March

Table of Index

• Andaman in March: Quick Overview
• Why Visit Andaman in March
• March Weather and Sea Conditions
• Best Places to Visit in March
• Top Things to Do in March
• Suggested 5–7 Day Itineraries
• Where to Stay
• Costs and Budget Tips
• How to Reach and Get Around
• Permits, Rules, and Safety
• What to Pack for March
• Responsible Travel Checklist
• FAQs about Andaman in March
• Conclusion

Andaman in March: Quick Overview

March sits in Andaman’s prime travel window: clear skies, calm seas, warm days, and excellent underwater visibility. It’s a sweet spot for scuba diving, snorkeling, island hopping, and relaxed beach time, with festive vibes around Holi and nature highlights like turtle nesting up north.

Why Visit Andaman in March

Peak beach weather without heavy monsoon

• Sunny days and low rainfall make March ideal for outdoor plans.
• Sea conditions are generally calm—great for ferries and water sports.

Underwater visibility is excellent

• Expect 15–30 m visibility at popular dive sites around Swaraj Dweep (Havelock) and Shaheed Dweep (Neil).

Festive color and cultural flavor

• Holi often falls in March, adding local celebrations to the experience.

Wildlife moments

• Turtle nesting is often observed around Diglipur (Kalipur and Ramnagar beaches) in late winter to spring.

March Weather and Sea Conditions

Temperature and humidity

• Day: 29–32°C; Night: 24–26°C.
• Humidity: moderate to high; sea breeze makes coastal spots pleasant.

Rain, wind, and sea state

• Low rainfall; brief showers possible late March.
• Sea: generally calm to slight—comfortable for inter-island cruises.

UV index and sun care

• UV can be extreme midday—pack reef-safe sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses.

Water temperature

• 28–29°C—perfect for long snorkeling or dive sessions.

Best Places to Visit in March

Port Blair

• Cellular Jail and Light & Sound Show (check weekly off-days and show timings).
• Ross Island (Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Dweep) for colonial ruins and deer.
• North Bay for snorkeling and sea-walk options.
• Jolly Buoy/Red Skin (seasonal) in Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park for stunning corals—permit required.

Swaraj Dweep (Havelock)

• Radhanagar Beach (sunset magnet, wide sands).
• Elephant Beach for snorkeling, sea walks, and water sports.
• Kalapathar Beach for serene mornings and photo stops.

Shaheed Dweep (Neil)

• Laxmanpur Beach (sunsets and natural rock bridge at low tide).
• Sitapur Beach (sunrise spot).
• Bharatpur Beach (glass-bottom boats, snorkeling).

Baratang

• Limestone Caves via mangrove creeks; convoy rules apply on the Andaman Trunk Road.
• Mud Volcano—unique geologic feature.

North Andaman (Rangat, Diglipur)

• Ross & Smith Twin Islands (sandbar heaven; check tides and permits).
• Kalipur and Ramnagar Beaches—turtle nesting hotspots (observe with guides, no disturbance).
• Amkunj and Curtbert Bay for quiet beaches and birding.

Top Things to Do in March

Scuba diving and snorkeling

• Dive sites around Havelock: Aquarium, Lighthouse, Johnny’s Gorge (for certified divers).
• Neil Island: Margherita’s Mischief, Junction—great for macro and coral gardens.
• Try a beginner course (DSD) or get certified (Open Water) in stable March seas.

Kayaking and bioluminescence

• Sunset and night mangrove kayaking at Havelock; bioluminescence often best on darker, moonless nights.

Sea walk and glass-bottom experiences

• Elephant Beach and North Bay offer easy, family-friendly reef encounters.

Island hopping and beaches

• Plan a Port Blair → Havelock → Neil loop with time for sunsets and easy mornings.

History and culture

• Cellular Jail museum, Samudrika Naval Marine Museum, Anthropological Museum, and local markets for handicrafts.

Festivals in March

• Holi brings color throws and music—celebrations are typically respectful and community-oriented.

Suggested 5–7 Day Itineraries

5-day Highlights

• Day 1: Arrive Port Blair; Cellular Jail and Light & Sound Show; Marina Park stroll.
• Day 2: Ferry to Havelock; Radhanagar Beach sunset.
• Day 3: Scuba intro or two dives; relax at Kalapathar.
• Day 4: Elephant Beach snorkeling or sea walk; café hopping.
• Day 5: Morning ferry to Port Blair; North Bay + Ross Island combo or Jolly Buoy (permit-dependent); depart.

7-day Relaxed Explorer

• Day 1: Port Blair sightseeing (Cellular Jail, museums, Corbyn’s Cove).
• Day 2: Jolly Buoy/Red Skin for pristine reefs; evening at Aberdeen Bazaar.
• Day 3: Havelock transfer; beach time at Radhanagar.
• Day 4: Two-tank dive or guided snorkeling; sunset kayaking.
• Day 5: Morning to Elephant Beach; afternoon ferry to Neil; Laxmanpur sunset.
• Day 6: Sunrise at Sitapur; Bharatpur glass-bottom/snorkel; ferry back to Port Blair.
• Day 7: Baratang Limestone Caves day trip (early start) or leisure day; fly out next morning if needed.

Itinerary tips

• Keep one buffer day for weather or ferry rescheduling.
• Book ferries and permits (where needed) in advance for March.

Where to Stay

Port Blair

• Convenient for first/last nights, museums, and day trips. Choose central locations near the jetty or airport.

Swaraj Dweep (Havelock)

• Stay near Beach No. 5 or Radhanagar for easy beach access and dining options.

Shaheed Dweep (Neil)

• Compact island—Bharatpur/Laxmanpur area offers quick access to beaches and boats.

Diglipur

• Limited but growing stays; ideal for nature lovers heading to Ross & Smith and turtle beaches.

Booking advice for March

• It’s a popular month—reserve stays 2–4 weeks ahead, especially for premium beach resorts.

Costs and Budget Tips

Typical per-person daily costs (indicative)

• Budget: INR 2,500–4,500 (guesthouses, local eateries, public ferries).
• Mid-range: INR 5,000–9,000 (comfortable resorts, some activities).
• Luxury: INR 10,000+ (beachfront villas, private experiences).

Activity price ballparks

• Scuba intro (DSD): INR 4,500–7,500.
• Certified dives: INR 3,500–5,500 per dive (gear included).
• Kayaking: INR 2,000–3,500.
• Sea walk/glass-bottom: INR 1,500–4,000.

Money-saving tips

• Choose government ferries over private catamarans when time-flexible.
• Bundle dives/snorkels with the same operator for better rates.
• Eat at local dhabas and seafood shacks; prebook stays and ferries.

How to Reach and Get Around

Flights to Port Blair (Veer Savarkar International Airport)

• Direct/connecting flights from Chennai, Kolkata, Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and more.
• Morning arrivals help catch same-day ferries to Havelock/Neil.

Ferries and catamarans

• Government ferries: economical, book early at counters or via agents.
• Private cruises (e.g., Makruzz, Nautika, ITT Majestic): faster, air-conditioned; book online in advance for March.

Local transport

• Airport and jetty transfers via taxis; autos for short hops.
• Scooters popular on Havelock/Neil—carry license and wear helmets.

Connectivity

• Mobile data has improved; Airtel/Jio/BSNL work in main hubs. Expect patchy signal in remote areas.

Permits, Rules, and Safety

Entry and local permits

• Indian nationals: no special entry permit for main tourist islands.
• Foreign nationals: permit rules can change; many receive required permissions on arrival. Check latest official advisories before travel.
• Forest/marine park permits may be needed (e.g., Jolly Buoy, Ross & Smith). Carry photo ID.

Dos and don’ts

• Single-use plastics are restricted—carry refillable bottles.
• No touching or collecting corals/shells; no feeding wildlife.
• Drone use requires permission; avoid restricted/defense zones.
• Photography of tribal communities is strictly prohibited; do not stop in reserve areas.

Safety tips

• Swim only in designated zones; heed lifeguard flags and currents.
• Use reef-safe sunscreen; stay hydrated; carry motion-sickness tablets for ferries.
• Check tide times for natural attractions (e.g., Neil’s Natural Bridge at low tide).

What to Pack for March

• Light cotton/linen clothing; swimwear and quick-dry towels.
• Reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 50+), sunglasses, hat/cap, UV rash guard.
• Waterproof phone pouch/dry bag; light rain jacket for brief showers.
• Snorkel mask if you prefer your own; aqua shoes for rocky entries.
• Basic meds (seasickness, antihistamines, insect repellent, ORS).
• Cash alongside cards; ATMs are limited on smaller islands.

Responsible Travel Checklist

• Choose licensed dive/snorkel operators that follow eco-standards.
• Carry back all non-biodegradable waste; refill water where possible.
• Respect marine life distances—no chasing turtles or rays.
• Support local eateries, guides, and community souvenirs.

FAQs about Andaman in March

Is March a good time for scuba diving?

Yes. Calm seas and clear water make March one of the best months for both beginners and certified divers.

Is it too hot in March?

Days are warm but sea breezes and shade keep it pleasant. Plan active tours in mornings and late afternoons.

Can I see turtle nesting in March?

Often yes, especially in North Andaman (Diglipur areas). Go with certified guides and follow no-flash, no-disturbance rules.

Are most attractions open?

March is peak season; nearly all tourist services operate. Some museums close on specific weekdays—check schedules.

Is alcohol available?

Available in designated shops and licensed bars in main islands; choices can be limited on smaller islands.

Conclusion

March in the Andaman Islands blends idyllic beach weather, calm blue seas, and vibrant marine life with cultural color and easy island-hopping. Whether you’re planning a honeymoon, a family escape, or a dive-centric holiday, this month delivers the best of Andaman—sun-drenched beaches, high-visibility reefs, and relaxed coastal living. Book ferries and stays early, pack light and eco-friendly, and let the islands’ rhythms set the pace for an unforgettable tropical getaway.