Andaman Travel Guide & Information
Everything you need to know before visiting Andaman: best seasons, ferry tickets, mobile networks, packing tips, and local rules.
Best Time to Visit the Andaman Islands
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands enjoy a tropical marine climate throughout the year. The ideal season to visit is from October to May, when the skies are sunny, the sea is calm and crystal clear, and all outdoor water activities — including scuba diving, snorkeling, and sea walking — operate at peak safety.
October to April
Pleasant temperatures (22°C – 30°C), calm turquoise waters, optimal visibility for underwater diving, and active ferry operations between all tourist islands.
May to June
Warm tropical sunshine (24°C – 34°C) with pleasant ocean breezes. Excellent for water sports, beach relaxation, and avoiding peak holiday crowds.
July to September
Lush tropical greenery, occasional heavy showers, and lower resort tariffs. Note that sea ferry trips and water sports may experience intermittent weather cancellations.
How to Reach Andaman
By Air: Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ) in Port Blair is connected via daily direct flights from Chennai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru, and connecting flights from Delhi, Mumbai, and Hyderabad.
By Sea: Regular passenger ships sail from Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam to Port Blair, taking approximately 55 to 66 hours.
Inter-Island Ferry Guidelines
Private high-speed catamarans (Nautika, Makruzz, Green Ocean) operate between Port Blair, Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep), and Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep).
Always arrive at the jetty 45 minutes prior to scheduled departure. Passengers must carry government photo ID proofs for boarding.
Mobile Connectivity & SIMs
Airtel and BSNL provide the strongest 4G mobile coverage across Port Blair, Havelock, and Neil Island. Jio has reliable coverage in Port Blair and parts of Havelock.
Undersea submarine optical fiber (CANI) ensures high-speed fiber broadband in most premium beach resorts and hotels.
Permits & Entry Rules
Indian Nationals: No permit is required to visit Andaman. Just carry valid Government Photo IDs (Aadhaar, Passport, Driving License, or Voter ID).
Foreign Nationals: Restricted Area Permit (RAP) has been relaxed for 30 inhabited tourist islands including Havelock and Neil. Valid passport and Indian visa are required.
Currency, ATMs & UPI
Credit cards and UPI (Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm) are widely accepted in Port Blair hotels, restaurants, and scuba dive centers.
We recommend withdrawing adequate cash in Port Blair before departing for Havelock and Neil Island, where ATMs occasionally run out of cash.
What to Pack for Andaman
- Breathable cotton and linen clothing
- Swimwear, UV rash guard & water shoes for coral beaches
- Reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses, and sun hat
- Waterproof phone pouch for boat tours
- Personal medications & motion sickness tablets for ferry journeys
Frequently Asked Questions for Andaman Travelers
No. Andaman and Nicobar Islands is a Union Territory of India. Indian citizens do not need a passport. Any valid government-issued photo ID (Aadhaar card, Voter ID, Driving License) is sufficient.
A 5 Nights / 6 Days or 4 Nights / 5 Days package is ideal to visit Port Blair, Havelock Island (Radhanagar Beach & Elephant Beach), and Neil Island without feeling rushed.
Yes! Non-swimmers can comfortably do Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) and Sea Walking at Havelock Island and North Bay Island under the direct supervision of certified PADI dive instructors.
Private catamarans like Nautika and Makruzz permit up to 25 kg of check-in luggage per passenger plus a standard handbag free of charge.