Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Top Cities and Places for Hidden Beaches in Andaman
- Tourist Circuits for Beach-Hopping
- Activities on Hidden Andaman Beaches
- Festivals and Seasonal Notes
- Suggested Itineraries
- Budget Tips
- How to Reach Andaman’s Hidden Beaches
- Where to Stay
- Estimated Costs
- Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
- Tips for Families, Honeymooners, and Friends
- Safety, Packing, and Responsible Travel
- FAQs on Hidden Beaches in Andaman
- Conclusion
Introduction
Beyond the famous Radhanagar and Bharatpur shores, the Andaman Islands hide secluded coves, sandbars, and turtle-nesting beaches lapped by gin-clear waters. This travel guide focuses on lesser-known beaches across South, Middle, North, and Little Andaman—how to get there, what to do, and how to plan a beach-hopping circuit without the crowds.
Top Cities and Places for Hidden Beaches in Andaman
Here are the most rewarding islands and pockets for quiet, lesser-visited beaches. Distances and access can be affected by tides and permits; always check locally.
Port Blair and South Andaman (Gateway)
- Jolly Buoy Island (Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park): Permit-only day trip with coral-rich waters and strict no-plastic rules. Fewer visitors due to controlled entry.
- Chidiya Tapu – Munda Pahad Beach: Small pebbly beach and forested headland for sunset; swim only in designated areas due to currents.
- Wandoor’s quieter stretches: Wander east or west of the main gate to find empty sand pockets, especially in the early morning.
Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) – Quiet Corners
- Vijaynagar Beach (Beach No. 5) far ends: As you move away from resort clusters, lagoons turn serene with sea-grass meadows and minimal crowds.
- Kalapathar’s southern stretch: Past the main parking area, a string of shaded coves appears, often empty in the afternoons.
- Note: Elephant and Radhanagar are iconic but not “hidden.” Visit at sunrise for solitude.
Neil (Shaheed Dweep) – Laid-back Shores
- Sitapur Beach (Sunrise Beach): Arrive pre-sunrise for a near-private experience. Gentle slope but mind the tide.
- Laxmanpur II side-trails: Short side paths off the main sunset area lead to quieter coral-strewn inlets.
Middle Andaman – Rangat, Mayabunder, Baratang
- Dhaninallah Mangrove Walk to Beach (Rangat): A long boardwalk opens to a vast, mostly empty beach. Great for strolls and birding.
- Cuthbert Bay Beach (Rangat): Turtle-nesting site (seasonal). Rustic vibe with a small hatchery; swimming conditions vary.
- Karmatang Beach (Mayabunder): Long arc of sand with minimal development; sunset walks are superb.
- Baludera Beach (Baratang): Quiet, mangrove-fringed curve. Check tide and jellyfish warnings.
Long Island and Around – Offbeat Gem
- Lalaji Bay Beach (Long Island): Reach by a forest trail or boat. Palm-fringed, clear water, and a true castaway feel.
- Guitar Island Sandbar: A tidal sandbar shaped like a guitar, reached by small boat from Long Island. Best at mid to low tide.
- Merk Bay Beach (North Passage Island): Brilliant turquoise lagoon with good snorkeling; boat and permits required.
North Andaman – Diglipur Region
- Ross & Smith Twin Islands: Two islands linked by a white sandbar; controlled permits keep numbers low. Ideal for photos and wading.
- Ramnagar Beach: Quiet, with reef patches nearshore; carry water and snacks.
- Kalipur Beach: Turtle nesting site (seasonal). Scenic, though swimming may be limited at times.
Little Andaman (Hut Bay) – Remote and Wild
- Butler Bay Beach: A surfer-favorite with a vast bay and golden sand; strong currents, swim with caution.
- Netaji Nagar Beach: Gentle, less-visited shoreline; simple shacks and swaying palms.
Note: Nicobar Islands are off-limits to tourists. Respect local rules and protected areas across Andaman.
Tourist Circuits for Beach-Hopping
- Classic South Andaman Circuit (4–5 days): Port Blair → Wandoor/Jolly Buoy → Havelock quiet coves → Neil sunrise/sunset → Chidiya Tapu.
- Middle Andaman Offbeat (3–4 days): Rangat (Dhaninallah, Cuthbert Bay) → Mayabunder (Karmatang) → Baratang (Baludera). Combine with Long Island if boats align.
- Long Island Focus (2–3 days): Base at Long Island → Lalaji Bay → Guitar Island → Merk Bay (permits/boat).
- Far North Andaman (3–4 days): Diglipur base → Ross & Smith → Ramnagar → Kalipur; add Saddle Peak trek if time.
- Remote Little Andaman (2–3 days): Butler Bay and Netaji Nagar, plus waterfalls inland. Suits seasoned travelers.
Tip: Stitch two circuits (e.g., South + Long Island) for a 7–9 day hidden-beach journey.
Activities on Hidden Andaman Beaches
- Snorkeling: Clear lagoons at Merk Bay, Jolly Buoy, Lalaji Bay, and Ross & Smith. Use a local guide and avoid standing on coral.
- Kayaking and Mangrove Paddles: Havelock and Rangat offer guided bioluminescence or sunrise paddles (seasonal visibility).
- Beachcombing and Birding: Dhaninallah boardwalk, Karmatang and Baludera are great for nature walks.
- Turtle Watching (Dec–Mar, variable): Cuthbert Bay, Kalipur, Karmatang. Only with authorized guides; strictly no flash.
- Photography: Sandbars of Ross & Smith and Guitar Island glow at mid-to-low tide.
Festivals and Seasonal Notes
- Island Tourism Festival (Jan): Cultural events mainly in Port Blair; good time for weather and ferries.
- Subhash Mela (late Jan): Celebrations around Netaji’s birth anniversary; check if activities occur on Swaraj/Port Blair.
- Monsoon (May–Sep): Rough seas, some islands like Jolly Buoy close seasonally; expect ferry changes.
- Peak Visibility (Nov–Apr): Calmer waters, better snorkeling, and clearer skies.
Suggested Itineraries
4-Day Hidden-Beach Taster
- Day 1: Port Blair arrival → Wandoor quiet stretches → sunset at Chidiya Tapu.
- Day 2: Jolly Buoy day trip (permits) or alternate snorkel at Red Skin (seasonal).
- Day 3: Havelock → explore quiet ends of Vijaynagar/Kalapathar; optional night kayak.
- Day 4: Neil at dawn (Sitapur) → Laxmanpur II inlets → return to Port Blair.
6-Day Classic Hidden-Beach Circuit
- Day 1: Port Blair → Wandoor or city sights.
- Day 2: Jolly Buoy (or Chidiya Tapu + Munda Pahad trek).
- Day 3–4: Havelock quiet coves; snorkel and lagoon time.
- Day 5: Neil sunrise, relaxed cycling between beaches.
- Day 6: Fly out via Port Blair.
9-Day Offbeat North & Long Island
- Day 1–2: Port Blair → Rangat (Dhaninallah, Cuthbert Bay).
- Day 3–4: Mayabunder (Karmatang) → Long Island base.
- Day 5–6: Lalaji Bay → Guitar Island → Merk Bay (permits).
- Day 7–8: Drive to Diglipur → Ross & Smith, Ramnagar/Kalipur.
- Day 9: Return to Port Blair and depart.
Budget Tips
- Ferries: Book government and private ferries early; weekday crossings are often cheaper.
- Stay longer in fewer bases: Havelock/Neil or Long Island/Diglipur combos cut transit costs.
- Scooters and shared cabs: Scooters (INR 500–800/day) are budget-friendly on Havelock/Neil.
- Eat local: Family-run dhabas cost far less than resort dining; fresh catch is best value.
- Group boat trips: Share to Merk Bay or Ross & Smith to split charter costs.
How to Reach Andaman’s Hidden Beaches
Flights to Port Blair (IXZ)
- Direct/connecting flights from Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Delhi.
- Best fares appear 6–8 weeks ahead for Nov–Apr travel.
Boats and Road Within Andaman
- Havelock/Neil: Government and private ferries (e.g., catamarans) from Port Blair daily, weather permitting.
- Rangat/Mayabunder/Diglipur: By road via Andaman Trunk Road with regulated convoy sections; buses, shared jeeps, or private taxis available. Limited ferries also operate.
- Long Island: Access by government ferry via Rangat/Yerrata jetties; schedules change—check locally and plan buffer days.
- Little Andaman (Hut Bay): Long-distance government ferries from Port Blair; limited helicopter seats for residents/priority cases.
Permits: Indian citizens generally do not need special permits for most islands; foreign nationals need Restricted Area Permits (often issued on arrival). Some sites (e.g., Jolly Buoy, Ross & Smith, Merk Bay) require day permits or boat permissions.
Where to Stay
- Port Blair: Wide range from budget guesthouses to boutique hotels; convenient for permits and ferries.
- Havelock (Swaraj): Eco-resorts and mid-range beach cottages near Vijaynagar; for quieter stays, pick properties at the far ends of the beaches.
- Neil (Shaheed): Small resorts and homestays; choose Sitapur side for sunrise vibes.
- Rangat/Mayabunder: Simple lodges and government rest houses; book ahead in peak months.
- Long Island: Limited basic stays and government accommodations; confirm availability and ferry timings in advance.
- Diglipur: A few mid-range hotels and homestays; base for Ross & Smith.
- Little Andaman: Basic guesthouses around Hut Bay; services are limited and weather-dependent.
Estimated Costs
- Daily budgets (per person):
- Backpacker: INR 2,500–4,000 (hostels/guesthouses, local meals, buses/scooters).
- Mid-range: INR 5,000–9,000 (comfortable stays, ferry upgrades, guided snorkel).
- Comfort/Luxury: INR 10,000–20,000+ (beach resorts, private boats, premium dining).
- Sample costs:
- Inter-island ferries: INR 400–1,200 (government), INR 1,300–3,000 (private catamarans).
- Boat permits/entry (varies): Ross & Smith day access + boat typically INR 1,500–3,500 per person in a group; Jolly Buoy permit and glass-bottom combos vary by season.
- Snorkel trips: INR 1,000–2,500; introductory scuba INR 3,500–6,000.
- Scooter rental: INR 500–800/day; taxi day hire: INR 2,500–4,000.
Note: Prices fluctuate by season, fuel, and boat availability. Always verify locally.
Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
- Food: Fresh seafood thalis, grilled fish, lobster (market rates), coconut-based curries, and island-style fish fry. Vegetarian South Indian and Bengali meals are easy to find in towns.
- Cafes: Havelock has beachside cafes; Port Blair offers bakeries and simple seafood joints.
- Shopping: Sagarika Government Emporium for legal, sustainable handicrafts. Avoid coral, shell, or turtle products (illegal to trade).
- Culture: A mix of settler communities from mainland India. Tribally protected areas are off-limits—respect boundaries and do not attempt contact.
Tips for Families, Honeymooners, and Friends
Families
- Prefer gentle lagoons and lifeguarded zones; visit early to avoid heat.
- Carry snacks, ORS, sun protection, and reef shoes for coral rubble.
- Choose bases with easy logistics: Havelock/Neil or Rangat for Dhaninallah.
Honeymooners
- Pick quiet ends of Vijaynagar, Sitapur sunrises, or Lalaji Bay for privacy.
- Time sandbar visits (Ross & Smith, Guitar Island) around mid-to-low tide for dramatic photos.
- Consider bioluminescence kayaking on moonless nights (not guaranteed).
Friends and Backpackers
- Use scooters to scout empty coves; ask locals for trailheads to hidden stretches.
- Share boat charters to remote spots like Merk Bay.
- Pack light, carry cash for remote islands, and plan rest days for weather delays.
Safety, Packing, and Responsible Travel
- Swim smart: Currents and jellyfish can be present. Ask locals, heed flags, and wear rash guards.
- Permits and timing: Some islands require permits; tides affect sandbars and boat landings.
- Reef-safe sunscreen: Protect corals; never touch or stand on reefs.
- No drones in restricted zones: Obtain permissions where required.
- Leave no trace: Carry back all trash. No collection of shells/corals.
- Respect protected communities and wildlife: No entry to tribal reserves; no flash during turtle nesting.
- Packing list: Light UPF clothing, snorkel mask, dry bag, reef shoes, motion-sickness tablets, headlamp, basic first-aid, and photocopies of IDs.
FAQs on Hidden Beaches in Andaman
Q: When is the best time to visit hidden beaches in Andaman?
A: November to April offers calmer seas, better underwater visibility, and more reliable ferry schedules. Some permit-only islands close during monsoon.
Q: Do I need permits for all hidden beaches?
A: Not for most, but sites like Jolly Buoy, Ross & Smith, and Merk Bay typically require permits and designated boats. Check in Port Blair or local jetties.
Q: Which hidden beach is best for snorkelling?
A: Merk Bay, Jolly Buoy, Lalaji Bay corners, and the lagoon side of Ross & Smith are consistently good. Always go with a local guide and check conditions.
Q: Are there ATMs and mobile networks on remote islands?
A: Coverage and cash access thin out beyond Port Blair, Havelock, and Neil. Carry sufficient cash for Long Island, Diglipur, and Little Andaman, and expect patchy data.
Q: Can beginners swim safely at these beaches?
A: Choose gentle lagoons (e.g., ends of Vijaynagar or Sitapur at calm tide). Avoid rocky or surf-heavy beaches, and never swim without local advice.
Conclusion
Andaman’s hidden beaches reward those willing to plan around tides, permits, and ferries. From Long Island’s castaway bays to the sandbars of Ross & Smith and the turtle shores of Cuthbert Bay, you’ll find quiet stretches, clear lagoons, and rich marine life—without the crowds. Travel light, respect the islands’ fragile ecology, and allow buffer days for an unhurried, memorable beach-hopping journey.
