Start with a hearty breakfast — Annapurna is a reliable local vegetarian option near Aberdeen Jetty; most hotels also serve breakfast. Confirm opening hours with your hotel (commonly from 7:00am).
Visit the historic Cellular Jail to learn about India’s freedom struggle; the museum and exhibits are informative and give context to the islands' colonial past. Typically open ~9:00am–5:00pm — verify on arrival.
Short visit to understand the indigenous tribes and cultural history of the islands; useful background before visiting remote areas. Usually open ~10:00am–5:00pm.
Try fresh seafood and local curry specialties near Aberdeen Jetty; restaurants are open for lunch from ~12:00pm onward. Ask for local fish catch of the day.
Attend the popular evening Light & Sound show that narrates the jail’s history; showtimes commonly around 5:30–6:30pm but vary seasonally — book or confirm timings ahead.
Enjoy a relaxed dinner — hotels and jetty-area restaurants serve a mix of seafood and Indian dishes. Confirm last kitchen orders (usually by 9:30–10:00pm).
Baratang requires an early start and permits/escorts (Jarawa reserve transit) — most tours depart ~4:00am–5:00am from Port Blair and include driver and permits; the road journey is long but scenic.
Short boat ride through mangroves to see the limestone caves — a unique geological feature and major highlight of Baratang; boat schedules depend on tides and tour operator timings (usually morning slots).
Visit the small mud volcanoes nearby — a short stop to see bubbling mud formations that are geologically interesting; duration is brief and depends on itinerary pacing.
Catch an early fast ferry from Port Blair to Havelock to maximize time on the island; fast ferries run in the morning and afternoon and should be pre-booked (typical duration ~1.5–2h).
Take a short boat to Elephant Beach for snorkeling among coral gardens or a glass-bottom-boat ride; operators run morning and early-afternoon trips (commonly 8:30am–3:00pm).
Visit Radhanagar Beach, consistently ranked among Asia’s best beaches — arrive before sunset to enjoy the soft sand and golden light. Park/access may close at sunset, so plan accordingly.
Book a morning dive with a certified dive center — calm water and visibility are best in the morning; diving centers generally operate from ~7:00am–3:00pm and require advance reservations.
Take a morning ferry from Havelock/Port Blair to Neil (services vary; pre-book and check whether it’s a direct run or via Port Blair). Typical crossing ~1–2h.
Beautiful shallow waters ideal for snorkeling and swimming; operators run snorkeling trips mainly in the morning up to early afternoon (typically 8:00am–3:00pm).
Try local seafood or simple south-Indian meals; small restaurants serve fresh catches and local vegetables — service can be slower so plan for a relaxed meal.
Explore the natural rock bridge and the wide Laxmanpur Beach; sunset is spectacular here, but an afternoon visit allows quieter time before heading back.
Return to Port Blair by late evening (schedule dependent) to prepare for departure or next-day island hopping; check the ferry timetable carefully in advance.
Short boat ride to historic Ross Island to see colonial ruins and deer; boats and island access usually run in the morning (site commonly open ~8:30am–3:30pm).
Head to North Bay for shallow-water snorkeling or a glass-bottom boat to see coral; operators generally operate ~9:00am–3:00pm — book in advance for preferred slot.
Pick up spices, shell handicrafts, and souvenirs; allow time to get to the airport or ferry terminal — Port Blair Airport check-in normally 1.5–2 hours before departure.
Have an early dinner and head to Port Blair Airport or the ferry terminal for onward travel. If you plan Nicobar islands (optional), see notes below for permit requirements.