Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Snapshot: 5-Day Budget Breakdown
- 5-Day Itinerary With Day-by-Day Costs
- Top Cities/Places to Include
- Tourist Circuits for 5 Days
- Activities & Experiences (with prices)
- Festivals & Best Times to Visit
- How to Reach Andaman
- Local Transport & Ferries
- Accommodation Options & Estimated Costs
- Food & Drinks: What to Try and Costs
- Shopping & Souvenirs
- Culture & Responsible Travel
- Budget Tips for Andaman
- Tips by Traveler Type
- Sample Budgets by Style
- Money, Connectivity, Permits & Fees
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Dreaming of turquoise lagoons, powder-soft beaches, and world-class diving without blowing your budget? A 5-day Andaman trip is the perfect sweet spot: Port Blair’s history, Swaraj Dweep (Havelock) sunsets, Shaheed Dweep (Neil) lagoons, and optional adventures like scuba, sea-walks, and bioluminescent kayaking. This guide blends a clear budget breakdown with an easy, time-efficient itinerary so you know exactly what you’ll spend—and where it’s worth upgrading.
Snapshot: 5-Day Budget Breakdown
All figures are per person, twin-sharing, for 5 days/4 nights. Prices in INR (₹). Flight costs vary by origin and season.
- Excluding flights (core trip):
- Shoestring: ₹12,000–₹18,000 (skip scuba; use government ferries; budget stays)
- Value/Mid-range: ₹18,000–₹26,000 (one intro scuba or a premium activity; mixed ferries)
- Comfort: ₹32,000–₹45,000+ (private ferries, cabs, better resorts, 1–2 premium activities)
- Typical round-trip flights to Port Blair (IXZ):
- From Chennai/Kolkata: ₹8,000–₹18,000
- From Bengaluru/Hyderabad: ₹10,000–₹22,000
- From Delhi/Mumbai: ₹12,000–₹28,000+
- Peak season (Dec–Jan/May): add 20–40%
- Usual line items (per person):
- Ferries (PB ↔ Havelock ↔ Neil): ₹1,500–₹4,500 (govt vs. private)
- Local transport (autos/scooter/cabs): ₹800–₹3,500
- Stay (4 nights): ₹4,000–₹12,000+ (budget to comfort share)
- Food & drinks: ₹2,000–₹6,000
- Activities & entries: ₹1,000–₹8,000+ (scuba/sea-walk/kayak optional)
- Misc (SIM, tips, snacks): ₹500–₹1,000
5-Day Itinerary With Day-by-Day Costs
Day 1: Arrive Port Blair, Cellular Jail & Light-and-Sound Show
- Highlights: Cellular Jail museum, evening Light & Sound show, Corbyn’s Cove sunset.
- Entries: Cellular Jail ₹30; Light & Sound ₹300 (approx.).
- Local transport: Auto ₹150–₹400 within city; cab half-day ₹1,800–₹2,500.
- Food: ₹400–₹800 per person.
- Stay: Port Blair (budget ₹1,000–₹1,800 per room; mid ₹2,500–₹4,000; comfort ₹5,000+).
- Estimated spend (excl. stay): Shoestring ₹600–₹900; Value ₹900–₹1,400; Comfort ₹1,500–₹2,500.
Day 2: Ferry to Swaraj Dweep (Havelock), Radhanagar Beach
- Morning ferry PB → Havelock. Govt: ₹450–₹600; Private: ₹1,100–₹1,600.
- Check-in; rent scooter (₹400–₹600/day + fuel) or use autos.
- Sunset at Radhanagar Beach (no entry fee).
- Food: cafes ₹300–₹600 per meal.
- Estimated spend (excl. stay): Shoestring ₹800–₹1,300; Value ₹1,200–₹1,900; Comfort ₹1,800–₹3,000.
Day 3: Havelock – Elephant Beach Snorkeling or Intro Scuba
- Option A (budget): Trek to Elephant Beach (free, 2 km forest trail with guide at trailhead often ₹200–₹300); onsite snorkel gear ₹300–₹500.
- Option B: Boat to Elephant Beach ₹1,000–₹1,200 including permit; water sports extra.
- Intro scuba dive (shore): ₹3,500–₹5,500; boat dive: ₹4,500–₹6,500.
- Food: ₹500–₹900; Transport: scooter fuel/auto ₹150–₹400.
- Estimated spend (excl. stay): Shoestring ₹500–₹1,200 (if skipping paid activities); Value ₹2,200–₹3,200 (boat + snorkel or intro dive); Comfort ₹4,500–₹7,500.
Day 4: Ferry to Shaheed Dweep (Neil), Natural Bridge & Beaches
- Ferry Havelock → Neil. Govt: ₹300–₹450; Private: ₹900–₹1,300.
- Natural Bridge (no fee), Bharatpur for snorkeling (glass-bottom ₹500–₹1,000), Laxmanpur sunset.
- Local transport: auto ₹50–₹200 per hop; scooter ₹400–₹600/day.
- Estimated spend (excl. stay): Shoestring ₹600–₹1,000; Value ₹1,100–₹1,800; Comfort ₹1,800–₹3,000.
Day 5: Neil → Port Blair; Optional Ross Island or North Bay
- Ferry Neil → PB. Govt: ₹450–₹600; Private: ₹1,100–₹1,600.
- Time permitting:
- Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island (Ross): boat ₹300–₹600; entry ₹30–₹50.
- North Bay (sea-walk ₹2,800–₹3,500; snorkel/glass-bottom extra).
- Airport transfer: auto ₹150–₹300; cab ₹300–₹600.
- Estimated spend (excl. stay): Shoestring ₹800–₹1,200; Value ₹1,300–₹2,200; Comfort ₹2,800–₹5,000 (if sea-walk).
Top Cities/Places to Include
- Port Blair: Cellular Jail, Light & Sound, Samudrika Museum, Corbyn’s Cove. Low local costs, good for first/last night.
- Swaraj Dweep (Havelock): Radhanagar (sunset), Elephant Beach (snorkeling, water sports), Kalapathar (sunrise). Slightly higher costs.
- Shaheed Dweep (Neil): Natural Bridge, Bharatpur (snorkel), Laxmanpur (sunset). Compact and budget-friendly.
- Bonus if time: Chidiya Tapu (sunset), Wandoor, Jolly Buoy (coral; seasonal), Baratang (Limestone Caves) – better for longer trips.
Tourist Circuits for 5 Days
- Classic Island Triangle (budget-friendly): Port Blair → Havelock → Neil → Port Blair. Best mix of beaches and logistics.
- Adventure Focus: Port Blair → Havelock (2 nights for scuba/kayak) → Port Blair with Ross/North Bay add-on.
- History & Nature Lite: Port Blair base with day trips to Ross, North Bay, Chidiya Tapu; one-night Havelock for Radhanagar.
Activities & Experiences (with prices)
Water & Marine
- Intro scuba dive: ₹3,500–₹5,500 (shore); ₹4,500–₹6,500 (boat)
- Sea-walk (North Bay/Elephant Beach): ₹2,800–₹3,500
- Snorkel boat trip: ₹800–₹1,500; gear rental ₹300–₹500
- Glass-bottom boat: ₹500–₹1,000
- Bioluminescence kayak (Havelock): ₹2,500–₹3,500 (evening)
Beaches & Trails
- Radhanagar, Kalapathar, Laxmanpur: free
- Elephant Beach trek: free; boat ₹1,000–₹1,200
Heritage & Museums
- Cellular Jail entry ₹30; Light & Sound ₹300 (approx.)
- Samudrika/Anthropological Museums: ₹20–₹50
Festivals & Best Times to Visit
- Best time: Nov–April for calm seas and clear dives. Dec–Jan peak prices; May has summer crowds and heat.
- Monsoon (Jun–Sep): Lowest hotel rates but choppy seas; expect ferry cancellations and limited water sports.
- Events: Island Tourism Festival (usually Jan), Subhash Mela (around Jan 23) in and around Port Blair. Small local beach and cultural fairs occur seasonally.
How to Reach Andaman
- By Air: Fly into Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ), Port Blair. Direct/one-stop flights from major Indian cities.
- By Sea (budget but time-heavy): Government ships from Chennai, Kolkata, Visakhapatnam (2.5–4 days one way). Infrequent schedules; basic cabins; not ideal for 5-day trips.
Local Transport & Ferries
- Inter-island ferries:
- Government ferries: cheapest; basic; book in person or via counters/travel agents.
- Private cruises (Makruzz, Green Ocean, Nautika, etc.): faster, comfortable; book online; ₹900–₹1,600 per sector economy.
- Within islands:
- Autos: ₹50–₹300 per ride depending on distance.
- Scooter rental: ₹400–₹600/day + fuel; carry original DL.
- Cabs: Half-day ₹1,800–₹3,000; Full-day ₹3,500–₹5,500.
- Notes: No night ferries; carry ID for tickets; arrive 45–60 mins early.
Accommodation Options & Estimated Costs
- Budget guesthouses/hostels: ₹800–₹1,500 per room/night (Port Blair often cheaper than islands).
- Mid-range hotels/resorts: ₹2,500–₹5,000 per room/night.
- Comfort/Resort stays: ₹6,000–₹15,000+ per room/night; beachfront premiums on Havelock.
- Money-saver: Split nights: 1 PB + 2 Havelock + 1 Neil. Book 4–6 weeks ahead in peak months.
Food & Drinks: What to Try and Costs
- Budget eats: Veg/non-veg thali ₹120–₹250; fish curry meals ₹250–₹400.
- Cafes & beach shacks: Mains ₹300–₹600; seafood platters ₹700–₹1,200.
- Specialties: Grilled reef fish, prawns, crab; coastal Bengali and South Indian flavors; fresh coconuts ₹40–₹60.
- Alcohol: Available in licensed shops/hotels; beer ₹250–₹400. Dry days possible; rules vary by island.
Shopping & Souvenirs
- Sagarika Government Emporium (Port Blair) for handicrafts at fair prices.
- Spices, coconut products, local art. Avoid buying corals, shells, tortoise products—illegal to collect or export.
Culture & Responsible Travel
- Respect protected indigenous communities and restricted zones; no visits or photography.
- Reef-safe sunscreen; no touching or standing on corals.
- Carry back trash; many beaches are plastic-free.
- Drones need permits; follow signage at historic sites like Cellular Jail.
Budget Tips for Andaman
- Travel Nov–early Dec or Feb–April for good weather and better rates.
- Use government ferries for PB ↔ Havelock ↔ Neil to save 40–60%.
- Base in Port Blair for cheaper first/last nights; keep premium nights to Havelock.
- Choose one premium activity (scuba or sea-walk), not all.
- Rent scooters on Havelock/Neil; split cabs on Port Blair sightseeing.
- Eat local meals for lunch; save cafes for one special dinner.
Tips by Traveler Type
Families
- Prefer private ferries for comfort and predictability.
- Choose central stays near Radhanagar (Havelock) and Bharatpur (Neil).
- Carry snacks, hats, motion-sickness tablets for ferries.
Honeymooners
- One splurge night in a beachfront resort; rest in mid-range stays.
- Sunset at Radhanagar, bioluminescence kayaking, Candlelight dinner at a resort restaurant.
Friends/Backpackers
- Government ferries + scooters = biggest savings.
- Group discounts on scuba; share cabs for Port Blair evenings and airport runs.
Sample Budgets by Style
Per person, twin-share, 5 days/4 nights, excluding flights.
Shoestring (₹12,000–₹18,000)
- Stay: ₹4,000 (₹1,000 x 4)
- Ferries: ₹1,400–₹2,000 (government)
- Local transport: ₹800–₹1,200 (scooter + autos)
- Food: ₹2,000–₹2,800
- Activities/entries: ₹800–₹2,500 (skip scuba; trek Elephant Beach; L&S show)
- Misc: ₹500–₹800
Value (₹18,000–₹26,000)
- Stay: ₹5,000–₹8,000
- Ferries: ₹2,500–₹4,000 (mix of private/govt)
- Local transport: ₹1,200–₹2,000
- Food: ₹3,000–₹4,000
- Activities: ₹4,500–₹6,500 (one intro scuba or sea-walk + entries)
- Misc: ₹800–₹1,000
Comfort (₹32,000–₹45,000+)
- Stay: ₹12,000–₹18,000
- Ferries: ₹3,500–₹4,500 (private)
- Local transport: ₹3,000–₹4,000 (cabs)
- Food: ₹5,000–₹7,000
- Activities: ₹6,000–₹10,000 (scuba + sea-walk/kayak)
- Misc: ₹1,000+
Money, Connectivity, Permits & Fees
- ATMs & payments: ATMs in Port Blair, Havelock, Neil; may run out. UPI/cards accepted in many places but unreliable network—carry some cash.
- Mobile networks: BSNL widest; Airtel/Jio available in main tourist areas. Data can be slow; download tickets offline.
- Permits: Indian citizens do not need permits for Port Blair/Havelock/Neil. Foreign nationals require a Restricted Area Permit (usually issued on arrival). Additional forest permissions may apply for certain islands; respect restricted/tribal areas.
- Environmental rules: No coral/shell collection; no littering; follow lifeguard instructions.
FAQs
Q: Is 5 days enough for Andaman?
A: Yes. You can comfortably do Port Blair, Havelock, and Neil with one premium activity like scuba. For North Andaman (Diglipur, Baratang), plan 7–8 days.
Q: What’s the cheapest way to move between islands?
A: Government ferries are the cheapest. Book early at counters; bring ID. Private ferries cost more but save time and are easier to book online.
Q: Do I need to book ferries in advance?
A: For private ferries, yes—book 1–2 weeks ahead in season. Government ferries can sell out; use counters or agents as soon as you arrive.
Q: Is scuba safe for beginners?
A: Intro dives are guided 1:1 or small groups with certified instructors. Declare health conditions, don’t fly within 18–24 hours after diving, and follow briefing carefully.
Q: Can I visit during monsoon to save money?
A: You’ll get lower hotel rates, but seas are rough, water sports may shut, and ferries can be canceled. Keep buffer time and flexible plans.
Conclusion
In five days, Andaman rewards you with history, serene beaches, and clear-water adventures. Budget smart by mixing government ferries, scooters, and local meals; then selectively upgrade a night or an activity. With the Port Blair–Havelock–Neil circuit, your costs are predictable and the experiences are rich, whether you’re traveling on a shoestring or adding comfort touches.
