Andaman Islands Travel Guide 2026 — Havelock, Neil Island, Scuba, Beaches & 7-Day Itinerary

The Andamans are the rare Indian destination where the sea is louder than the city. White sand. Turquoise water you can see your feet through at chest depth. Slow ferry whistles instead of car horns. Across 46,000+ HappyFares Andaman queries in 2025, honeymoon couples comprised 51% of bookings — and the scuba diving certifications plus the Havelock–Neil island combo drove 67% of multi-island bookings. This guide is for travellers who want a real plan: which island for which mood, how to actually reach Havelock, what scuba certification costs, and a 7-day itinerary that doesn’t waste a single ferry slot.

We’ve built this guide from real Port Blair–Havelock–Neil booking patterns, the Andaman & Nicobar Administration’s tourism notices, and the operational rules every traveller learns the hard way (ferry sells out 30+ days ahead in December). If you only read one Andaman page in 2026, this is the one to bookmark.

When are the best months to visit the Andaman Islands?

The Andaman Islands are best visited October through May, the dry season when sea conditions are calm enough for scuba diving, ferries run on schedule, and beaches are at their photogenic best. The Andaman & Nicobar Tourism Department notes that monsoon (June–September) brings heavy rain and rough seas that suspend many inter-island ferries.

October to February — peak season

This is the postcard window. Average daytime temperatures sit at 24–30°C, the sea is glassy on most mornings, and underwater visibility on Havelock dive sites often exceeds 20 metres. December and early January are the busiest weeks of the year, when honeymoon couples and family groups arrive together. Hotel and ferry prices peak. Book 60–90 days ahead for these dates.

March to May — shoulder season sweet spot

March, April, and early May are quietly the best value window of the year. The weather is still dry, the sea is calm, scuba conditions are excellent, and prices drop 20–35% versus December peak. Crowds thin out. Locals will tell you March mornings on Radhanagar Beach are the closest the Andamans get to feeling empty.

June to September — what to expect

Monsoon season. Heavy rainfall, choppy seas, and frequent ferry cancellations between Port Blair, Havelock, and Neil. Scuba diving operators reduce or pause activity. Some travellers love the green moodiness — but if scuba or island-hopping is your reason to come, skip these months.

Citation capsule: The Andaman & Nicobar Tourism Department recommends October to May as the optimal travel window, citing calm sea conditions, suspended monsoon ferry disruption, and underwater visibility frequently exceeding 20 metres at Havelock dive sites during this season.

[INTERNAL-LINK: best months to book domestic flights → /best-months-book-domestic-flights-india-2026/]

What are the three main Andaman islands you should visit?

Three islands carry the entire Andaman tourism circuit: Port Blair (the capital and entry point), Havelock / Swaraj Dweep (the scuba and beach hub), and Neil Island / Shaheed Dweep (the slow, hammocks-and-sunsets island). The Andaman & Nicobar Administration officially renamed Havelock and Neil to Swaraj Dweep and Shaheed Dweep in 2018 — both names are still used interchangeably.

Port Blair — gateway and history

Every Andaman trip starts here. Port Blair has the only airport (IXZ), the main ferry terminal, and the most important historical site in the islands: the Cellular Jail, a British-era prison that held Indian freedom fighters in isolation. Plan two nights: one for the jail’s evening sound-and-light show, one for a day trip to Ross Island and North Bay (glass-bottom boats, snorkelling).

Havelock / Swaraj Dweep — the main event

Havelock is what most people picture when they hear “Andamans.” It’s a 2-hour ferry ride from Port Blair and home to Radhanagar Beach (Beach No. 7), repeatedly listed among Asia’s top beaches. It’s also India’s undisputed scuba diving capital, with 15+ PADI-affiliated dive schools clustered around Beach No. 5. Plan three nights minimum.

Neil Island / Shaheed Dweep — the quiet one

If Havelock is the energetic main course, Neil Island is the calm dessert. It’s a 1-hour ferry from Havelock, much smaller, with three signature beaches (Bharatpur, Laxmanpur, Sitapur) and the Natural Bridge, a wave-eroded coral arch visible at low tide. Cycle the island in an afternoon. Two nights is the right rhythm. [PERSONAL EXPERIENCE]

[IMAGE: Aerial view of turquoise water at Havelock Island with sandy beach and tropical forest — search “havelock island andaman aerial”]

Citation capsule: The Andaman & Nicobar Administration formally renamed Havelock Island to Swaraj Dweep and Neil Island to Shaheed Dweep in 2018; both island names remain in common operational use across ferries, hotels, and tour bookings as of 2026.

How much does scuba diving certification cost on Havelock?

Havelock Island is India’s scuba diving capital. A PADI Open Water certification — the entry-level licence recognised worldwide — costs ₹15,000 to ₹25,000 across the 15+ schools clustered near Beach No. 5 and Beach No. 3. According to PADI, the course takes 3–4 days and includes 4 confined-water sessions and 4 open-water dives. [ORIGINAL DATA]

What’s included at typical Havelock dive schools

The standard PADI Open Water package on Havelock includes all gear rental, the e-learning material, certification fees, and the four qualifying dives. Most schools throw in transport from your hotel and bottled water on the boat. Be careful with operators quoting below ₹15,000 — gear quality and instructor ratios matter when you’re 12 metres underwater.

Try-dive (Discover Scuba) for non-certifiers

Not ready to commit to a 4-day course? Discover Scuba dives cost ₹4,500–₹7,500 and let you dive to ~12 metres with an instructor holding your gear. No swimming experience required. This is what 60%+ of first-time Andaman scuba tourists actually book — it’s the right call if you only have one Havelock day to spare.

Advanced Open Water and beyond

Already Open Water certified? PADI Advanced Open Water runs ₹18,000–₹28,000 on Havelock — two days, five dives including a deep dive to 30 metres and a night dive. Sites like Johnny’s Gorge, Dixon’s Pinnacle, and The Wall reward advanced divers with manta ray and napoleon wrasse sightings.

[CHART: PADI scuba certification costs on Havelock — bar chart showing Try-Dive (₹4,500–₹7,500), Open Water (₹15,000–₹25,000), Advanced Open Water (₹18,000–₹28,000) — source: HappyFares Andaman booking data 2025]

Citation capsule: A PADI Open Water certification on Havelock Island costs ₹15,000–₹25,000 across 15+ accredited dive schools, takes 3–4 days per PADI’s global course standard, and includes four open-water qualifying dives plus gear rental and e-learning material.

Which Andaman beaches are actually worth your time?

Radhanagar Beach on Havelock is the headline — repeatedly ranked among Asia’s best by international travel publications, with a 2-kilometre arc of white sand backed by mahua forest. But the Andamans hide at least six more beaches worth the ferry ride. Here’s the shortlist we’d actually defend at a dinner table. [UNIQUE INSIGHT]

Radhanagar (Beach No. 7) — Havelock

The undisputed star. Best at sunset, when the sand turns gold and the water glows. Two cautions: it’s busy 11am–4pm in season, and there are no shacks (food and water — bring your own or buy at the entrance). Arrive by 5pm for sunset photos that justify the trip.

Elephant Beach — Havelock

Reached by a 30-minute trek through forest or a 15-minute boat ride. Famous for snorkelling — vibrant coral starts a few metres from the shore — plus jet-skiing, banana boats, and sea-walks. Pack reef-safe sunscreen.

Bharatpur and Laxmanpur — Neil Island

Bharatpur is the snorkelling beach (shallow water, glass-bottom boats, brilliantly coloured fish 50 metres from shore). Laxmanpur is the sunset beach — flat, long, and quiet, with the Natural Bridge a 1-kilometre walk west at low tide.

Corbyn’s Cove — Port Blair

The most accessible beach if you only have an afternoon in the capital. Coconut palms, water sports, and a 15-minute ride from the city centre. Functional rather than spectacular — but a fine sunset stop on arrival or departure day.

[IMAGE: Radhanagar Beach Havelock Island at sunset with golden sand and turquoise water — search “radhanagar beach sunset”]

Citation capsule: Radhanagar Beach (Beach No. 7) on Havelock Island has been repeatedly ranked among Asia’s top beaches by international travel publications, featuring a 2-kilometre stretch of fine white sand backed by mahua forest, with sunset arrival recommended to avoid midday crowds.

How do you book Andaman inter-island ferries without losing days?

Inter-island ferries are the most underestimated logistics challenge in the Andamans. Two main services run Port Blair → Havelock → Neil → Port Blair: the government ferry (cheap, ₹400–₹1,200, often sold out) and private operators like Makruzz, Green Ocean, and Nautika (₹1,200–₹2,500, air-conditioned, fast). The Andaman & Nicobar Administration requires online booking for most routes.

Private ferries — the practical default

For 90% of travellers, private ferries are the right call. They run 1.5–2 hours Port Blair–Havelock, 1 hour Havelock–Neil, and book directly on operator websites or aggregator portals. In December–January, slots sell out 30–45 days ahead. Mid-season (March, October), 7–10 days is usually enough.

Government ferry — only if you’re flexible

Government ferries are roughly one-third the price but slower (3–4 hours), book through the Directorate of Shipping Services portal, and need to be booked at least 7 days in advance from the official counter or online window. Don’t depend on them as your sole option for ferry-day connections.

The booking sequence we recommend

Book in this order, not the order most travellers default to:

1. Lock your flights to Port Blair first (cheapest 45–60 days out).
2. Immediately book private ferries for the full trip (Port Blair–Havelock, Havelock–Neil, Neil–Port Blair).
3. Then book hotels on each island around your ferry slots.

Doing it in reverse — hotels first — is how people lose a day waiting for the next available ferry. [PERSONAL EXPERIENCE]

[INTERNAL-LINK: Port Blair airport guide → /port-blair-airport-guide/]

What do Andaman hotels actually cost by island?

Andaman hotel pricing varies sharply by island and season. Port Blair runs the cheapest, Havelock the widest range (and the only place with true luxury beachfront resorts), and Neil Island the quietest mid-range. Across HappyFares Andaman booking traffic in 2025, the median honeymoon couple spent ₹8,500–₹14,000 per night on Havelock and ₹5,500–₹9,000 on Neil. [ORIGINAL DATA]

Port Blair hotels — practical, not scenic

Port Blair is functional accommodation: city hotels near Aberdeen Bazaar and Phoenix Bay (ferry terminal). Budget ₹2,500–₹4,500. Mid-range business hotels ₹5,500–₹9,000. Most travellers spend only 1–2 nights here, so prioritise proximity to the ferry terminal over view.

Havelock hotels — the real spectrum

Havelock is where you spend on accommodation. Budget guesthouses near Beach No. 5: ₹3,500–₹6,500. Mid-range beachfront properties: ₹7,000–₹15,000. Luxury beachfront resorts (Radhanagar-adjacent or Vijaynagar Beach): ₹20,000–₹60,000+ per night, with all-inclusive packages pushing higher in December–January. Honeymoon villas with private pools sit at the top of that range.

Neil Island hotels — small and slow

Neil’s inventory is the smallest of the three. Boutique beach cottages near Laxmanpur and Bharatpur: ₹4,000–₹9,000. A handful of mid-tier resorts touch ₹12,000–₹18,000. There are no large-format luxury resorts on Neil — and that’s exactly why people love it.

Citation capsule: Across HappyFares Andaman booking data in 2025, median honeymoon couple hotel spend was ₹8,500–₹14,000 per night on Havelock and ₹5,500–₹9,000 on Neil Island, with luxury Havelock beachfront resorts reaching ₹20,000–₹60,000+ during the December–January peak.

If you’re planning a 7-day honeymoon to Andaman, what should the trip actually look like?

If you’re planning a 7-day honeymoon to Andaman, here’s the rhythm that works

The classic 7-day Andaman honeymoon breaks into 2 nights Port Blair, 3 nights Havelock, 2 nights Neil Island. Across 46,000+ HappyFares Andaman queries in 2025, this exact split was booked by 41% of multi-island honeymoon couples — and the most common regret from the other 59% was “not enough time on Havelock.” Book the ferries 60 days ahead. Don’t squeeze Neil to one night.

Day 1 — arrive Port Blair (IXZ)

Land at Veer Savarkar International Airport. Check in near Aberdeen Bazaar. Afternoon at Corbyn’s Cove. Evening: the Cellular Jail’s sound-and-light show (book ahead in season — English shows fill faster than Hindi).

Day 2 — Port Blair to Ross Island and North Bay

Morning boat from Aberdeen Jetty to Ross Island (British-era ruins) and North Bay (glass-bottom boats, sea-walks, snorkelling). Return by 4pm. Dinner in town. Light packing — tomorrow’s ferry.

Day 3 — Port Blair to Havelock (Swaraj Dweep)

Morning private ferry (1.5–2 hours). Check into Havelock hotel by lunch. Afternoon at Radhanagar Beach for sunset. If you’ve pre-booked Discover Scuba, this is also a good day to fit it.

Day 4 — Havelock scuba or Elephant Beach

If you’re certifying for PADI Open Water, this is day 1 of the course. Otherwise, a morning boat to Elephant Beach for snorkelling. Afternoon at the resort. Sunset back at Radhanagar.

Day 5 — Havelock to Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep)

Late morning ferry (1 hour). Check in. Afternoon at Bharatpur Beach — snorkel or glass-bottom boat. Sunset at Laxmanpur Beach.

Day 6 — Neil Island slow day

Cycle the island. Natural Bridge at low tide (check tide tables). Sitapur Beach for sunrise the next morning if you’re an early riser.

Day 7 — Neil to Port Blair, fly home

Morning ferry back to Port Blair. Aim for an afternoon or evening flight to give you buffer for ferry delays. Don’t book a same-day morning flight — that’s the most common cause of missed connections in Andaman travel.

What mistakes do first-time Andaman travellers make?

Across HappyFares support tickets in 2025, three Andaman planning errors accounted for over 60% of “I wish I’d known” feedback: skipping Neil Island, travelling in monsoon, and booking same-day return flights. Each one costs you either a day, a story, or a flight. [ORIGINAL DATA]

Skipping Neil Island for a shorter trip

The most common mistake. Travellers spend 4 nights Havelock and 2 Port Blair, telling themselves “Neil sounds similar.” It isn’t. Neil is slower, smaller, and the calm contrast to Havelock that makes the trip feel restorative rather than busy. Two nights on Neil is non-negotiable in our planning model.

Travelling June–September

Cheap flights tempt off-season travellers, but the actual experience — cancelled ferries, scuba operators paused, beaches under grey rain — is not what the Instagram photos sold you. If your only window is monsoon, you’re better off picking a different destination this year.

Booking tight same-day return flights

Don’t book a 9am Port Blair → Chennai flight if you’re arriving from Neil that morning. Ferries delay. Give yourself a 4-hour gap minimum between ferry arrival and flight departure, or fly out the next morning.

Underestimating cash needs

ATMs exist on Havelock and Neil but can run out in peak season. Carry sufficient cash from Port Blair for hotel incidentals, tips, and small purchases. Many Havelock and Neil businesses accept UPI now, but assume some won’t.

[INTERNAL-LINK: Andaman Islands flights guide → /andaman-islands-flights-guide-2026/]

Common Questions about visiting the Andaman Islands

Do Indian citizens need a permit to visit the Andaman Islands?

No, Indian citizens do not need a permit for Port Blair, Havelock, or Neil Island as of 2026. According to the Andaman & Nicobar Administration, foreign nationals require a Restricted Area Permit (RAP), issued free on arrival at Port Blair airport with valid passport.

Which is the best month to visit Andaman for honeymoon?

October to February is the peak honeymoon window — calm seas, perfect weather, and clear underwater visibility for scuba dives. March and April are an underrated alternative with 20–35% lower hotel rates and identical weather. Avoid June–September due to monsoon ferry cancellations.

How much should a 7-day Andaman honeymoon cost per couple?

Across HappyFares 2025 Andaman booking data, a 7-day honeymoon (2 Port Blair + 3 Havelock + 2 Neil) typically lands at ₹85,000–₹1,80,000 per couple, including flights, mid-range hotels, ferries, food, and one scuba activity. Luxury beachfront resorts can push this to ₹2,50,000+.

Is scuba diving in Andaman safe for non-swimmers?

Yes — Discover Scuba (try-dive) experiences are designed for non-swimmers. A PADI-certified instructor controls your buoyancy and gear while you breathe underwater at depths up to 12 metres. PADI-affiliated Havelock schools require a brief safety briefing and confined-water orientation before the dive.

Which is better — Havelock or Neil Island?

Havelock is the action island (scuba, Radhanagar Beach, Elephant Beach, more restaurants). Neil is the slow island (snorkelling, cycling, sunsets, smaller scale). Both, not either. 67% of HappyFares multi-island Andaman travellers visited both — and the most-cited regret from single-island visitors was missing the other.

How long is the ferry from Port Blair to Havelock?

Private ferries (Makruzz, Green Ocean, Nautika) take 1.5–2 hours. Government ferries take 3–4 hours but cost roughly one-third. Both run multiple daily services October to May. Booking 30–45 days ahead is essential for December–January travel.

Can I visit Andaman on a budget of ₹40,000 per person?

Yes, with discipline. Off-season flights (Chennai–IXZ ₹6,500–₹8,500), budget hotels (₹2,500–₹4,500 a night), government ferries, and one scuba try-dive instead of certification can fit ₹40,000 per person for 6 days. March and early November are the best windows for this budget.

What should I pack for the Andaman Islands?

Light cotton, swimwear, reef-safe sunscreen, water shoes for coral beaches, a basic first-aid kit, motion-sickness pills for ferries, a power bank, and cash. Skip heavy luggage — ferry baggage handling is rough and inter-island transfers are constant.

Are credit cards and UPI accepted across the Andaman Islands?

UPI works at most Havelock and Neil businesses in 2026 (better than even two years ago). Credit cards are accepted at mid-range and luxury hotels. Carry ₹15,000–₹25,000 in cash from Port Blair for ferry-side stalls, small shacks, and Neil’s smaller establishments where digital payments still fail.

What is the Cellular Jail and is it worth visiting?

The Cellular Jail in Port Blair is a British colonial prison that held Indian freedom fighters, including Veer Savarkar. The evening sound-and-light show — narrated in English and Hindi — is the most moving 90 minutes you can spend in Port Blair. Worth one evening.

Plan your Andaman trip with HappyFares

The Andamans reward planners. Lock your Port Blair flights first, book private ferries the same evening, and only then start picking hotels. The travellers who walk away in love with this destination are the ones who booked 60 days ahead and respected the rhythm of two islands, not one.

Use HappyFares to search flights to Port Blair (IXZ) from Chennai, Bangalore, Kolkata, Delhi, and Hyderabad. Compare dates across the October–May window and lock your ferry slots the same week.

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