Port Blair, Andaman: Tourism FAQs (A Complete, Traveler-Friendly Guide)

At a Glance

Port Blair is the capital of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands and the primary gateway to the archipelago’s beaches, coral reefs, and history. It blends heritage sites like the Cellular Jail with access to island-hopping adventures to Swaraj Dweep (Havelock), Shaheed Dweep (Neil), Baratang, and beyond.

Essential Planning FAQs

When is the best time to visit Port Blair?

• Best overall: October to May for pleasant seas and clear skies.
• Diving/snorkeling clarity: Typically November to April.
• Monsoon: Mid-May to September brings rough seas, rain, and possible cancellations.

How many days do I need in Port Blair?

• Port Blair only: 2–3 days for Cellular Jail, museums, Ross Island (Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Dweep), North Bay, and Chidiya Tapu.
• With islands: 5–7 days adding Swaraj Dweep (Havelock) and Shaheed Dweep (Neil); 7–10 days if including Baratang, Rangat, or Diglipur.

What is the time zone and daylight like?

India Standard Time (UTC+5:30). Sun rises and sets early compared to mainland India; plan morning starts for tours and ferries.

Entry, Permits, and Rules

Do I need a visa or permit?

• Indian citizens: No special permit needed for Port Blair and common tourist islands. Carry a valid government photo ID.
• Foreign nationals: Valid Indian visa required. For most popular islands, Restricted Area Permit (RAP) is generally not required currently; rules change periodically. Always check the latest advisory on the official Andaman Tourism or Govt. of India websites.
• Nicobar Islands and tribal areas: Strictly off-limits to tourists.

Are there local permits for specific places?

• Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park (Wandoor): Boats to Jolly Buoy or Red Skin islands require forest permits (your tour operator usually arranges these).
• Baratang: Travel passes and convoy timings apply for stretches through reserve areas; arranged via agents or transporters.
• Drones: Require prior permission; the airport vicinity is a no-fly zone.

What environmental rules should I know?

• Do not touch or remove corals, shells, or marine life; penalties apply under wildlife laws.
• Avoid plastic waste; carry refillable bottles where possible.
• Use reef-safe sunscreen and follow guides’ instructions in marine parks.
• Obey crocodile warning signboards; swim only in designated areas.

Getting There and Around

How do I reach Port Blair?

• By air: Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ) has direct flights from cities like Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and seasonal/connecting services from Delhi, etc.
• By ship: Long-distance passenger ships operate occasionally from Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam (multi-day voyages; basic facilities, limited schedules). Book well in advance if opting for this experience.

What are the transport options within Port Blair?

• Airport transfers: Prepaid taxis and local cabs available; rideshare apps are limited or unavailable.
• Local: Auto-rickshaws, taxis, and city buses. Licensed two-wheeler rentals exist; carry your driving license and a helmet.

How do I get to other islands?

• Private ferries: High-speed catamarans (e.g., Makruzz, Green Ocean, Sea Link) to Swaraj Dweep (Havelock) and Shaheed Dweep (Neil). Book online in advance, carry ID, and reach the jetty early.
• Government ferries: Connect many islands with variable schedules; tickets usually from counters or authorized agents.
• Day trips: Speedboats/boats to Ross Island (Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Dweep) and North Bay run frequently from Water Sports Complex, weather permitting.

Top Sights and Experiences

What are must-visit attractions in and around Port Blair?

• Cellular Jail (Kala Pani): Museum and evening Light & Sound Show.
• Ross Island (Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Dweep): Ruins wrapped in banyans, peacocks, coastal views.
• North Bay Island: Snorkeling, sea walk, glass-bottom boats.
• Corbyn’s Cove: City beach for a relaxed sunset.
• Chidiya Tapu: Sunset point and birding; Biological Park nearby.
• Wandoor & MG Marine National Park: Access to Jolly Buoy/Red Skin for pristine reefs.
• Anthropological, Samudrika, and Fisheries Museums: Culture, marine life, and history.

What day trips are popular from Port Blair?

• Baratang: Limestone caves, mangrove boat ride; note early departures and convoy timings.
• Mount Harriet National Park: Lookouts and short trails.

Is scuba diving good around Port Blair?

Diving is excellent across the Andamans. While many divers base in Swaraj Dweep (Havelock), introductory dives, snorkeling, sea walks, and PADI/SSI courses are also available from Port Blair operators and at North Bay/Wandoor. Choose licensed operators, confirm safety standards, and check seasonal visibility.

Itineraries and Trip Ideas

Classic 5-day outline

• Day 1: Arrive, Cellular Jail + Light & Sound.
• Day 2: Ross Island + North Bay.
• Day 3–4: Ferry to Swaraj Dweep (Havelock) for Radhanagar Beach, snorkeling/diving.
• Day 5: Return to Port Blair; Chidiya Tapu sunset or museums.

Family-friendly 6–7 days

• Port Blair (museums, light show) + Ross/North Bay.
• Havelock (calm beaches, glass-bottom boat, easy snorkeling).
• Neil Island (arch bridges, quiet beaches) before returning.

Accommodation and Food

Where should I stay in Port Blair?

• City center/Aberdeen Bazaar: Convenient for markets and jetties.
• Near Corbyn’s Cove: Quieter seaside stays; short cab ride to town.
• Budget to luxury: Wide range; book early in peak season and on long weekends.

What food options are available?

• Cuisines: Seafood specialties, North & South Indian, Bengali, and some continental.
• Vegetarian/vegan: Widely available in town; slightly limited on smaller islands.
• Water: Stick to bottled or purified water; refill where possible to reduce plastic.

Is alcohol available?

Yes, through licensed shops (often ANIIDCO outlets) and many hotels/restaurants. Expect limited hours and occasional dry days.

Money, Connectivity, and Practicalities

What about cash, cards, and UPI?

• Currency: Indian Rupee (INR) only.
• ATMs: Available in Port Blair; may be sparse on outlying islands. Carry backup cash.
• Cards/UPI: Accepted in many city establishments; internet glitches can disrupt UPI, so keep cash handy.

How is mobile network and internet?

• Coverage: Best in Port Blair and main islands; patchy in remote areas and at sea.
• Providers: Service from major Indian carriers; data speeds vary.
• Tip: Download maps/tickets offline; expect slower Wi‑Fi and occasional outages.

Power and plugs

230V, 50Hz; plug types C, D, and M. Power cuts can occur—carry a power bank.

Safety, Health, and Responsible Travel

Is Port Blair safe for tourists?

Generally very safe. Use standard precautions with valuables, follow licensed operators, and heed local advisories.

Can I swim anywhere?

• Swim only at designated beaches and when lifeguards permit.
• Beware of strong currents, jellyfish in some seasons, and saltwater crocodile advisories (notably around certain South Andaman shores like near Wandoor/Chidiya Tapu). Always follow signage.

Medical facilities and emergencies

• Hospitals: Major facilities are in Port Blair; smaller islands have limited care.
• Diving safety: A hyperbaric chamber is available in Port Blair; dive with operators who have emergency protocols.
• Emergency numbers: 112 (pan-India emergency), 100 (police), 108 (medical). Keep your hotel and operator contacts handy.

Travel insurance

Recommended, covering medical evacuation, adventure sports (if diving), and trip interruptions due to weather.

Local Culture and Etiquette

Languages and communication

• Languages: Hindi widely spoken; English commonly understood in tourism. Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, and local languages are also present.
• Be polite when photographing people; ask permission. Never photograph tribal communities.

Dress and customs

• Beachwear is fine on beaches/boats; choose modest attire in town and religious places.
• Remove shoes when entering temples or homes if requested.

Logistics and “Good to Know”

How early should I book ferries and shows?

• Private ferries: Book 1–2 weeks ahead in peak season (Dec–Feb, long weekends).
• Government ferries: Advance purchase windows vary; counters can be busy—agents help.
• Light & Sound Show: Popular; book tickets early the day of or via authorized portals where available.

What should I pack?

• Light cotton clothes, hat, sunglasses, and a rain jacket in monsoon.
• Reef-safe sunscreen, mosquito repellent, reusable water bottle, quick-dry towel.
• Waterproof phone pouch, dry bag for boat rides, basic medicines, and motion-sickness tablets if needed.

Is Port Blair wheelchair/stroller friendly?

• Roads and many hotels are accessible, but historical sites (e.g., Cellular Jail’s upper levels) have stairs.
• Jetty and boat boarding often involve steps—request assistance in advance.

Costs and Tickets

How expensive is Port Blair?

• Stay: Budget guesthouses to premium resorts; prices rise in peak season.
• Food: Affordable local eateries; seafood restaurants mid-range; premium dining in select hotels.
• Activities: Museum entries are modest; water activities and private ferries add to costs—check current rates before booking.

Common “What Ifs”

What if my ferry or flight gets canceled due to weather?

• Have buffer days, especially in monsoon.
• Keep your hotel flexible/refundable where possible.
• Stay in touch with operators; keep alternate plans for local sightseeing.

Can I work remotely from Port Blair?

• Feasible for light tasks; connectivity has improved but can still be inconsistent.
• Choose accommodations known for stable Wi‑Fi and carry mobile data on at least two networks if work is critical.

Name Changes and Local Terms

Why do I see multiple names for the same islands?

• Ross Island is now Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Dweep.
• Havelock Island is now Swaraj Dweep.
• Neil Island is now Shaheed Dweep.
• Both old and new names are used interchangeably in tourism.

Quick Answers

Is photography allowed at Cellular Jail?

Yes in most areas, but follow on-site instructions and respect restricted sections. Tripods may need permission.

Are there ATMs at the airport?

Yes, typically; however, carry some cash as backups due to occasional outages or queues.

Do I need to know swimming for snorkeling or sea walks?

No. Life jackets are provided; always use licensed operators and follow guides.

Can I rent a car for self-drive?

Self-drive cars are limited; taxis, autos, and two-wheelers are more common.

Can I bring seashells back?

Collecting and transporting shells/corals can be illegal. Buy only from authorized, legal outlets with proper bills, and prefer not to take natural souvenirs from beaches.

Final Tips

• Start early: Mornings are best for tours, ferries, and calmer seas.
• Plan buffers: Weather and sea conditions can alter schedules.
• Go green: The islands are ecologically fragile—travel light, leave no trace.
• Verify: Ferry timings, permit policies, and ticketing systems can change—always recheck close to travel dates via official sources or reliable local operators.

Have a question not covered here?

Share your query and your travel dates/interests (history, diving, family-friendly, budget), and we’ll tailor quick, up-to-date advice for your Port Blair itinerary.