Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Must-Visit Places in Port Blair for Groups
- Local Culture, Food & Shopping
- Nearby Getaways from Port Blair
- How to Reach Port Blair
- Accommodation Options for Groups
- Sample Group Itineraries
- Activities & Experiences for Groups
- Best Time to Visit
- Estimated Costs for Group Tour Packages
- Permits & Practicalities
- Travel Tips for Families, Friends & Honeymooners
- Safety & Sustainable Travel Tips
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Port Blair, the gateway to India’s emerald Andaman Islands, blends poignant history, tropical beaches, and easy access to coral-rich waters. For groups—friends, families, office teams—Port Blair is ideal: compact to navigate, packed with attractions like Cellular Jail and Ross Island, and linked to bucket-list getaways such as Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) and Neil (Shaheed Dweep). This guide covers everything you need for Port Blair group tour packages: what to see, where to stay, how to plan itineraries, and realistic costs.
Must-Visit Places in Port Blair for Groups
Top highlights
- Cellular Jail (Kala Pani): Explore India’s freedom struggle history; stay for the evening Sound & Light Show (book ahead).
- Ross Island (Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Dweep): Photogenic colonial ruins, peacocks and deer, quick boat ride from Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex.
- North Bay Island: Sea-walk, snorkeling, glass-bottom boat—great for mixed-ability groups.
- Corbyn’s Cove Beach: Close-to-town beach for parasailing, jet-skiing, and relaxed group time.
- Chidiya Tapu: Golden-hour sunsets; add the short forested trek to Munda Pahad viewpoint if time allows.
- Mount Manipur National Park (Mount Harriet): Viewpoints, nature trails; popular for the Mount Harriet–Madhuban trek.
- Wandoor & Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park: Seasonal trips to Jolly Buoy/Red Skin for pristine reefs (permit-controlled).
- Samudrika Marine Museum & Anthropological Museum: Bite-sized culture and nature stops that suit larger groups.
- Marina Park & Aquarium, Flag Point: Easy, walkable evening options.
Group-friendly pacing tips
- Pair Cellular Jail + Corbyn’s Cove for a relaxed day; schedule the Sound & Light Show post-sunset.
- Do Ross + North Bay on the same day via combo boat tickets.
- Keep one flexible slot for weather-sensitive boats or museum time.
Local Culture, Food & Shopping
Culture
- A welcoming mix of communities: Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Nicobarese, Punjabi, and more.
- Festivals are pan-Indian; cultural shows often coincide with tourist season.
Food
- What to try: Seafood thalis, fish curry with steamed rice, grilled lobster/crab (seasonal), coconut-based curries.
- Dietary needs: Many places cater to vegetarians and Jain meals with advance notice; communicate for large groups.
Shopping
- Aberdeen Bazaar: Souvenirs, beachwear, snacks.
- Sagarika Government Emporium: Authorized handicrafts, shell/cane work.
- Responsible shopping: Avoid coral, turtle shell, or black coral products; purchase only from authorized outlets and keep bills.
Nearby Getaways from Port Blair
- Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) (1.5–2.5 hrs by ferry): Radhanagar Beach, Elephant Beach water sports, intro scuba dives.
- Neil (Shaheed Dweep) (1–2 hrs by ferry): Natural Bridge, Bharatpur Beach (snorkeling), Laxmanpur sunset.
- Baratang Island (day trip by road + boat): Limestone caves, mud volcano; early start required.
- Diglipur (2–3 days round trip): Ross & Smith twin islands, Saddle Peak trek; best for longer itineraries.
How to Reach Port Blair
- By Air: Fly into Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ). Direct/connecting flights from major Indian cities; flight time from Chennai/Kolkata ~2–2.5 hours.
- By Sea: Occasional passenger ships from Chennai, Kolkata, Visakhapatnam (multi-day; basic facilities). Useful for slow travelers, not typical for short group tours.
- Inter-island ferries: Government and private ferries connect Port Blair with Havelock/Neil. Book early in peak months; carry valid ID.
Accommodation Options for Groups
- Budget (INR 1,200–3,000/room/night): Guesthouses and simple hotels around Aberdeen Bazaar; good for student groups.
- Mid-range (INR 3,500–7,500): City hotels and beachfront stays near Corbyn’s Cove; family rooms often available.
- Premium (INR 8,000–18,000+): Resorts with pools, sea-view rooms, and banquet spaces—suitable for corporate offsites and reunions.
- Group tips: Confirm bed configurations (twin/double), ask for extra rollaway beds, and check breakfast timings for large parties.
Sample Group Itineraries
3 Days / 2 Nights: Port Blair Highlights
- Day 1: Arrival, Corbyn’s Cove, Cellular Jail + Sound & Light Show.
- Day 2: Ross Island + North Bay (water sports); evening at Marina Park.
- Day 3: Samudrika + Anthropological Museum; shopping at Aberdeen Bazaar; fly out.
5 Days / 4 Nights: Port Blair + Havelock or Neil
- Day 1: Arrive Port Blair; Cellular Jail, Sound & Light Show.
- Day 2: Ferry to Havelock; Radhanagar Beach sunset.
- Day 3: Elephant Beach water sports or intro scuba; evening ferry back or overnight at Havelock.
- Day 4: Return to Port Blair; Chidiya Tapu sunset.
- Day 5: Wandoor/Jolly Buoy (seasonal) or museums; departure.
Activities & Experiences for Groups
- Water sports: Snorkeling, sea-walk (North Bay), jet-ski, parasailing, banana boat.
- Scuba diving: Try dives with certified operators; group discounts common.
- Nature & treks: Mount Manipur viewpoints, Munda Pahad trail.
- Boating: Glass-bottom boats at North Bay/Jolly Buoy; sunset harbor cruise.
- Heritage: Guided tours of Cellular Jail and Ross Island ruins.
Best Time to Visit
- October–May: Best weather and sea conditions; peak season Dec–Feb.
- June–September (Monsoon): Rains, choppy seas, possible ferry cancellations; good hotel deals but flexible plans needed.
- Shoulder months: Oct–Nov and Mar–Apr balance value and conditions.
Estimated Costs for Group Tour Packages
Indicative per-person estimates for groups of 8–20 travelers. Actuals vary by dates, hotel category, and inclusions.
- Flights (round-trip India–Port Blair): INR 10,000–22,000 (ex-Chennai/Kolkata at lower end; metro hubs higher).
- Accommodation (per night, twin-sharing): Budget INR 800–1,800; Mid-range INR 1,800–4,000; Premium INR 4,500–9,000.
- Meals: INR 600–1,200 per person/day for mixed veg–nonveg group menus.
- Local transport: Coach/tempo traveler INR 4,000–8,000 per day; airport transfers INR 600–1,200 per vehicle (small).
- Ferries (PB–Havelock–Neil): INR 1,200–3,000 per sector depending on class/operator.
- Entrances & shows: Cellular Jail & museums INR 100–500 total; Sound & Light Show INR 300–600.
- Water sports: Snorkeling INR 1,000–1,800; Sea-walk INR 3,000–4,500; Try dive INR 3,500–6,500.
Typical package ballparks (excluding flights)
- 3D/2N Port Blair-only: INR 6,500–12,000 per person (budget to mid-range).
- 5D/4N PB + Havelock: INR 14,000–28,000 per person (hotel class and ferry type sensitive).
- With more activities (sea-walk/dive): add INR 3,000–6,000 per person.
Permits & Practicalities
- Permits: Indian nationals typically don’t need special permits for Port Blair, Havelock, Neil, Ross, North Bay, Wandoor. Some protected islands/parks require day permits. Foreign nationals should check current Restricted Area/Protected Area notifications and carry passport/visa at all times.
- Connectivity: Best in Port Blair; patchy on outlying islands. Prepaid SIMs may have limitations; carry offline maps.
- Payments: ATMs available in Port Blair; carry cash for ferries, small shops, and remote beaches.
- Weather & health: Hydrate; reef-safe sunscreen; hats; motion-sickness remedies for choppy seas; basic first-aid kit.
- Local rules: No littering or plastic on protected islands; follow lifeguard and forestry instructions.
Travel Tips for Families, Friends & Honeymooners
Families
- Choose central hotels with early breakfasts; request interconnecting rooms.
- Pick gentle beaches (Corbyn’s Cove, Bharatpur at Neil) and glass-bottom boats for kids.
- Carry snacks, sun protection, and light rainwear.
Friends/Office Groups
- Bundle activities (sea-walk, snorkel, jet-ski) on one day for group rates.
- Reserve a tempo traveler/mini-coach for smoother coordination.
- Evenings are mellow; plan group dinners or beach games over nightlife.
Honeymooners within a group
- Opt for sea-view rooms and sunset slots (Chidiya Tapu, Radhanagar).
- Schedule lighter group mornings after late flights; add a private dinner on a free evening.
Safety & Sustainable Travel Tips
- Swim only in designated areas; heed flag warnings and lifeguards.
- Do not enter tribal reserve areas or photograph tribal communities.
- Use reef-safe sunscreen; never stand on coral; avoid feeding wildlife.
- Carry reusable water bottles; segregate waste; keep beaches clean.
FAQs
Q: How many days are enough for a Port Blair group trip?
A: For Port Blair highlights, 3 days/2 nights works. To include Havelock or Neil, plan 4–5 days. Add a day buffer in monsoon for weather-related ferry changes.
Q: Is Port Blair suitable for senior travelers and children?
A: Yes. Most sights involve short walks; boats have assisted boarding. Choose calm-water activities (glass-bottom boats) and avoid long treks in heat.
Q: Do we need to pre-book ferries and the Cellular Jail show?
A: In peak season, yes. Book private/government ferries 1–2 weeks ahead and reserve Sound & Light Show seats early to keep the group together.
Q: Can non-swimmers enjoy water activities?
A: Absolutely. Sea-walks, glass-bottom boats, and guided snorkeling with life jackets are non-swimmer friendly.
Q: What is the best month for clear water and calm seas?
A: November to March usually offers the best underwater visibility and smoother sailings.
Conclusion
Port Blair delivers an easy-to-manage group escape: soulful history at Cellular Jail, photogenic ruins on Ross Island, accessible water sports at North Bay, and day ferries to Havelock and Neil. With smart timing, pre-booked ferries, and group-friendly stays, you can balance heritage, beaches, and coral adventures—within clear budgets and comfortable pacing for all ages.
