Arrive and clear formalities; meet your hotel transfer. Use this morning to settle and confirm inter‑island ferry bookings (essential) and Baratang tour slot. Ferry and tour slots sell out, so book now if not done.
Comfortable Port Blair hotel near Aberdeen Jetty is ideal for island transfers; breakfast at hotel provides filling Indian + continental options and gives time to rest after travel. Typical check‑in from 12:00; request early check‑in when possible.
Short public ferry (5–15 minutes) from Aberdeen Jetty to see colonial ruins, banyan trees and lighthouse remains; it’s atmospheric and a gentle first‑day activity. Island usually open 9:00am–4:00pm; allow 1.5–2 hours to stroll and photograph.
Try fresh seafood curries or tiffin style meals; portions are generous and the food is straightforward local fare — good for refuelling before afternoon sightseeing.
Corbyn’s Cove is a calm beach 8 km from town for a leisurely walk; Samudrika (open 9:30am–5:00pm) offers marine displays and island history if you want context before exploring further.
Visit the historic Cellular Jail in daylight then watch the Light & Sound show (usually evening performance around 5:30–6:30pm, confirm local timing) — a poignant introduction to island history.
Choose from tandoori/seafood specialties or South Indian thalis. Port Blair has a mix of local eateries and hotel restaurants; try a seafood thali for island flavours.
Catch a morning ferry (common departure windows 6:00–8:00am) from Port Blair to Havelock — journey ~1.5–2.5 hours depending on service; book tickets in advance. Aim for the early service to maximise beach time.
Choose a beachfront resort on Radhanagar or Govind Nagar for a special anniversary stay; these properties offer private dinners and easy beach access. Typical check‑in from 12:00; many resorts will accommodate early arrival if pre‑informed.
Radhanagar is widely rated among Asia’s best beaches — white sand and clear water, ideal for sunbathing and a romantic stroll. Kala Pathar (nearby) is a quieter stretch great for sunrise/sunset photos. Open dawn to dusk.
Return to resort for a couples spa, pool time or prepare for a special sunset on the beach — many resorts can arrange a private beach setup for anniversaries.
Book a private candlelit beach dinner through your resort or choose a celebrated local restaurant; request customised menu and seafood platters to make the evening special.
Night kayaking to view bioluminescent plankton is available from Havelock; organised trips usually start 9:00–10:00pm and last ~1–1.5 hours. It’s magical if plankton levels are good and moonlight is low — overall worth it for many visitors but depends on conditions, so confirm with local operator.
Have a light breakfast and pack for a short reef/trek activity; operators require you to arrive early for boat departures to Elephant Beach or snorkelling spots.
Elephant Beach offers excellent snorkelling and coral viewing; you can reach it by a 15–20 minute speedboat (cheaper) or a 45–60 minute marked jungle trek (off‑beat, more active). Boat opens 8:00am onwards; snorkel gear usually provided.
Take a mid‑afternoon ferry back to Port Blair to position yourself for Baratang (which requires early departure next day). Ferry duration ~1.5–2.5 hours; book a confirmed seat.
Ensure camera batteries are charged and you have comfortable shoes and light lunch/backpack for tomorrow’s Baratang tour (permits processed by operator).
Baratang trip is an early‑start full‑day road + boat excursion; pickups typically 4:00–5:00am from Port Blair and return late evening. The drive through Jarawa reserve requires permits; your operator handles permits and entry procedures.
Short stops en route for photos and refreshments; these stops give a glimpse of the tropical forest environment but you must follow guide instructions around sensitive areas.
A short boat ride through mangroves leads to the limestone caves; explore the cave interior with a guide. The caves are accessible typically 9:00am–4:00pm and the visit lasts ~45–60 minutes.
Visit the small mud volcano site; activity is natural and intermittent but worth seeing for its unusual landscape. Operators combine this with local village views for cultural context.
Most Baratang tours include a simple lunch (rice, curry, dal) served en route or at a rest stop — a hearty meal after a long morning of travel and walking.
Drive 30–45 minutes from Port Blair for the Mount Harriet trek (gentle to moderate). The summit gives panoramic views and good birdwatching; park gates typically open 6:00am–5:00pm. Carry water and insect repellent.
Drive ~45 minutes; Chidiya Tapu has coastal trails and a small trek (20–45 minutes) to a lookout for sunset. It’s excellent for birdwatching, peaceful beaches and off‑beat coastal scenery; park access usually dawn–dusk.
If your flight is later, take a short trip to North Bay for glass‑bottom boat, reef views and optional short snorkel (operators run trips 9:00am–3:00pm).
Hotel transfer to Veer Savarkar Airport or Port Blair harbour for your outbound flight/ferry; aim to be at airport 90 minutes before domestic departure.