Table of Contents
- Introduction
- History and Importance of Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep)
- Best Time to Visit
- The Complete Neil Island Trip Checklist
- Top Things to Do on Neil Island
- Nearby Attractions and Islands
- How to Reach Neil Island
- Getting Around
- Accommodation Options
- Estimated Trip Costs
- Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
- Tips for Different Traveler Types
- Essential Travel Tips and Etiquette
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Slow, scenic, and soul-soothing—Neil Island, officially Shaheed Dweep, is the unhurried heart of the Andaman Islands. With luminous reefs, powdery beaches, and easy distances, it’s perfect for a long weekend or a relaxed add-on to Havelock. This complete, practical checklist-led guide covers when to go, how to reach, where to stay, estimated costs, and exactly what to pack—so you can enjoy sunrise at Sitapur and sunset at Laxmanpur, stress-free.
History and Importance of Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep)
Once named after British officer James George Smith Neill, the island was officially renamed Shaheed Dweep in 2018 to honor India’s freedom fighters. Part of South Andaman district, the island is small (about 13–14 sq. km), largely rural, and known for farming, fishing, and reef-fringed beaches. Its Natural Rock Formation and shallow lagoons make it one of the best beginner-friendly snorkeling and family destinations in the Andamans.
Best Time to Visit
- Peak (Nov–Mar): Sunny days, calm seas, best visibility for snorkeling/scuba; higher prices and occupancy.
- Shoulder (Oct & Apr–May): Warm, less crowded; great for deals; carry strong sun protection.
- Monsoon (Jun–Sep): Lush landscapes, frequent rain, possible ferry disruptions; limited water sports.
Travel tip: Plan reef walks and the Natural Rock Formation visit around low tide for best marine life viewing.
The Complete Neil Island Trip Checklist
Documents & Bookings
- Valid ID (passport for foreigners; government ID for Indian nationals)
- Flight tickets to Port Blair + ferry tickets (Port Blair ↔ Neil; Neil ↔ Havelock if applicable)
- Accommodation confirmations (printouts/screenshots for offline use)
- Travel insurance details
- Cash (ATMs are limited and may be offline), a backup card
Packing Essentials
- Light, quick-dry clothing; swimwear; modest cover-up for villages
- Reef-safe sunscreen (non-nano zinc oxide), sunglasses, wide-brim hat
- Rash guard/UV tee, aqua shoes, microfiber towel
- Dry bag, reusable water bottle, small daypack
- Mosquito repellent, basic meds (seasickness tablets), personal prescriptions
- Power bank, universal charger, spare camera batteries/memory cards
- Rain jacket/poncho in monsoon months
Beach & Activity Gear
- Snorkel set (optional; rentals available)
- Waterproof phone pouch, GoPro/underwater camera
- Compact first-aid kit; antiseptic; band-aids
Logistics
- Local offline maps, tide timings screenshot
- Pre-booked scooter/auto transfers if arriving late
- Emergency contacts and accommodation address offline
Top Things to Do on Neil Island
- Sunrise at Sitapur Beach: Open east-facing beach with dramatic rock outcrops.
- Snorkeling at Bharatpur Beach: Shallow lagoon, glass-bottom boats, beginner-friendly.
- Natural Rock Formation (Howrah Bridge): Go at low tide with a guide to spot starfish, clams, and corals.
- Sunset at Laxmanpur I: Iconic sunset point; Laxmanpur II is great for shell-strewn walks.
- Scuba diving: Calm sites suitable for first-timers; book with licensed dive centers.
- Cycling the island: Flat roads, light traffic; stop for coconut water and local farms.
- Stargazing: Low light pollution on clear nights.
Nearby Attractions and Islands
- Swaraj Dweep (Havelock): Radhanagar Beach, Elephant Beach water sports (45–60 min ferry from Neil).
- Port Blair: Cellular Jail Light & Sound show, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island (Ross), North Bay Island.
- Chidiya Tapu (near Port Blair): Sunset and birding.
Note: Inter-island ferries depend on weather and schedules; plan buffer time.
How to Reach Neil Island
Step 1: Fly to Port Blair (IXZ)
- Direct flights from major Indian cities like Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Delhi.
- Arrive before late morning if you plan to catch a same-day ferry.
Step 2: Ferry to Neil Island
- Government ferries: Budget-friendly; book at counters in Port Blair. Duration ~2–2.5 hours.
- Private ferries: Makruzz, Sea Link, Green Ocean, ITT Majestic (subject to change). Duration ~1–1.5 hours. Book online in advance.
- Neil ↔ Havelock: 45–60 minutes by private ferry.
Entry & permits: Indian nationals do not need special permits for Neil. Foreign nationals should carry passport/visa and check the latest advisories; certain protected areas remain restricted. Always carry ID for ferry boarding.
Getting Around
- Scooter rental: ~INR 500–800/day; carry a valid driving license.
- Bicycle: ~INR 150–300/day; great for short distances.
- Auto-rickshaw/taxi: On-call via accommodation; agree fares in advance.
- Distances: The island is compact; most beaches are 10–20 minutes apart.
Accommodation Options
Where to Base
- Bharatpur (near jetty): Handy for transfers, water sports, and eateries.
- Laxmanpur: Quiet stays, epic sunsets, easy access to Natural Bridge.
- Sitapur: Sunrise-facing, more secluded.
Types & Typical Prices (per night)
- Budget guesthouses/homestays: INR 1,200–2,500
- Mid-range resorts/cottages: INR 3,000–6,000
- Boutique stays: INR 7,000–15,000+
Tip: Prebook Nov–Mar; power backup and Wi‑Fi vary by property.
Estimated Trip Costs
Per Person, Per Day (excluding flights)
- Backpacker: INR 2,500–4,000 (shared room, scooter, local meals)
- Mid-range: INR 5,000–9,000 (nice cottage, a couple of activities)
- Comfort: INR 10,000–18,000 (boutique stay, guided tours, diving)
Common Expenses
- Port Blair ↔ Neil ferry: Govt INR 500–1,000; Private INR 1,200–3,000 (one way)
- Neil ↔ Havelock ferry: INR 1,000–2,000 (one way)
- Meals: INR 250–600 per person at local eateries; higher at resorts
- Scooter rental: INR 500–800/day + fuel
- Snorkeling: INR 800–1,500; Glass-bottom boat: INR 500–1,000
- Intro scuba dive: INR 3,500–6,000; Certified dives vary by operator/site
Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
Food
- Fresh seafood: lobster (seasonal), prawns, reef fish, crab
- Local flavors: Andaman-style fish curry, coconut-based dishes
- Vegetarian options: simple thalis, dal, stir-fried veggies, island fruit
- Cafés near Bharatpur/Laxmanpur serve smoothies, pancakes, and grilled plates
Shopping
- Small handicraft stalls for wooden curios and printed tees
- Avoid: Live corals, shells, or turtle products—buying/transporting is illegal
- For wider selection, shop in Port Blair (e.g., government emporiums)
Culture & Etiquette
- Rural, family-oriented island—dress modestly away from beaches
- Remove footwear at small local shops/homes if requested
- Respect no-drone zones and environmentally sensitive areas
Tips for Different Traveler Types
Families
- Choose stays near Bharatpur/Laxmanpur for short transfers and gentle lagoons.
- Carry snacks, floatation aids, and hats; schedule beach time early morning/evening.
- Stick to lifeguarded areas; check tide timings before reef walks.
Honeymooners & Couples
- Book a sunset-facing cottage in Laxmanpur; plan a private dinner on the beach.
- Opt for a couple’s intro dive or guided snorkel at calm sites.
- Split your stay: 2 nights Neil + 2–3 nights Havelock for variety.
Friends & Solo Travelers
- Rent scooters for flexibility; target sunrise at Sitapur and sunset at Laxmanpur on day one.
- Bundle activities: snorkel/glass-bottom boat + Natural Bridge walk at low tide.
- Carry cash, offline maps, and a headlamp for low-lit lanes at night.
Essential Travel Tips and Etiquette
- Safety: Obey flags and lifeguards; currents can be strong. Avoid night swimming.
- Environment: No touching/standing on corals. Use reef-safe sunscreen. Carry back all trash.
- Connectivity: 4G is patchy; BSNL/Airtel/Jio may work intermittently. Download tickets/tides offline.
- Cash & ATMs: ATMs/cards are unreliable—carry sufficient cash.
- Health: Primary health center only; bring personal meds and motion-sickness tablets for ferries.
- Drones: Require permissions from authorities; check current rules.
FAQs
Q: How many days are ideal for Neil Island?
A: Two nights (2–3 days) cover sunrise at Sitapur, Natural Rock Formation, Bharatpur snorkeling, and sunset at Laxmanpur without rushing. Add a third night if you plan to dive or want slower days.
Q: Is Neil Island better than Havelock?
A: Neil is quieter and more laid-back with shallow lagoons and great sunsets; Havelock has more resorts, nightlife, and famous beaches like Radhanagar. Many travelers combine both.
Q: Can I swim at Neil Island beaches?
A: Yes, especially at Bharatpur’s lagoon during calm seas. Always follow safety flags, avoid stepping on corals, and skip swimming during rough weather or low visibility.
Q: Do I need a driving license to rent a scooter?
A: Yes, a valid two-wheeler license is typically required. If you don’t have one, rent a bicycle or hire autos/taxis.
Q: Are cards and UPI widely accepted on Neil?
A: Acceptance is limited and network-dependent. Carry enough cash for ferries, meals, fuel, and small purchases.
Conclusion
Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep) rewards unhurried travelers with coral gardens, burnished sunsets, and easy days on two wheels. Visit between October and May, plan ferries ahead, base yourself near Bharatpur or Laxmanpur, and pack light, reef-safe essentials. With this checklist, you’re set for a smooth, environmentally mindful trip that balances beach time, reef walks, and the simple joy of island life.
