Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Why Andaman Is Perfect for Couples
- Top Cities/Places for Couples
- Romantic Tourist Circuits
- Best Activities for Couples in Andaman
- Sample Itineraries for Couples
- Festivals & Events
- How to Reach Andaman
- Where to Stay & Estimated Costs
- Food, Shopping & Culture
- Budget Tips & Money Matters
- Safety, Permits & Responsible Travel
- Travel Tips: Couples, Families, Friends
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Dreaming of turquoise waters, powdery white beaches, and intimate island moments? The Andaman Islands deliver all that and more for couples. From sunset strolls at Radhanagar Beach to private candlelight dinners by the sea and bioluminescent kayak tours, Andaman is tailor-made for romance. This guide covers the best things to do in Andaman for couples, complete itineraries, costs, and insider tips so you can plan a stress-free, memory-rich getaway.
Why Andaman Is Perfect for Couples
- Pristine beaches with minimal crowds and crystal-clear lagoons.
- World-class snorkeling and beginner-friendly scuba diving together.
- Romantic stays in beachfront cottages and boutique eco-resorts.
- Unique experiences: sea walk, mangrove kayaking, bioluminescence nights.
- Easy logistics from mainland India with good connectivity via Port Blair.
Best time for couples: November to April for calm seas and sunny days. May and early June are shoulder months with some humidity. Monsoon (June–September) brings rough seas and intermittent closures of water activities.
Top Cities/Places for Couples
1) Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island)
- Radhanagar Beach (Beach No. 7): India’s iconic sunset beach; long romantic walks and photography.
- Elephant Beach: Snorkeling, glass-bottom boat rides, sea walk. Reach by speedboat or a short forest trek.
- Kalapathar Beach: Early-morning serenity; occasional bioluminescence sightings at night.
2) Shaheed Dweep (Neil Island)
- Laxmanpur Beach: Golden sunsets, natural rock bridge; quiet and couple-friendly.
- Bharatpur Beach: Clear blue shallows perfect for glass-bottom boat rides and snorkeling.
3) Port Blair
- Cellular Jail: A poignant walk through history with an evening Light & Sound show.
- Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island (Ross Island): Ruins draped in banyan roots; short boat ride from Aberdeen Jetty.
- Chidiya Tapu & Munda Pahad: Dramatic sunsets, easy coastal hike, and birdlife.
4) Baratang Island (Day Trip)
- Limestone Caves: Boat through mangroves to stunning cave formations.
- Mud Volcano: A quirky natural attraction; combine with caves for a full day.
5) North Andaman (Rangat–Diglipur)
- Ross & Smith Islands (Diglipur): Twin islands connected by a sandbar; postcard-perfect and secluded.
- Alfred Caves (Rangat): For adventurous couples who enjoy light trekking.
Romantic Tourist Circuits
Classic Southern Circuit (Most Popular for Couples)
Port Blair → Swaraj Dweep (Havelock) → Shaheed Dweep (Neil) → Port Blair
- Ideal duration: 5–7 days
- Highlights: Water sports, beach sunsets, candlelight dinners, bioluminescent kayaking.
Extended North Andaman Circuit
Port Blair → Havelock → Neil → Rangat → Diglipur → Port Blair
- Ideal duration: 7–9 days
- Highlights: Fewer crowds, Ross & Smith sandbar, scenic drives and nature trails.
Nature & History Circuit
Port Blair base with day trips
- Cellular Jail, Ross Island, North Bay (sea walk), Chidiya Tapu sunset, Jolly Buoy/Red Skin for snorkeling.
- Ideal for short 3–4 day romantic escapes.
Best Activities for Couples in Andaman
Water & Adventure
- Discover Scuba Diving: Havelock and Neil; clear reefs and vibrant fish. Approx. INR 3,500–6,500 per person.
- Snorkeling: Elephant Beach, Bharatpur Beach, Jolly Buoy. Guide + gear from INR 800–1,500.
- Sea Walk: North Bay or Elephant Beach; underwater stroll hand-in-hand. Around INR 3,500–4,500 per person.
- Mangrove Kayaking (day or night): Havelock and Port Blair. INR 2,000–3,000 per person; night tours may reveal bioluminescence (seasonal).
- Glass-Bottom Boat/Jetski/Parasailing: Ideal if you want fun without deep dives. INR 800–3,000 per activity.
Romance & Relaxation
- Candlelight Dinner on the Beach: Offered by many Havelock/Neil resorts. INR 3,000–7,000 per couple.
- Sunset Chasing: Radhanagar, Laxmanpur, Chidiya Tapu.
- Spa & Wellness: Couples’ massages at mid-to-luxury resorts. INR 3,000–8,000 per couple.
- Private Photoshoot: Golden hour at Radhanagar or Laxmanpur for timeless memories.
Culture & Nature
- Cellular Jail Light & Sound Show: Moving storytelling under the stars.
- Forest Trails: Munda Pahad walk, Alfred Caves (guided), and short elephant beach trek.
- Island Hopping: Ross Island ruins, North Bay corals, and Jolly Buoy’s marine sanctuary (seasonal rotation with Red Skin).
Sample Itineraries for Couples
4 Days / 3 Nights: Short Romantic Escape
- Day 1: Arrive Port Blair; Cellular Jail + Light & Sound; marine museum or Corbyn’s Cove.
- Day 2: Ferry to Havelock; Radhanagar sunset; candlelight dinner.
- Day 3: Elephant Beach water sports; evening free at resort.
- Day 4: Morning beach time; return to Port Blair; fly out.
5 Days / 4 Nights: Classic Couple Itinerary
- Day 1: Port Blair sightseeing + evening show.
- Day 2: Havelock transfer; Radhanagar Beach.
- Day 3: Scuba dive or snorkeling; night mangrove kayaking (seasonal).
- Day 4: Neil Island; Bharatpur Beach, Natural Bridge; sunset at Laxmanpur.
- Day 5: Return to Port Blair; souvenir shopping; depart.
7 Days / 6 Nights: Leisure & North Andaman Touch
- Day 1–2: Port Blair + Ross Island; Jolly Buoy/Red Skin (if open).
- Day 3–4: Havelock for water sports, spa, and beach time.
- Day 5: Neil Island slow day; sunset at Laxmanpur.
- Day 6: Drive/ferry to Diglipur; Ross & Smith Islands.
- Day 7: Return to Port Blair; fly out.
Festivals & Events
- Island Tourism Festival (Port Blair): Usually in January; cultural shows, food stalls, and local crafts.
- Beach Festivals: Periodic beach events featuring music and local cuisine during peak season.
- Subhash Mela (Havelock/Swaraj Dweep): Cultural programs around January.
How to Reach Andaman
By Air
- Port Blair (IXZ) is the gateway. Direct/connecting flights from Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Delhi, and Mumbai.
- Flight time: 2–2.5 hours from Chennai/Kolkata; 3.5–5 hours from other metros (often via connection).
By Sea
- Occasional passenger ships from Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam (3–4 days). Limited schedules; basic cabins; for slow travel only.
Inter-Island Transfers
- Ferries: Govt. and private catamarans (e.g., to Havelock/Neil). One-way INR 600–2,200 per person depending on class and operator.
- Local transport: Taxis, autos, and rented scooters (Havelock/Neil: INR 500–800 per day, fuel extra).
Where to Stay & Estimated Costs
Accommodation Types
- Budget stays: Guesthouses and homestays in Port Blair, Havelock, Neil (INR 1,500–3,000 per night).
- Mid-range resorts: Beach cottages with on-site dining (INR 3,500–8,000 per night).
- Luxury & boutique: Private villas, pools, spa (INR 10,000–25,000+ per night).
Estimated Couple Trip Costs (5D/4N, excluding flights)
- Budget: INR 40,000–60,000 per couple (ferries, budget stays, a few activities).
- Comfort: INR 70,000–1,10,000 per couple (mid-range resorts, 2–3 paid activities, private transfers).
- Luxury: INR 1,30,000–2,50,000+ per couple (premium resorts, spa, private experiences).
Food, Shopping & Culture
Local Food to Try
- Fresh seafood: lobster, crab, tiger prawns, tuna, reef fish.
- Andaman-style fish curry with coconut; Bengali and South Indian influences.
- Vegetarian options available at most restaurants; try coastal thalis and tropical fruits.
Where to Shop (Ethical Souvenirs)
- Sagarika Emporium (Port Blair): Government-run; authentic handicrafts, cane, jute, seashell art (avoid coral/rare shells).
- Local markets for spices, handmade soaps, coconut products.
Culture Snapshot
- Diverse communities: Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Nicobarese, and others.
- Colonial history at Cellular Jail and Ross Island ruins.
- Easygoing island vibe; respectful dress near towns and religious sites.
Budget Tips & Money Matters
- Book ferries and stays early in peak season (Dec–Feb).
- Choose 2–3 paid activities and enjoy beaches for low-cost days.
- Use scooters on Havelock/Neil for flexibility and savings.
- ATMs are limited on the smaller islands; carry sufficient cash.
- Mobile data can be patchy; save offline maps, tickets, and confirmations.
Safety, Permits & Responsible Travel
- Permits: Indian nationals do not need special permits for most tourist islands. Foreign nationals typically need a Restricted Area Permit (RAP), usually issued on arrival at Port Blair. Certain protected areas are off-limits.
- Jolly Buoy/Red Skin: Day permits may be required and availability is seasonal; check locally.
- Baratang transit: You will pass regulated zones; do not stop or photograph tribal reserves.
- Water safety: Heed lifeguards; avoid swimming during red-flag days; currents can be strong.
- Environmental care: Reef-safe sunscreen, no touching coral, no littering, and no coral/shell collection.
- Drones: Often require permissions; check local regulations before flying.
Travel Tips: Couples, Families, Friends
For Couples/Honeymooners
- Plan at least one splurge: a beachfront dinner, spa, or private boat trip.
- Schedule dives/snorkel early morning for calmer seas and better visibility.
- Pick stays near Radhanagar (Havelock) or Laxmanpur (Neil) for easy sunset walks.
For Families
- Choose calm beaches (Bharatpur, Radhanagar) and glass-bottom boats for kids.
- Carry motion sickness meds for ferries; keep snacks and water handy.
- Confirm age limits for activities (e.g., scuba usually 10+ for junior programs).
For Friends/Groups
- Bundle activities for group discounts; pre-book ferries together.
- Consider scooter rentals for flexibility on Havelock/Neil.
- Pick a mix of adventure (dives) and chill days (sunset beaches).
FAQs
Q: What is the best time to visit Andaman for couples?
A: November to April offers the best weather and sea conditions for beaches and water sports. December–February is peak season; book in advance.
Q: How many days are enough for a romantic Andaman trip?
A: A comfortable 5–6 days lets you cover Port Blair, Havelock, and Neil with time for activities and relaxation. Short getaways work in 3–4 days.
Q: Is Andaman safe for couples and honeymooners?
A: Yes, it’s one of India’s safest beach destinations. Follow beach safety flags, book licensed operators for water sports, and avoid restricted areas.
Q: What are must-do romantic activities in Andaman?
A: Radhanagar sunset, candlelight beach dinner, snorkeling or scuba in Havelock/Neil, sea walk at North Bay, and night mangrove kayaking (seasonal bioluminescence).
Q: Do we need special permits to visit Andaman islands?
A: Indian nationals don’t need special permits for popular islands like Havelock and Neil. Foreign nationals typically need a Restricted Area Permit, issued on arrival. Some protected islands remain off-limits to all.
Conclusion
Andaman is a natural choice for couples seeking a blend of soft-adventure, serene beaches, and intimate moments. Stay by the sea, chase sunsets at Radhanagar and Laxmanpur, dive into coral gardens, and savor slow island days. With smart planning around ferries, seasons, and activities, your romantic Andaman itinerary can be as relaxed or as adventurous as you wish—leaving you with luminous memories long after you’ve left the islands.
