Things to Do in Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep), Andaman: A Complete Tourism Guide

Calm, compact, and charming, Neil Island (officially Shaheed Dweep) is the Andaman archipelago’s laid-back jewel. Think turquoise lagoons, living coral reefs, sleepy villages, and skies ablaze at sunrise and sunset. Whether you’re here for soft adventures like snorkeling and cycling, or simply to slow down and watch tides roll over coral flats, Neil rewards you with quiet beauty and easy logistics.

Quick Orientation

• Location: Between Port Blair and Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) in the South Andaman group.
• Size & Vibe: Small island; flat terrain; farms, forests, and four main beaches. Slower pace than Havelock.
• Travel Time: Ferry from Port Blair ~1.5–2 hours; from Havelock ~1 hour (weather/sea conditions dependent).
• Best for: Beach-hopping, snorkeling/scuba, glass-bottom boat rides, sunrise/sunset photography, cycling, and stargazing.

Top Things to Do

1) Beach-Hopping

Neil’s beaches are numbered by legends—Bharatpur, Laxmanpur, Sitapur, and Ramnagar—each with its own character.

Bharatpur Beach (Activity Hub)

A shallow lagoon with clear water, Bharatpur is ideal for glass-bottom boat rides, snorkeling, and beginner-friendly swimming. You’ll find water-sport counters, snack shacks, and changing facilities. Early mornings offer calm waters and vivid reef views.

Laxmanpur Beach I (Sunset Point)

One of the Andamans’ prettiest sunset canvases. Long, white sands backed by forest, beached corals, and tide pools. Come an hour before sunset to find a quiet patch and watch the sky flare up.

Laxmanpur Beach II (Natural Bridge Access)

Starting point for walks to the iconic Natural Bridge (also called Howrah Bridge by locals). The area is rich in intertidal life; footwear with good grip is essential.

Sitapur Beach (Sunrise Point)

Facing east, Sitapur is perfect for daybreak drama—crashing swells, rock formations, and golden light. Swimming isn’t always advisable due to currents, but the views are spectacular.

Ramnagar Beach (Quiet Escape)

Often overlooked, Ramnagar is a quieter shoreline to stroll, read, or nap. Great for solitude and bird calls in the background.

2) Visit the Natural Bridge (Howrah Bridge)

Carved by waves and time, the limestone arch sits along a reef-flat dotted with marine life—sea cucumbers, starfish, anemones, tiny gobies, and more.

• Go at low tide: That’s when the arch and tidal pools are accessible. Check tide timings locally.
• Wear aqua shoes: Rocks and coral fragments can be sharp and slippery.
• Hire a local guide: They’ll help you spot camouflaged critters and keep you off fragile corals.

3) Snorkeling and Scuba Diving

Neil sits near healthy fringing reefs with schooling fish, soft and hard corals, and occasional turtles. Visibility typically ranges 10–25 m in fair weather.

• Discover Scuba (for beginners): Try dives with certified instructors—no prior experience needed.
• Certified divers: Commonly dived sites around Neil include spots locals may call Junction, Bus Stop, Nursery, Lighthouse, K-Rock (names vary by operator). Expect fusiliers, parrotfish, snappers, batfish, anemonefish, and macro critters.
• Best months: Generally October to April for calmer seas. Weather and visibility change rapidly—plan flexibly.

Tip: Choose operators with small groups, proper safety briefings, and reef-safe practices.

4) Glass-Bottom Boat Rides

Not a swimmer? From Bharatpur Beach, peer into living coral gardens without getting wet. Morning trips often have better light and calmer seas.

5) Cycling and Scootering

Neil’s flat roads and light traffic make it perfect for two wheels.

• Rentals: Bicycles or scooters are widely available. Helmets are recommended.
• Route: Neil Kendra (market) to Bharatpur, Sitapur, and Laxmanpur is a scenic loop past paddy fields, coconut groves, and coastal views.

6) Sunrise, Sunset, and Stargazing

• Sunrise: Sitapur Beach
• Sunset: Laxmanpur Beach I
• Night skies: On moonless nights, step onto the beach for a dazzling Milky Way. Occasionally, you might see bioluminescence in warm months—best viewed on very dark, calm nights.

7) Intertidal and Nature Walks

Between Laxmanpur II and the Natural Bridge, the reef-flat teems with life. Go with a guide to learn about organisms and avoid damaging corals. Tread lightly; never touch or collect marine life.

8) Farm and Village Experiences

Neil’s interior is green with small farms and fruit orchards.

• Try local bananas, papayas, and tender coconuts.
• Photograph paddy fields and traditional wooden boats along the shore.

9) Food Trails and Cafes

Expect simple, flavorful island fare.

• Seafood thalis: Fresh catch of the day—try fish curry, grilled fish with lime and chili, or prawn masala.
• Vegetarian options: Paneer curries, dal, rotis, mixed veg, and seasonal produce.
• Cafes: Around Neil Kendra and Bharatpur you’ll find relaxed cafés serving breakfast bowls, sandwiches, and island bakes.

10) Photography Hotspots

• Natural Bridge: Best at low tide with textured foregrounds.
• Laxmanpur I: Silhouettes at sunset, driftwood, and wide horizons.
• Sitapur: Golden hour surf and rock pools.
• Fields and lanes: Pastel houses, palms, and bicycles—classic island mood.

Sample Itineraries

One Day (Express Neil)

• Morning ferry arrival → Bharatpur for a glass-bottom ride/snorkel.
• Late morning → Natural Bridge (low tide permitting).
• Evening → Laxmanpur I for sunset → Return ferry or overnight.

Two Days (Balanced Pace)

• Day 1: Bharatpur activities → Natural Bridge → Sunset at Laxmanpur I.
• Day 2: Sunrise at Sitapur → Half-day scuba/snorkeling → Café-hopping and village cycle ride.

Three Days (Slow and Soulful)

• Day 1: Arrive, settle in near Bharatpur; easy swim and beach time.
• Day 2: Early dive/snorkel; intertidal walk; sunset shoot at Laxmanpur.
• Day 3: Sunrise at Sitapur; farm strolls and a lazy brunch; optional second dive or a nap with sea breeze.

Practical Travel Information

Best Time to Visit

• October–May: Generally the best window for clear seas and water activities.
• Monsoon (roughly May–August): Choppier seas; some activities may pause; lush landscapes but ferry schedules can change.

Getting There and Around

• Ferries: Government and private ferries connect Port Blair ↔ Neil and Havelock ↔ Neil. Book early in peak season; keep plans flexible for weather delays.
• Local transport: Auto-rickshaws, shared jeeps, scooters, and bicycles. No app-based cabs.
• Distances: Most beaches are 10–25 minutes apart by scooter.

Permits and Entry

• Indian nationals: No special permit required for Neil.
• Foreign nationals: A valid Indian visa is required. Restricted Area Permit rules have been relaxed for many islands, including Neil; however, regulations can change—check current advisories before travel.
• Carry ID for ferry and accommodation check-ins.

Money, Connectivity, and Essentials

• ATMs: Limited and sometimes low on cash—carry enough INR.
• Cards/UPI: Accepted at some hotels/cafes; cash remains king.
• Mobile networks: Coverage is improving but can be spotty. BSNL and Airtel often fare better; data speeds vary.
• Health: Basic medical facilities available; carry personal medicines and motion-sickness tablets for ferries.
• Electricity: Occasional outages—keep power banks handy.

Responsible and Safe Travel

• Reef safety: Do not step on corals; never collect shells, corals, or marine life.
• Sunscreen: Use reef-safe mineral sunscreen; avoid oxybenzone and octinoxate.
• Waste: Minimize single-use plastics; carry a refillable bottle and a tote.
• Swimming: Check currents and obey local advice; jellyfish can appear seasonally—wear a rash guard if concerned.
• Drones: Follow DGCA rules and seek permissions where required; avoid disturbing wildlife and people.

Packing Checklist

• Light clothing, hat, sunglasses
• Reef-safe sunscreen, lip balm, after-sun
• Aqua shoes or sturdy sandals for reef walks
• Snorkel mask (if you prefer your own), dry bag
• Insect repellent, small first-aid kit
• Reusable water bottle, snacks for ferry days
• Power bank, flashlight for night beach walks
• Rain layer (especially May–August)

Indicative Costs (subject to change)

• Scooter rental: Approx. INR 500–800 per day (+ fuel)
• Bicycle rental: Approx. INR 200–300 per day
• Glass-bottom ride: Approx. INR 500–1,000 per person (duration-dependent)
• Snorkeling (shore-assisted): Approx. INR 700–1,500 per person
• Discover Scuba Diving: Approx. INR 3,500–6,500 per person
• Ferry sectors: Typically INR 700–1,800 one way (class/operator dependent)

Where to Stay

• Bharatpur area: Convenient for water activities and cafés.
• Laxmanpur: Sunset-facing stays with quieter ambience.
• Sitapur side: Peaceful, great for early risers and dramatic coastline.
• Neil Kendra (market): Budget guesthouses, easy transport.

Tip: In peak months (Dec–Feb), pre-book. For a calmer vibe, choose weekdays or shoulder season.

Food and Culture Notes

• Local flavors: Bengali and Tamil influences; coconut, mustard, and fresh seafood are staples.
• Must-try: Fish curry with steamed rice, grilled reef fish with lime, prawn masala, and seasonal fruit plates.
• Timing: Island days start early; many kitchens wind down by 9–10 pm.

FAQ

Is Neil Island good for beginners in water activities?

Yes—Bharatpur’s lagoon is beginner-friendly. Always wear a life jacket when advised and follow guide instructions.

Can I do Neil as a day trip?

You can, but staying at least one night lets you enjoy sunrise, sunset, and a less rushed Natural Bridge visit.

Which beach is best for swimming?

Bharatpur generally offers the calmest waters. Check local advice for the day’s conditions.

Are there mangrove kayaking tours?

Neil has some mangrove-lined stretches and intertidal zones, but it’s more known for reef flats. Ask locally about seasonal kayaking options.

Is there nightlife?

It’s quiet. Evenings are for beach walks, early dinners, and stargazing.

Final Tips

• Check ferry schedules a day in advance; seas and timings can change.
• Plan Natural Bridge at low tide and sunset at Laxmanpur I.
• Carry cash, a smile, and patience—Neil’s magic lies in its unhurried rhythm.

In short:

Come to Neil Island to exhale. Wade over coral flats, glide above reefs, watch the sun bookend your day, and let the island’s soft hush do the rest.