Quick answer
The best things to do in the Andamans are the Cellular Jail and its light-and-sound show in Sri Vijaya Puram, snorkelling or a try dive off Swaraj Dweep (Havelock), sunset at Radhanagar Beach, the coral at Elephant Beach, Shaheed Dweep's (Neil) Natural Bridge, and the ruins on Ross Island. Six days covers Port Blair, Havelock and Neil without rushing.
13 things worth your time in Andaman Islands
- 01
Cellular Jail and light-and-sound show
LandmarkThe colonial prison where freedom fighters were held in solitary cells, now a national memorial. The evening show tells its story in Hindi and English.
2–3 hoursEntry about ₹30–50; show about ₹300–350Book the show a day ahead in season; check which language slot you're in.
- 02
Ross and North Bay islands
Day tripRoss Island, now Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep, has the overgrown ruins of the British headquarters, with roots swallowing churches and barracks. North Bay offers glass-bottom boats, snorkelling and sea walks.
Half dayBoat about ₹1,000–1,500 per person; activities extra - 03
Radhanagar Beach
BeachHavelock's long arc of white sand backed by tall forest; one of the finest beaches in Asia, and at its best in the last hour before sunset.
2–3 hoursFreeSwim only in the flagged zone; lifeguards blow whistles for a reason.
- 04
Elephant Beach
WaterShallow coral close to the shore makes this the easiest snorkelling on Havelock, with parrotfish, clownfish and reef sharks' smaller cousins in clear water.
Half dayShared boat about ₹1,000–1,500 return; snorkelling extraGo in the morning, before the boats crowd in.
- 05
Try dive on Havelock
AdventureHavelock is India's main dive hub. Instructor-led try dives need no swimming ability and reach 8–12 m on coral reefs.
Half dayAbout ₹3,500–6,500 depending on shore or boat diveChoose a PADI or SSI centre; ask about group size and the boat.
- 06
Sea walk
AdventureA helmet with an air supply lets non-swimmers walk on the seabed at North Bay or Elephant Beach. Good for older children and parents.
1–2 hoursAbout ₹3,500–4,500 per person - 07
Kalapathar Beach
BeachA quiet beach of black rocks and turquoise water on Havelock's east coast, good for sunrise and photos.
1 hourFree - 08
Natural Bridge, Neil
NatureA rock arch on Shaheed Dweep's shore, reached across coral flats where you'll spot sea cucumbers, starfish and small fish in rock pools.
1–1.5 hoursFree; local guide about ₹200–300Go at low tide in good shoes, and don't step on live coral.
- 09
Bharatpur Beach, Neil
WaterA calm lagoon beach next to the Neil jetty with glass-bottom boats and easy snorkelling over coral.
2 hoursGlass-bottom boat about ₹500–1,000 - 10
Laxmanpur Beach at sunset
BeachA wide, west-facing sweep of sand on Neil, with one of the best sunsets in the islands.
1 hourFree - 11
Chidiya Tapu
ViewpointA forested headland 25 km south of Sri Vijaya Puram known for birdlife and sunsets; Munda Pahar beach is next door.
2 hoursFree - 12
Mangrove kayaking, Havelock
ExperienceGuided kayak trips paddle through mangrove channels; some evening trips time it for bioluminescent plankton on dark nights.
2–3 hoursAbout ₹3,000–4,500 per person - 13
Baratang limestone caves
Day tripLimestone caves reached by speedboat through mangroves, after a long drive on the Andaman Trunk Road through the Jarawa Tribal Reserve.
12–14 hoursAbout ₹2,500–4,000 per person in a shared tourA 3–4 am start; stopping and photography in the reserve are strictly banned.
What are the islands called now?
The Andamans have renamed several places. In 2018 Havelock became Swaraj Dweep, Neil became Shaheed Dweep and Ross Island became Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep. In 2024 Port Blair was renamed Sri Vijaya Puram. Ferry tickets and signboards use the new names; locals and hotels still use the old ones.
How should you plan the islands?
Most trips follow the same triangle: Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair) for history and the airport, Havelock for beaches and diving, and Neil for a slower day or two. Private catamarans such as Makruzz, Nautika, Green Ocean and ITT Majestic take 1.5–2.5 hours between islands and cost roughly ₹1,200–2,800 per person per leg. Government ships are cheaper but harder to book.
What should you know about water activities?
- Snorkelling at Elephant Beach and Bharatpur is easy from the shore or a boat; visibility is best from February to April.
- Try dives need no swimming ability; pick a certified dive centre with a good safety record.
- Jet-skis and parasailing are available but brief and pricey for what you get.
Is Baratang worth it?
Only if limestone caves are a priority. It's a very long day, and the road passes through the Jarawa reserve, where tourists must not stop, photograph or interact. Many travellers happily skip it.
Never touch or stand on coral, and don't buy shells or coral; taking them off the islands is illegal, and bags are checked at the airport.
Read the best time to visit the Andamans, where to stay in the Andamans, the Andaman trip cost guide and what to eat in the Andamans.
Frequently asked questions
Can non-swimmers snorkel or dive in the Andamans?
Do I need a permit to visit Havelock or Neil?
How many days do you need in the Andamans?
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Written and fact-checked by the Elitech Travels editorial desk in New Delhi, drawing on our consultants' day-to-day booking work and the official sources below. Rules, fares and fees change — always confirm anything critical with the issuing authority before you travel. Our editorial policy.
