Table of Contents
- Why Visit Andaman in October?
- Andaman Weather in October
- Best Places to Visit in October
- Top Things To Do (Season-Ready)
- Events and Festivals in October
- How to Reach Andaman
- Suggested 5–7 Day Itinerary for October
- Costs and Budget Tips
- Where to Stay
- Essential October Travel Tips
- FAQs About Andaman in October
- Conclusion
Why Visit Andaman in October?
October is the start of the fresh, post-monsoon travel season in the Andaman Islands. Skies begin to clear, beaches are lush and less crowded, rates are still more friendly than peak winter, and many water activities restart. For travelers who love nature, scuba, and serene beaches without the peak-season bustle, Andaman in October is a sweet spot.
Andaman Weather in October
Temperature and Rain
- Daytime: 28–31°C
- Night: 24–26°C
- Rain: Short, occasional showers as the monsoon retreats
Sea and Diving Conditions
- Sea state improves through the month; some days may still be choppy early October.
- Underwater visibility generally 10–20 m, often improving mid to late October.
- Water temperature: 26–29°C—ideal for snorkeling and scuba.
Good to Know
- Occasional weather systems can form in the Bay of Bengal in October. Keep an eye on local advisories for ferry and water-sports operations.
Best Places to Visit in October
Port Blair
- Cellular Jail: Evening Light & Sound show (weather-dependent).
- Corbyn’s Cove: Easy beach day near town.
- Samudrika Marine Museum & Anthropological Museum: Culture and natural history.
- Ross Island/Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Dweep: History amid banyan-covered ruins.
Swaraj Dweep (Havelock)
- Radhanagar Beach: Post-monsoon sunsets and clean surf.
- Elephant Beach: Snorkeling, sea-walk, and water sports (subject to sea conditions).
- Nemo Reef: Great for beginner scuba dives.
Shaheed Dweep (Neil Island)
- Bharatpur Beach: Calm waters for snorkeling and glass-bottom boats.
- Laxmanpur Beach: Sunset point; natural rock bridge during low tide.
Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park (Wandoor)
- Jolly Buoy/Red Skin Islands: Coral-viewing paradise (typically open Oct–May; check local schedule).
Baratang Island (Day Trip)
- Limestone Caves via mangroves; Parrot Island at dusk (season- and timing-dependent).
North Andaman (Rangat, Mayabunder, Diglipur)
- Kalipur and Karmatang: Quiet beaches; turtle activity tends to pick up late in the year.
- Saddle Peak Trek (Diglipur): Tallest point in Andaman for hikers.
Top Things To Do (Season-Ready)
Snorkeling and Scuba Diving
- Where: Havelock (Nemo Reef, Aquarium), Neil (Bharatpur), North Bay, Jolly Buoy.
- Why October: Cleaner waters after monsoon; smaller crowds; easier to get dive slots.
Beaches and Sunsets
- Radhanagar and Laxmanpur for dramatic sunsets.
- Kalapathar for quiet mornings.
Boat Trips and Glass-Bottom Rides
- Jolly Buoy/Red Skin and North Bay for coral, clams, and reef fish.
Trekking and Nature
- Mount Harriet National Park view points; Saddle Peak for seasoned trekkers.
Cultural and Historical
- Cellular Jail and Ross Island ruins offer deep historical context.
Events and Festivals in October
- Durga Puja and Dussehra (dates vary): Local celebrations in Port Blair with decorated pandals, food stalls, and cultural performances, if your dates align.
- Gandhi Jayanti (Oct 2): A national holiday; check hours for government-run museums.
How to Reach Andaman
By Air
- Fly into Port Blair (Veer Savarkar International Airport) from Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Delhi, and other Indian cities.
- October tip: Morning arrivals often face fewer weather delays; keep a buffer if you have same-day ferry transfers.
By Sea
- Occasional passenger ships operate from Chennai/Kolkata/Vishakhapatnam but are time-consuming; most travelers prefer flights.
Inter-Island Transfers
- Government ferries and private catamarans connect Port Blair–Havelock–Neil. October schedules ramp up—book early.
Suggested 5–7 Day Itinerary for October
5 Days (Highlights)
- Day 1: Arrive Port Blair, Cellular Jail + Light & Sound Show, Corbyn’s Cove.
- Day 2: Ferry to Havelock, Radhanagar Beach sunset.
- Day 3: Intro dive/snorkel at Nemo Reef; optional Elephant Beach water sports.
- Day 4: Ferry to Neil, Bharatpur snorkeling, Laxmanpur sunset.
- Day 5: Natural Bridge at low tide, ferry back to Port Blair, depart.
7 Days (Leisure + Marine Park Option)
- Day 1: Port Blair city sights, museums, Cellular Jail show.
- Day 2: Ross Island + North Bay coral trip.
- Day 3: Havelock, Radhanagar Beach.
- Day 4: Scuba (beginner/advanced), cafe-hop in the evening.
- Day 5: Elephant Beach or additional dive; optional bioluminescence kayak (weather permitting).
- Day 6: Neil Island—Bharatpur, Natural Bridge, Laxmanpur sunset.
- Day 7: Wandoor and Jolly Buoy (if open) or Baratang day trip; depart.
Buffer Day Advice
- In October, keep one flexible day for weather-related ferry changes.
Costs and Budget Tips
Estimated Costs (Per Person, Indicative)
- Accommodation: INR 2,000–3,500 (budget), 4,500–8,000 (mid-range), 10,000+ (premium).
- Inter-island ferries: INR 800–1,800 per leg depending on class and operator.
- Scuba: INR 3,500–6,500 for intro dive; certified dives vary by site and gear needs.
- Local transport: INR 1,500–3,000/day for cab; scooters INR 500–800/day.
Money-Saving Ideas
- Book ferries and stays early—October is shoulder season with rising demand.
- Choose combo snorkeling/boat packages where available.
- Eat at local seafood and thali joints between activities.
Where to Stay
Port Blair
- Stay near Aberdeen Bazaar or Junglighat for quick airport and jetty access.
Havelock (Swaraj Dweep)
- Vijaynagar Beach (Beach No. 5) and Govind Nagar for cafes and dive shops; Radhanagar for luxury retreats.
Neil (Shaheed Dweep)
- Bharatpur side for easy beach access and lagoon views.
Essential October Travel Tips
Permits and Rules
- Carry a government photo ID (passport for foreign nationals) for ferry and hotel check-ins.
- Entry permits/fees apply for certain marine parks (e.g., Jolly Buoy). Buy at authorized counters.
- Restricted/tribal areas are off-limits; follow local notices and photography restrictions.
Health and Safety
- Swim only in designated areas; follow lifeguard flags.
- Jellyfish can appear post-monsoon—wear a rash guard; rinse with vinegar if stung and seek help.
- Avoid creeks and mangroves for swimming; heed crocodile warning signs where posted.
Packing List for October
- Light rain jacket, quick-dry clothing, sandals with grip.
- Reef-safe sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, hat.
- Waterproof phone pouch, dry bag, travel meds, mosquito repellent.
- Dive certification card (if certified) and logbook.
Connectivity and Payments
- Mobile networks have improved but can still be patchy on outer islands; download maps/offline tickets.
- ATMs are available in main hubs; carry some cash for smaller vendors.
Responsible Travel
- Don’t touch or stand on coral; avoid collecting shells or marine life.
- Minimize plastic use; carry a refillable bottle.
- Choose licensed dive/snorkel operators who follow reef-safe practices.
FAQs About Andaman in October
Is October a good time for water sports?
Yes. As seas calm, snorkeling, scuba, kayaking, and sea walks largely resume. Specific activities depend on daily weather and safety clearances.
Will I face ferry cancellations?
It’s possible early in the month. Keep a buffer day and book morning ferries when you can.
Are bioluminescence trips available?
They’re more common later in the year, but clear, calm October nights can still offer a chance. Check locally at Havelock/Neil.
What about turtle nesting?
Main nesting peaks in winter, but activity begins to pick up later in the year at certain North Andaman beaches. Follow local guidelines and avoid light pollution.
Conclusion
Andaman in October blends fresh post-monsoon scenery with the reopening of the islands’ best marine experiences. Expect softer crowds, improving visibility underwater, and great value on stays. With smart planning—buffering for weather, booking ferries ahead, and choosing eco-conscious operators—you’ll catch the islands in a relaxed, rejuvenated mood, just before peak season arrives.
