Planning a trip to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands? This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know for an unforgettable island vacation in 2025. From choosing the best time to visit to creating the perfect itinerary, we've got you covered.
Best Time to Visit Andaman Islands
Peak Season (Oct - May)
- ✓Perfect weather conditions
- ✓Ideal for water sports
- ✓Crystal clear visibility
- ⚠Higher prices & crowds
Shoulder Season (Jun - Sep)
- ⚠Monsoon season
- ⚠Limited water activities
- ✓Lush green landscapes
- ✓Budget-friendly rates
Best Months
- ★November - February: Pleasant weather
- ★March - May: Perfect for diving
- ✗Avoid July - August: Heavy rains
Month-by-Month Weather Guide
| Month | Temp (°C) | Rainfall | Sea Condition | Crowd Level | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 23-30 | Low | Calm | High | Excellent |
| February | 24-31 | Low | Calm | High | Excellent |
| March | 25-32 | Low | Calm | Medium | Great |
| April | 26-33 | Low | Calm | Medium | Great |
| May | 26-32 | Medium | Moderate | Low | Good |
| June | 25-30 | High | Rough | Very Low | Average |
| July | 25-29 | Very High | Rough | Very Low | Poor |
| August | 25-29 | Very High | Rough | Very Low | Poor |
| September | 25-30 | High | Moderate | Very Low | Average |
| October | 24-31 | Medium | Calm | Low | Good |
| November | 23-31 | Low | Calm | Medium | Excellent |
| December | 23-30 | Low | Calm | High | Excellent |
Best for Water Sports
November to April - Calm seas and excellent visibility
Best for Budget Travel
June to September - Lower prices, fewer tourists
Best Overall Experience
December to March - Perfect weather, all activities available
How Many Days Do You Need?
5-6 Days: Quick Getaway
Most PopularPerfect for first-timers focusing on main attractions
Itinerary Overview:
- Port Blair (2 days)
- Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island) (2-3 days)
- Optional: Neil Island (1 day)
You'll Experience:
- Cellular Jail & Light Show
- Radhanagar Beach
- Snorkeling/Scuba Diving
7-8 Days: Balanced Experience
RecommendedIdeal duration for a comprehensive Andaman experience
Itinerary Overview:
- Port Blair & Ross Island (2 days)
- Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island) (3 days)
- Neil Island (2 days)
- Travel & leisure time (1 day)
Additional Activities:
- Multiple diving sessions
- Island hopping
- Beach relaxation time
- Local culture exploration
10+ Days: Complete Exploration
AdventureFor adventure seekers and island hoppers
Extended Coverage:
- All major islands including Baratang
- Extended diving/snorkeling sessions
- Off-beat destinations
- Relaxed pace with beach time
Unique Experiences:
- Limestone caves exploration
- Mud volcano visit
- Multiple sunset points
- Tribal area visits (with permits)
Must-Visit Islands & Destinations
Essential Islands
Port Blair (Sri Vijaya Puram)
Gateway to Andamans • Cellular Jail • Museums • Local markets
Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island)
Radhanagar Beach • Scuba diving • Elephant Beach • Beach resorts
Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep)
Natural Bridge • Bharatpur Beach • Laxmanpur Beach • Cycling
Additional Options
Ross Island
Historical ruins • Day trip from Port Blair • Peacocks & deer
Baratang Island
Limestone caves • Mud volcanoes • Mangrove creeks
North Bay Island
Coral reefs • Glass-bottom boats • Water sports
Budget Planning for Andaman Trip
Average Cost Per Person (6 Days/5 Nights)
Budget Trip
₹20,000 - ₹30,000
- ✓ Basic hotels
- ✓ Local food
- ✓ Public ferries
- ✓ Group activities
Mid-Range
₹35,000 - ₹50,000
- ✓ 3-star hotels
- ✓ Mixed dining
- ✓ Private cabs
- ✓ Popular activities
Luxury
₹60,000+
- ✓ Premium resorts
- ✓ Fine dining
- ✓ Private tours
- ✓ Exclusive experiences
Detailed Cost Breakdown
Transportation & Stay
- Flights (Round trip)₹8,000 - ₹20,000
- Accommodation (per night)₹1,500 - ₹8,000
- Inter-island ferries₹400 - ₹2,000
- Local transport (per day)₹500 - ₹2,000
Food & Activities
- Meals (per day)₹800 - ₹2,500
- Scuba Diving (per dive)₹3,500 - ₹5,000
- Water Sports Package₹1,500 - ₹3,000
- Entry Fees & Permits₹500 - ₹1,000
Trip Cost Calculator
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Estimated Cost Breakdown
Note: This is an estimated cost. Actual prices may vary based on availability, exact dates, and personal preferences.
Sample Itineraries
6 Days / 5 Nights - Classic Andaman
Most PopularArrive Port Blair
Cellular Jail • Light & Sound Show
Port Blair to Havelock
Ferry journey • Radhanagar Beach sunset
Havelock Water Sports
Elephant Beach • Snorkeling/Scuba Diving
Havelock to Neil Island
Bharatpur & Laxmanpur beaches
Neil to Port Blair
Natural Bridge • Ross Island visit
Departure
North Bay Island • Shopping • Airport
8 Days / 7 Nights - Adventure & Relaxation
RecommendedArrive Port Blair
Corbyn's Cove • Local exploration
Port Blair Sightseeing
Cellular Jail • Ross Island • North Bay
Journey to Havelock
Early ferry • Radhanagar Beach • Kayaking
Havelock Diving Day
Scuba diving (2 dives) • Beach relaxation
Havelock Exploration
Elephant Beach trek • Kalapathar Beach
Neil Island Day
Ferry to Neil • Bicycle tour • Beaches
Return to Port Blair
Natural Bridge • Sitapur Beach • Ferry
Final Day & Departure
Chidiya Tapu • Shopping • Airport
Ferry Booking Guide & Schedule
Important Ferry Booking Tips
- ✓Book government ferry tickets online at www.andaman.gov.in (opens 30 days before travel)
- ✓Private ferry options: Makruzz, Green Ocean, Nautika - book 45-60 days in advance
- ✓Carry printouts of e-tickets and valid photo ID for boarding
- ✓Reach ferry terminal 1 hour before departure for check-in
Government Ferry Schedule
Port Blair → Havelock
Duration: 2.5 hours | Cost: ₹400-600
Departures: 6:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 2:00 PM
Havelock → Neil
Duration: 1.5 hours | Cost: ₹350-500
Departures: 8:00 AM, 12:30 PM
Neil → Port Blair
Duration: 2 hours | Cost: ₹400-600
Departures: 8:30 AM, 3:00 PM
Private Ferry Options
Makruzz
Premium catamaran service
Cost: ₹1,500-2,000 | Duration: 90 mins
Green Ocean
High-speed ferry service
Cost: ₹1,300-1,800 | Duration: 90 mins
Nautika
Comfortable cruise option
Cost: ₹1,400-1,900 | Duration: 90 mins
Monsoon Alert: Ferry schedules may change during June-September due to weather conditions. Always confirm timings a day before travel.
Top Activities in Andaman
Water Sports
- Scuba Diving₹3,500-5,000
- Snorkeling₹500-1,500
- Sea Walking₹3,500
- Parasailing₹3,000
- Jet Skiing₹500-1,000
Beach Activities
- ✓Beach hopping tours
- ✓Sunset/sunrise viewing
- ✓Beach camping
- ✓Kayaking
- ✓Stand-up paddleboarding
Cultural & Historical
- ✓Cellular Jail tour
- ✓Light & Sound show
- ✓Ross Island ruins
- ✓Museums visits
- ✓Local market tours
Frequently Asked Questions
Essential Travel Tips
Before You Go
- ✓
Book flights early
2-3 months in advance for better rates
- ✓
Check permit requirements
No permits for Indians in tourist areas
- ✓
Carry valid ID
Aadhar/Passport/Voter ID required
- ✓
Book ferry tickets online
Avoid queues at ticket counters
- ✓
Pack smart
Light clothes, reef-safe sunscreen
During Your Trip
- →
Carry sufficient cash
ATMs unreliable on smaller islands
- →
Stay hydrated
Tropical climate can be dehydrating
- →
Respect marine life
Don't touch corals or feed fish
- →
Book through certified operators
For safety in water sports
- →
Keep buffer time
Ferry delays common in monsoon
Important Reminders
- • Plastic bags are banned - carry reusable bags
- • Drone flying requires special permission
- • Mobile network can be patchy on some islands
- • Alcohol is available but expensive
- • Medical facilities limited on smaller islands
- • Respect local customs and dress modestly
Ultimate Packing Checklist
📋 Essentials
- Valid ID proof
- Flight/ferry tickets
- Hotel bookings
- Cash & cards
- Phone charger
- Medications
👕 Clothing & Gear
- Light cotton clothes
- Swimwear (2 pairs)
- Comfortable footwear
- Flip-flops
- Light jacket
- Hat/cap
🏖️ Beach & Protection
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Mosquito repellent
- Waterproof bag
- Snorkeling gear (optional)
- First-aid basics
Get a printable version of this checklist
Includes packing list, travel tips, and important reminders
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