Andaman Islands Travel Guide 2026: Ferries, Entry Rules & Itinerary

The Andaman Islands look easy on Instagram: white sand, clear water, a sunset or two. Planning them is a different story. Ferries get cancelled in bad weather. Islands have new names. Entry rules depend on your passport. And one wrong booking order can strand you on the wrong island on the day of your flight.

This guide fixes that. You'll get the real entry rules, how to book ferries (private and government), a 3, 5 and 7-day plan, the 10 places worth your time, and the practical stuff most people only learn on arrival, like cash and phone signal.

One note before we start: the capital is officially named Sri Vijaya Puram (many older websites still say Port Blair), Havelock is Swaraj Dweep, and Neil is Shaheed Dweep. Older websites and many booking apps still use the old names, so we'll show both.

Quick Answer: How Many Days and Which Islands?

Pick your days first. Everything else follows. Each island change can use up a big part of your day because of the ferry.

Always keep one buffer day. A weather-cancelled ferry can push you back a day. Don't book your flight out for the same day as your last ferry.

How to Reach the Andaman Islands

Almost everyone arrives by air at Veer Savarkar International Airport in Sri Vijaya Puram. The official tourism website lists flights from Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, Bengaluru and Delhi. Passenger ships also sail from Chennai, Kolkata and Visakhapatnam. A 2024 travel article put the voyage at roughly 50 to 60 hours with only a few sailings a month, so check the Directorate of Shipping Services for the current schedule. For most visitors, flying is the practical choice.

Travel Guide to the Andaman Islands from Mumbai

Direct flights from Mumbai are not guaranteed every day. Air India's own Mumbai to Port Blair page says there is no direct flight every day, and the Air India flights it lists are routed via Delhi. Flight trackers list an IndiGo nonstop service of around three hours twenty minutes, but that comes from a tracking site, not the airline. Check IndiGo and Air India for your exact date. If there's no direct option, connect through Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata or another hub.

Tip for any route: plan the flight and the first ferry together. A late arrival means you stay in Sri Vijaya Puram that night and take the ferry the next morning. Flying in from the US? See our US to India travel guide for the wider India basics.

Entry Rules: Who Needs a Permit?

Indian citizens have a simple rule: carry valid photo ID. Foreign nationals need to read this section carefully, because the rules depend on your passport and on which islands you plan to visit.

These rules change, so check the Andaman and Nicobar tourism website before you fly. If you're a foreign traveler, carry a printed copy of your visa too. You'll find the official notice in the sources at the end of this guide.

How Ferries Work (and How to Book Them)

Ferries are the backbone of any Andaman trip. Get this part right and the rest is easy.

Private vs Government vs Helicopter

Andaman Ferry Booking: Private Ferries Step by Step

• Choose your route, for example Sri Vijaya Puram to Swaraj Dweep, and the date.
• Pick a departure time, then check the weather and the operator's sailing status close to the day.
• Choose a seat class if the operator offers them (Makruzz, for example, lists Premium, Deluxe and Royal).
• Pay online and save the e-ticket on your phone, or print it.
• Carry the same photo ID you used for booking. Follow the operator's check-in guidance.
• Pack light. Makruzz lists roughly one carry-on and one checked bag, about 20 kg in total.

How far ahead? Book early in peak season (October to May) and even earlier for Christmas and New Year. One operator suggests at least 7 to 10 days ahead in normal peak weeks and about two weeks for the holidays. Treat that as a guide, since availability depends on your dates. Typical Makruzz sailing times are about 90 minutes from Sri Vijaya Puram to Swaraj Dweep, about 60 minutes from Swaraj Dweep to Shaheed Dweep, and about 90 minutes back. Times vary by operator, route and sea conditions.

How to Book a Government Ferry in the Andamans Online

The Directorate of Shipping Services runs an official e-ticketing portal at dss.andamannicobar.gov.in/eticketing. In October 2025 the administration announced an upgrade so tickets could be booked beyond counter hours. Online hours can change, so check the portal for its current booking hours.

• Open the portal and check the sailing for your route, date and seat availability. The portal lists e-ticketing as available daily.
• Book there if your route and date are listed.
• Read the cancellation and refund conditions before you pay.
• Expect to enter a mobile number and an OTP when you book. If you don't have an Indian mobile number, check on the portal whether you can book, or use a private ferry instead.
• Report 2 hours before the scheduled sailing. The DSS terms say embarkation gates close 30 minutes before sailing on mainland, inter-island and foreshore routes.
• Cancel only through the e-ticketing portal if you booked there. Cancellation is not allowed within 2 hours of sailing, and refunds shrink as the sailing date gets closer. If the administration cancels a voyage, or a delay runs to 6 hours or more, the terms promise a full refund.
• Your ID must match. The same original ID you entered at booking must be shown when you board. The terms list a penalty of ten times the base fare for a mismatch.
• Don't build a tight plan around one sailing. Weather or technical issues can change schedules.

Beware of look-alike booking sites. Only pay on the official portal or the operator's own website. Check the web address in your browser before you pay, and don't pay through unsolicited WhatsApp or social media links. Confirm your ticket on the operator's site or the DSS portal.

Top 10 Places in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands

These are the places worth planning around. Note that the Nicobar group is closed to tourists, so every stop below is in the Andaman group.

1. Cellular Jail, Sri Vijaya Puram

This colonial-era prison is the most important historical site in the islands and the best use of your first evening. Go in the afternoon, then stay for the light and sound show. Book through the official e-tourist portal of the tourism department. The schedule listed there on 16 October 2026 was:

Show times can change, so confirm on the portal for your travel date.

2. Ross Island (Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep)

A short boat ride from Sri Vijaya Puram takes you to the ruins of the old British administrative base. It's quiet, green and easy to do in half a day. The tourism website lists Aberdeen Jetty for private boats. Confirm the departure point, opening hours and ticket availability on the tourism portal before you go.

3. Radhanagar Beach, Swaraj Dweep

This is the beach most people picture when they think of the Andamans. The tourism directorate says it holds Blue Flag certification from the Foundation for Environmental Education, and lists it for swimming and sunset views. Go late afternoon, stay for the light, and be careful in the water. Obey every flag and sign.

4. Elephant Beach, Swaraj Dweep

The tourism directorate lists a short forest trek, kayaking, jet skiing, banana boat rides and snorkeling here. Trail and access conditions change with rain, so confirm on the day and wear shoes with grip. For snorkeling, read the safety section first.

5. Kala Pathar Beach, Swaraj Dweep

The tourism directorate lists Kala Pathar among its "peace and solitude" beaches, with eco-friendly amenities. It's a good choice when Radhanagar feels busy. The directorate also lists scuba, kayaking and snorkeling excursions in the area, so ask your operator which beach they use before you book.

6. Bharatpur Beach, Shaheed Dweep

The tourism directorate lists Bharatpur for swimming, jet skiing, banana boat rides, scuba diving and glass-bottom boat rides. Check local conditions before you swim, and book water sports through registered operators.

7. Laxmanpur Beach, Shaheed Dweep

Laxmanpur is listed for natural rock formations, tidal pool exploration, star gazing and sunset views. Check tide timings before you walk out onto the rocks. Wet rock is slippery, and a rising tide can cut off your way back. You don't need to climb the rocks to enjoy the sunset. For sunrise, the tourism directorate suggests Sitapur Beach on the same island.

8. Chidiya Tapu, South Andaman

Chidiya Tapu is at the southern tip of South Andaman. The tourism directorate lists bird watching, sunset viewing and a trek to Munda Pahad. Crocodile warning signs have been reported here, so follow local signage and the administration's instructions, and keep away from the water's edge. Check trail access and daylight time before the Munda Pahad trek.

9. Jolly Buoy and Redskin, Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park

The marine park near Wandoor, about 30 km from Sri Vijaya Puram, is known for coral and fish. A local operator's listing says Jolly Buoy closes for roughly six months each year to protect its coral, and that Red Skin is open in that period. It also says a forest department permit is needed, daily visitor numbers are capped, and permits can sell out in peak season. Official water sports guidelines list both as Marine National Park islands, and say visiting parties to a Marine National Park must be accompanied by a guide nominated by the Chief Wild Life Warden. Don't plan to see both islands on the same day. Check which island is open on your dates and confirm permits before you go.

10. Baratang Limestone Caves and Mud Volcano

This is a long day trip from Sri Vijaya Puram, so it won't fit easily into a 5-day plan. The road passes through a tribal reserve, so you travel in a timed convoy and your ID is checked at the check post. Follow the official convoy instructions and local administration rules. Don't stop, photograph or try to interact with anyone along that stretch. Some travelers skip Baratang for ethical reasons. If you go, never join any operator offering "tribal tours".

Further north: Diglipur is served by helicopter, and far-north stops need extra days. Add them only for 10 days or more.

Barren Island: This is India's only active volcano, and you can view it only from a vessel, because landing is not permitted. News reports in October 2025 said the Directorate of Shipping Services planned a fortnightly overnight cruise for it, leaving Haddo Wharf on a Friday night. Check the DSS website for the current listing, sailing dates and booking status before you plan around it.

Day-by-Day Plans: 3, 5 and 7 Days

These are planning frameworks, not confirmed ferry timetables. Check sailing times for your travel dates before you book hotels, and keep your last day free for delays.

3 Days: A Short Visit

• Day 1: Arrive in Sri Vijaya Puram. If your flight lands in time, visit Cellular Jail and book the evening show.
• Day 2: Take a morning ferry to Swaraj Dweep. Keep the late afternoon for Radhanagar Beach and sunset.
• Day 3: Take the ferry back to Sri Vijaya Puram. We don't recommend a same-day flight out, so a 3-day trip carries that risk. Four days is safer.

Three days is tight. Treat it as a short taste, not the full Andaman experience.

5 Days: Better for a First Trip

• Day 1: Arrive in Sri Vijaya Puram and see Cellular Jail.
• Day 2: Ferry to Swaraj Dweep and an easy afternoon.
• Day 3: Radhanagar Beach or Elephant Beach, depending on conditions and availability.
• Day 4: Add Shaheed Dweep only if the ferry timetable makes your stay and return practical.
• Day 5: Return day with a buffer before your flight.

7 Days: A More Balanced Trip

• Day 1: Arrive in Sri Vijaya Puram and rest.
• Day 2: Cellular Jail and Ross Island, depending on opening hours and boat availability.
• Days 3 and 4: Swaraj Dweep for beaches and water activities.
• Day 5: Shaheed Dweep for Bharatpur Beach and a Laxmanpur sunset, checking tide times first.
• Day 6: A weather and ferry buffer, or a Wandoor marine park trip if the open island, permits and boat services are confirmed. Baratang is a separate, long day trip, so add it only after checking convoy timings and the full route.
• Day 7: Return and fly out with plenty of buffer.

Not every ferry runs every day or at every time, so confirm island-to-island sailings before you lock in your order of islands. If beaches are your main goal, our guide to hidden beaches in India has more ideas for other coasts.

When to Go: Season by Season

Operators commonly quote November to May for diving at the marine park, but conditions vary by site, so ask a registered dive operator about current visibility. Exact monsoon dates vary by year, so check the forecast before booking. If you are thinking about rainy-season trips elsewhere in India, see our guide to the best monsoon destinations in India.

Safety, Scuba and Snorkeling

• Scuba: The official guidelines say scuba centres must register with the Directorate of Tourism, only registered operators may take tourists diving, and diving in a Marine National Park needs prior permission from the Chief Wild Life Warden. Solo diving is not allowed. Ask any operator to show their registration. A 3 July 2026 press release from the Directorate of Tourism says new dive sites were identified around Mayabunder and Diglipur, bringing the total to 12 locations across North and Middle Andaman.
• Snorkeling: Stay inside the zones marked for swimming and snorkeling, and go with an operator or guide. In Marine National Parks, official guidelines say visiting parties must be accompanied by a guide nominated by the Chief Wild Life Warden. Water sports run only in daylight and are suspended in poor visibility or bad weather.
• Crocodiles: Saltwater crocodiles live in the islands. Warnings are posted at places like Chidiya Tapu. Don't swim near creeks, mangroves or any beach with a warning sign.
• Tides and rocks: Laxmanpur's rock formations and tidal pools depend on the tide. Ask locally before you go.
• Weather: If a ferry or boat trip is cancelled, don't pressure operators to sail. Move your plan instead.
• Insurance: Check that your policy covers water sports and trip disruption. Our guide on how to choose travel insurance explains what to look for.

If you're traveling alone, our notes on safe solo travel destinations cover the basics.

Money, ATMs and Phone Signal

• Carry cash. Cash machines on Swaraj Dweep are limited and can run out or go offline. Withdraw in Sri Vijaya Puram before you leave. Card acceptance varies by business, so don't count on it. Foreign visitors can also read our UPI One World guide for foreign tourists for ways to pay in India.
• Phone networks: One travel site says Airtel and Jio generally have better coverage on Swaraj Dweep, but coverage depends on the spot and the day. Internet can be slow, especially outside bigger resorts. There are also reports of weak BSNL signal on Shaheed Dweep.
• Foreign visitors buying a SIM: Expect to show identity documents, and check the provider's current requirements for foreign visitors before you go. Activation may take some time, so don't wait until the last day.
• Wi-Fi: Bigger resorts usually offer it. Smaller guesthouses may have very basic Wi-Fi or none. Download maps and tickets before you leave the mainland.

What Goes Into Your Budget

We're not listing exact prices, because fares, rooms and activity costs change by season and operator. Use this table to build your own estimate from current official and operator pages.

To estimate your total, add return flights, accommodation on each island, every ferry leg, local transfers, meals, activities and at least one contingency night. Every extra island change adds a ferry fare and a transfer, and peak weeks push up rooms and ferry demand. Compare the whole trip cost, not just the nightly room rate.

For a sense of what trip costs look like for visitors from abroad, our cost of a trip to India for US travelers shows how we break down expenses.

Mistakes First-Time Visitors Make

• Booking a flight home on the same day as the last ferry.
• Leaving ferry bookings until you land. In peak season, popular times sell out.
• Trying to see too many islands in 4 or 5 days.
• Carrying only a phone copy of ID, or the wrong type of ID.
• Relying on ATMs and cards on the smaller islands.
• Visiting from June to September and expecting full beach days.
• Searching only for old names like Port Blair, Havelock or Neil, then missing the current official pages for Sri Vijaya Puram, Swaraj Dweep and Shaheed Dweep.
• Joining any trip that promises to show you tribal communities. Tribal reserves are closed to tourists.

Before You Book: A Quick Checklist

• Your arrival time and first ferry have a sensible gap.
• Ferry tickets are booked on an official portal or the operator's own site.
• Hotel dates match the ferry schedule.
• You have a buffer before your return flight.
• You've checked Cellular Jail show times and marine park permits.
• You carry original ID, cash, and offline tickets and maps.
• Your insurance covers water activities and trip disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a direct flight from Mumbai to the Andaman Islands?

Not every day. Air India says there is no direct flight between Mumbai and Port Blair every day, and its listed flights go via Delhi. Flight trackers list an IndiGo nonstop of about three hours twenty minutes. Check IndiGo and Air India for your date, and connect through Delhi, Chennai or Kolkata if there is no direct option.

How do I book an Andaman ferry?

For private ferries, choose your route, date, time and seat class on the operator's official website, pay online, and carry your e-ticket and photo ID. One operator suggests booking at least 7 to 10 days ahead in peak season, and earlier for Christmas and New Year. For government ferries, use the Directorate of Shipping Services e-ticketing portal.

How do I book a government ferry in the Andamans online?

Use the official Directorate of Shipping Services e-ticketing portal at dss.andamannicobar.gov.in/eticketing. Check the sailing for your route and date, and read the cancellation and refund terms. Passengers must report 2 hours before sailing, gates close 30 minutes before, and the same original ID used at booking must be shown when you board.

What are the top 10 places to visit in the Andaman Islands?

Popular picks include Cellular Jail, Ross Island, Radhanagar Beach, Elephant Beach, Kala Pathar Beach, Bharatpur Beach, Laxmanpur Beach, Chidiya Tapu, the marine park at Jolly Buoy and Redskin, and the Baratang caves. The Nicobar group is closed to tourists.

What is a good Andaman itinerary for first-time visitors?

For 3 days, spend one day in Sri Vijaya Puram and one on Swaraj Dweep before you return, and know that this is tight. For 5 days, add Shaheed Dweep if the ferry timetable allows. For 7 days, add Ross Island and a Wandoor day trip. Always keep a buffer before your flight in case a ferry is cancelled.

Do I need a permit to visit the Andaman Islands?

Indian citizens need valid photo ID. Foreign nationals need a valid passport and Indian visa. The official notice says 29 islands are excluded from the Restricted Area Permit requirement and 11 more are exempt for day visits only, valid up to 31 December 2027, but it doesn't name the islands, so confirm what applies to your plan. Citizens of Afghanistan, China and Pakistan, and people of that origin, need a permit approved in advance.

When is the best time to visit the Andaman Islands?

October to May is the more popular period, with drier weather and many visitors planning beach days. December and January are the busiest. June to September brings more rain and a higher risk of ferry delays. Conditions vary, so check forecasts and ferry updates close to departure.

What time is the Cellular Jail light and sound show?

On 16 October 2026 the official e-tourist portal listed shows at 5:50 PM (Hindi, all days), 6:50 PM (Hindi on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday; English on Monday, Wednesday and Friday) and 7:50 PM (Hindi, all days). Times can change, so confirm and book on the portal for your date.

Is Baratang worth visiting?

It's a long day trip to limestone caves and a mud volcano. The route crosses a tribal reserve in a timed convoy, with no stopping, photography or interaction. Some travelers skip it for ethical reasons. If you go, follow every rule.

Is scuba diving safe in the Andaman Islands?

Diving is allowed only in permitted areas with registered operators. Official guidelines say scuba centres must register with the Directorate of Tourism, diving in a Marine National Park needs prior permission, and solo diving is not allowed. Check weather and sea conditions on the day, and make sure your travel insurance covers diving.

Sources: A&N Tourism — How to Reach · A&N Tourism — Restricted Area Permit notice · Nicobar Times — DSS e-ticketing upgrade · A&N Tourism — Light and sound show timings · The Week — 29 islands removed from RAP (2018) · Go2Andaman — Jolly Buoy Island · Makruzz — Havelock and Neil ferry guide · Makruzz — Best time to visit · Outlook Traveller — Snorkelling and diving · MileHacker — Havelock money and safety · FlightsFrom — Mumbai to Port Blair (unofficial) · Air India — Mumbai to Port Blair · DSS — Terms and conditions · DSS — E-ticketing terms · A&N Tourism — Water sports guidelines · A&N Tourism — Beaches brochure

Information checked on 16 October 2026. Entry rules, ferry schedules, fares and show timings change often, so confirm with the Andaman and Nicobar tourism department, the Directorate of Shipping Services or your operator before you travel.