Check into your Port Blair hotel and have breakfast to refuel after arrival; many hotels open 7:00–10:00 for breakfast and can pack early tiffins if you have a day trip planned. A reliable local choice is SeaShell/Hotel by the Aberdeen area for fresh coastal breakfasts.
Visit the historic Cellular Jail museum (open 09:00–17:30) to learn about the Andaman freedom struggle and view the restored cells and exhibits; essential first-day context for the islands.
Explore the Anthropological Museum (open 09:00–13:00 & 14:00–17:00) to see tribal exhibits and understand the islands’ indigenous cultures; good 45–60 minute visit.
Attend the evening Light & Sound show at Cellular Jail (usually 18:00) to see a dramatic retelling of India’s independence struggle; confirm showtime with the jail that day.
Leave Port Blair very early (around 4:00am) for the 3–4 hour scenic drive to Baratang — permits and an early start are required to reach the limestone caves and mud volcano on the same day.
Brief stop at the roadside viewing points (managed by authorities) while traveling; you will not interact with tribes but can view protected areas from designated points.
A short motorboat through mangroves leads to the Limestone Caves (boat timings vary; sites open in daylight) — the caves are a spectacular natural attraction and a highlight of the Baratang trip.
Options are limited on-site; either pick up a warm tiffin from your Port Blair hotel to carry or eat at a local canteen near the jetty — plan for simple Indian meals.
Take an early passenger ferry (book in advance) from Port Blair to Havelock; ferry duration ~1h30m depending on service. Arrive, transfer to your hotel and check-in.
Boat or trek to Elephant Beach (snorkeling and coral viewing; snorkeling operators run trips roughly 08:30–15:30). Great introduction to the islands’ coral reefs and marine life.
Head to Radhanagar Beach (often rated among Asia's best beaches) for late afternoon swimming and a famous sunset; beach is open all day but parking/seasonal entry may be limited after dusk.
Book a morning scuba dive (first-timer introductory dives available) or a longer guided snorkeling trip to explore vibrant reefs; dive shops operate early bookings—confirm availability and medical requirements in advance.
Visit Kala Pathar beach (near Radhanagar) for low-key snorkeling and tide-pool exploration; good afternoon spot for lighter water activities and photos.
Rent a scooter to explore interior island roads and small villages; fuel up, enjoy local scenes and small cafes (scooter rentals widely available mornings–evenings).
Enjoy an early morning stroll on Radhanagar Beach to beat crowds and capture photos in soft light; the beach is accessible all day but early morning is peaceful.
Simple, fresh coastal lunch at a popular Neil island café — seafood and quick local plates are the norm; cafes serve from late morning through evening.
Relax and swim at Laxmanpur and Bharatpur beaches; both are known for calm waters and snorkeling (Bharatpur is a good snorkeling spot open during day hours).
Take a short ferry to Ross Island (boats operate morning–afternoon; island open to visitors typically 9:00–16:00) to see colonial ruins, deer and a small museum — great for a relaxed 1–2 hour visit.
Half-day trip to North Bay for snorkeling or glass-bottom boat rides (island services run 09:00–16:00); expect colorful reef sightings and moderate water activity.
If your flight is late evening or next day, drive to Chidiya Tapu for a beautiful vantage point and sunset; otherwise shop in Aberdeen Bazaar for souvenirs (shops usually open until early evening).