Surat to Andaman Tour Packages
Best Time to Visit Andaman from Surat
Andaman enjoys tropical weather year-round, but your experience varies by season. For travellers from Surat, consider the following windows:
- October to May: Ideal beach weather, calm seas, excellent visibility for scuba/snorkeling. Peak months for water activities are December to March.
- June to September (Monsoon): Lush landscapes, fewer crowds. Expect intermittent showers, possible ferry schedule changes, and rougher seas. Good for relaxation-focused trips.
- Festive & Holiday Periods: Diwali, Christmas–New Year, and long weekends are popular. Book ferries, hotels, and activities well in advance to secure slots.
Water visibility is typically best from January to March, while sunsets are often dramatic post-monsoon (September–October).
How to Reach Andaman from Surat
By Air (Fastest and Recommended)
Surat (STV) does not have direct flights to Port Blair (IXZ). Choose convenient connections:
- STV → Mumbai (BOM) → Port Blair (IXZ)
- STV → Chennai (MAA) → Port Blair (IXZ)
- STV → Kolkata (CCU) → Port Blair (IXZ)
- STV → Delhi (DEL) → Port Blair (IXZ) via Kolkata/Chennai
Tips:
- Choose an early morning arrival in Port Blair to maximize day 1 sightseeing.
- Allow minimum 2.5–3 hours between connections where possible for smooth transfers.
- Check baggage allowance across all segments; keep IDs handy for security checks.
By Sea (Not common for tourists)
Government passenger ships operate from Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam to Port Blair. Sailings take multiple days and offer basic facilities. Schedules are infrequent and weather-dependent—most tourists prefer flights.
Top Places to Cover
- Port Blair: Cellular Jail & Light and Sound Show, Corbyn’s Cove, Chatham Saw Mill, Samudrika Naval Museum, Anthropological Museum, Wandoor Beach, Jolly Buoy/Red Skin (coral islands; seasonal).
- Swaraj Dweep (Havelock): Radhanagar Beach (7th Beach), Elephant Beach (snorkeling, water sports), Kalapathar Beach, scuba diving sites with rich coral life.
- Shaheed Dweep (Neil): Bharatpur Beach (water activities), Laxmanpur I & II (sunset, natural rock bridge), Sitapur Beach (sunrise).
- Ross Island (Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island) & North Bay: Colonial ruins and deer on Ross; snorkeling and sea walk at North Bay.
- Baratang: Limestone Caves, mangrove creeks by speedboat, Mud Volcano. Early start required due to convoy rules.
- Rangat & Mayabunder: Offbeat beaches and nature walks for slow travellers.
- Diglipur: Ross & Smith Twin Islands (sandbar), Saddle Peak trek (highest point in A&N).
- Chidiya Tapu: Sunset point and short forest trails.
Suggested Itineraries (3–8 Days)
3 Days (Quick Escape): Port Blair + Ross & North Bay
Day 1: Arrive Port Blair, Cellular Jail, Light & Sound Show, Corbyn’s Cove. Day 2: Ross Island + North Bay for snorkeling/sea walk. Day 3: Wandoor or local museums; depart.
4 Days: Port Blair + Havelock
Day 1: Port Blair city tour. Day 2: Ferry to Havelock, Radhanagar Beach. Day 3: Elephant Beach water activities, evening at Kalapathar. Day 4: Return to Port Blair; shopping; depart.
5 Days: Port Blair + Havelock + Neil
Day 1: Port Blair. Day 2: Havelock, Radhanagar. Day 3: Elephant Beach; late afternoon ferry to Neil. Day 4: Bharatpur, Natural Rock Bridge, Laxmanpur sunset. Day 5: Return to Port Blair; depart.
6 Days (Honeymoon/Leisure): Port Blair + Havelock (2N) + Neil
Day 1: Port Blair sightseeing. Day 2: Havelock, Radhanagar Beach. Day 3: Leisure/scuba at Havelock. Day 4: Ferry to Neil; Bharatpur Beach. Day 5: Neil to Port Blair; Chidiya Tapu sunset. Day 6: Wandoor/Jolly Buoy (seasonal) or shopping; depart.
7 Days (Family): Port Blair + Havelock + Neil + Baratang
Day 1: Port Blair city tour. Day 2: Havelock, Radhanagar. Day 3: Water sports or scuba; evening cruise to Neil. Day 4: Neil beaches; return to Port Blair. Day 5: Baratang Limestone Caves day trip (early start). Day 6: Jolly Buoy/Red Skin (seasonal) or leisure. Day 7: Depart.
8 Days (Adventure & North Andaman): PB + Havelock + Neil + Diglipur
Day 1: Port Blair. Day 2: Havelock – Radhanagar. Day 3: Elephant Beach; evening to Neil. Day 4: Neil sightseeing; back to Port Blair. Day 5: Early road trip to Diglipur; Kalipur. Day 6: Ross & Smith Islands; optional Saddle Peak trek preview. Day 7: Return to Port Blair; markets. Day 8: Depart.
What’s Included vs Excluded
Typically Included
- Airport pickup and drop in Port Blair.
- Inter-island ferry tickets (government or private) as per itinerary.
- Hotel stays with breakfast in Port Blair, Havelock, and Neil.
- All internal transfers by private AC vehicle or shared basis as chosen.
- Sightseeing as per itinerary with entry permits where applicable (e.g., Cellular Jail).
- Assistance at ferry terminals and 24×7 on-ground support.
Commonly Excluded
- Airfare between Surat and Port Blair unless specifically added.
- Lunches, dinners, and beverages unless specified.
- Water sports (scuba, sea walk, banana boat, jet ski), and activity videos/photos.
- Camera fees at monuments/parks, personal expenses, tips.
- Early check-in/late check-out, room upgrades, and festival/peak-day supplements.
- Travel insurance and medical costs.
Local Transport Rules & Extras
- Ferries: Report 45–60 minutes early with original government IDs. Seat classes vary; private ferries are faster and must be pre-booked in peak season.
- Road Travel: Speed limits are enforced; seatbelts mandatory. Expect early departures for Baratang due to convoy timings.
- Self-Drive: Two-wheeler rentals are available on major islands. Carry a valid driving licence; helmets are compulsory.
- Environmental Rules: Avoid single-use plastic where restricted. Do not touch/step on coral; feeding fish is prohibited.
- Beaches: Follow lifeguard advisories. Swimming is discouraged after sunset due to currents.
- Drones: Require DGCA registration and local permissions; restricted around airports, defense, and protected areas.
- Alcohol & Smoking: Licensed shops only; public drinking/smoking is discouraged and may attract penalties in certain zones.
Connectivity, Safety & Travel Tips
- Mobile & Data: BSNL has the widest coverage; Airtel and Jio work well in Port Blair and tourist islands with improving 4G. Expect patchy connectivity on remote stretches.
- ATMs & Payments: ATMs are available in Port Blair; fewer on smaller islands. Carry some cash; UPI works but may drop with weak data.
- Health & Safety: Use reef-safe sunscreen; stay hydrated. For water sports, choose licensed operators and wear life jackets.
- Weather Readiness: During monsoon, keep buffer time for ferries/activities. Pack quick-dry clothing and waterproof covers.
- Respect Local Norms: No entry to restricted/tribal areas. Follow designated trails and boat instructions.
Permits & ID Requirements
- Indian Nationals: No special permit for Port Blair, Havelock, Neil, Baratang, Diglipur, and most tourist zones. Carry original government photo ID (Aadhaar, Passport, Voter ID, or Driving Licence).
- Foreign Nationals: Restricted Area Permit (RAP) issued on arrival at Port Blair airport or by Indian missions; carry passport, valid visa, and passport-size photos if needed.
- Specific Spots: Forest permits may apply for Jolly Buoy/Red Skin (issued locally). Boat tickets and jetty passes require IDs.
- Prohibited Areas: Nicobar group and notified tribal reserves are off-limits to tourists.
- Drones/Pro Equipment: Additional permissions may be required from local authorities and DGCA.
What to Pack (Season-wise)
October–March
- Light cottons, sunhat, polarized sunglasses, reef-safe sunscreen.
- Comfortable sandals/water shoes for beach entries.
- Light jacket for breezy evenings, basic medicines, motion-sickness pills for ferries.
April–May (Hotter)
- Extra breathable clothing, hydration packs, cooling towel, aloe vera gel.
- Snorkel mask if preferred (optional; rentals widely available).
June–September (Monsoon)
- Quick-dry outfits, compact umbrella/rain jacket, waterproof pouches for phone/documents.
- Anti-slip footwear and an extra set of clothes for day trips.
Always carry photocopies/digital scans of IDs and travel documents.
Food to Try & Shopping
Must-Try Flavours
- Seafood: Grilled fish, crab curry, lobster (seasonal), prawns, tandoori fish.
- Local & Regional: Fish thalis with island spices, South Indian breakfasts, Bengali-influenced seafood dishes.
- Vegetarian Favourites: Coconut-based curries, paneer dishes, fresh fruit juices, island-style dal and sabzi.
- Desserts & Snacks: Coconut laddoos, banana fritters, bakery buns at Aberdeen Bazaar.
Where & What to Shop
- Aberdeen Bazaar & Sagarika Government Emporium: Handicrafts, shell/jute items, spices, wooden artifacts.
- Ethical Note: Do not buy corals or items made from endangered marine life—possession is illegal.
- Take-Home: Spices, virgin coconut oil, local art, souvenirs with island motifs.
Approx Travel Times
- Flights: Surat → Mumbai 1–1.5 hours; Surat → Chennai 2–2.5 hours; Mumbai/Chennai/Kolkata → Port Blair 2–3 hours nonstop depending on route.
- Airport to City (Port Blair): 15–25 minutes by car to most city hotels.
- Ferries: Port Blair ↔ Havelock 1.5–2.5 hours; Havelock ↔ Neil 1–1.5 hours; Neil ↔ Port Blair 1–2 hours, depending on ferry type.
- Day Trips: Port Blair ↔ Baratang 5–6 hours round-trip by road plus boat time. Port Blair ↔ Diglipur 8–10 hours by road one way.
Booking Tips for Surat Travellers
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- Lock flights first: Aim for morning arrival in Port Blair to start sightseeing the same day. Keep buffer time for connections from Surat.
- Pre-book ferries: Private ferries sell out in peak season. Fix your island sequence before finalizing hotels.
- Choose location-wise stays: In Port Blair, prefer central hotels for easy transfers; in Havelock, pick near Radhanagar for sunsets or near jetty for convenience.
- Activity slots: Reserve scuba/sea walk in advance, especially on short trips, and account for no-fly time after dives (typically 18–24 hours before flying).
- Weather buffers: In monsoon, keep at least half a day buffer before return flight in case of ferry changes.
- Travel documents: Carry original government ID for each passenger; keep digital copies handy.
- Use dedicated specialists: Local nuances (ferry timing, permits, convoy rules) are best handled by island experts—book with eAndamanTourism.com for a seamless experience.
Ready-Made Package Ideas
1) Classic Port Blair–Havelock (5 Days)
Highlights: Cellular Jail & L&S Show, Radhanagar Beach, Elephant Beach water activities, Kalapathar sunrise.
Suggested Itinerary: Day 1 Port Blair city; Day 2 Havelock + Radhanagar; Day 3 Elephant Beach; Day 4 Return to Port Blair + Chidiya Tapu; Day 5 Depart.
Inclusions: Airport transfers, PB–HL ferry tickets, 4 nights hotel with breakfast, sightseeing transfers, assistance.
Exclusions: Flights Surat–Port Blair, lunches/dinners, scuba/sea walk, camera fees, tips, insurance.
Reaching from Surat: STV → MAA/BOM → IXZ. Aim for morning arrival on Day 1; schedule return after noon on Day 5.
2) Honeymoon Escape: Havelock & Neil (6 Days)
Highlights: Sunset at Radhanagar, candlelight-style dinner option, Bharatpur Beach glass-bottom ride, Laxmanpur sunset.
Suggested Itinerary: Day 1 Port Blair; Day 2 Havelock – Radhanagar; Day 3 Leisure/scuba; Day 4 Neil – Bharatpur; Day 5 Neil to Port Blair – shopping; Day 6 Depart.
Inclusions: Flower bed on arrival night, breakfast, inter-island ferries, private transfers, permits.
Exclusions: Special honeymoon add-ons unless specified, water sports, personal expenses.
Reaching from Surat: Best via BOM/MAA with early arrival to catch midday ferry to Havelock on Day 2.
3) Family Leisure with Baratang (7 Days)
Highlights: Museums for kids, mangrove creeks at Baratang, chill time on Neil’s calm beaches.
Suggested Itinerary: Day 1 Port Blair city; Day 2 Havelock – Radhanagar; Day 3 Elephant Beach; Day 4 Neil; Day 5 Return PB; Day 6 Baratang; Day 7 Depart.
Inclusions: Breakfasts, ferries, private AC cab, convoy arrangements for Baratang, entry permits where required.
Exclusions: Meals beyond breakfast, activities, insurance, guide at Baratang (optional).
Reaching from Surat: Morning arrival into Port Blair; keep Day 7 departure after noon when possible.
4) North Andaman Adventure (8 Days)
Highlights: Ross & Smith Islands sandbar, optional Saddle Peak trek, Radhanagar Beach, snorkeling at Elephant Beach.
Suggested Itinerary: Day 1 Port Blair; Day 2 Havelock; Day 3 Water sports; Day 4 Neil; Day 5 Drive to Diglipur; Day 6 Ross & Smith; Day 7 Return PB; Day 8 Depart.
Inclusions: Island ferries, long-distance road transfers, hotels with breakfast, assistance at jetties.
Exclusions: Trek permits/equipment, meals beyond breakfast, adventure activities.
Reaching from Surat: Connect via Chennai/Kolkata for better onward timings; plan early starts for long road segments.
Documents & Insurance
- Government Photo ID: Aadhaar, Passport, Voter ID, or Driving Licence for all adult travellers; school ID for minors where applicable.
- Flight E-Tickets & Ferry Vouchers: Keep printed or mobile copies accessible.
- Hotel Confirmations: Handy at check-in and for ferry terminal verification.
- For Foreign Nationals: Passport, valid Indian visa, RAP (issued on arrival), and passport-size photos if requested.
- Travel Insurance: Strongly recommended—include medical, trip curtailment, and water-sports coverage. Declare pre-existing conditions where relevant.
- Medical Notes: Carry prescriptions; pack seasickness meds for ferry travel.
FAQs
A: Indian nationals do not require special permits for Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) and Neil (Shaheed Dweep). Carry original government photo ID for ferry and hotel checks.
A: BSNL has the widest reach; Airtel and Jio work well in Port Blair and the main tourist islands, with coverage improving. Expect patchy data in remote areas.
A: Swim only in designated areas and during daylight. Follow lifeguard flags; avoid entering during rough seas or when advisories are issued.
A: Port Blair → Havelock → Neil → Port Blair works well, aligning with ferry schedules and minimizing backtracking.
A: Private ferries are faster, have reserved seating, and are more comfortable. Government ferries are economical but may have variable schedules and longer travel times.
A: Yes, introductory dives are conducted by certified instructors with safety briefings and shallow reefs. Always disclose medical conditions and follow dive rules, including no-fly time after diving.
A: Contact your coordinator immediately for rebooking. Keep a buffer before your return flight and stay flexible with sightseeing swaps.
A: Follow local rules and ferry guidelines; carrying sealed bottles may be allowed in limited quantities. Consumption on ferries and public areas is prohibited.
A: ATMs are common in Port Blair and limited on islands. UPI/card payments work at many places but may fail with weak connectivity—carry some cash as backup.
A: For peak season (Oct–May), book flights, hotels, and ferries at least a few weeks in advance. Activities like scuba also benefit from early reservation.
