Andaman Island Hopping Itinerary: 6 Days Across 3 Islands
A practical six-day Andaman plan covering Port Blair, Swaraj Dweep and Shaheed Dweep, with realistic ferry buffers, stay-area advice, budgets and monsoon flexibility.
Quick answer
This Andaman island hopping itinerary uses six days for Port Blair, Swaraj Dweep (Havelock) and Shaheed Dweep (Neil), with two nights on each island where practical. Arrive in Port Blair, transfer to Swaraj Dweep for Radhanagar Beach and optional water activities, then continue to Shaheed Dweep for Bharatpur and Laxmanpur beaches before returning. Keep ferry buffers, book stays near jetties or beaches, and allow weather flexibility because sailings can change.
Key facts at a glance
| Ideal duration | 6 days / 5 nights |
|---|---|
| Route | Port Blair → Swaraj Dweep → Shaheed Dweep → Port Blair |
| Nearest airport | Veer Savarkar International Airport, Port Blair |
| Approx. budget | ₹35,000–₹65,000 per person, excluding flights |
| Best time to visit | October to April; check sea conditions |
| Main transport | Domestic flight plus inter-island ferry |
| Permits needed | Usually no special permit for Indian tourists; carry valid ID |
This Andaman island hopping itinerary is designed for Indian travellers who want three distinct bases without turning the holiday into a chain of rushed transfers. The route combines Port Blair in South Andaman district, Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island) and Shaheed Dweep (Neil Island). It allows time for beaches, a sunset, optional scuba diving and a little historical sightseeing while keeping one important rule: never schedule a critical flight immediately after an inter-island ferry.
The names Havelock and Neil are still widely used by travellers, while the official names are Swaraj Dweep and Shaheed Dweep. A useful Andaman travel guide should explain both names, since ferry counters, hotel listings and local conversations may use either.
How this Andaman island hopping itinerary works
The most efficient sequence is Port Blair, Swaraj Dweep, Shaheed Dweep and Port Blair. Port Blair acts as the arrival and departure buffer, rather than a full beach base. Two nights on each island is a sensible minimum: one night can be lost to weather, delayed sailings or a late arrival.
| Base | Recommended nights | Best for | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Port Blair | 1–2 | Flights, history and flexible buffers | Less resort-style beach time |
| Swaraj Dweep | 2 | Radhanagar Beach, water sports and more stay choices | Usually busier and costlier |
| Shaheed Dweep | 2 | Quiet beaches, reef views and slow evenings | Fewer high-end facilities and activities |
This Andaman island hopping plan suits first-time visitors, couples and families who want variety. Travellers seeking a very slow beach break should choose one island instead, while visitors interested in remote diving sites may need a longer specialist itinerary.
How to reach Port Blair and plan the ferry booking
Fly to Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair from major Indian cities such as Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Delhi or Mumbai, usually with direct or connecting options depending on the season. Flight duration varies by origin and routing, so compare arrival times rather than choosing only by fare. There is no passenger train to the Andaman Islands; Indian Railways can take you only to mainland departure cities such as Chennai or Kolkata, followed by a ship or flight.
For island transfers, use the inter-island ferry between Port Blair, Swaraj Dweep and Shaheed Dweep. Sailings, passenger limits, check-in rules and fares change by operator, season and weather. Complete ferry booking through an authorised operator or local ticketing channel, and reconfirm the sailing before leaving your hotel. Keep at least half a day of buffer before an onward flight.
- Arrive in Port Blair by late morning or afternoon if possible, then stay near the airport, Aberdeen Bazaar or the jetty area.
- Keep original photo ID and booking references accessible during ferry check-in.
- For a return flight, spend the previous night in Port Blair rather than relying on a same-day Shaheed Dweep ferry.
Day-by-day Havelock Neil Island itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Port Blair
Arrive at Port Blair, check in and keep the first day light. If your flight lands early and local conditions permit, visit Cellular Jail or take a short harbour excursion towards Ross Island. Allow roughly 2–4 hours for airport transfer, check-in and sightseeing rather than packing in several attractions. A sunset walk near Corbyn’s Cove can work if the sea and weather are comfortable.
Day 2: Port Blair to Swaraj Dweep
Take a morning ferry to Swaraj Dweep after completing the operator’s check-in process. The crossing commonly takes a few hours, but the practical door-to-door time is longer once transfers and waiting are included. After checking in, keep the afternoon for Radhanagar Beach, widely chosen for its broad sand and sunset views. Follow local instructions about swimming zones and avoid entering the water after dark.
Day 3: Swaraj Dweep beaches and activities
Use the third day for a relaxed beach morning and an optional activity. Scuba diving in Andaman is offered through certified operators, but availability depends on weather, sea conditions and medical screening by the operator. Snorkelling and glass-bottom boat trips may suit families or non-swimmers, while kayaking can be considered in calm, guided conditions. Do not book an expensive activity immediately before a ferry.
For where to stay in Havelock, choose the Govind Nagar or market area for restaurants, supplies and easier access to the jetty. Beach-side properties around Vijay Nagar, Kalapathar or near Radhanagar are better for quiet views, but they may require longer auto-rickshaw or taxi rides and can have fewer evening food options.
Day 4: Swaraj Dweep to Shaheed Dweep
Transfer to Shaheed Dweep by ferry and keep the first half of the day flexible. Once settled, visit Bharatpur Beach for a calm shoreline and possible boat-based reef viewing, subject to local operating conditions. A short walk or relaxed lunch is preferable to a packed sightseeing list on transfer day.
Day 5: Shaheed Dweep beaches and sunset
Explore Laxmanpur Beach and the natural rock formations near the shore during suitable tide and daylight. Laxmanpur is popular for sunset, but the walk can be uneven, so wear secure footwear. If time and sea conditions allow, visit Sitapur Beach early in the day. Respect marked reef areas, do not collect shells or coral, and follow community and forest-department guidance.
Day 6: Shaheed Dweep to Port Blair and depart
Take a ferry back to Port Blair only if your flight leaves late enough to absorb delays; otherwise, add a Port Blair night and make this the seventh day. The safest version of this Andaman island hopping itinerary has the final night in Port Blair. Use any spare time for local shopping, seafood or a quiet meal rather than adding a distant excursion.
How many days are enough for Andaman island hopping?
Six days are enough for a first visit covering Port Blair, Swaraj Dweep and Shaheed Dweep, but seven or eight days provide safer transfer buffers and more activity time. Add days if your trip includes diving, young children or a monsoon-season booking.
Best time to visit Andaman and weather flexibility
The best time to visit Andaman is generally October to April, when beach conditions are often more suitable and tourist services operate widely. October and November can still bring rain or rough seas in some periods, while December to March is popular and may bring higher room and activity prices. April can be warm, with changing sea conditions.
May to September is wetter and more humid, with a higher chance of ferry disruption. Island travel is not automatically impossible during monsoon, but treat every sailing as weather-dependent. Keep one unplanned afternoon, avoid non-refundable activity stacking and ask hotels about the latest local sea advisory. A responsible Andaman tour packages provider should explain these risks rather than promise fixed movement in all weather.
Where to stay: practical area choices
In Port Blair, Aberdeen Bazaar is convenient for restaurants and shopping, while the airport side can reduce transfer stress for an early flight. Properties near the jetty can help with ferry departures, although traffic and check-in arrangements still matter.
In Swaraj Dweep, the market and Govind Nagar area suits travellers who want food and transport nearby. Vijay Nagar and Kalapathar offer a quieter atmosphere. Near Radhanagar, the benefit is beach access and a peaceful setting; the trade-off is fewer shops and potentially higher rates.
In Shaheed Dweep, stay near the jetty or central village areas for practical transport. Bharatpur-side accommodation works for easy morning beach access, while properties closer to Laxmanpur suit sunset-focused stays. Check power backup, mobile connectivity, hot water, luggage assistance and cancellation terms before paying.
Andaman trip budget and local transport
A realistic six-day Andaman trip budget is approximately ₹35,000–₹65,000 per person excluding flights, based on twin sharing and mid-range stays. Prices rise during holidays, weekends and peak winter dates.
| Expense | Approx. range per person | What changes it |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | ₹12,000–₹25,000 | Room category, island and season |
| Ferries | ₹4,000–₹8,000 | Class, operator and route |
| Food | ₹5,000–₹10,000 | Seafood, cafés and resort dining |
| Local transport | ₹3,000–₹7,000 | Auto-rickshaws, taxis and distances |
| Activities | ₹5,000–₹15,000+ | Diving, snorkelling and boat trips |
For local transport in Andaman, auto-rickshaws are useful for shorter rides, while taxis or pre-booked cars are more convenient with luggage. Scooter rentals may be available on Swaraj Dweep and Shaheed Dweep, subject to valid documents, helmets, local rules and road confidence. Agree on fares before departing when a meter is not used.
Permits, documents and responsible travel
Indian tourists generally do not need a special permit for the standard Port Blair–Swaraj Dweep–Shaheed Dweep route, but rules can differ for restricted zones, research visits, foreign nationals and certain activities. Carry a government photo ID, ferry tickets, hotel confirmations and a digital backup. Check Andaman permits guidance with the local administration before travel, especially if your route extends beyond the usual tourist islands.
Do not enter protected forests, tribal reserves or restricted islands without written permission. Use authorised guides for water activities, follow no-plastic and reef-protection rules, and ask before photographing local residents. Support locally owned cafés and transport providers where practical. Seafood is widely available, but travellers with allergies should ask about preparation and cross-contamination.
What to pack and mistakes to avoid
- Pack quick-dry clothing, reef-safe sun protection, a hat, sandals with grip, a light rain layer and a dry bag for ferry rides.
- Carry prescribed medicines, basic motion-sickness supplies if suitable for you, insect repellent and photocopies of ID. Consult a doctor about personal health concerns before water activities.
- Keep cash for small vendors and transport, while retaining a digital payment option; connectivity can vary between islands.
- Do not plan three beaches, diving and a ferry on the same day.
- Do not assume a ferry runs on the same schedule every month or that a resort can guarantee sailing in rough weather.
- Do not leave coral, shells, litter or food waste on beaches.
Who this Andaman island hopping plan suits
This route works best for travellers who want a balanced first trip: history in Port Blair, a wider activity range on Swaraj Dweep and a quieter beach rhythm on Shaheed Dweep. Families should prioritise shorter transfers and flexible rooms. Couples may prefer a beach-side stay, while solo travellers can save by choosing central guesthouses and shared transfers. Travellers with limited mobility should confirm jetty access, stairs, luggage handling and boat boarding assistance before booking.
Those who dislike frequent packing may choose Port Blair plus one island. Those who want Rishikesh-style adventure variety, a Ladakh-scale road journey or a long wildlife itinerary should not compare those experiences directly with Andaman; the islands reward slower coastal days and weather-aware planning.
Bottom line
A six-day Andaman island hopping itinerary can comfortably cover Port Blair, Swaraj Dweep and Shaheed Dweep if you protect transfer time and keep the final night flexible. Book reputable ferries and stays, choose areas that match your priorities, and treat weather advisories as part of the plan rather than an inconvenience.
Before you go: prices, timings, permits and road conditions change by season. Please confirm the latest details with Andaman and Nicobar Islands Tourism Department, Andaman and Nicobar Islands Administration, Indian Railways and IRCTC and Veer Savarkar International Airport authority or airline operator. Last reviewed: October 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best route for Havelock and Neil Island?
The most practical route is Port Blair to Swaraj Dweep (Havelock), then Shaheed Dweep (Neil), followed by Port Blair. Spend at least two nights on each main island and keep a Port Blair buffer before your flight.
How much does a six-day Andaman island trip cost?
A six-day trip costs approximately ₹35,000–₹65,000 per person excluding flights, assuming twin-sharing mid-range accommodation. Ferries, activities, peak-season rooms and seafood dining can increase the total.
Is island hopping in Andaman possible during monsoon?
Yes, it can be possible during monsoon, but ferry delays, rain and rough seas are more likely. Keep a flexible schedule, avoid tight flight connections and confirm local sailing conditions before each transfer.
Where should I stay in Havelock for easy beach access?
Stay near Govind Nagar or the market for food, supplies and easier transport, or near Radhanagar for a quieter beach-focused break. Vijay Nagar and Kalapathar offer a middle ground but may need local transport.
How early should I book Andaman ferries?
Reserve ferries as soon as your flight and island sequence are reasonably fixed, particularly for peak winter dates and holidays. Reconfirm timings and check-in requirements shortly before travel because schedules can change.
Do Indian travellers need permits for Havelock and Neil Island?
Indian travellers generally do not need special permits for the standard Port Blair, Swaraj Dweep and Shaheed Dweep tourist route. Carry valid photo ID and check current local rules for restricted areas or additional islands.
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