5-Day Andaman Itinerary Covering Port Blair and Havelock Island

This 5-day Andaman itinerary is designed for first-time visitors who want a balanced taste of the islands: a slice of Port Blair’s history and culture, combined with the powdery beaches and water activities of Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep). The plan is paced to minimise travel stress and maximise beach time, snorkelling and easy exploration.

Overview: What to expect in 5 days

With five days you can comfortably experience the highlights without rushing. Day 1 focuses on arrival and the Cellular Jail experience in Port Blair; Day 2 covers Baratang or a local exploration and island transfer planning; Days 3–5 are best spent on Havelock Island for beaches, scuba/snorkelling and relaxation before returning to Port Blair for departure. Inter-island ferries and small regional flights are the common connections—book these early during peak season.

How to use this itinerary

• Prioritise ferry or flight bookings as soon as your dates are fixed.
• Choose one water activity to book in advance (scuba try-dive or a guided snorkel trip).
• Allow buffer time for weather-related delays—ferry schedules can change.

Day-by-day plan

Day 1 — Arrival in Port Blair: Settling in and a touch of history

Arrive at Veer Savarkar International Airport, clear immigration and reach your hotel. Keep this day light so you can acclimatise and overcome travel fatigue.

• Check in and rest for a couple of hours.
• Visit the Cellular Jail in the late afternoon. The museum gives a concise history of the Freedom Movement and the jail’s significance.
• Stay for the Sound & Light Show after sunset, which narrates moving stories from India’s struggle for independence.
• Enjoy a simple seafood dinner or local fare at a nearby restaurant.

Day 2 — A cultural morning and ferry to Havelock (Swaraj Dweep)

Start early for a short cultural or nature outing in Port Blair, then take the ferry to Havelock Island.

• Optional morning visit: Anthropological Museum or Corbyn’s Cove Beach for a relaxed walk.
• Board the inter-island ferry to Havelock. Choose a morning ferry so you have more time on the island.
• Check into your resort and get orientated—rent a scooter or arrange local transfers if you prefer not to drive.
• Evening at Radhanagar Beach (often ranked among Asia’s best beaches). Walk the shoreline, see the sunset, and dine at a beachside café.

Day 3 — Water adventures: Snorkelling and Elephant Beach

Havelock is best known for its clear water and vibrant coral life. Dedicate a day to explore below the surface.

• Book a boat trip to Elephant Beach for snorkelling. The ride itself offers chances to spot dolphins.
• On the reef, you’ll find colourful fish, corals and easy snorkelling spots—no need to be an expert swimmer for the shallow areas.
• If you’re keen on scuba, schedule a discover-scuba session with a PADI/SSI operator. Beginners can try a single-tank dive under professional supervision.
• Return to Havelock in the afternoon and relax at the resort.

Day 4 — Leisure, nature trails and beach-hopping

Use this day to explore quieter beaches, short treks and island life.

• Morning trek to Kalapathar Beach: an easy walk with dramatic black rock formations and calm waters perfect for photos.
• Spend midday at a café or resort, or go for another snorkel session if you’re not yet water-weary.
• Evening options: sunset at Radhanagar again or a quieter spot like Govind Nagar Beach for a calm end to the day.

Day 5 — Return to Port Blair and departure

After breakfast, take a morning ferry back to Port Blair with sufficient lead time for your onward flight or connections.

• On arrival in Port Blair, if time permits, visit the Chatham Saw Mill or buy souvenirs at Aberdeen Bazaar.
• Head to the airport as per your flight schedule, accounting for check-in time and any airport formalities.

Transfers and logistics

Inter-island travel is mostly by ferry; there are government and private operators. Fast ferries are quicker but can be affected by sea conditions, while slower boats are usually more reliable. There are also small aircraft options between Port Blair and Havelock—use these if you need to save time.

Book transfers and tickets online through authorised websites or through your travel agent. Keep printouts or e-tickets handy; mobile tickets are commonly accepted but connectivity can be patchy.

Where to stay

Port Blair offers a range of accommodations from budget guesthouses to comfortable hotels near the airport and Aberdeen Bazaar. Havelock has beachfront resorts, mid-range cottages and budget stays—choose based on your preference for proximity to beaches or tranquillity.

Food and dining

Seafood is a speciality—try grilled fish, prawns and local curries. There are also vegetarian-friendly cafés and multi-cuisine restaurants. On Havelock, many eateries are small and locally run; support them by sampling freshly prepared meals. Carry a bottle of water and stay hydrated between activities.

Permits and rules

Indian nationals do not need special permits for Port Blair and Havelock, but certain restricted islands require permits. Carry ID at all times. Respect local rules regarding coral and marine life: do not touch or remove coral, and avoid littering.

Tip: Coral takes decades to grow—look, photograph and leave it as you found it.

Packing checklist

• Light breathable clothing, a light rain jacket (weather can change), swimwear and a rash guard for sun protection.
• Sun protection: reef-safe sunscreen, cap and sunglasses.
• Comfortable sandals and water shoes for rocky spots; flip-flops for the beach.
• Basic medicines, seasickness tablets if you are prone to motion sickness, and a small first-aid kit.
• Underwater camera or waterproof phone case if you plan to snorkel or capture marine life.

Safety and responsible travel

Follow all safety briefings for water activities and use certified operators for scuba and boat trips. Respect local communities and natural habitats. Avoid single-use plastics where possible and carry a reusable bottle. Swim only in designated areas and be mindful of tides and currents.

Best time to travel

The most comfortable months are during the dry season when the sea is calm and visibility for diving and snorkelling is at its best. Monsoon months bring heavy rains and rough seas, which can disrupt ferry services and water activities.

Extra experiences to consider

• Guided scuba certification courses if you plan to spend more time underwater.
• A day trip to Neil Island or a longer cruise to explore lesser-visited isles, time permitting.
• Early morning birdwatching on some islands—Andaman hosts interesting coastal species.

Final tips

• Keep copies of important documents and a list of emergency contacts.
• Plan activities around tides and ferry timings; allow extra time for transfers.
• Book popular excursions and accommodation well in advance during peak season.

With this 5-day plan you will see the best of Port Blair’s heritage and Havelock’s beaches while enjoying key water activities and some relaxed island time. Travel light, be flexible with schedules, and give yourself a little extra time for island life—the Andamans reward those who slow down and savour the sea.