The Andamans get sold as one destination, but it's really an archipelago, and which islands you pick — and in what order — shapes the whole trip. Here's how to plan it if this is your first visit.
Port Blair: Your Entry Point, Not Your Destination
Port Blair is where every flight lands, and it has genuine sights worth a half-day — the Cellular Jail light and sound show is worth attending in person rather than skipping. But it's not where you should spend your beach time. Most first-timers make the mistake of over-allocating days here; one night on arrival and one before departure is usually enough.
Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) vs Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep)
Havelock is the Andamans' main event — Radhanagar Beach (regularly ranked among Asia's best beaches), the widest range of resorts from budget to luxury, and the main hub for scuba diving and water sports. It's also the busiest and most developed of the accessible islands.
Neil Island, smaller and quieter, is where you go to slow down after Havelock — fewer crowds, simpler beaches (Bharatpur, Laxmanpur), and a more laid-back, less commercial feel. It works well as a 1-2 night add-on rather than the main stay.
For a first Andaman trip, Havelock as the primary base with a short Neil Island extension is the combination that works best for most travellers.
Scuba Diving: What to Actually Expect
Havelock is the region's diving hub, with options for both certified divers and complete beginners (a Discover Scuba Diving session requires no prior certification and includes a guided shallow dive). Visibility and coral health are generally best November through April. If scuba is a priority for your trip rather than a side activity, build in a buffer day in case weather affects a scheduled dive.
Snorkelling at Elephant Beach (Havelock) and around Neil Island's beaches is a lower-commitment alternative that still delivers good reef views without a certification.
Getting Between Islands
Government ferries and private high-speed ferries (like Makruzz or Green Ocean) connect Port Blair, Havelock and Neil Island. Private ferries cost more but run more predictably and are more comfortable — worth the extra spend, especially with limited days. Book ferry tickets in advance during peak season (December-January), as seats sell out.
Best Time to Visit the Andamans
November to April is peak season — calm seas, good visibility for diving, and reliable inter-island ferry schedules. May brings pre-monsoon humidity and rougher seas. June to September is monsoon: heavy rain, choppy ferry crossings, and some dive operators reducing operations. October is a transitional shoulder month, hit or miss depending on the year.
How Many Days Do You Need?
6 days is a comfortable minimum: 1 night Port Blair on arrival, 3 nights Havelock, 1-2 nights Neil Island, 1 night Port Blair before departure. 7-8 days lets you add Baratang (limestone caves, mangrove creeks) for those interested in a less touristy detour.
A Practical Note on Connectivity and Cash
Mobile network is limited to BSNL on most islands, and even that drops out in patches. ATMs exist on Havelock and Neil but can run out of cash during peak season — carry more than you think you'll need.
If you'd like help sequencing a first Andaman trip across Port Blair, Havelock and Neil Island, reach out and we'll map it against your dates and interests.
