The Andamans: Which Islands Are Actually Worth Your Days
14 August 2026 · TravelJar
The Andaman archipelago runs to hundreds of islands, most of which you cannot visit. The trip is effectively a choice between three or four.
Ferries decide the shape of it more than preference does.
The three that matter
Port Blair is the arrival point and the administrative centre. The Cellular Jail is genuinely worth your time — it is a serious historical site and the light-and-sound show is well done — but the town itself is not where you want to spend the trip.
Havelock, now Swaraj Dweep, has Radhanagar Beach and the bulk of the diving and snorkelling. Neil, now Shaheed Dweep, is smaller, quieter and slower, with good coral close to shore.
- Port Blair — arrival, Cellular Jail, one night either end
- Havelock — the main beach island, most activities
- Neil — quieter, smaller, easy snorkelling
Ferries run the itinerary
Inter-island travel is by ferry, and the schedule is limited. Sailings can be affected by sea conditions, which is why sensible itineraries do not put a ferry on the same day as a departing flight.
Book inter-island transfers in advance. This is the single most common cause of a disrupted Andamans trip.
What the islands are good at
The water clarity is the draw, and it is genuinely exceptional. Scuba diving here is accessible to beginners, and the reefs are close enough that snorkelling from shore is worthwhile.
This is not a nightlife destination and the evenings are quiet. Travellers who arrive expecting Goa are the ones who leave disappointed.
Common questions
How many days do you need in the Andamans?
Six to seven nights is comfortable — a night in Port Blair either side, three on Havelock, and two on Neil. Fewer than five means spending too much of it on ferries.
Do Indians need a permit for the Andamans?
Indian citizens do not need a permit for the main tourist islands, though certain areas remain restricted. Foreign nationals have different requirements.