Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Andaman in March: Weather & Why Visit
- Top Places to Visit in March
- Tourist Circuits for March
- Best Activities in March
- Festivals & Events in March
- Sample Itineraries for March
- How to Reach the Andaman Islands
- Getting Around & Ferries
- Accommodation Options
- Estimated Trip Costs
- Food, Shopping & Culture
- Traveler-Specific Tips
- Packing List for March
- Safety, Permits & Responsible Travel
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Dreaming of emerald islands, gin-clear waters, and some of India’s best beaches? The Andaman Islands in March deliver peak underwater visibility, calmer seas, and warm, sunny days—ideal for diving, snorkeling, island-hopping, and relaxed beach time. This month sits just after the prime winter rush, so you’ll enjoy great conditions with slightly thinner crowds and a wider choice of ferries and stays.
Andaman in March: Weather & Why Visit
Typical March Weather
- Temperature: ~24–32°C (mild mornings, warm afternoons)
- Rainfall: Low to moderate; occasional brief showers
- Sea: Generally calm; water temp ~28–29°C; visibility excellent (often 15–30 m)
- Humidity: Moderate-high; strong UV—sun protection is essential
Why March Is Great
- Outstanding diving/snorkeling conditions and reliable ferries
- Less crowded than December–February; better availability for activities
- Jolly Buoy/Red Skin (marine national park) typically open with superb clarity
- Possibility of turtle nesting sightings in North Andaman (permits and guidelines apply)
Top Places to Visit in March
Port Blair (Gateway)
- Cellular Jail & Light-and-Sound Show
- Netaji Subhash Chandra Dweep (Ross Island) and North Bay (snorkeling/sea walk)
- Chidiya Tapu (sunset views), Corbyn’s Cove (easy beach day)
- Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park (Wandoor) for Jolly Buoy/Red Skin
Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island)
- Radhanagar Beach (spectacular sunsets, wide powdery sands)
- Elephant Beach (snorkeling, sea walk, water sports)
- Kalapathar Beach (quiet sunrise spot)
- Top-notch scuba sites (e.g., Nemo Reef for beginners)
Shaheed Dweep (Neil Island)
- Laxmanpur Beach 2 (sunset, natural rock bridge at low tide)
- Bharatpur Beach (clear lagoon for snorkeling, glass-bottom boats)
Baratang Island (Day Trip)
- Limestone Caves (boat + walk through mangroves)
- Mud Volcano (unique but modest sight)
North Andaman (Rangat, Mayabunder, Diglipur)
- Ross & Smith Twin Islands (sandbar paradise, from Diglipur)
- Saddle Peak trek (Andaman’s highest point)
- Potential turtle nesting at Kalipur/Ramnagar (season-dependent; follow rules)
Little Andaman (Experienced Travelers)
- Butler Bay (surfing in season), Whisper Wave Waterfall (monsoon-fed; check flow)
- Long travel times; March seas usually calm but confirm ferries
Tourist Circuits for March
- Classic First-Timer (5–6 days): Port Blair → Havelock → Neil → Port Blair
- Marine Park Focus (4–5 days): Port Blair → Jolly Buoy/Red Skin + North Bay → Havelock
- North Andaman Explorer (7–9 days): Port Blair → Rangat/Mayabunder → Diglipur → Port Blair
- Adventure & Trek (6–8 days): Port Blair → Havelock (dive) → Neil → Diglipur (Saddle Peak)
Best Activities in March
- Scuba Diving: Best visibility; beginner courses and fun dives in Havelock/Neil/Port Blair
- Snorkeling: Elephant Beach, Bharatpur Beach, Jolly Buoy/Red Skin (no-touch coral policy)
- Sea Walk: North Bay or Elephant Beach for non-swimmers
- Kayaking: Mangrove and bioluminescence tours in Havelock (choose moonless nights)
- Island Hopping: Ross Island, North Bay, Jolly Buoy/Red Skin, Ross & Smith (permits as needed)
- Trekking: Mount Harriet (Port Blair) and Saddle Peak (Diglipur)
- Sunrise/Sunset Chasing: Kalapathar (sunrise), Radhanagar & Laxmanpur 2 (sunset)
- Glass-Bottom Boats: Ideal for families/elderly
Festivals & Events in March
- Holi: Colorful celebrations in Port Blair resorts and local neighborhoods (dates vary)
- Religious Observances: Mahashivratri or Ram Navami may fall in March in some years
- Tourism Events: Island Tourism Festival typically occurs earlier (Jan); check local calendar for any community fairs
Tip: Always verify exact dates locally as island schedules can change.
Sample Itineraries for March
4 Days (Port Blair + Havelock)
- Day 1: Arrive Port Blair; Cellular Jail, Light-and-Sound; evening at Marina Park
- Day 2: Morning ferry to Havelock; Radhanagar Beach sunset
- Day 3: Dive/snorkel in the morning; Elephant Beach; café hopping
- Day 4: Sunrise at Kalapathar; ferry back; depart
5 Days (Port Blair + Havelock + Neil)
- Day 1: Port Blair sights (Ross Island + North Bay)
- Day 2: Ferry to Havelock; Radhanagar
- Day 3: Dive/snorkel; evening free
- Day 4: Ferry to Neil; Bharatpur Beach + Natural Bridge + Laxmanpur 2 sunset
- Day 5: Morning ferry to Port Blair; depart
7 Days (Add Marine Park or North Andaman)
- Days 1–2: Port Blair + Jolly Buoy/Red Skin (permit-based)
- Days 3–4: Havelock (2 dives/snorkeling + Elephant Beach)
- Day 5: Neil Island circuit
- Days 6–7: Optional Diglipur for Ross & Smith and Saddle Peak; return
How to Reach the Andaman Islands
By Air (Recommended)
- Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ), Port Blair
- Direct/connecting flights from Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad (schedules vary)
- March tips: Morning arrivals offer smoother ferry connections; keep buffer time
By Sea (Occasional Travelers)
- Government ships from Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam to Port Blair (multi-day; limited frequency)
- Basic amenities; subject to weather; plan well in advance
Entry & Permits Overview
- Indian nationals: No special permits for popular islands (carry government ID)
- Foreign nationals: Valid Indian visa required; most tourist-accessible islands (Port Blair, Havelock/Swaraj Dweep, Neil/Shaheed Dweep) are open without special permits; some protected areas remain off-limits
- Protected/tribal areas (e.g., Nicobar group, North Sentinel): Strictly prohibited for tourism
Getting Around & Ferries
- Inter-Island Ferries: Government ferries + private operators (e.g., Makruzz, Green Ocean, Sea Link, ITT Majestic)
- Booking: Reserve 1–2 weeks ahead for March; carry original ID; reach jetty 45–60 minutes early
- Local Transport: Taxis, autos, shared cabs; scooter rentals (~INR 500–800/day) in Havelock/Neil; limited petrol pumps
- Road Trips: NH4 (Andaman Trunk Road) to Baratang and North Andaman—check convoy timings and permit requirements
- Connectivity: Mobile data can be patchy outside Port Blair and Havelock
Accommodation Options
Where to Stay
- Port Blair: Convenient for first/last night, museums, Ross Island trips
- Havelock: Beach resorts, dive centers, café culture
- Neil: Quiet stays near Bharatpur/Laxmanpur for sunsets
- North Andaman: Basic to mid-range lodges (Diglipur/Mayabunder)
Approximate Nightly Rates (March)
- Budget guesthouses: INR 1,500–2,500
- Mid-range resorts: INR 3,000–7,000
- Premium/luxury: INR 10,000–25,000+
Tip: Book waterfront properties early for March weekends and Holi week.
Estimated Trip Costs
- Backpacker: ~INR 3,000–5,000 per person/day (hostels/guesthouses, public ferries, local eateries)
- Comfort: ~INR 6,000–12,000 per person/day (mid-range stays, private ferries, 1–2 paid activities)
- Luxury: ~INR 15,000–30,000+ per person/day (upscale stays, private transfers, multiple activities)
Common Activity Costs (Indicative)
- Private ferry one-way (Port Blair ↔ Havelock/Neil): INR 1,200–2,500
- Scuba Try Dive: INR 3,500–6,500; Certified fun dive: INR 3,000–4,500 per dive
- Sea Walk: INR 3,000–4,500
- Kayaking tour: INR 2,000–3,500
- Jolly Buoy/Red Skin day trip (incl. permits/boat): INR 1,200–2,000+
Food, Shopping & Culture
Food to Try
- Fresh seafood: Grilled fish, lobster, crab curry
- Regional plates: Bengali-style fish curries, South Indian breakfasts
- Beach cafés: Smoothie bowls, bakes, and island-style BBQs in Havelock/Neil
- Vegetarian-friendly: Paneer/veg curries, dosas, thalis widely available
Shopping
- Aberdeen Bazaar (Port Blair): Spices, coconut products, handicrafts
- Sagarika Government Emporium: Ethically sourced crafts; avoid coral/shell wildlife products
Culture & Etiquette
- Diverse communities (Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Nicobarese); respectful dress away from beaches
- Photography restrictions near defense areas; check local signage
- No alcohol on certain public beaches; follow posted rules
Traveler-Specific Tips
For Families
- Choose glass-bottom boats and shallow snorkeling at Bharatpur or Elephant Beach
- Pick central stays to cut transit time; carry snacks, hats, refillable bottles
For Honeymooners
- Plan golden-hour beach time at Radhanagar/Laxmanpur 2
- Book sea-facing cottages and private candlelight dinners in advance
For Friends/Groups
- Club activities: scuba day + sunset cruise/kayak
- Rent scooters for flexible island hopping (designated drivers only)
Solo Travelers
- Stay near jetties/market areas for ease; join dive/kayak groups to meet travelers
- Share itineraries with a contact and keep emergency numbers handy
Packing List for March
- Light cotton/linen clothing; swimwear; a light scarf or shrug
- Reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 50+), sunglasses (polarized), wide-brim hat
- Water shoes, quick-dry towel, dry bag, snorkel mask if you prefer your own
- Motion sickness tablets for ferries; personal medicines; basic first-aid/ORS
- Reusable water bottle (some parks are plastic-free); power bank
- Cash for small shops/ferries; ATMs can be limited
- Light rain jacket for sporadic showers
Safety, Permits & Responsible Travel
- Swim in designated zones; heed flags/lifeguards; avoid strong currents
- Marine safety: Do not touch corals or marine life; no shells/coral collection
- Parks like Jolly Buoy: No single-use plastics; permits checked at entry
- Tribal reserves and Nicobar group are strictly off-limits to visitors
- Drones may require permissions; confirm locally
- Connectivity: BSNL/Airtel/Jio work variably; keep offline maps
- Healthcare: Clinics in Port Blair; a hyperbaric facility is available in Port Blair for dive-related emergencies
FAQs
Q: Is March a good month to visit the Andamans for water activities?
A: Yes. Seas are usually calm and visibility is excellent, making March one of the best months for diving, snorkeling, and sea walks.
Q: Will it rain a lot in March?
A: March is generally dry with only brief showers. Carry a light rain jacket and plan outdoor activities in the mornings when seas are calmest.
Q: Do I need permits to visit Havelock or Neil?
A: Indian nationals do not need special permits for popular islands. Foreign nationals require a valid Indian visa; most tourist-accessible islands like Port Blair, Havelock (Swaraj Dweep), and Neil (Shaheed Dweep) are open without additional permits. Some protected areas require permissions.
Q: How many days are enough for Andaman in March?
A: A 5-day trip covers Port Blair, Havelock, and Neil comfortably. With 7–8 days, add Jolly Buoy/Red Skin or North Andaman (Ross & Smith, Saddle Peak).
Q: What should I definitely pack for March?
A: Reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, water shoes, motion sickness tablets, reusable bottle, and light breathable clothing. Internet is patchy, so keep offline maps.
Conclusion
March in the Andamans blends reliable sunshine, calm seas, and superb underwater visibility with fewer crowds than peak winter. Base yourself across Port Blair, Havelock, and Neil for iconic beaches, marine parks, and laid-back island life; add North Andaman if you have extra days. With thoughtful planning—early ferry bookings, sun-safe packing, and respect for local rules—you’ll experience the islands at their serene, sparkling best.
