The Andaman Islands are a dream destination—crystal-clear waters, white sand beaches, and an unmatched sense of serenity. But being a remote archipelago, traveling here requires smart planning. This guide will help you avoid common mistakes and make the most of your trip.

1. Best Time to Visit

  • Peak Season: October to May Ideal weather with calm seas—perfect for scuba, snorkeling, and beach activities.
  • Avoid: June to September Heavy rains, ferry cancellations, and limited water activities due to monsoon.

2. What to Pack

  • Essentials:
    • Light cotton clothes
    • Flip-flops and water shoes
    • Sunscreen (reef-safe)
    • Sunglasses & hat
    • Waterproof phone case or dry bag
    • Mosquito repellent
    • Power bank (some islands have erratic power)
  • Optional:
    • Snorkeling gear (though most tour operators provide it)
    • Action camera or underwater housing for photos

3. Getting There

  • By Air: Fly into Veer Savarkar International Airport, Port Blair. Connected via Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, and Delhi.
  • By Sea: Ships operate from Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam (3–4 days, basic facilities—not recommended unless you enjoy slow travel).

4. Inter-Island Travel

  • Ferries:
    • Government Ferries: Cheap but limited seats.
    • Private Ferries (Makruzz, Green Ocean, Nautika): Comfortable, fast, and can be booked online.
  • Helicopter: Operates between Port Blair and select islands like Havelock and Neil, but expensive and weather-dependent.

5. Permits & Entry Requirements

  • Indian Citizens: No permit required to visit most areas.
  • Foreign Nationals:
    • Restricted Area Permit (RAP) is mandatory.
    • Issued on arrival at Port Blair Airport (valid for 30 days).
    • North Sentinel Island and tribal areas are off-limits to everyone.

6. Places You Shouldn’t Miss

  • Port Blair:
    • Cellular Jail Light & Sound Show
    • Samudrika Marine Museum
    • Chidiya Tapu for sunsets
  • Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep):
    • Radhanagar Beach (Blue Flag certified)
    • Scuba diving at Elephant Beach
    • Kayaking in mangroves
  • Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep):
    • Natural Bridge
    • Laxmanpur Beach (sunset point)
    • Coral viewing at Bharatpur Beach
  • Baratang Island:
    • Limestone caves
    • Mud volcanoes
    • Mangrove boat rides

7. Where to Stay

  • Luxury:
    • Taj Exotica (Havelock)
    • SeaShell Havelock / Port Blair
  • Mid-range:
    • Summer Sands (Neil Island)
    • Coral Reef Resort
  • Budget:
    • Hotel Shompen (Port Blair)
    • Coconhuts Beach Resort (Havelock)

8. Food & Connectivity

  • Food:
    • Seafood is a must-try: lobster, fish curry, prawns
    • Port Blair and Havelock have cafés and multi-cuisine restaurants
    • Veg options available, but limited on remote islands
  • Connectivity:
    • Airtel & BSNL have decent 4G in Port Blair and Havelock
    • Neil and other small islands have patchy signals
    • Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, but slow

9. Smart Travel Tips

  • Book inter-island ferries & hotels in advance, especially from November to March.
  • Avoid plastic—Andaman is a plastic-free zone in many areas.
  • Carry cash—many islands don’t have ATMs or card acceptance.
  • Travel Insurance is a good idea, especially if planning adventure sports.
  • Respect marine life—don’t touch corals or feed fish while snorkeling or diving.

10. Choose the Right Partner

Instead of juggling bookings and permits yourself, go with a local expert like Discover Andaman. With custom packages, local insights, and 24×7 support, your trip becomes effortless and enjoyable.

Ready to escape to the islands?

Make your next holiday smart, smooth, and unforgettable—with the magic of Andaman and a plan that works.