Key information to plan your trip to the Andaman Islands
Season time
Traditionally, the tourist season here begins in October. The busiest time is between November and February while June to September is considered off-season. However, most diving activities remain operational throughout the year. We now have tourists visiting the islands even during the monsoon and it’s safe to say that there is a lot to enjoy on the island even when it’s rainy.
Weather forecast
There are various websites that will give you a reasonably accurate forecast of the weather you can expect on the dates of your travel. We recommend that you check a few of them before you book your flights. However, unexpected rains are a special feature of the local weather here. Make sure you prepare yourself accordingly and bring a dry bag and a waterproof cover for your phone.
Destinations
The Andamans offer a wide range of experiences and destinations to choose from. The most popular locations to cover would be Havelock Island, Neil Island, and Port Blair. We have a number of suggestions on things you can do. Scroll further to plan out the places you would like to cover. Since some of the experiences can take an entire day and travel between islands can take some time, planning in advance is recommended to make the most of your holiday here.
Ferry schedules
There are private and government ferries that run between the islands. There are a number of private operators who offer online bookings to enable you to plan the trip in advance. Check the ferry timing best suited to you depending on your flight schedule and the activities you are looking to partake in. Check the following websites for the updated ferry schedules of the private operators.
Find a Place to Stay in Port Blair
Port Blair offers a long list of affordable as well as luxurious options to choose from. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have to spend a day in Port Blair on your way to Havelock. You can also choose to extend your stay and explore the main island a bit more. The key thing is to find a comfortable and affordable place to stay during your time there. We have a few suggestions. Check the following links and book your stay in advance.
https://discoverandaman.in/hotels
Light and sound show in Ross Island
A trip to Ross Island is highly recommended. Ross Island is a short boat ride away from Port Blair and offers a taste of history. The island served as the Administrative Headquarters during the British occupation of the Andamans but was later abandoned by them following an earthquake. There are ruins of British Administrative buildings to be seen, while deer, peacocks and birds can be spotted in plenty.
Don’t miss the light and sound show at Ross Island, which is considered superior to the one at Cellular Jail. The show has been put together by noted names from the Indian film industry. Try and plan your visit to Ross Island in a way such that you are able to spend the day sightseeing but stay on until after sunset to catch the magical show.
To book your E-ticket for Light and sound show, please click here
Cellular Jail
The buildings of the Cellular Jail have watched up-close what most Indians have studied only in their school curriculum – the saga of India’s freedom struggle. The Cellular Jail is a landmark of historical relevance that must be visited during your stay in Port Blair. This was a colonial prison built during the British rule of India and was used to exile many political prisoners.
The site is now a memorial monument depicting the struggles of those who stayed there. There are a number of museums within the compound and the gallows where prisoners were hung stands intact. A light and sound show is held every evening depicting the history of the Andamans and the prison. The Jail is located at the heart of the town of Port Blair and opens its gates at 9 am.
Click here to know more.
A taste of adventure at North Bay
Take a 45-minute boat ride from the Water Sports Complex at Port Blair and you can reach North Bay Island. Check the back of an Indian 20 rupee note, the picture of the lighthouse printed on the back is a view of North Bay. The island is popular for the rich marine life and a number of watersports activities are conducted there.
While Havelock is a more popular spot for scuba diving, other activities one can try there are a ride on a glass-bottom boat, sea-walk, or a comfortable Coral Safari on a semi-submarine preferable for those who want to stay dry but still enjoy a view of the reef. The Coral Safari gives you a tour of the underwater life while sitting in an air-conditioned cabin.
Wandoor Beach
Wandoor Beach can be reached via an hour-long scenic drive from Port Blair taking you away from the crowds you find in the city. The beach here is the longest shoreline stretch on the main island and is a gateway to Jolly Buoy and Red Skin trips.
The main draw of a trip to Jolly Buoy is the chance to enjoy a ride over turquoise waters, snorkel over pristine coral reefs and enjoy a trip out on glass-bottom boats. Jolly Buoy is open to tourists from November until April. Between May and October, one can take a similar trip to Red Skin Island. You can reach Jolly Buoy in less than an hour from the Wandoor Jetty. The Island lies within the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park and one must obtain a permit to visit the Island. While the permits can be obtained easily, it is important to remember to carry proof of identity.
Drive out to Chidiyatapu Beach
This place is an absolute paradise for nature lovers. The name Chidiyatapu translates to ‘bird Island’ and is a dream destination for bird enthusiasts. The place can be accessed by road from Port Blair in less than an hour’s drive.
Located at the southernmost tip of the South Andaman region, Chidiyatapu hosts many migratory and native species of birds. You can take a trek out to watch a beautiful view of the sunset from Munda Pahad or visit some endangered endemic animals at the Chidiyatapu Biological Park. A visit to the park is highly recommended to appreciate the richness of the flora and fauna found on the islands.
Baratang Island
This Island lies between the Middle and South Andaman Islands and is over 100 kilometers away from Port Blair. If you plan to add a trip to Baratang to your itinerary we recommend you set aside a full day for this. You will need to be in Port Blair a day before you plan to visit Baratang. The main draw of a visit to this part of the Andamans while going by road is a ride through the tribal reserve area where the Jarawa tribe resides. It is forbidden to interact with members of the tribe and while you might get a glimpse of the Tribal people in their natural habitat, taking pictures or offering food is a punishable offense. Once you get beyond the Tribal Reserve you get on to a vehicle ferry to reach the Baratng Island.
The Limestone caves are one of the key attractions on a trip to Baratang. Take a trip to see the formations of limestone inside a cave, accessible through a mangrove forest while you are here.
Radhanagar Beach
Radhanagar beach is commonly listed as one of the best beaches in Asia. The beach is approximately 12 kilometers from the Havelock harbor and can be reached by hiring a cab, two-wheeler, or by simply taking a local bus. A common tourist attraction, the beach can get a bit crowded during sunset. However, the beach is long and we highly recommend walking a short distance away from the crowd at the main entrance and enjoying the spectacular view at sunset or lounge around during the day. The beach has been featured in some Indian movies and you’ll see why during your visit.
There are changing rooms available close to the main entrance, besides a restaurant and a souvenir shop. There are shops set up by local vendors selling coconut water and snacks before the beach starts as well. The beach is a popular location for those looking for a refreshing swim and there are lifeguards stationed at the beach for your safety as well.
Kalapathar Beach
Kalapathar beach is located on the eastern coast of Havelock Island. The drive will take approximately 20 to 30 minutes from the Havelock harbor. This quaint beach is named after the village it is situated in. There are no watersports activities conducted here and the main draw for tourists is the view of the sunrise one can get from the beach.
However, if you don’t like early mornings, we recommend a trip at any time of the day for the beautiful drive along the coast. Uprooted trees adorn the beach making it a nice location for photography. This place is perfect if you are looking to tie a hammock between the trees and spend the day observing the tides in complete solitude.
Little shops run by local vendors serve snacks at the main beach.
Elephant Beach
Elephant beach is the watersports activity hub at Havelock Island. You can either get a boat from the harbor to reach Elephant beach or walk through a 30-minute trail going through the forest, a betel nut plantation, and the mangroves to get there. The trail can be challenging if you traveling with children or elderly people.
The beach is named this way as years ago; elephants, which were earlier brought to the island, would roam the beach. Elephants however can no longer be seen there now. Local operators conduct snorkeling, jet ski rides, amongst other activities here. The beach is sometimes closed during the low season or when the winds are strong based on administrative orders.
Bharatpur Beach
When you arrive at Neil island on the ferry, you can already see this spot. Situated close to the harbor at Neil, the hub of water sports activity on the island is at the Bharatpur beach. In the mornings, the beach is bustling with activity as adventure lovers descend on the beach to try the different activities which are conducted from 8 in the morning until lunchtime.
The calm waters and white sand beach make for an enchanting view even for those who wish to enjoy their time out of the water. Enjoy a session of scuba diving and head over for a snack at the stalls set up by local food vendors. Jet ski and snorkeling are amongst the other activities conducted at this beach. There are well maintained changing rooms and restrooms at the beach, so carry a change of clothes and get ready to splash around in the clear turquoise waters
Natural Bridge
The locals have named this natural rock formation as the Howrah Bridge. This natural bridge-like formation is created by the lashing of waves against a rocky wall jutting out which has gotten eroded to make this structure. The Natural bridge is best visited during low tide. The time of low tide will change every day so make sure you check with a local guide to make sure you’re headed out at the right time. A popular spot for photography; make sure you plan to set aside a few hours of your day while visiting this location.
The walk to the Natural bridge is through a wet and rocky path, so make sure you’re prepared accordingly. There is broken coral along the way and the walk is approximately 200 meters. There is marine life to be seen such as sea urchins, sea cucumbers, or maybe even a juvenile octopus along with the walk-in small tide pools. However, we do not recommend this trip for young children and elderly travelers since the walk can seem cumbersome.
Laxmanpur Beach
While you are in Neil, set aside an afternoon for a visit to this beach. Laxmanpur beach is worth a visit for a breathtaking view of the sunset. As the sun sets, the water reflects the colors of the sky making for a dazzling sight. The beach is closed after sunset.
Laxmanpur beach tends to get crowded during the evenings but there is ample space to walk away from the crowd and set up a beach mat and enjoy the view in solitude. This beach is a rocky one and therefore isn’t particularly popular for swimming. The beach is strewn with beautiful shells and it can be tempting to collect some. However, carrying shells back with you is forbidden and we recommend you take some pictures and leave the shells behind.
Sitapur Beach
As the saying goes – the early bird gets the worm. Sitapur beach is for those early birds. Watch the sky changing colors as the sun rises on the horizon. This beach is best known for its sunrise view. The beach is not a hub of activity and is commonly found serene, quiet, and reasonably empty. It’s a great place to unwind and enjoy the feeling of remoteness during your island holiday.
Located on the southern tip of Neil Island, Laxmanpur beach faces the open sea and gives you an unobstructed view of the sun emerging out of the ocean. The beach is approximately 5 kilometers from the main market and it would be easier to get there by hiring a cab or an auto-rickshaw.
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REACH US
Beach-02, opposite HDFC Bank, Govind Nagar, Havelock Island, Andaman and Nicobar Islands 744211
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seahawkswatersports@gmail.com
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03192 282 180/00 94760 07010