7-Day Andaman Island Escape: Beaches, Snorkeling & Island Hopping

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Port Blair · Monday, December 1, 2025

Arrival in Port Blair & Light Exploration

Morning:

Arrive at Veer Savarkar International Airport or the Phoenix Bay jetty and transfer to your hotel to drop off luggage and freshen up; seek a seafacing room if possible to start soaking in the island atmosphere. Take a gentle walk along Aberdeen Bazaar to get your bearings — pick up a local SIM, bottled water, and sample a piping-hot cup of island tea at one of the roadside stalls while watching fishing boats come and go.

Afternoon:

After lunch, visit the Cellular Jail complex for an introductory look at the Andamans’ history; stroll the grounds and pop into the light-and-sound show ticket counter to reserve an evening slot for later in the week if you wish. Continue with a short trip to the nearby Anthropological Museum to see exhibits on indigenous tribes and island ecology, or relax at Corbyn's Cove Beach for a shady coconut-tree-lined stretch and a refreshing swim.

Evening:

Return to Cellular Jail for the evocative Light and Sound Show (timings vary seasonally) to experience the story of India’s freedom fighters under dramatic lighting and narration. Finish the night with a seafood dinner at a waterfront restaurant like New Lighthouse or Anju Coco, sampling local specialties such as grilled kingfish or prawn curry while planning the ferry ride to Havelock on Day 3.

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Port Blair · Tuesday, December 2, 2025

Cellular Jail Memorial & Local Markets

Morning:

Start the day with a hearty breakfast at your hotel, then return to the Cellular Jail for a deeper, unhurried exploration of the museum galleries and the tiny solitary cells that tell harrowing stories of India’s freedom fighters; don’t miss the Martyrs’ Column and the poignant memorial plaques. Follow this with a short walk to the nearby Fisheries Museum and Lighthouse viewpoint to get a sense of Port Blair’s maritime life and snap sunrise-lit photos of the harbour.

Afternoon:

After lunch at a local eatery—try steamed fish curry or coconut prawn curry—stroll through Aberdeen Bazaar, browsing handicrafts, seashell souvenirs and jars of local honey; pop into a mobile SIM/utility shop if you need any last-minute travel essentials for Havelock. Continue to the Anthropological Museum if you skipped it yesterday for its detailed displays on tribal cultures, or relax with a coconut and some people-watching at the waterfront promenade near Marina Park.

Evening:

Return to the Cellular Jail precinct for the moving Light and Sound Show at dusk if you didn’t see it on Day 1, or head to the SeaShell Market area for a casual seafood dinner at New Lighthouse or Anju Coco while sampling local specialties and planning ferry timings for Day 3. Finish with an easy seaside stroll along Corbyn’s Cove or the jetty to enjoy the cool island breeze and mentally prepare for the Havelock transfer tomorrow.

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Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep) · Wednesday, December 3, 2025

Ferry to Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) & Radhanagar Beach Relax

Morning:

Catch an early government ferry or private high-speed cruise from Phoenix Bay jetty to Havelock (booked in advance), enjoying sparkling sea views en route and watching fishermen at work; arrive at Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex and transfer to your beachside hotel to drop bags. Rent a scooter or arrange a hotel pick-up and head straight for Kala Pathar for a quick freshwater shower and change before making the short ride to Radhanagar Beach for prime morning light and a quieter stretch of the famous white sand.

Afternoon:

Settle into a shaded spot at Radhanagar Beach—swim in the calm, clear water, read under a palm, or take a guided beach walk to spot birdlife and natural rock formations; grab a fresh seafood thali or coconut-based curry at one of the beachfront shacks for lunch. If you’re up for a short excursion, visit nearby Govt. Jetty and the small local market to pick up snacks or sunscreen, or join an optional glass-bottom boat ride/snorkeling session from the Havelock jetty to explore coral patches.

Evening:

Return to Radhanagar to catch the spectacular sunset from the western headland—arrive early to claim a good viewpoint as the beach fills with sunset-seekers—and enjoy a chilled coconut or mocktail from a beach café. After nightfall, dine at a recommended local spot such as Anju Coco or Full Moon Cafe to sample freshly grilled fish and plan tomorrow’s snorkeling or scuba adventure at Kala Pathar and Elephant Beach.

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Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep) · Thursday, December 4, 2025

Snorkeling/Scuba and Kala Pathar Beach

Morning:

Rise early and head to the Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex for a guided snorkeling trip or beginner scuba dive to the vibrant reefs off Elephant Beach or nearby Johnny's Gorge; professional dive shops like Barefoot Scuba or Dive India run morning dives that include gear, a safety briefing, and close encounters with colorful reef fish and soft corals. Return to shore mid-morning for a quick fresh coconut and change at the beach shacks before riding the short scenic route back toward Kala Pathar.

Afternoon:

Spend a relaxed afternoon at Kala Pathar Beach, swimming in the clear shallows and strolling the black-rock shoreline that gives the beach its name; enjoy a beachfront lunch at a local café—grilled reef fish or a coconut prawn curry are excellent choices—then explore nearby trails to spot shorebirds and small tidal pools. If you still have energy, book a guided snorkeling refresher or glass-bottom boat from Havelock jetty to explore another reef patch and compare marine life observed this morning.

Evening:

Return to your accommodation to rinse gear and freshen up before catching a pastel sunset near Kala Pathar’s headland or the quieter western stretch of Radhanagar if you prefer more people-watching and cafés. Finish the day with a relaxed seafood dinner at Anju Coco or Full Moon Cafe, swapping dive stories with fellow travelers and confirming plans for tomorrow’s Neil Island day trip.

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Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep) · Friday, December 5, 2025

Day Trip to Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep)

Morning:

Take an early ferry from Havelock (Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex) to Neil Island to make the most of the day; upon arrival at Neil Jetty, rent a bicycle or scooter and ride to Laxmanpur/Cyclone Point to watch the soft morning light wash over the long coral-backed beach and dramatic rock formations. Stop at Bharatpur Beach for a quick swim or a guided snorkel—its shallow, clear waters are perfect for spotting small reef fish and sea urchins while keeping things relaxed.

Afternoon:

Cycle inland to the lush greenery and quiet lanes toward Sitapur and Natural Bridge, where a short walk reveals the famous natural coral arch and tide pools — great for photos and exploring marine life at low tide. Pause for a leisurely seafood lunch at a beachside shack near Sitapur or at a popular local café like Holiday Inn’s nearby eatery, then stroll the palm-fringed shores of Laxmanpur to soak up the island’s slower pace before heading back to the jetty.

Evening:

Return on an afternoon ferry to Havelock (or catch a late afternoon boat to Port Blair if you’ve arranged transfers), timing your departure to enjoy a golden-hour ride across the water as the islands silhouette against the setting sun. Back on Havelock or Port Blair, unwind with a relaxed dinner—try grilled lobster or coconut prawn curry at a beachfront spot—and review photos of Neil’s natural bridge and tranquil beaches while planning tomorrow’s return to Port Blair and the Chidiya Tapu sunset.

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Port Blair / Chidiya Tapu · Saturday, December 6, 2025

Return to Port Blair & Chidiya Tapu Sunset

Morning:

Take an early ferry from Havelock’s Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex to Port Blair, enjoying the island-dotted seascape and using the crossing time to sort photos and souvenirs; on arrival at Phoenix Bay, transfer to your hotel to drop bags and grab a quick breakfast before heading out. If time allows, visit the Fisheries Museum or stroll the Marina Park promenade to reconnect with Port Blair’s maritime vibe and pick up any last-minute supplies for the evening excursion.

Afternoon:

After lunch at a waterfront eatery—sample coconut prawn curry or a local fish thali—set out for Chidiya Tapu (about 25-30 minutes by road) where the winding coastal drive and forested lanes prepare you for a different side of the Andamans. Explore the nature trails around the Biological Park and the quiet beaches at Munda Pahad, birdwatch for endemic species and raptors, then relax with a coconut or fresh juice at a small shack while the tide and light begin to shift toward sunset.

Evening:

Arrive at the popular Chidiya Tapu viewpoint well before dusk to claim a spot for the famed sunset — watch the sky turn pastel as fishing boats drift on the horizon and binoculars pick out sea-eagles and shorebirds returning to roost. After the sun dips, return to Port Blair for a fresh seafood dinner at New Lighthouse or Anju Coco, trading island stories and double-checking travel arrangements for your departure day.

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Port Blair · Sunday, December 7, 2025

Optional Activities & Departure

Morning:

If your flight or ferry is later in the day, enjoy a lazy breakfast at your hotel or a nearby café like Lighthouse Residency’s restaurant, then visit the Fisheries Museum or the Samudrika Naval Marine Museum for a final dose of island natural history and marine displays. Alternatively, squeeze in a quick trip to Corbyn’s Cove Beach for a last swim and coconut-chicken tikka at a beach shack while you pack and collect souvenirs from Aberdeen Bazaar.

Afternoon:

Return to the hotel to check out and transfer luggage to the airport or Phoenix Bay jetty, leaving time for a relaxed waterfront lunch at New Lighthouse or Anju Coco where you can savor one final prawn curry or grilled kingfish. If time permits before departure, take a short drive to Marina Park for a final seaside stroll or pick up packaged island honey and seashell crafts from the SeaShell Market as practical, portable keepsakes.

Evening:

For evening departures, plan to watch one last Andaman sunset from the jetty or Marina Park before boarding; otherwise, arrive at Veer Savarkar International Airport or the ferry terminal with plenty of time to spare, having arranged transfers through your hotel to avoid delays. Bid farewell to the islands with a relaxed tea or cold drink at the terminal café and a final look through your photos to remember the beaches, reefs and quiet island moments from the week.

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Estimated Costs (per person)

Place / ActivityCost
Veer Savarkar International Airport / Phoenix Bay Jetty (arrival transfer)₹300-1,000 (taxi/auto; airport taxi or private hotel transfer higher)
Hotel (seafacing room upgrade suggestion)₹2,000-8,000 per night (budget guesthouse to mid-range seafacing room); premium resorts higher
Aberdeen Bazaar (walk / shopping / SIM / tea)SIM ₹100-400 (tourist/data pack), bottled water ₹20-50, tea ₹20-60; shopping/souvenirs ₹200-2,000 depending on purchases
Cellular Jail complex (grounds & museum)Entry ₹30-50 (Indian/foreigner rates may vary); Light & Sound Show ticket ₹50-150 (Indians)/₹100-300 (foreigners) depending on seating
Light and Sound Show (Cellular Jail) — evening₹50-300 per person depending on category
Anthropological MuseumEntry ₹10-50 (sometimes free for Indians)
Corbyn's Cove Beach (relax / swim)Free; umbrella/chair rental ₹100-300; refreshments ₹50-300
Fisheries Museum & Lighthouse viewpointEntry ₹10-50; small donation/parking negligible
Marina Park / waterfront promenadeFree (snacks/tea extra ₹20-200)
SeaShell Market / SeaShell Market souvenirsSouvenirs/jars of honey/sea-shell crafts ₹200-2,000 depending on items
Ferry Port: Phoenix Bay to Havelock (government ferry)₹300-800 per person (economy govt ferry); reserved class higher
Private high-speed cruise (Port Blair-Havelock)₹1,200-2,500 per person one-way
Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex (arrival transfer / local transport)Shared auto/taxi ₹100-400; hotel pickup often complimentary or ₹200-600
Scooter rental (Havelock/Neil) per day₹400-800 per day (scooter); fuel extra ₹100-300
Radhanagar Beach (visit / swim / sunset)Entry/parking nominal or free; refreshments ₹50-300; photography/drone rules may require permit
Beachfront lunch / shack meal (per person)₹200-700 (seafood thali or coconut-based curry; drinks extra)
Glass-bottom boat ride / short snorkel (from Havelock jetty)₹300-700 per person (glass-bottom); snorkeling ₹600-1,500 per person depending on operator and equipment
Guided snorkeling trip (Elephant Beach / Johnny's Gorge)₹1,000-2,500 per person (includes gear and guide)
Beginner scuba dive (including gear & briefing)₹3,000-6,000 per dive (trial/Bubble maker/Discover Scuba)
Kala Pathar Beach (visit / swim)Free; refreshments ₹50-300
Neil Island ferry (Havelock-Neil)₹250-600 per person (government/private ferries vary)
Bicycle rental on Neil Island₹150-300 per day
Sitapur / Natural Bridge / Laxmanpur (explore / photos)Free; small parking or guide fees negligible; refreshments ₹50-200
Chidiya Tapu (drive, nature trails, sunset viewpoint)Taxi round trip from Port Blair ₹800-1,500; entry to Biological Park nominal or free; snacks ₹50-200
Return transfer to Airport / Phoenix Bay Jetty (departure)₹300-1,000 (taxi/transfer depending on location and time)
Meals (average per person per day)₹500-1,500 per day (budget to mid-range; seafood meals may be pricier)
Miscellaneous (permits, park fees, tips, sunscreen, bottled water)₹200-700 per day
Estimated Total (per person)₹28,000-75,000 per person for 7 days (approximate range, INR)
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