Offbeat nature, Ross & Smith.
Book early for February; peak-season rates and limited fast-ferry seats apply.
Food, Culture & Shopping
Food to Try
- Fresh seafood: Grilled fish, prawn curry, crab, and lobster (when in season).
- Bengali and South Indian plates; coastal thalis.
- Café culture on Havelock: Wood-fired pizza, smoothies, bakery treats.
Shopping
- Sagarika Government Emporium: Handicrafts, shell-inspired art (avoid real coral/shell purchases; they are protected).
- Spices, coconut products, local art prints.
Culture
- Cellular Jail chronicles India’s freedom struggle.
- Respect protected indigenous communities and restricted zones; no photography/interaction where prohibited.
February Weather & What to Pack
- Temperature: 23–30°C; low rainfall; humidity moderate.
- Sea: Generally calm with great visibility; gentle swells.
- Sunrise ~5:30–5:45 am; sunset ~5:00–5:30 pm IST.
Packing List:
- Light cottons/linens, hat, sunglasses.
- Reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 50+), aloe gel.
- Insect repellent; basic meds and motion-sickness tablets.
- Swimwear, quick-dry towel, aqua shoes, snorkel mask if you prefer your own.
- Dry bag, waterproof phone pouch, power bank.
- Cash backup; connectivity can be patchy outside Port Blair/Havelock (BSNL widely available; Airtel/Jio improving).
- Dive certification card/logbook if certified; observe 18–24 hours no-fly after diving.
Tips for Families, Honeymooners & Friends
Families
- Choose shallow beaches: Bharatpur, Radhanagar (lifeguard zones), and Govind Nagar stretches.
- Avoid long Baratang road trips with toddlers if motion-sickness is a concern.
- Carry snacks, cash, and sun protection; hydration is key.
Honeymooners
- Pick a beachside stay on Havelock or Neil; time sunsets at Radhanagar/Laxmanpur.
- Book a private snorkeling trip or candlelight beach dinner where permitted.
- Choose early ferries for smoother check-ins and more privacy at beaches.
Friends/Adventure Seekers
- Pre-book scuba DSD or certification dives; February slots fill fast.
- Try sea kayaking, parasailing, or a dawn trek to Mount Harriet view points.
- Rent scooters on islands for flexibility; carry licenses and helmets.
Safety & Responsible Travel
- Swim only in designated zones; heed lifeguard flags and crocodile advisory signboards where posted.
- No coral/shell collection; fines are steep. Use reef-safe sunscreen.
- Drones often need permissions and may be restricted—confirm rules first.
- When transiting the reserve corridor (ATR), no stops/photography; respect wildlife protection laws.
- Medical facilities are basic on smaller islands; major care in Port Blair (decompression chamber available in Port Blair). Carry personal meds.
- Power and connectivity can fluctuate—keep devices charged and share plans with family.
FAQs
Q: Is February a good time to visit Andaman?
A: Yes. It’s peak season with calm seas, minimal rain, and excellent underwater visibility—ideal for beaches and diving.
Q: What are the typical temperatures in February?
A: Expect around 23–30°C with moderate humidity and light sea breezes.
Q: Do I need permits to visit the islands?
A: Indian nationals do not need special permits for notified tourist areas. Foreign nationals typically require a Restricted Area Permit (RAP), often issued on arrival at Port Blair. Always check the latest rules before travel.
Q: Can beginners try scuba diving in Andaman?
A: Absolutely. Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) programs operate at Havelock and Neil with trained instructors; February conditions are favorable for first-timers.
Q: Are card payments and ATMs reliable on the islands?
A: Port Blair has the best coverage. Havelock and Neil have ATMs and UPI in many spots, but carry cash as backup due to occasional outages.
Conclusion
With warm sunshine, glassy waters, and vibrant reefs, Andaman in February offers a sweet spot for island-hopping, relaxed beach days, and underwater adventures. Plan ferries and stays in advance, balance Port Blair’s history with Havelock and Neil’s beaches, and keep a day for Baratang or a dive. Pack light, stay sun-safe, and travel responsibly to make the most of this peak-season window.
