Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Must-Visit Places with Kids
- Fun Activities and Experiences
- Local Culture and Food
- Shopping in Port Blair
- Nearby Getaways for Families
- How to Reach Port Blair
- Accommodation Options for Families
- Estimated Costs
- Travel Tips by Traveler Type
- Safety, Permits and Responsible Travel
- 2–4 Day Family Itineraries
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Port Blair, the emerald gateway to India’s Andaman Islands, is a surprisingly easy, safe, and delightfully educational destination for families. From calm beaches and coral safaris to hands-on museums and a stirring tryst with history at Cellular Jail, the city blends outdoor fun with learning—perfect for curious kids and relaxed parents.
This guide distills the best family-friendly places, easy day trips, costs, stays, and practical tips so you can plan a smooth, memory-rich holiday in Port Blair with kids.
Must-Visit Places with Kids
Cellular Jail (Kala Pani) and Light & Sound Show
- Why go: A powerful, age-appropriate history lesson for older kids (8+). The evening show narrates India’s freedom struggle.
- Good to know: Day entry is shorter and less intense; the show can be moving. English/Hindi shows on different days; book early.
Corbyn’s Cove Beach
- Why go: Close to town with gentle waves, coconut groves, and snacks nearby—great for a low-effort beach hour.
- Safety: Follow lifeguard advice; heed any crocodile advisories and swim only in designated zones.
Samudrika Naval Marine Museum
- Why go: A compact, engaging primer on Andaman’s corals, shells, marine life, and tribal history—ideal before island-hopping.
- Tip: Pair with the Fisheries Museum by the waterfront for a full marine morning.
Fisheries Museum (Aquarium)
- Why go: Tanks of local reef fish help kids identify species they’ll spot on glass-bottom rides and snorkels.
Chatham Saw Mill & Museum
- Why go: One of Asia’s oldest saw mills; kids enjoy seeing giant logs, mill machinery, and a small museum.
- Tip: Protective walkways keep it safe; plan for 45–60 minutes.
Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex
- Why go: Central hub for ferries to Ross Island (Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island) and North Bay, plus easy family water sports.
Anthropological Museum
- Why go: Sensitive, informative exhibits on indigenous communities. Good for teens; supervise and explain context to younger kids.
Chidiyatapu (Sunset Point) & Biological Park
- Why go: Birding, mangroves, gentle nature walk to Munda Pahad viewpoint, and a small biological park for little explorers.
- Timing: Go in the afternoon for sunset; carry snacks and water.
Fun Activities and Experiences
- Glass-Bottom Boat Rides (North Bay/Coral reefs): Coral gardens and clownfish sightings without getting wet—great for ages 3+.
- Coral Safari Semi-Submarine: Air-conditioned, seated viewing of reefs—ideal for toddlers, seniors, and non-swimmers.
- Snorkeling for Beginners: Calm, guided sessions at North Bay or Jolly Buoy (seasonal). Floatation devices available; ages ~5+ with a guardian.
- Try Scuba (Discover Scuba Diving): Usually for ages 10+ with medical clearance; shallow, instructor-led dives.
- Beach Time: Sandcastle sessions at Corbyn’s Cove and, on trips, Radhanagar Beach (Swaraj Dweep/Havelock) with gentle slopes.
- Nature Walks: Short trails at Chidiyatapu and in Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park (Wandoor) offer birding and mangrove views.
- Evening Promenade: Marina Park has a seafront walkway, rides for small kids, and street snacks.
Local Culture and Food
Port Blair’s culture is a vibrant mix of settlers from mainland India and indigenous island heritage. The city’s rhythm is unhurried, sea-facing, and family-friendly.
Kid-Friendly Food Picks
- Fresh seafood: Grilled fish, fish fingers, prawn fry.
- Comfort staples: Idli-dosa, parathas, pulao, egg curry.
- Coolers: Fresh coconut water, sugarcane juice, local ice creams.
- Allergies: Confirm oil types and spice levels; ask for less-chilli versions.
Cultural Touchpoints
- Light & Sound Show at Cellular Jail for a historical narrative.
- Festive vibes during Island Tourism Festival (dates vary; usually winter months).
- Responsible curiosity: Museums offer context about indigenous groups—avoid intrusive conversations or photography if you travel through reserve areas.
Shopping in Port Blair
- Sagarika Government Emporium: Best for authentic, fairly-priced handicrafts—coconut shell art, bamboo, shells (non-protected), and local textiles.
- Aberdeen Bazaar: Souvenirs, snacks, travel essentials.
- What not to buy: Coral, turtle shell, or any protected marine life products—strictly illegal.
Nearby Getaways for Families
- Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island (Ross Island) – 15 mins by boat:
- Colonial ruins wrapped in banyans; deer and peacocks roam. Easy half-day with kids.
- North Bay Island – 30–40 mins by boat:
- Glass-bottom rides, snorkeling, semi-submarine. Shallow reefs make it beginner-friendly.
- Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island) – 1.5–2.5 hrs by ferry:
- Radhanagar Beach (calm, wide), Elephant Beach (water activities). Plan 1–3 nights with kids.
- Shaheed Dweep (Neil Island) – 1–2 hrs by ferry:
- Natural Bridge, Bharatpur Beach’s lagoon—great for toddlers learning to paddle.
- Wandoor & Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park – 45–60 mins by road:
- Boats to Jolly Buoy/Red Skin (alternate seasons). Exceptional clarity for coral viewing.
- Baratang (Limestone Caves & Mud Volcano) – Long day trip:
- 4–5 hrs each way by road; convoy rules through a tribal reserve. Suitable for patient kids/teens; start early.
How to Reach Port Blair
- By Air: Direct flights to Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ) from major Indian cities like Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Delhi (seasonal/connecting).
- By Sea: Long passenger ships (60–70 hours) from Chennai/Kolkata/Visakhapatnam operate infrequently and are basic—generally not recommended with young kids.
- Local Transport: Taxis, auto-rickshaws, and pre-booked cabs. Ferries for islands; book government or private ferries in advance during peak season.
Accommodation Options for Families
- Best Areas:
- Aberdeen Bazaar/Marine Hill: Central, easy for museums and dining.
- Corbyn’s Cove: Beach access and quieter evenings.
- Haddo/Phoenix Bay: Convenient for jetties and ferries.
- Family-Friendly Features to Seek:
- Spacious family rooms or interconnecting rooms.
- On-site dining with kids’ menu and early dinner hours.
- Airport transfers, in-house travel desk for ferries.
- Backup power and reliable water supply (important on islands).
- Indicative Nightly Rates (2 adults + 1–2 kids):
- Budget guesthouses: INR 1,500–3,000
- Mid-range hotels/resorts: INR 3,500–7,500
- Upscale beach resorts: INR 8,000–18,000
Estimated Costs
Approximate, per family of 3–4. Prices vary by season and availability.
- Flights (round-trip from mainland India): INR 8,000–25,000 per adult; kids often discounted.
- Hotel: INR 3,000–10,000 per night for family-friendly stays in Port Blair.
- Meals: INR 1,200–2,500 per day (family), depending on cuisine and restaurants.
- Local Transport: INR 300–800 per short taxi hop; day hire INR 2,500–4,000.
- Activities (per person):
- Cellular Jail entry: ~INR 30–50; Light & Sound Show: ~INR 300–400
- Glass-bottom boat: ~INR 700–1,200
- Semi-submarine (Coral Safari): ~INR 1,800–2,500
- Snorkeling (guided): ~INR 1,000–1,800
- Try scuba (10+): ~INR 3,500–5,500
- Jolly Buoy boat + permits: ~INR 1,000–1,800
Tip: Peak season (Nov–Feb) sees higher rates; book ferries and family rooms well in advance.
Travel Tips by Traveler Type
Families with Kids
- Packing: Reef-safe sunscreen, hats, rash guards, floaties, quick-dry towels, insect repellent, basic meds/ORS.
- Scheduling: Plan one water or museum activity + one rest window daily; avoid midday heat for toddlers.
- Safety: Life jackets for all boat rides; follow lifeguard flags; keep kids close at jetties and rocky shores.
- Seasickness: Carry medication for boat days; snack lightly before sailings.
Honeymooners
- Pick sunset spots: Chidiyatapu and Ross Island late boat rides (as permitted) for golden-hour photos.
- Balance: Combine Port Blair history with 2–3 nights on Swaraj Dweep for beaches and quieter stays.
Friends/Groups
- Activities: Try multi-activity combos—snorkel + semi-submarine + sunset beach time.
- Logistics: Book adjacent ferry seats and pre-arrange taxis for economical splits.
Safety, Permits and Responsible Travel
- Permits: Indian citizens don’t need permits for Port Blair. Foreign tourists can visit notified islands; avoid restricted/tribal areas. Carry valid ID.
- National Parks: MG Marine National Park requires entry tickets and sometimes camera fees; follow no-plastic and no-litter rules.
- Marine Protection: Do not touch or stand on corals; avoid buying coral or shell curios made from protected species.
- Drones: Often restricted near the airport and sensitive zones; seek permissions before flying.
- Weather & Seas: Monsoon (Jun–Sep) brings choppy seas and sporadic boat cancellations—keep buffer days.
- Connectivity: 4G exists but can be patchy; download offline maps and ferry e-tickets.
- Medical: Port Blair has hospitals and pharmacies; outer islands have limited facilities—carry essentials.
2–4 Day Family Itineraries
2 Days: Port Blair Highlights
- Day 1: Samudrika + Fisheries Museum → Marina Park → Cellular Jail (day) → Light & Sound Show.
- Day 2: Morning ferry to Ross Island → North Bay for glass-bottom/snorkel → Evening at Corbyn’s Cove.
3 Days: Add Nature
- Days 1–2: As above.
- Day 3: Wandoor and (seasonal) Jolly Buoy/Red Skin for pristine coral viewing → Return via Chidiyatapu sunset.
4 Days: Easy-Paced Family Trip
- Days 1–2: Museums, Cellular Jail, Ross + North Bay.
- Day 3: Leisure morning → Ferry to Swaraj Dweep (Havelock) → Radhanagar Beach sunset.
- Day 4: Elephant Beach water fun (if open) → Return to Port Blair.
FAQs
Q: What is the best time to visit Port Blair with kids?
A: November to April offers pleasant weather and calmer seas—ideal for boat trips and beach time. Monsoon (June–September) brings frequent showers and possible ferry cancellations.
Q: Are water activities safe for young children?
A: Yes, if you choose reputable operators, insist on proper life jackets, and stick to beginner-friendly options like glass-bottom rides and shallow snorkeling. Always follow crew and lifeguard instructions.
Q: Can strollers be used around attractions?
A: In museums and along the seafront promenade, yes. For beaches, Ross Island paths, and hill viewpoints like Munda Pahad, a baby carrier is more practical.
Q: Do we need to pre-book ferries and the Light & Sound Show?
A: During peak season, pre-book both. Ferries to Swaraj/Neil and combo tickets for Ross + North Bay sell out quickly; the show also fills up on weekends.
Q: What should we pack for kids?
A: Reef-safe sunscreen, hats, UV swimwear, floatation aids, insect repellent, basic meds/ORS, light rain jackets (monsoon), and waterproof phone pouches.
Conclusion
Port Blair makes an outstanding family base: museums that spark curiosity, safe intro-to-ocean experiences, and simple logistics. With calm beaches, coral-viewing rides, and meaningful history, you can balance play and learning at a child-friendly pace—and return home with fresh sea air in your lungs and stories your kids will retell for years.
