Andaman Islands travel facts, permits and season guide
Everything a first-time visitor needs before booking: the best months to travel, permit rules for Indian and foreign nationals, how the three main islands differ, and honest local notes on connectivity, cash and getting around.
About the islands
The Andaman Islands sit in the Bay of Bengal, closer to Myanmar and Thailand than to mainland India. The archipelago has over 500 islands, but only a handful are open to tourists. Most trips centre on three: Port Blair, the entry point and capital; Swaraj Dweep, still widely called Havelock, where the headline beaches and dive sites are; and Shaheed Dweep, formerly Neil Island, the quieter stop. Domestic tourism has grown fast, so hotels and ferries on the popular islands book out early in peak months.
Best time to visit
October to May is the season worth planning around. Seas are calm, underwater visibility is at its best, and every water sport runs at full scale. The stretch from mid-December to early January is the super peak, when resorts and ferries sell out weeks ahead and pricing climbs. June to September is monsoon, with heavy rain, rough seas and frequent ferry and dive cancellations. Rates fall sharply then, so monsoon suits budget travellers who can absorb weather disruption.
| Season | Months | Sea and weather | What it means for you |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peak | Oct to May | Calm seas, clear visibility | Best diving and island hopping, higher rates, book ahead |
| Super peak | Dec 15 to Jan 5 | Calm, festive crowds | Everything sells out early, premium pricing |
| Monsoon | Jun to Sep | Heavy rain, rough seas | Lowest rates, frequent ferry and water-sport cancellations |
Permits and entry
The rules split cleanly between Indian and foreign nationals. Neither is complicated for the main tourist islands, but a few restricted areas need extra paperwork that your tour operator usually handles.
No permit for the main islands
You need no permit for Port Blair, Swaraj Dweep or Shaheed Dweep. Carry a valid government photo ID such as Aadhaar, Voter ID, Passport or Driving Licence. A few areas like Baratang and parts of North Andaman need a separate permit, normally arranged through your operator.
Restricted Area Permit on arrival
Foreign visitors receive a Restricted Area Permit free at Port Blair airport, valid 30 days and extendable by 15. Nationals of a few countries need prior clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs, so check before booking. National parks and marine sanctuaries charge a small separate entry fee.
The three main islands
Each island earns its place for a different reason. A common first trip splits nights across all three, with the most time on Swaraj Dweep.
- Cellular Jail and its evening light and sound show
- Corbyn's Cove Beach close to town
- Ross Island and North Bay by boat
- All flights and inter-island ferries start here
- Radhanagar Beach, rated among Asia's best
- Best scuba diving and dive schools in Andaman
- Elephant Beach for snorkelling and sea walks
- Widest range of resorts and restaurants
- Bharatpur Beach with calm shallow water
- Laxmanpur Beach for sunsets
- Natural Bridge rock formation
- Slower pace, good for unwinding
Diving and snorkelling
Andaman is one of Asia's top places to learn to dive. Water is warm at 28 to 30 degrees, visibility runs 15 to 30 metres in season, and PADI-certified schools cluster on Swaraj Dweep. A single try dive typically costs around 4,000 to 6,000 rupees including gear and briefing, while a full Open Water certification runs higher. Non-swimmers can do guided shallow dives.
Getting around
Government and private ferries connect Port Blair, Swaraj Dweep and Shaheed Dweep. Private air-conditioned catamarans such as Makruzz, Green Ocean and Nautika are faster and worth booking ahead in peak season. Our fleets are available in each island to cover the sightseeing and hotel transfers. Ferry schedules shift with sea conditions, so keep a buffer day before your return flight rather than cutting it fine
Good to know before you go
Plan your Andaman trip with people who live here
We run our own ground operations across Port Blair, Swaraj Dweep and Shaheed Dweep. Custom itineraries, hotels, ferries and activities handled end to end.