Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Top Places in the Andaman Islands
- Tourist Circuits and Suggested Routes
- Best Activities and Experiences
- Festivals and Events
- One-Week Andaman Itinerary
- How to Reach and Move Around
- Where to Stay
- Estimated Costs for 7 Days
- Local Food, Shopping, and Culture
- Best Time to Visit
- Permits, Rules, and Safety
- Traveler-Specific Tips
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Emerald forests, sugar-white beaches, and world-class coral reefs—Andaman Islands are India’s tropical frontier in the Bay of Bengal. This one-week guide blends lazy-beach days with soft adventure, island-hopping ferries with seafood feasts, and history with underwater wonder. Whether you’re diving at Havelock (Swaraj Dweep), chasing sunsets at Neil (Shaheed Dweep), or walking through the echoes of Cellular Jail in Port Blair, here’s how to make seven days feel like the perfect island escape.
Top Places in the Andaman Islands
Port Blair (South Andaman)
- Cellular Jail and Light & Sound Show
- Ross Island/Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Dweep ruins
- North Bay Island for snorkeling and glass-bottom boats
- Chidiya Tapu for sunsets and birding
- Mount Harriet National Park views
Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep)
- Radhanagar Beach (sunset, silky sands)
- Elephant Beach (snorkeling, kayaking)
- Nemo Reef, Lighthouse, Aquarium (beginner dive sites)
Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep)
- Bharatpur Beach (snorkeling, water sports)
- Laxmanpur Beach 2 (sunset and natural rock bridge)
- Sitapur Beach (sunrise)
Baratang and Middle Andaman
- Mangrove creeks, Limestone Caves, and Mud Volcano
- Jarawa Reserve transit (no stopping; strictly protected)
North Andaman
- Diglipur: Ross & Smith twin islands sandbar
- Rangat/Mayabunder: mangroves, turtle nesting (seasonal)
Offbeat
- Jolly Buoy/Red Skin Islands (pristine corals; seasonal openings)
- Long Island and Lalaji Bay (quiet beaches)
Tourist Circuits and Suggested Routes
- Classic 3-Island Circuit (7 days): Port Blair → Havelock → Neil → Port Blair
- Nature + Caves (7–8 days): Port Blair → Baratang (Limestone Caves) → Havelock → Neil → Port Blair
- North Andaman Adventure (8–9 days): Port Blair → Rangat/Mayabunder → Diglipur (Ross & Smith) → Port Blair
- Reef-Focus (7 days): Port Blair → Havelock (3–4 nights) → Neil (1–2 nights) → Port Blair with Jolly Buoy/Red Skin day trip
Best Activities and Experiences
- Scuba diving: Discover Scuba for beginners; advanced sites like Dixon’s Pinnacle (experienced divers)
- Snorkeling: Elephant Beach, Bharatpur Beach, North Bay, Jolly Buoy/Red Skin (when open)
- Kayaking: Bioluminescence tours on no-moon nights at Havelock
- Sea walk and glass-bottom boat rides for non-swimmers
- Trekking: Elephant Beach trail, Mount Harriet trails
- Island history: Cellular Jail, Ross Island ruins
- Wildlife and nature: Birding at Chidiya Tapu; turtle nesting (Dec–Feb) at Rangat/Diglipur
- Sunrise/sunset chasing: Sitapur sunrise; Radhanagar and Laxmanpur sunsets
- Game fishing and sailing charters (Port Blair/Havelock)
Festivals and Events
- Island Tourism Festival (Port Blair, usually January): cultural shows, food stalls, craft fairs
- Beach Festival (Port Blair/Havelock, often in summer or spring): sports, music, local cuisine
- Subhash Mela (Diglipur, January): cultural fairs and performances
- Monsoon Festival (Port Blair, variable): indoor cultural programs and cuisine
One-Week Andaman Itinerary
Plan assumes morning arrival into Port Blair and evening departure. Swap days if ferry schedules change. Keep one buffer half-day for weather or ferry delays.
Day 1: Arrive Port Blair + History and Sunset
- Arrive at Veer Savarkar International Airport; check in
- Visit Cellular Jail; book the evening Light & Sound Show
- Optional: Corbyn’s Cove for a relaxed first beach
Day 2: Ferry to Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) + Radhanagar Beach
- Morning private ferry (Makruzz/Green Ocean/ITT); 1.5–2.5 hours
- Check in; late lunch
- Sunset at Radhanagar Beach
Day 3: Havelock Diving + Elephant Beach
- Early Discover Scuba Dive (or 2-tank certified dives)
- Afternoon: Elephant Beach by boat or forest trail; snorkel/kayak
- Optional: Night bioluminescence kayaking (new moon best)
Day 4: Slow Morning + Ferry to Neil (Shaheed Dweep)
- Leisurely breakfast; optional second dive or spa
- Afternoon ferry to Neil (1 hour); check in
- Golden-hour at Laxmanpur Beach 2 and the natural rock bridge
Day 5: Neil Waterplay + Return to Port Blair
- Sunrise at Sitapur Beach
- Snorkeling and water sports at Bharatpur Beach
- Afternoon ferry to Port Blair; evening at Marina Park or local market
Day 6: Choose Your Day Trip
- Option A: Ross Island (Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Dweep) + North Bay combo
- Option B: Jolly Buoy/Red Skin (seasonal) for the best coral snorkeling
- Option C: Baratang day trip (mangroves + Limestone Caves; early start)
Day 7: Nature and Departure
- Morning at Chidiya Tapu or Mount Harriet for views
- Pick up souvenirs at Sagarika Emporium
- Head to airport; keep 2–3 hours buffer for formalities
Pro Tips for the Week
- Book ferries 5–15 days in advance for peak season (Dec–Feb, Apr–May)
- Carry a waterproof daypack, reef-safe sunscreen, and cash (ATMs are limited on smaller islands)
- Keep a flexible mindset—weather can affect boats and dives
How to Reach and Move Around
By Air
- Direct flights to Port Blair from Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Delhi, and Mumbai
- Flight time: 2–2.5 hours (Chennai/Kolkata), 3–5 hours (other metros)
By Sea
- Occasional passenger ships from Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam (basic, 60–70 hours). Most travelers fly.
Inter-Island Ferries
- Private catamarans: Makruzz, Green Ocean, ITT/Sea Link (fast, online booking)
- Government ferries: more economical; book at counters; schedules vary
- Arrive 45–60 minutes before departure with ID; luggage screening required
Local Transport
- Port Blair: autos, cabs, and app cabs (limited)
- Havelock/Neil: scooters (500–700 INR/day), cycles, limited cabs
- Self-drive scooters are ideal for beach-hopping; carry license and helmets
Where to Stay
- Port Blair: Aberdeen Bazaar area for access; Corbyn’s Cove for sea views
- Havelock: Beach No. 5 and Govind Nagar for dive shops and cafes; Beach No. 7 for quiet luxury
- Neil: Near Bharatpur for water sports; Laxmanpur for sunsets
Accommodation Types and Typical Nightly Rates (INR)
- Budget guesthouses/hostels: 1,200–2,500
- Mid-range boutique resorts: 3,000–7,000
- Upscale beachfront resorts: 9,000–20,000+
Book early for Dec–Feb and April–May. Confirm AC, hot water, and backup power.
Estimated Costs for 7 Days
- Return flights (India–Port Blair): 8,000–20,000 per person (seasonal)
- Private ferries: 1,000–3,000 per sector; government ferries: 200–600 per sector
- Accommodation (6 nights):
- Budget: 7,500–15,000
- Mid-range: 18,000–40,000
- Upscale: 55,000–1,20,000+
- Meals: 300–800 per person per meal; seafood dinners 800–1,800
- Activities:
- Discover Scuba: 3,500–6,500
- Open Water course: 22,000–32,000
- Snorkel trips: 800–1,500
- Kayaking: 2,000–3,500
- Sea walk: 3,500–4,500
- Local transport: autos 100–300 per ride; scooter 500–700/day; cab day-hire 2,000–3,500
- Permits/eco-fees: nominal for certain islands and cameras
Sample 7-Day Budgets (per person, excluding flights)
- Backpacker: 18,000–28,000
- Mid-range: 35,000–60,000
- Premium: 85,000–1,70,000
Prices fluctuate by season; book key ferries and stays early.
Local Food, Shopping, and Culture
Food to Try
- Fresh catch: grilled fish, crab curry, lobster (seasonal)
- Bengali-influenced seafood thalis in Port Blair
- South Indian breakfasts, coastal biryanis, and island coconuts
- Beachside cafes in Havelock for continental fare and smoothies
Shopping
- Sagarika Government Emporium: coconut crafts, cane, seashell art (avoid items from live coral/shells)
- Local spice mixes, handmade soaps, and eco-friendly souvenirs
Culture and Etiquette
- Indigenous tribes (Jarawa, Sentinelese, Onge, Great Andamanese, Shompen, Nicobarese) are strictly protected—no contact, tours, or photography
- Dress modestly away from beaches; ask before photographing locals
- Alcohol rules vary by island; check resort/restaurant policies
Best Time to Visit
- Peak (Nov–Apr): calm seas, best for diving/snorkeling, higher prices
- Shoulder (Oct and May): warm, some showers; good underwater visibility
- Monsoon (Jun–Sep): heavy rain, rough seas; limited ferries and water sports
Jolly Buoy/Red Skin usually open Oct–May (rotational); always check locally.
Permits, Rules, and Safety
- Permits:
- Indian nationals: no special permit for standard tourist zones
- Foreign nationals: Restricted Area Permit (RAP) typically issued on arrival at Port Blair; free; usually 30 days (check latest rules)
- Environment:
- No touching/collecting corals, shells, or marine life; fines apply
- Use reef-safe sunscreen; avoid single-use plastics on boats/beaches
- Water safety:
- Swim only in designated areas; heed lifeguards and flags
- Follow crocodile advisories at certain South/Middle Andaman beaches
- Drones require prior permission; avoid flying near defense areas
- Connectivity is patchy; carry offline maps and cash
Traveler-Specific Tips
For Families
- Choose shallow beaches: Bharatpur (Neil), Radhanagar (Havelock)
- Prefer private ferries with assigned seats; carry snacks and rain covers
- Book ground-floor rooms or cottages with easy beach access
For Honeymooners
- Split stay: 2 nights Beach No. 7 (Havelock) + 1–2 nights sunset-side at Neil
- Plan a private dinner on the beach and a bioluminescence kayak night
- Schedule couple dives/snorkels early morning for calmer seas
For Friends and Adventure Seekers
- Target 2–4 dives per person; add a Baratang caves day
- Rent scooters for flexible beach-hopping
- Pack reef shoes, dry bags, and GoPro with red filter
Packing Checklist
- Light cottons, swimwear, rash guard, microfiber towel
- Reef-safe sunscreen (zinc-based), sunglasses, hat
- Waterproof phone pouch, dry bag, power bank
- Basic meds, motion-sickness tablets, insect repellent
- Government ID/passport, multiple copies of bookings/permits
FAQs
Q: Is 7 days enough for the Andaman Islands?
A: Yes. A week comfortably covers Port Blair, Havelock, and Neil with 1–2 dive/snorkel days and one day trip. Add 1–2 extra days for Baratang or Diglipur.
Q: Do Indians or foreigners need special permits?
A: Indian nationals don’t need permits for common tourist areas. Foreign nationals typically require a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) issued on arrival in Port Blair. Always verify current rules before travel.
Q: Which island is best for first-time divers?
A: Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) offers calm sites like Nemo Reef, Lighthouse, and Aquarium ideal for beginners, with reputable dive schools and clear conditions Nov–Apr.
Q: What is the internet and mobile coverage like?
A: Coverage is improving but remains spotty on smaller islands. Expect slow data; carry offline maps and inform family of limited connectivity.
Q: Can I visit North Sentinel Island or tribal reserves?
A: No. These are strictly off-limits to protect indigenous communities. Attempting visits or photography is illegal and unsafe.
Conclusion
In one week, the Andamans reward you with a graceful mix of history, jungle-backed beaches, and vibrant reefs. Anchor your trip around Havelock and Neil, weave in Port Blair’s heritage and a coral-rich day trip, and keep time for slow sunsets. With smart ferry planning, reef-friendly habits, and a flexible mindset, seven days here feel like a deep breath of island life.
