Arrive at Veer Savarkar International Airport and allow about an hour for baggage collection and the transfer into town. Aberdeen Bazaar, Atlanta Point, and Middle Point are the most convenient areas for a first-night hotel; the airport is usually 10–20 minutes away by prepaid taxi or app-based cab, depending on traffic. Keep your ferry and hotel confirmations handy, and withdraw some cash before leaving the airport—card acceptance is improving but remains uneven on the islands.
After checking in, head to Cellular Jail National Memorial at Atlanta Point, ideally around 2:30–3:00 pm. Allow 1½ hours for the galleries, prison wings, and central tower; entry is inexpensive, generally around ₹30–50, though timings and ticket arrangements can change. The light-and-sound show is a separate evening option, but fitting it in today would make the schedule rushed, so focus on the memorial itself and take time to read the stories of the freedom fighters. From there, a short auto-rickshaw or taxi ride takes you to Samudrika Naval Marine Museum in Delanipur. Plan about an hour to see the coral, shells, preserved marine specimens, and displays on Andaman ecology; it typically closes by late afternoon, so do not arrive too late.
Continue by taxi or auto-rickshaw to Corbyn’s Cove Beach, roughly 15–25 minutes from Delanipur depending on traffic. Come around sunset for a relaxed first look at the coast—there are snack stalls and changing facilities, but the beach is better for a stroll and paddling than for serious swimming, particularly if the sea is choppy. Return toward Middle Point for dinner at SeaShell Port Blair, where the menu covers Indian, North Indian, and seafood dishes; budget approximately ₹800–1,500 per person. Reserve or arrive early if dining on a weekend, and keep the evening easy after the flight: tomorrow’s early ferry to Havelock Island requires an early start and a 30–45-minute check-in buffer at the terminal.
Take the early Makruzz sailing from Port Blair to Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island), allowing 30–45 minutes at the terminal for check-in and boarding. The crossing generally takes 1.5–2 hours; ferry timings can shift with weather, so confirm the sailing the previous evening. On arrival at Havelock Jetty, collect your bags and arrange a scooter or local auto-rickshaw—scooters are usually around ₹500–800 per day, while an auto to the southern beaches typically costs ₹300–600 depending on the distance. Head first to Kalapathar Beach, roughly 40–50 minutes from the jetty. Its forest-framed shoreline and bleached driftwood make it especially good for an unhurried walk and photographs; spend about 1.5 hours here, but avoid swimming near rocky sections or during rough surf.
Continue north along the island road to Vijaynagar Beach, a quieter stretch suited to a relaxed shoreline walk and, when lifeguards or local operators say conditions are safe, a brief swim. Allow about an hour. The route is scenic but has uneven patches and limited fuel stations, so fill the scooter near the jetty and carry water. For lunch, settle into Full Moon Café, a casual beachfront restaurant known for Indian dishes, seafood, and simple international plates. Expect roughly ₹500–1,000 per person and allow an hour; service can be leisurely, which is useful on an island day but worth factoring in before the afternoon boat trip.
After lunch, return toward the jetty area for the permitted boat transfer to Elephant Beach. Boat operators usually bundle the return ride with snorkelling equipment and a guide; allow 3–4 hours in total, including transfers and time in the water. Shallow coral areas can be excellent for seeing reef fish, but conditions vary considerably in October. Use a licensed operator, listen to the guide, do not stand on coral, and bring reef-safe sunscreen, dry clothes, and a waterproof pouch. Return with enough time to travel to Radhanagar Beach—about 30–40 minutes by scooter or auto—and arrive before sunset. The beach is best enjoyed by walking west along the broad sand rather than clustering near the entrance; swimming is allowed only where conditions and lifeguards permit. Facilities close after dark, so arrange your ride back before sunset and carry a small torch. Expect a full day with limited downtime, but the order works well: quieter beaches first, marine activities in the afternoon, and Radhanagar Beach as the final golden-hour stop.
Start early, around 6:30–7:00, with a guided trek to Elephant Beach. The forest route usually takes about 2.5–3 hours return, depending on the group and trail conditions, and is a much more atmospheric way to arrive than taking a boat. Wear proper closed-toe shoes—parts of the trail can be muddy after rain—and carry water, insect repellent, sun protection, and a dry bag for your phone. Arrange the guide through your hotel or a reputable local trekking operator; expect roughly ₹500–1,000 per person, with the final rate depending on group size. Keep the forest quiet and follow the guide, as the path can be slippery and is not a good route to attempt alone.
After returning, have a light breakfast or early lunch near your accommodation before heading to Swaraj Dweep Diving Centre for a beginner’s dive or a certified shore/boat dive. Allow 3–4 hours for briefing, equipment fitting, travel to the dive site, and the session itself; introductory dives commonly cost around ₹4,500–7,000, while certified dives vary by package. Most operators require a health declaration, and you should avoid flying for at least 18–24 hours after diving. Confirm the meeting point and weather cancellation policy in advance, and leave extra time rather than trying to combine the dive with a tightly timed ferry or flight.
Once you are back on land, take an auto-rickshaw to Govind Nagar Beach—usually 10–20 minutes from the main accommodation areas, depending on traffic—for a quiet hour beside the water. It is best treated as a relaxed post-dive stop rather than a swimming session, especially if the tide is strong; carry a towel and change of clothes, and check the beach access and daylight conditions locally. For dinner, settle into Something Different—A Beachside Café, a laid-back spot serving Indian dishes, seafood, and international comfort food. Budget about ₹700–1,400 per person, and arrive around 7:00–7:30 if you want an easier table; island kitchens can slow down during busy evenings, so this is a good night to order unhurriedly and enjoy the beach atmosphere rather than plan another activity.
Take a morning Makruzz sailing from Swaraj Dweep to Port Blair, arriving at the jetty 30–45 minutes before departure for check-in. The crossing usually takes 1.5–2 hours, though sea conditions can affect timings. Once ashore, take an auto-rickshaw or prepaid taxi to Chatham Island—allow roughly 20–30 minutes from the jetty, depending on traffic—and leave your larger luggage at your hotel or with the ferry operator if possible.
Spend about an hour at Chatham Saw Mill, one of the Andamans’ oldest working timber mills. It is generally open during weekday daytime hours, but confirm locally because operating days and access can change. The nearby Forest Museum is a compact follow-up visit, taking around 45 minutes, with displays on island timber, forestry practices, and native natural history. Carry water and cash for small entry fees; the island is more functional than touristic, so facilities are limited.
Return toward the waterfront for the Japanese Bunkers, a brief but atmospheric stop among the World War II-era remains. Plan for 30–45 minutes, with a little extra time to wander along the seafront; the structures are largely outdoors, so a hat, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes are useful. From there, continue by auto-rickshaw or taxi to Aberdeen Bazaar, usually a 10–15-minute ride, depending on where traffic is moving.
Finish at New Lighthouse Restaurant for a relaxed seafood-focused lunch or early dinner. Allow about an hour and budget approximately ₹500–1,000 per person. Order local seafood when available, but ask about preparation time—fresh dishes can take longer than standard meals. Afterward, keep the evening unhurried in central Port Blair; if your onward flight is the same day, leave at least 2–2.5 hours for the airport transfer and check-in, with extra buffer during rain or holiday traffic.