Table of Contents
- Introduction
- History & Importance
- Best Time to Visit
- Luxury Cruises That Include Little Andaman
- Top Things To Do in Little Andaman
- How to Reach Little Andaman
- Accommodation & Estimated Costs
- Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
- Nearby Attractions & Extensions
- Travel Tips
- Traveler-Specific Advice
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Wild, windswept, and wonderfully remote, Little Andaman sits about 120 km south of Port Blair, wrapped in thick rainforest and powerful surf. While most luxury cruises to the Andaman Islands call at Port Blair, only select expedition-style or private yacht charters include Little Andaman. Those who make it here find long, empty beaches like Butler Bay, roaring waterfalls hidden in the jungle, and the feel of an island still discovering tourism—ideal for travelers who prefer nature and privacy over polish.
History & Importance
Little Andaman is home to rich biodiversity and sensitive indigenous heritage. Parts of the island are designated tribal reserves for the Onge community and are legally off-limits to visitors. The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami impacted the island significantly, reshaping shorelines and livelihoods. Today, tourism remains low-key and community-centered, with access limited to notified zones around Hut Bay and surrounding beaches.
Best Time to Visit
- November to April: Calmer seas, sunnier days—best for ferries, charters, and beach time.
- May to September (Monsoon): Heavy rain and rough seas; ferry disruptions are common. Advanced surfers may chase swells but conditions are challenging.
- October & late April: Shoulder months with variable weather; monitor marine forecasts closely.
Luxury Cruises That Include Little Andaman
Current Reality & Access
- Mainstream large cruise ships: Do not routinely call at Little Andaman. Most itineraries stop at Port Blair only.
- Expedition/charter yachts: Select, fully permitted small ships and private yachts may include Little Andaman on bespoke itineraries, subject to weather, anchorage limits at Hut Bay, and administrative permissions.
- Government ferries: Comfortable but not luxury; the practical link between Port Blair and Hut Bay for independent travelers.
- Permissions: Tourism is allowed only in notified areas. Tribal reserves are strictly prohibited. Regulations for foreign nationals can change; verify with the Andaman & Nicobar Administration before booking.
Types of Cruise Experiences
- Private Yacht Charter (from Port Blair): The most realistic “luxury” way to include Little Andaman. Expect a support crew, chef, and flexible landings by tender where permitted.
- Small Expedition Vessels: Occasionally operate in the Bay of Bengal. Landings depend on permits and sea state; departures are rare and seasonal.
- Liveaboard Dive Boats: Focus mainly on Havelock/Neil/remote banks. Little Andaman is less common due to exposure and logistics.
Sample Luxury-Style Itinerary (5–6 Days, Port Blair + Little Andaman)
- Day 1: Arrive Port Blair. Harbor check-in, permit and briefing. Overnight aboard or in a boutique hotel.
- Day 2: Sail toward Little Andaman (weather window permitting). Sunset arrival off Hut Bay.
- Day 3: Tender landing to Butler Bay Beach; optional surf lesson (seasonal), rainforest walk, and lighthouse viewpoint (if open). Sundowners on deck.
- Day 4: White Surf Waterfall visit; afternoon kayak through mangrove creeks (croc safety rules apply). Starry-night cruising.
- Day 5: Whisper Wave trek (time and forest permissions permitting). Afternoon sail back toward Port Blair.
- Day 6: Port Blair cultural stops (Cellular Jail, museums) and departure.
Note: All landings are subject to local permissions, wildlife advisories, and weather. Foreign nationals should verify current access rules for Little Andaman’s permitted zones.
Costs Overview for Cruise Inclusion
- Private yacht charter (Andaman region): Approx. INR 200,000–600,000 per day (USD 2,400–7,200) depending on vessel, inclusions, and season.
- Expedition cruise cabin (if available): INR 25,000–75,000+ per person per night (USD 300–900).
- Government ferry alternative: INR 200–800 per person one-way; upgrade to cabin if available.
Top Things To Do in Little Andaman
- Butler Bay Beach: A sweeping crescent of sand famous for surf and solitude. Swimming is seasonal; heed safety flags and crocodile advisories.
- White Surf Waterfall: A photogenic cascade within the rainforest; typically a short walk from the nearest trailhead.
- Whisper Wave Waterfall: Deeper in the jungle, accessed by a longer ride and trek. Go with a local guide and carry adequate water.
- Little Andaman Lighthouse (near Hut Bay): Panoramic coastal views when open to visitors. Access hours can vary.
- Mangrove Kayaking: Gentle paddles through creeks during high tide, with birdlife and mirror-calm channels.
- Surfing (seasonal): Shoulder-season waves around Butler Bay. Local surf outfits may operate intermittently; bring your own gear if you’re particular.
How to Reach Little Andaman
- By Air to Port Blair: Daily flights from major Indian cities to Veer Savarkar International Airport.
- Port Blair to Little Andaman (Hut Bay):
- Government ferries: 6–9 hours depending on the sea; schedules are weather-dependent. Book through the Directorate of Shipping Services counters in Port Blair.
- Helicopter (limited): Admin-run seats primarily for residents and emergencies; tourist seats, if any, are very limited and subject to last-minute changes.
- Private yacht/charter: Depart from Port Blair with a licensed operator. All permits and landing permissions must be secured in advance.
Accommodation & Estimated Costs
Little Andaman offers simple, rustic stays rather than polished luxury resorts. Most lodging is centered around Hut Bay and near Butler Bay.
- Guesthouses/Eco Huts: INR 1,200–3,000 per night for basic rooms.
- Mid-range cottages (limited): INR 3,000–6,000 per night where available.
- Meals: INR 200–500 per person at local eateries; fresh seafood depends on daily catch.
- Scooter rental: INR 500–800 per day; carry cash and fuel up when possible.
- Guided activities (waterfalls/kayaking): INR 800–2,500 per person depending on duration and group size.
Luxury alternative: For a premium experience, consider sleeping aboard a private charter yacht while day-tripping ashore where permitted.
Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
- Food: Homestyle Indian coastal fare—fresh fish thalis, simple curries, and coconut-infused dishes. Expect limited menus and early closing hours.
- Shopping: Very minimal. Small markets in Hut Bay sell essentials, coconuts, and seasonal produce. Handicrafts are limited; don’t expect boutique stores.
- Culture: A blend of settler communities from mainland India. Respect local customs, dress modestly in villages, and always follow guidance on restricted tribal areas.
Nearby Attractions & Extensions
- Port Blair: Cellular Jail sound-and-light show, museums, and Corbyn’s Cove.
- Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island (Ross Island): Colonial ruins and deer among banyans—accessed from Port Blair.
- Swaraj Dweep (Havelock) & Shaheed Dweep (Neil): Iconic beaches, snorkeling, and diving; better developed for hospitality than Little Andaman.
Travel Tips
- Permits & access: Indian nationals usually do not require special permits to visit the notified zones of Little Andaman. Foreign nationals may face additional restrictions; always check the latest A&N Administration advisories.
- Cash & connectivity: ATMs are limited and may be offline; carry sufficient cash. Mobile data is patchy; BSNL works best.
- Safety: Saltwater crocodiles inhabit some creeks and lagoons. Heed warning signs, avoid swimming in murky waters and at dawn/dusk, and never enter closed areas.
- Environment: No drones without permits; no plastics on beaches; pack out all waste; do not disturb wildlife or enter tribal reserve zones.
- Weather: Seas can turn rough quickly. Build buffer days for ferries and charters, especially outside peak season.
- Health: Basic medical facilities exist in Hut Bay, but serious care requires Port Blair. Carry personal medication and a first-aid kit.
Traveler-Specific Advice
For Families
- Choose the calm season (Dec–Mar) for smoother crossings.
- Book confirmed return ferry seats; carry snacks, water, and motion-sickness meds.
- Stick to lifeguarded or locally recommended swim spots only.
For Honeymooners
- Consider a private yacht charter for privacy and flexible timing.
- Pick eco-cottages near Butler Bay for quiet sunsets and starry skies.
- Plan light, meaningful activities—waterfall picnics, guided mangrove paddles.
For Friends/Backpackers
- Travel with cash, a basic toolkit, and spare phone batteries.
- Rent a scooter to reach trailheads; start early for waterfalls.
- Respect surf etiquette; conditions can be powerful—know your limits.
FAQs
Q: Do luxury cruise ships stop at Little Andaman?
A: Not regularly. Large ships usually call at Port Blair. Little Andaman is typically accessible via government ferries or by arranging a permitted private charter/yacht.
Q: Is Little Andaman open to foreign tourists?
A: Tourism is allowed only in notified zones. Rules for foreign nationals can change; check the latest list and permit requirements with the Andaman & Nicobar Administration before travel.
Q: What’s the best month to visit?
A: December to March offers the most reliable seas and sunshine. Monsoon months bring heavy rain and possible ferry cancellations.
Q: Are there luxury resorts on Little Andaman?
A: No. Accommodation is mostly simple guesthouses and eco huts. For a premium experience, consider a private charter yacht and day trips ashore.
Q: Can I swim anywhere on the island?
A: Swim only where locals advise it’s safe. Some beaches and creeks have crocodile risks and strong currents. Obey all signage and local guidance.
Conclusion
Little Andaman rewards patient travelers with rainforest waterfalls, unpeopled beaches, and a rare sense of remoteness. While mainstream luxury cruises seldom include it, a well-planned charter or a ferry-plus-eco-stay approach offers an immersive, low-impact way to experience the island. Time your visit for calmer seas, respect sensitive zones and wildlife, and you’ll discover one of the Andamans’ most untamed corners.
