The many faces of the Andamans
The archipelago is more than its famous beaches. Over 500 islands stretch across the Bay of Bengal, from the buzz of Port Blair to volcanoes, mangrove creeks and near-empty shores far to the north. Here are the major islands worth knowing, grouped by how easily you can actually reach them.
The three you will actually stay on
These three islands hold nearly all the hotels, ferries and headline sights. A first trip lives here.
The capital and gateway. Every flight lands here and every inter-island ferry starts here, so it works best as an arrival and departure base rather than a long stay.
- Cellular Jail and the light and sound show
- Corbyn's Cove Beach
- Ross Island and North Bay by boat
- Chidiya Tapu for sunsets
The headline island and the reason most people come. The best beaches, the best diving and the widest choice of resorts all sit here.
- Radhanagar Beach, rated among Asia's best
- Scuba diving and PADI schools
- Elephant Beach for snorkelling
- Kalapathar Beach
Smaller, slower and more local in feel. A calm counterpoint to Havelock, easy to reach on the short hop between the two.
- Bharatpur Beach, calm and shallow
- Laxmanpur Beach for sunsets
- Sitapur and Kalapathar beaches
- The Natural Bridge rock formation
Close enough for a single day
These sit near Port Blair or Havelock and are usually done as a day excursion rather than an overnight stay.
A long but rewarding day trip from Port Blair. The road passes through a reserve, so travel runs in timed convoys and needs a permit, which your operator arranges.
- Limestone caves by boat
- Mud volcanoes, the only ones in India
- Parrot Island at dusk
- Mangrove creek ride
Historic island ruins where abandoned colonial buildings meet tropical forest, deer and peacocks, creating timeless landscapes filled with echoes of history and serenity.
- British-era ruins
- Forest walks
- Deer and peacocks
- Port Blair harbour views
A marine adventure stop near Port Blair with vibrant coral reefs, snorkelling, scuba diving, glass-bottom boat rides, and unforgettable underwater experiences.
- Coral reefs
- Sea walk
- Snorkelling
- Glass-bottom boats
Part of a protected marine park south of Port Blair, known for clear water and living coral. Plastic is banned, and Red Skin Island stands in when Jolly Buoy closes seasonally.
- Coral reefs and clear water
- Glass-bottom boat rides
- Wandoor Beach base
- Open on a rotating seasonal basis
A protected marine island famous for colourful coral reefs, snorkelling and glass-bottom boat rides near Port Blair.
- Vibrant coral reefs
- Snorkelling
- Glass-bottom boat rides
- Rich marine biodiversity
A pristine island known for crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs and untouched beaches, perfect for snorkelling and diving.
- Crystal-clear turquoise waters
- Healthy coral reefs
- Excellent snorkelling & diving
- Unspoilt white-sand beaches
The far north and the truly remote
These reward travellers with a week or more. Distances are real, so they suit slow, nature-led trips rather than a first quick visit.
The largest town in the far north and a base for genuine adventure. A long haul from Port Blair, best reached with an overnight stop, and worth it for the untouched scenery.
- Ross and Smith twin islands
- Saddle Peak, the highest point in Andaman
- Kalipur turtle nesting beach
- Alfred Caves
A peaceful Middle Andaman stop known for mangroves, quiet beaches and eco-friendly nature experiences away from the main tourist trail.
- Dhani Nallah mangrove walkway
- Amkunj Beach
- Moricedera Beach
- Village and coastal life
A quiet northern Andaman town with remote beaches, turtle nesting sites and a slower island atmosphere, often visited on the way to Diglipur.
- Karmatang Beach turtle nesting area
- Avis Island
- Remote coastal landscapes
- Local island life
A small, car-free island for travellers chasing quiet. Reached by ferry, with a natural, unhurried feel and a couple of lovely beaches to yourself.
- Lalaji Bay Beach
- Merk Bay, a standout white sand beach nearby
- Almost no traffic or crowds
- Simple, natural stays
Home to the only active volcano in South Asia. There is no landing, viewing is from a boat and needs special permission, so it is a rare add-on for the truly curious.
- The only active volcano in the region
- Dramatic crater-to-sea landscape
- Viewed from the sea, no landing
- Forest department permission required
The least visited of the accessible islands, reached by a long ferry south. Lush, quiet and raw, with waterfalls and surf-worthy beaches for the adventurous.
- Butler Bay Beach and surfing
- White Surf and Whisper Wave waterfalls
- Dense forest and calm
- Very few other tourists
A note on the far islands. The Nicobar group and tribal reserve areas, including North Sentinel, are not open to tourists and cannot be visited. Anything in this offbeat section needs real time in your plan and, in several cases, permits or seasonal timing. We handle that groundwork for you.
Let us match the islands to your trip
Tell us how many days you have and what you are after, quiet beaches, diving, or the wild north, and our Port Blair team will shape an itinerary around the right islands.