Table of Contents
- Andaman in November: Why this month is special
- November Weather & Sea Conditions
- Top Places to Visit in November
- Tourist Circuits that Work Best in November
- Best Activities to Do in November
- Festivals & Events in November
- Sample November Itineraries
- How to Reach & Getting Around
- Where to Stay: Accommodation Options
- Estimated Trip Costs
- Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
- Essential November Travel Tips
- Tips for Families, Honeymooners, and Friends
- FAQs about Andaman in November
- Conclusion
Andaman in November: Why this month is special
November kickstarts the classic Andaman season. The monsoon has retreated, underwater visibility improves, ferries are back on full schedules, and beaches glow under long, golden sunsets. Expect warm days, pleasant evenings, and some of the year’s best conditions for scuba diving, snorkeling, and bioluminescence kayaking. It’s also early peak season—lively but not yet crowded like late December.
November Weather & Sea Conditions
- Temperature: ~24–30°C, humid but comfortable with sea breeze.
- Rainfall: Light, occasional showers; keep a compact rain jacket.
- Sea state: Generally calm to moderate; occasional advisory if a Bay of Bengal system develops.
- Underwater visibility: Often 15–30 m around Havelock/Neil and Wandoor reefs.
- Water temperature: ~28–29°C—ideal for long snorkel/dive sessions.
Note: Late-season cyclonic systems, though not frequent, can cause brief ferry disruptions. Build buffer time into your itinerary.
Top Places to Visit in November
Port Blair
- Cellular Jail and Light & Sound Show for colonial history.
- Samudrika Naval Marine Museum and Anthropological Museum.
- Chidiya Tapu for birding and a dramatic sunset; Munda Pahad trek.
- Wandoor & Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park (launch point for Jolly Buoy/Red Skin).
Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island)
- Radhanagar Beach (Sunset Point): November skies make sunsets spectacular.
- Elephant Beach: Snorkeling, sea-walk, parasailing; access by boat or forest trail.
- Kalapathar Beach: Serene sunrise and long walks.
- Top-notch dive sites: Johnny’s, The Wall, Jackson’s Bar.
Shaheed Dweep (Neil Island)
- Laxmanpur I & II for sunsets and natural rock formation.
- Bharatpur Beach: Clear, shallow waters ideal for families and first-time snorkelers.
Baratang Island (day trip)
- Limestone Caves via mangrove creeks; Mud Volcano.
- November skies make the creek ride especially scenic.
North Andaman: Rangat – Mayabunder – Diglipur
- Ross & Smith Twin Islands (Diglipur): Sandbar paradise; generally clear water.
- Turtle nesting around Ramnagar/Diglipur may begin late November (viewing is regulated).
Wandoor & Jolly Buoy/Red Skin
- Often open November–May; glass-bottom rides over thriving reefs.
- Strict no-plastic, permit-based entry—great for reef lovers.
Little Andaman (Hut Bay)
- Waterfalls (Whisper/Wisdom), serene beaches, and fewer crowds.
- Best for slow travelers; facilities are simpler than Havelock/Neil.
Tourist Circuits that Work Best in November
Classic 5–6 Days: Port Blair – Havelock – Neil
- Day 1–2: Port Blair (Cellular Jail, Wandoor/Chidiya Tapu)
- Day 3–4: Havelock (Radhanagar, Elephant Beach activities, diving)
- Day 5: Neil (Bharatpur, Laxmanpur sunset) → Return to Port Blair
Nature & Reefs 6–7 Days: Port Blair – Wandoor – Havelock
- Jolly Buoy/Red Skin reef day, followed by two to three dive/snorkel days in Havelock.
North Andaman Explorer 8–9 Days
- Port Blair → Rangat/Mayabunder → Diglipur (Ross & Smith) → Return via Baratang caves.
Slow Travel 7–8 Days: Havelock Base
- Base yourself in Havelock for dives, kayaking, beach days; add a Neil overnight.
Best Activities to Do in November
- Scuba diving: Peak-condition reefs; fun dives and Open Water courses.
- Snorkeling: Elephant Beach, Bharatpur, Jolly Buoy; carry a rash guard.
- Bioluminescence kayaking: Clear, moonless nights are magical in November.
- Sea-walk and parasailing: Calm seas suit first-timers.
- Mangrove creek rides: Baratang and Havelock kayaking routes.
- Trekking & nature: Munda Pahad (Chidiya Tapu), Elephant Beach trail.
- Sunset/sunrise chasing: Radhanagar (sunset), Kalapathar (sunrise), Laxmanpur (sunset).
- Wildlife & turtle watch: Regulated visits with forest permissions (where applicable).
- History & culture: Cellular Jail show, museums, Ross Island (Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island).
Festivals & Events in November
- Diwali/Gurpurab/Chhath (dates vary by lunar calendar): If they fall in November, you’ll see local celebrations in Port Blair and on major islands.
- Tourism openings: Many reef excursions (e.g., Jolly Buoy) resume regular schedules around November, subject to permits.
Large government-organized festivals typically occur later in the season. Check local listings on arrival.
Sample November Itineraries
4 Days (Highlights)
- Day 1: Arrive Port Blair; Cellular Jail, Light & Sound.
- Day 2: Morning ferry to Havelock; Radhanagar Beach sunset.
- Day 3: Elephant Beach snorkel/sea-walk; optional night kayak.
- Day 4: Return to Port Blair; Chidiya Tapu or museums; depart.
6 Days (Balanced)
- Day 1–2: Port Blair + Wandoor/Jolly Buoy (permit-based).
- Day 3–4: Havelock diving/snorkeling; Kalapathar sunrise.
- Day 5: Neil Island beaches and sunset.
- Day 6: Return to Port Blair; shopping; depart.
8–9 Days (North Extension)
- Days 1–2: Port Blair + Wandoor.
- Days 3–4: Havelock activities.
- Day 5: Neil Island.
- Days 6–7: Rangat/Mayabunder stopover; Diglipur (Ross & Smith).
- Day 8–9: Baratang on return; depart.
How to Reach & Getting Around
Flights
- Airport: Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ), Port Blair.
- Direct/connecting flights from Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and more.
- November fares trend upward—book early and plan morning arrivals to catch same-day ferries.
Passenger Ships
- From Chennai, Kolkata, Visakhapatnam; 2–3 days at sea; limited schedules.
- Suitable for slow travelers; confirm dates well in advance.
Inter-Island Ferries
- Government ferries and private operators (e.g., Makruzz, Green Ocean, Nautika) connect Port Blair, Havelock, Neil, and North Andaman.
- November schedules are robust but weather-dependent; most last departures are mid-afternoon.
- Carry printed/soft copies of tickets and arrive early for boarding.
Local Transport
- Scooter rental: ~₹600–₹800/day on Havelock/Neil; helmets recommended.
- Autos and cabs: Readily available; fix fares in advance.
- Self-drive cars are limited; many travelers hire cabs for day tours.
Where to Stay: Accommodation Options
- Budget (₹1,000–₹2,500/night): Guesthouses in Port Blair; simple beach stays on Neil.
- Mid-range (₹3,500–₹7,000/night): Boutique resorts near Radhanagar/Kalapathar; comfortable Port Blair hotels.
- Luxury (₹10,000–₹30,000+/night): Upscale beachfront resorts in Havelock; premium stays with private beaches.
November sees rising occupancy. For sea-facing rooms and dive resort slots, book 3–6 weeks ahead.
Estimated Trip Costs
- Daily budgets (per person, excluding flights):
- Backpacker: ₹2,500–₹4,000
- Comfort: ₹5,000–₹9,000
- Luxury: ₹12,000+
- Key activity rates (approx.):
- Fun dive: ₹3,500–₹6,000 per dive (gear included).
- Open Water course: ₹25,000–₹32,000.
- Snorkel trip: ₹700–₹1,500.
- Sea-walk: ₹3,500–₹4,500.
- Bioluminescence kayak: ₹3,000–₹3,500.
- Private ferry leg (PB–Havelock/Neil): ₹1,200–₹1,800; Govt ferry: ₹200–₹500.
- Jolly Buoy permits/fees: Government/forest fees apply; glass-bottom boat ₹600–₹1,000.
- Cab for a day: ₹2,500–₹3,500 (island-dependent).
Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
Food
- Seafood grills (snapper, barracuda), crab, and prawn curries.
- Bengali, South Indian, and North Indian home-style meals widely available.
- Vegetarian-friendly cafés in Havelock/Neil; fresh tropical fruit shakes.
- Choose sustainable seafood; avoid ordering protected species.
Shopping
- Aberdeen Bazaar (Port Blair) for daily markets and souvenirs.
- Sagarika Government Emporium for legally sourced handicrafts.
- Avoid buying corals, shells, or marine life products—illegal and harmful.
Culture & Heritage
- Cellular Jail’s narratives offer poignant insight into India’s freedom struggle.
- Museums (Anthropological, Samudrika) provide context on island communities and marine life.
- Respect for protected tribal reserves is paramount—no entry or approach zones are strictly enforced.
Essential November Travel Tips
- Packing: Light cottons, reef-safe sunscreen, hat, polarized sunglasses, quick-dry towel, rash guard, insect repellent, compact rain jacket, dry bags for boat rides.
- Health: Basic clinics on major islands; carry personal meds. Hydrate well.
- Connectivity: 4G exists but can be patchy; carry offline maps and saved tickets.
- Money: ATMs exist in Port Blair/Havelock/Neil but can run out; UPI works, carry some cash.
- Permits: No special permit for Indian citizens to visit permitted islands; certain excursions (e.g., Jolly Buoy) need day permits. Foreign nationals can visit notified areas; overnight stays and visits are regulated—check latest advisories.
- Environment: No littering; plastics restricted on several excursions. Do not touch corals or turtles; keep safe distances in the water.
- Safety: Observe beach flags; avoid swimming in rough conditions. During any cyclone alert, follow local guidance and adjust ferries.
- Timing: Last ferries are typically mid-afternoon; plan flights to arrive early morning if connecting to islands the same day.
Tips for Families, Honeymooners, and Friends
Families
- Base near calm beaches (Bharatpur, Radhanagar side) and plan shorter activity windows.
- Choose glass-bottom boats and shallow snorkel sites; carry float vests for kids.
Honeymooners
- Pick boutique beach resorts in Havelock; request sunset-facing rooms.
- Book a night bioluminescence paddle on a moonless night; arrange private dinners.
Friends/Groups
- Bundle dive packages for better rates; try multi-activity days (snorkel + sea-walk + parasail).
- Rent scooters for island-hopping flexibility; keep an eye on fuel availability.
FAQs about Andaman in November
Q: Is November a good month to visit the Andaman Islands?
A: Yes. November marks the start of the prime season with improved underwater visibility, pleasant weather, and full ferry operations, before the late-December rush.
Q: Will it rain in November?
A: Expect occasional light showers. Heavy rain is uncommon, but brief weather systems can occur. Keep a flexible day or two in your plan.
Q: Are diving conditions good in November?
A: Typically excellent—warm water (~28–29°C) and 15–30 m visibility around Havelock/Neil and Wandoor reefs.
Q: Do I need any permits?
A: For most permitted islands, Indian citizens don’t need special permits. Certain trips (e.g., Jolly Buoy) require day permits, and protected areas have strict regulations. Foreign nationals should verify current notified areas and stay rules before travel.
Q: Are ferries reliable in November?
A: Schedules are robust, but weather can still affect sailings. Book in advance, keep buffer time, and monitor operator updates.
Conclusion
November in the Andaman Islands blends calm seas, clear reefs, and comfortable weather with the lively start of peak season. From Havelock’s legendary sunsets and Neil’s shallow lagoons to Port Blair’s moving history and North Andaman’s sandbars, the islands are at their photogenic best. Plan ferries smartly, book stays early, respect fragile marine ecosystems, and you’ll savor an unforgettable tropical start to winter.
