Updated: September 2026. A destination overview for planning; all permits, openings, schedules and activities remain subject to current official notifications.
Introduction: Discover the Andaman and Nicobar Islands
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are an Indian Union Territory in the Bay of Bengal, known for tropical forests, sheltered mangrove waterways, coral ecosystems, beaches, maritime heritage and a remarkably varied island landscape. For most leisure visitors, an Andaman holiday begins in Sri Vijaya Puram (formerly Port Blair) and continues to Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island), Shaheed Dweep (Neil Island), or the quieter destinations of Middle and North Andaman. This complete travel guide introduces the major tourist circuits and helps you decide which places deserve a dedicated day, an overnight stay or a longer journey. The Nicobar group has separate access restrictions and should not be treated as part of an ordinary sightseeing itinerary.
Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair): Gateway to the Islands
The capital is the arrival point for most visitors and a practical base for history, coastal sightseeing and boat excursions. Visit the Cellular Jail and its heritage interpretation, Corbyn’s Cove, Chidiya Tapu, Wandoor, Samudrika Marine Museum and Anthropological Museum, subject to current opening hours. Nearby boat excursions include Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island and North Bay. Plan at least one or two days here, especially when coordinating inter-island ferries.
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island (Ross Island)
Formerly known as Ross Island, this historic island near the capital contains atmospheric remains of colonial-era administrative buildings among trees and coastal scenery. It is reached by authorised tourist boat. Do not confuse it with the Ross Island near Diglipur, which forms the famous Ross and Smith twin-island excursion.
North Bay Island
North Bay is a popular day-trip destination for marine sightseeing and selected water activities. Depending on current operator availability and sea conditions, visitors may find glass-bottom boat rides, snorkelling or other guided marine experiences. Keep activity availability separate from the boat ticket and confirm the actual operating schedule.
Wandoor and Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park
Wandoor is the gateway to protected marine landscapes and the seasonal excursions to Jolly Buoy and Red Skin islands. Their coral habitats are environmentally sensitive: entry, boating, plastic restrictions and permitted activities are controlled by the relevant authorities. Check which island is open before promising either in an itinerary.
Jolly Buoy Island
Known for clear water and coral-viewing opportunities, Jolly Buoy is a regulated day-trip island reached by boat from Wandoor. Visitor limits and seasonal closures help protect the marine environment. Carry permitted essentials, follow no-litter rules and confirm entry permits, sailing and weather before travelling.
Red Skin Island
Red Skin is another protected marine destination accessed from Wandoor. Its opening period may alternate with Jolly Buoy, so it is an alternative subject to official notifications rather than a guaranteed second stop on the same day. Coral viewing and boat excursions depend on permissions and sea conditions.
Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island)
Swaraj Dweep is a central stop on many Andaman holidays, combining Radhanagar Beach, Kalapathar Beach, Elephant Beach and guided marine experiences. The island is especially associated with scuba diving, snorkelling and kayaking. Mangrove kayaking can be enjoyed in daylight, at sunrise or sunset, while bioluminescence-focused night trips are separate, condition-dependent experiences; natural glow cannot be guaranteed. Book activities according to the current slot, safety requirements and weather.
Shaheed Dweep (Neil Island)
Shaheed Dweep offers a slower island rhythm, coastal scenery and short sightseeing routes. Popular stops include Bharatpur Beach, Laxmanpur Beach and the Natural Bridge, which is best planned around suitable low-tide conditions. It works well as an overnight stop between Havelock and the capital, subject to ferry connections.
Baratang Island
Baratang introduces a different side of Andaman: mangrove-lined creeks, limestone caves and mud-volcano landscapes. Travel from the capital follows regulated road and ferry arrangements, including protected-area transit rules. Follow official convoy and photography restrictions; never attempt to interact with or photograph indigenous communities during transit.
Rangat and Middle Andaman
Rangat and the surrounding Middle Andaman region are useful for travellers who want a less hurried road journey. The area offers forested scenery, coastal stops and access towards Long Island. Include buffer time for road, boat and weather-dependent transfers.
Long Island
Long Island is suited to travellers seeking a quieter setting with forest and beach experiences. Access relies on available boat connections, so overnight plans should be made around confirmed sailings rather than assuming frequent transfers. Nearby Lalaji Bay is often highlighted for its natural coastal landscape.
Mayabunder
Mayabunder is a North and Middle Andaman stop known for its calmer pace, coastal surroundings and access to lesser-visited areas. It can be incorporated into a longer overland itinerary between Rangat and Diglipur, subject to current accommodation and transport arrangements.
Diglipur: North Andaman
Diglipur rewards visitors who have time to travel beyond the standard island circuit. Major attractions include Ross and Smith Islands, Saddle Peak National Park, Kalipur Beach, Lamiya Bay and other forest and geological sites. Distances and access conditions make an overnight stay preferable to a rushed day trip from the capital.
Ross and Smith Islands
The Ross and Smith twin islands near Diglipur are celebrated for a natural sandbar visible at suitable tides. They are reached from Aerial Bay by authorised boat and require applicable Forest Department permission. The sandbar can be submerged at high tide, so timings should be planned with local advice. This is a different Ross Island from the historic island near Sri Vijaya Puram.
Little Andaman
Little Andaman, reached via Hut Bay when passenger services operate, offers a more remote experience with beaches, waterfalls and tropical scenery. It is not a casual add-on to a short Havelock trip: transport schedules, permissions, local advisories and sufficient spare days must be checked in advance.
Barren Island: Volcano Viewing
Barren Island is famous for its active volcano and dramatic marine setting. Tourism is permission-dependent and generally conducted from an authorised vessel; landing ashore is not permitted for ordinary visitors. Departure arrangements, sea conditions and permits must be confirmed before advertising a trip. A boat-based excursion is not the same as a beach visit.
Cinque Island and Other Special-Permission Excursions
Cinque Island and certain other outlying marine destinations may be accessible only through specifically authorised operators and applicable permissions. Treat them as specialist excursions rather than routine daily ferry destinations. Narcondam is likewise remote and subject to special access and operational constraints.
What About the Nicobar Islands?
The Nicobar group forms part of the Union Territory, but many areas are restricted and ordinary holiday access is not comparable to the established Andaman tourist circuit. Visitors must verify current eligibility and obtain all required permissions from the competent administration. Respect protected communities, conservation rules and local restrictions. This guide focuses its practical holiday planning on accessible Andaman destinations.
Top Experiences Across Andaman
Choose experiences by island and confirmed availability: scuba diving and snorkelling at approved marine sites; day, sunrise, sunset or night kayaking in Havelock; guided mangrove boat trips; glass-bottom viewing; heritage sightseeing; beach photography; birdwatching; forest trekking where permitted; and boat-based volcano viewing. Activities can be cancelled or changed due to sea, weather, environmental or safety conditions.
How to Reach and Travel Between Islands
Most travellers arrive by air at Veer Savarkar International Airport in Sri Vijaya Puram. Passenger ships from mainland India may also operate. Travel between the capital, Havelock and Neil uses scheduled government or private ferries, while northern destinations may require road travel, government vessels and local boats. Confirm route, reporting time, identity requirements and baggage rules before departure. Never plan a tight same-day flight connection around an uncertain sea transfer.
Best Time to Visit Andaman
The islands have a tropical maritime climate. Many visitors favour the relatively calmer travel period from roughly October to May, but rain, wind and sea conditions vary by day and location. Monsoon months can affect boats, visibility and marine activities. Protected-island openings such as Jolly Buoy and Red Skin follow separate official seasonal notifications; do not assume every attraction operates year-round.
Suggested 5-Day Andaman Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Sri Vijaya Puram, visit Cellular Jail and nearby city attractions. Day 2: Transfer by confirmed ferry to Havelock and visit Radhanagar Beach. Day 3: Choose Elephant Beach or an eligible guided kayaking or diving experience. Day 4: Transfer to Neil Island; visit Bharatpur and Laxmanpur, and plan Natural Bridge for a suitable tide. Day 5: Return to the capital with enough buffer before onward travel. This is a planning example, not a live ferry timetable.
Suggested 7- to 10-Day Extended Itinerary
Add a second Havelock day, Wandoor and an open permitted marine-park island, a historical Ross Island/North Bay excursion or a carefully planned Baratang trip. For a longer North Andaman journey, allow separate travel days for Rangat, Mayabunder, Diglipur and Ross and Smith Islands. Barren Island and Little Andaman should be considered independent, condition-dependent extensions rather than guaranteed inclusions.
Responsible Travel and Safety
Use life jackets and authorised operators, avoid touching coral or marine animals, keep beaches plastic-free, respect forest and marine park rules and heed weather alerts. Photography and interaction involving protected indigenous communities are restricted. Check current permit and entry requirements for your nationality and proposed route. Keep spare time for disrupted ferries and seek medical advice before physically demanding water activities when relevant.
Plan Your Andaman Holiday: Activities and Tour Packages
Planning an Andaman holiday is easier when you separate your island itinerary from individual activity reservations. For guided kayaking in Havelock, scuba diving, snorkelling and other available water experiences, explore Flexi Kayak – Andaman Activity Booking. Confirm current slots, inclusions, safety requirements and weather conditions before booking.
For complete Andaman tour packages, family holidays, honeymoon trips, accommodation and customised multi-island itineraries, visit Andaman Exotic Holidays – Andaman Tour Packages. Coordinate inter-island ferry timings with your chosen package and allow buffer time for weather-related changes.
Coming soon: Tripzesty.com is a future travel and package-booking platform currently under development. Booking links will be activated once the platform launches; for current package enquiries use Andaman Exotic Holidays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Andaman islands are suitable for a first visit?
Sri Vijaya Puram, Havelock and Neil form a practical introductory circuit, subject to ferry availability.
Can tourists visit Nicobar Islands freely?
No. Separate restrictions and permissions apply; do not treat Nicobar as a standard leisure destination.
Can visitors land on Barren Island?
Ordinary tourism is boat-based and permission-dependent; landing ashore is not permitted.
Are Jolly Buoy and Red Skin open together all year?
No. Access is regulated and seasonal; verify the currently open island with the authorities.
Is Ross Island near Port Blair the same as Ross and Smith?
No. The heritage Ross Island is near the capital; Ross and Smith are near Diglipur.
How many days should I plan?
Around five days covers a compact capital–Havelock–Neil outline; seven to ten or more days allow a wider circuit.
Do I need to book inter-island ferries in advance?
Advance confirmation is advisable, especially when an itinerary depends on a specific sailing.
Is kayaking available in Havelock?
Flexi Kayak’s supplied database lists day, sunrise, sunset and bioluminescence kayaking options; check actual date and slot availability.
Official travel information: Andaman & Nicobar Tourism (tourism.andamannicobar.gov.in), district administration notices and the applicable forest/marine authorities. Confirm rules before travel.
