Andaman in 6 Days: Port Blair, Havelock & Neil Island
The Andamans are India's tropical island escape — powder-white Radhanagar beach, glass-clear water for snorkelling, and some of the country's best scuba diving. This six-day plan flies you into Port Blair, then uses fast ferries to reach Havelock and Neil islands, where the real beach time happens. It is a slower, sea-paced trip built around boat timings. Expect ₹30,000–₹50,000 per person for six days excluding flights, with diving and activities on top.
The single thing that makes or breaks an Andaman trip is ferries — they run on fixed schedules, sell out in season, and the private high-speed boats need booking days ahead. Plan your island hops first, then slot in activities around them. Keep a buffer day before your flight home in case of weather, and do not try to squeeze in too many islands; Havelock and Neil are enough for a relaxed first visit.
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Your day-by-day Andaman plan
Day 1 — Port Blair
Base: Port BlairLand at Veer Savarkar airport and ease in. Visit the Cellular Jail and stay for the evening light-and-sound show on India's freedom struggle. Pick up your onward ferry tickets and SIM here, as connectivity drops on the islands.
Photo: Koshy George / Pexels
Day 2–4 — Havelock (Swaraj Dweep)
3 nights · ferry from Port BlairA 1.5–2 hour ferry brings you to the headline island. Spend sunset at Radhanagar, rated among Asia's best beaches, and snorkel or scuba at Elephant Beach. A try-dive runs roughly ₹3,500–₹5,000.
Photo: Atul Choudhary / Pexels
Day 4–5 — Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep)
1 nightA short ferry hop to a quieter, slower island. See the natural rock bridge at Laxmanpur, snorkel at Bharatpur beach, and watch sunrise from Sitapur. Bikes and autos are easy to hire for the day.
Photo: Vishal Jadav / Pexels
Day 6 — Back to Port Blair & departure
Departure dayFerry back to Port Blair, with time for Corbyn's Cove beach or last-minute shopping. Stay the night before an early flight; weather can delay ferries, so this buffer protects your connection home.
Optional — Scuba & water sports
Add-onBeyond a try-dive, certified divers can book deeper reef trips; non-swimmers can do sea walks at North Bay. Book through a recognised dive school for safety and proper gear. Activity costs are extra on top of the trip budget.
What to budget for
- ✓Book private ferries (Makruzz, Nautika, Green Ocean) online well before you travel.
- ✓Most of your beach time should be on Havelock — give it three nights.
- ✓Scuba for first-timers is a guided shore or boat dive; no certification needed.
- ✓Return to Port Blair the night before you fly — never the same morning.
Figures are realistic ballparks and vary with season, dates and how early you book. Use the planner for live prices.
Best time to visit
The Andamans are best from October to May, when seas are calm, skies clear and underwater visibility is at its best for diving and snorkelling. November to February is peak season — pleasant weather but the highest prices and fullest ferries, so book early. March to May is hot and humid but still good for the water, often with better deals. The monsoon from June to September brings heavy rain and rough seas; ferries get cancelled and many activities pause, so it is the season to avoid for a first trip.
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🎯 Build My Andaman TripGood to know before you go
- ›Fly into Port Blair (IXZ) — there is no train or road link; flights from Chennai, Kolkata and Bengaluru are the only way in.
- ›Inter-island travel is entirely by ferry — book private high-speed ferries (Makruzz, Nautika, Green Ocean) online days ahead, especially in peak season when they sell out.
- ›Indian nationals do not need a permit for the main islands, but some areas like Baratang and tribal reserves require registration or are off-limits, so check before adding them.
- ›Mobile signal and ATMs are limited beyond Port Blair — buy a postpaid SIM, carry enough cash, and download offline maps before you leave the city.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need for the Andaman Islands?
Six days is ideal — one for Port Blair, three for Havelock and one to two for Neil Island, plus a buffer night back in Port Blair. It covers the best beaches without rushing the ferries.
How do you travel between Andaman islands?
Only by ferry. Private high-speed ferries like Makruzz, Nautika and Green Ocean are fast and comfortable but must be booked online ahead. Government ferries are cheaper but slower and harder to reserve.
Is the Andaman trip expensive?
Budget around ₹30,000–₹50,000 per person for six days excluding flights, covering hotels, ferries, meals and basic activities. Scuba diving, sea walks and private transfers add to that.
Can beginners scuba dive in Andaman?
Yes — try-dives need no certification and are fully guided by an instructor, usually at Havelock. Non-swimmers can also join, and sea walks at North Bay are an easy alternative.