6-Day Andaman Itinerary With Port Blair, Havelock and Neil Island

The Andaman Islands are a tropical dream — turquoise waters, powdery beaches and laid-back island life. This 6-day itinerary balances sightseeing, beach time and light adventure across Port Blair, Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) and Neil (Shaheed Dweep), giving you the highlights while keeping travel relaxed and realistic.

Quick planning notes before you go

Book flights to Port Blair in advance and reserve inter-island ferries or seaplane slots as soon as your dates are fixed; seats fill up, especially in peak season. Keep a copy of your ID (Aadhaar or passport) for island permits and check cancellation-friendly accommodation. Pack reef-safe sunscreen, a light rain jacket for sudden showers, swimwear, reef shoes for rocky beaches and a basic first-aid kit.

Day 1: Arrival in Port Blair — settle in and explore

Arrive at Veer Savarkar International Airport, Port Blair. Depending on your arrival time, use the day to acclimatise and do light sightseeing.

• Cellular Jail & Light and Sound Show: Visit the Cellular Jail museum in the afternoon to understand the islands’ colonial history. Stay for the Light and Sound show in the evening — it’s a moving, well-curated dramatization of India’s freedom struggle linked to the islands.
• Local markets: Stroll Aberdeen Bazaar to pick up snacks, reef-friendly sunscreen, souvenirs and fresh coconut water.
• Meals & rest: Try local seafood specialities if you’re not vegetarian — fresh fish and prawn curries are common. Head to bed early; you’ll have early starts ahead.

Day 2: Port Blair to Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) — travel and Radhanagar Beach

Catch an early ferry or seaplane to Havelock Island (officially Swaraj Dweep). Ferries usually take 1.5–3 hours depending on type. Arrive and check in to your hotel or beach hut.

• Radhanagar Beach (Beach No. 7): Spend the afternoon at Radhanagar, often listed among Asia’s top beaches. Enjoy the soft sand, clear water and a memorable sunset.
• Light activities: Walk the shoreline, swim in calm sections, or simply relax with a book. There are cafés and shacks nearby for coffee and light meals.
• Night: Havelock has a relaxed nightlife — beach bonfires and small bars during peak season. Otherwise, an early night prepares you for a snorkelling day.

Day 3: Havelock — snorkeling, Scuba or Elephant Beach

Dedicate this day to exploring underwater life or visiting another famous beach.

• Scuba diving: Havelock is one of India’s top dive destinations. Book a beginner try-dive (Discover Scuba) or certified dives if you have a PADI/SSI licence. Dive operators provide equipment and pick-up/drop-off from your accommodation.
• Snorkelling trips: Join a guided snorkelling trip to spots like Nemo Reef and Lighthouse Beach. Snorkelling is easier and faster to arrange than diving and equally rewarding for first-timers.
• Elephant Beach: Optionally visit Elephant Beach for water sports, glass-bottom boat rides and snorkeling from the shore. The beach is accessible by a short boat ride or a 3–4 km jungle trek.
• Evening: Relax at your resort or explore Kalapathar Beach for sunset and quieter vibes.

Day 4: Havelock to Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep) — tranquil beaches

Take an early ferry to Neil Island. Smaller and quieter than Havelock, Neil is perfect for relaxed exploration and slow beach days.

• Natural Bridge: Start with the Natural Rock Formation (Howrah Bridge) if tides permit; it looks striking against the sea.
• Laxmanpur & Bharatpur Beaches: Visit Laxmanpur for sunrise and Bharatpur for shallow, calm waters ideal for a relaxed swim or gentle snorkelling.
• Cycling and local life: Rent a bicycle or scooter to tour the island — villages, coconut groves and small eateries offer glimpses of island life.
• Sunset: Laxmanpur Beach’s long shoreline is perfect for sunset walks.

Day 5: Neil Island back to Port Blair — Ross Island and North Bay

Return to Port Blair by ferry. Use the afternoon for a couple of short island excursions.

• Ross Island: A short boat ride from Port Blair, Ross Island is a historic site with colonial-era ruins reclaimed by the jungle and a small deer population. A guided walk explains its history.
• North Bay Island: Known for coral beds and colourful fish, North Bay offers glass-bottom boat rides, snorkelling and underwater viewing. It’s a good, short excursion if you still want marine time without long travel.
• Evening: Back in Port Blair, sample local cuisine or pick up last-minute souvenirs.

Day 6: Ross Island (if not visited) / last-minute shopping and departure

If you’ve already visited Ross Island on Day 5, use the morning to relax, visit any museums or markets you missed, or take a short walk to Corbyn’s Cove for a final beach moment. Ensure you leave ample time to reach the airport, factoring in ferry/transfer times.

• Buffer time: Inter-island ferries and local transfers can be delayed by weather — plan a buffer before your flight out.
• Packing notes: Pack wet swimsuits in separate waterproof bags, take any reef-protection gear out of luggage and keep ID ready for departure check-in.

Where to stay — suggested areas and styles

Choose accommodation based on what you want from the trip. In Port Blair, stay near Aberdeen Bazaar or Corbyn’s Cove for convenience. Havelock has options from beach huts at Radhanagar to mid-range resorts near the main jetty. Neil Island is best enjoyed from small guesthouses or seaside cottages — these favoured low-key stays enhance the island vibe.

Getting around: ferries, seaplanes and road transport

Inter-island travel is primarily by government-run and private ferries; fast ferries save time but can be rough on choppy days. Seaplanes are quicker but pricier and limited by weather. On islands, scooters and taxis are the usual modes; roads are generally good but can be narrow in places. Always confirm pick-up timings from ferry terminals — many hotels arrange transfers.

Practical tips and safety

• Permits: Indian nationals only need photo ID; foreign nationals may need to show passport and valid entry documents. Check current rules before you travel.
• Reef safety: Use reef-safe sunscreen and avoid touching corals. If snorkelling or diving, follow operator briefings closely to protect marine life and yourself.
• Health: Drink bottled or treated water and carry oral rehydration salts if you’re sensitive to heat. Bring motion-sickness tablets for choppy ferry rides.
• Connectivity: Mobile connectivity can be patchy on smaller islands; download maps and essential info ahead.
• Sustainable travel: Respect local culture, minimise single-use plastics, and support local businesses — home-cooked meals, island-run shops and guides.

Best time to visit

The most pleasant months are October to May, when sea conditions are typically calm and visibility for diving and snorkelling is excellent. Monsoon months (June–September) bring heavy rains and reduced ferry services, so travel planning during this period is less predictable.

Packing checklist

• Light cotton clothing, swimwear, quick-dry towel
• Reef-safe sunscreen, hat, sunglasses
• Reef shoes for rocky entry points and comfort
• Basic medicines, insect repellent and a small first-aid kit
• Waterproof dry bag for phones, documents and camera
• Copies of ID and ferry/flight confirmations

The Andamans reward travellers who slow down — leave space in your itinerary for unplanned swims, a long beach walk or a quiet café by the sea.

With this 6-day plan you’ll experience the best of Port Blair’s history, Havelock’s underwater wonders and Neil’s serene beaches. Whether you’re diving into coral gardens, watching a spectacular sunset or cycling through coconut groves, these islands offer an unforgettable balance of adventure and relaxation.

Safe travels and enjoy island time — the Andamans are a place to breathe, explore and return home a little more sun-kissed and relaxed.