Average Cost of a Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep) Holiday: Complete Travel & Budget Guide

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Estimated Cost of a Neil Island Holiday
• History & Importance
• Best Time to Visit
• How to Reach Neil Island
• Accommodation Options & Price Ranges
• Top Things to Do on Neil Island
• Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
• Nearby Attractions & Island Hopping
• Sample Itineraries & Budgets
• Travel Tips & Money-Saving Advice
• Traveler-Specific Tips: Families, Honeymooners, Friends
• FAQs
• Conclusion

Introduction

Neil Island, officially Shaheed Dweep, is the Andamans’ slow-travel darling—powdery beaches, emerald lagoons, and laid-back vibes. If you’re planning a trip, the big question is: how much does a Neil Island holiday actually cost? This guide breaks down real-world budgets for ferries, stays, food, activities like scuba and snorkeling, and seasonal price swings, so you can plan with confidence.

Estimated Cost of a Neil Island Holiday

Quick Budget Snapshot (per person, per day)

• Backpacker: ₹2,500–₹4,500
• Mid-range: ₹6,000–₹11,000
• Premium: ₹15,000–₹30,000+

Peak season (Dec–Jan, long weekends) can add 20–40% to room and ferry prices.

Typical 2N/3D Cost (per person)

• Backpacker: ₹8,000–₹15,000 (excluding flights)
• Mid-range: ₹15,000–₹28,000 (excluding flights)
• Premium: ₹40,000–₹80,000+ (excluding flights)

Major Cost Components

• Flights to Port Blair (return): ₹5,000–₹18,000 from major Indian cities (season-dependent). International fares vary widely.
• Ferry to Neil (one way, per adult):
  • Government ferry: ~₹600–₹1,000
  • Private catamaran (e.g., Makruzz/Nautika/ITT Majestic): ~₹1,000–₹2,000
• Local transport: Scooter rental ₹400–₹800/day; auto-rickshaw rides ₹150–₹400.
• Accommodation (per night, double):
  • Budget guesthouse: ₹1,000–₹2,500
  • Mid-range boutique/resort: ₹3,000–₹7,000
  • Upscale beachfront: ₹8,000–₹20,000+
• Meals: ₹800–₹1,600 per person per day (local shacks to sit-down restaurants).
• Activities:
  • Scuba (Try Dive/DSD): ₹3,500–₹6,500
  • PADI Open Water course (if taken in Havelock/Neil): ₹18,000–₹28,000
  • Snorkeling with guide: ₹800–₹1,500
  • Glass-bottom boat: ₹500–₹1,000
  • Jet ski/banana boat: ₹600–₹1,200
• Miscellaneous: SIM/data top-ups, snacks, tips, and small entry fees: ₹200–₹600/day.
• Travel insurance (recommended): ~₹500–₹1,200 for a short trip.

Note: Prices fluctuate with season and availability; pre-book ferries and stays in peak months.

History & Importance

• Neil Island was renamed Shaheed Dweep in 2018 to honor India’s freedom struggle.
• The island is small (~14 sq km) and largely agrarian, known for its calm beaches and coral reefs.
• Villages and beaches carry mythological names—Bharatpur, Laxmanpur, Sitapur, Ramnagar.
• The Natural Bridge (locally called Howrah Bridge) is a signature limestone formation shaped by the sea.

Best Time to Visit

• October to May: Best overall weather; calm seas and clear water.
• December to January: Peak season; book early and expect higher rates.
• February to April: Great underwater visibility for snorkeling/diving.
• June to September (Monsoon): Lush landscapes and deals, but choppy seas and occasional ferry cancellations.

How to Reach Neil Island

• Fly to Port Blair (Veer Savarkar International Airport).
• Take a ferry:
  • Port Blair ↔ Neil: 1–2 hours (private faster; government economical).
  • Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) ↔ Neil: ~1 hour; many travelers combine both.
• Booking: Private ferries allow online booking; government ferries typically via counters in Port Blair.
• Documentation: Carry valid ID; foreign nationals should carry passport/visa and check current advisories on access to specific areas. Restricted/tribal zones remain off-limits.

Accommodation Options & Price Ranges

Where to Stay

• Bharatpur Beach area: Easy water sports and ferry access.
• Laxmanpur Beach: Sunset views, quieter vibe.
• Sitapur Beach: Sunrise lovers’ favorite, serene settings.

Price Guide (double occupancy, per night)

• Budget: ₹1,000–₹2,500 (simple fan/AC rooms, homestays, basic guesthouses)
• Mid-range: ₹3,000–₹7,000 (cottages, boutique stays, beachfront mid-tier)
• Premium: ₹8,000–₹20,000+ (resorts with pools/spa and sea views)

Power cuts can occur; many properties have generators. Confirm AC, hot water, Wi‑Fi, and card payment options in advance.

Top Things to Do on Neil Island

• Bharatpur Beach: Snorkeling, glass-bottom boats, gentle swimming.
• Laxmanpur Beach: Iconic sunsets, long beach walks, shells.
• Sitapur Beach: Dramatic sunrises and quiet coves.
• Natural Bridge (Howrah Bridge): Tidal pools teeming with life; go at low tide with a guide.
• Scuba Diving: Warm, gentle conditions for first-timers; vibrant reefs.
• Cycling/Scootering: Explore village roads, farms, and viewpoints at your own pace.

Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture

• Food: Fresh seafood thalis, grilled fish, coconut-based curries, parathas for breakfast; beach shacks near Bharatpur and Laxmanpur.
• Vegetarian options: South Indian meals, paneer curries, dal-rice, momos.
• Cafes: Seasonal coffee/smoothie bowls, fresh juices, tender coconut.
• Shopping: Small stalls selling shells (avoid live-coral/shell products), hats, sarongs, spices, and local handicrafts.
• Culture: Easy-going island life, early nights, and a strong focus on conservation—avoid littering and touching corals.

Nearby Attractions & Island Hopping

• Havelock (Swaraj Dweep): Radhanagar Beach, Elephant Beach snorkeling, top-tier dive sites.
• Port Blair: Cellular Jail, Corbyn’s Cove, Anthropological Museum, and light-and-sound show.
• Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island (Ross Island): Ruins and history (day trip from Port Blair).
• Chidiya Tapu: Sunset point and birding (near Port Blair).

Sample Itineraries & Budgets

2N/3D Neil Island (Mid-range, per person, excluding flights)

• Ferries (PB ↔ Neil): ₹2,000–₹3,500
• Stay (₹4,000/night x 2): ₹8,000
• Meals (~₹1,200/day x 3): ₹3,600
• Transport (scooter/auto): ₹1,000–₹1,500
• Activities (1 scuba DSD + snorkel): ₹4,500–₹7,500
• Total: ~₹19,000–₹24,000

Budget Traveler 2N/3D (per person, excluding flights)

• Dorm/basic room: ₹2,000–₹3,000 total
• Ferries: ₹1,200–₹2,000
• Meals: ₹2,000–₹3,000
• Transport: ₹800–₹1,000
• Activities (snorkel + glass boat): ₹1,500–₹2,500
• Total: ~₹7,500–₹11,500

Luxury Weekender 2N/3D (per person, excluding flights)

• Upscale resort: ₹18,000–₹40,000
• Private ferry seats: ₹2,500–₹4,000
• Meals à la carte: ₹4,500–₹7,000
• Activities (private dive/snorkel): ₹6,000–₹12,000
• Private transfers: ₹2,000–₹4,000
• Total: ~₹33,000–₹67,000+

Travel Tips & Money-Saving Advice

• Book early for December–January and long weekends; ferries and mid-range resorts sell out.
• Travel in shoulder months (Oct–Nov, Feb–Apr) for balanced prices and weather.
• Use government ferries for the cheapest transfers; private ferries save time.
• Rent a scooter and refill at local shops to cut transport costs.
• Carry cash; ATMs and card acceptance can be inconsistent.
• Connectivity: Airtel/BSNL work best; Jio may be patchy.
• Respect tides; visit Natural Bridge at low tide with reef-safe footwear.
• Environmental care: No touching corals, no littering; avoid buying shells/coral souvenirs.
• Health: Reef-safe sunscreen, motion-sickness meds for ferries, and a small first-aid kit.
• Weather fallback: In monsoon, keep buffer time for possible ferry reschedules.

Traveler-Specific Tips: Families, Honeymooners, Friends

Families

• Choose beachside stays near Bharatpur/Laxmanpur for easy access and calm waters.
• Opt for glass-bottom boats and guided tidal pool walks—kid-friendly and educational.
• Pack sunhats, floaties, and snacks; dining options close early.

Honeymooners

• Pick cottages with sea views; time sunsets at Laxmanpur and sunrises at Sitapur.
• Consider a private snorkel or couple’s dive; book in advance.
• Ask hotels for candlelight dinners or beachfront setups (often extra).

Friends/Groups

• Split scooter rentals and opt for shared dive/snorkel boats to save.
• Plan a Havelock–Neil combo for more dive sites and nightlife variety.
• Carry a portable speaker and power bank; power cuts happen.

FAQs

Q: How many days are enough for Neil Island?

A: Two nights are ideal for major beaches, Natural Bridge, and one water activity. Add an extra day if you plan a dive course or want slower mornings and more sunsets.

Q: Is Neil Island expensive compared to Havelock?

A: Generally, Neil is slightly cheaper for stays and food, while Havelock has more premium resorts and pricier activities. Ferries are comparable.

Q: Do I need permits to visit Neil Island?

A: Indian nationals do not require special permits for Neil. Foreign tourists can visit with valid passport/visa; some zones remain restricted. Check the latest Andaman administration advisories before travel.

Q: Can I use cards and digital payments on Neil?

A: Some resorts and dive shops accept cards/UPI, but connectivity is inconsistent. Carry adequate cash for meals, transport, and small purchases.

Q: What’s the best budget hack?

A: Travel in shoulder season, pre-book government ferries, choose mid-range cottages a short walk from the beach, and rent a scooter to minimize local transport costs.

Conclusion

Neil Island rewards travelers with serene beaches, easy snorkeling, and a gentle pace. Budget travelers can keep a 2N/3D trip under ₹12,000 excluding flights, mid-range trips sit around ₹19,000–₹24,000, and luxury weekends can cross ₹60,000 depending on stay and activity choices. With early bookings, smart ferry choices, and an eye on seasons, you can enjoy Shaheed Dweep’s best without overspending.