The Andaman Islands weave together coral-rich seas, World War history, and laid-back tropical rhythms. Once the British administrative hub, the archipelago bears traces of colonial-era ruins on Ross Island and the sobering Cellular Jail in Port Blair. Offshore, shallow reefs teem with parrotfish, butterflyfish, and occasional turtles—ideal for first-time snorkelers and photographers.

April–May brings long, bright days, calm mornings, and warm seas around 28–30°C. Expect hot, humid afternoons (30–34°C), occasional pre-monsoon showers, and short squalls; plan water activities early and stretch evenings on breezy beaches. Ferries are the spine of island life—book early, carry photo ID, and choose morning crossings for smoother seas.

Food is local and unfussy—fish curry–rice, prawn masala, tandoori fish, and South Indian breakfasts. ATMs work in main hubs, but carry cash for beach shacks. Plastic is regulated; pack a refillable bottle and reef-safe sunscreen. Internet can be patchy—download maps and e-tickets in advance.

🌴 Port Blair

Port Blair is the gateway to the Andamans and a lens into layered history. Explore the Cellular Jail, whose corridors narrate India’s freedom struggle, then stroll the waterfront at Marina Park for sea breezes and street snacks. Boats from the Water Sports Complex connect to Ross Island (Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island) and North Bay for colonial ruins and beginner-friendly coral gardens.

Eat like a local: try fish thali and crab curry at budget seafood joints near the Jetty area, hearty veg meals and dosas around Aberdeen Bazaar, and evening pani puri and chaat along the promenade. For breakfast, look for simple bakeries and South Indian tiffin stalls that open early.

• Stay (budget areas): Aberdeen Bazaar (walkable, cheap eats), Junglighat (good transport), Goal Ghar/Dairy Farm (quiet lanes, value guesthouses). Browse stays: VRBO Port Blair | Hotels.com Port Blair
• Eat (budget picks): New Lighthouse area (grilled fish, fish curry–rice), Annapurna-style veg messes (idli, masala dosa, thali), Bengali-leaning canteens (fish fry, dal, rice), quick snacks near Clock Tower (samosa, jalebi, lassi).
• Getting there: Fly into Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ). Compare fares on Trip.com Flights and Kiwi.com Flights.

🏝️ Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep)

Havelock is the postcard: powder-soft Radhanagar Beach, shallow turquoise lagoons at Elephant Beach, and sunrise hues at Kalapathar. It’s also the easiest spot to try snorkeling with lively reef fish and calm, sandy entries.

Days move slow—rent a scooter, hop between beach numbers, and time sunsets at Radhanagar. Evenings are for beachside grills, mango shakes, and relaxed cafés under palm fronds.

• Stay (budget areas): Govind Nagar (Beach 3/5; central, food and rentals), Vijay Nagar (Beach 5; quieter, value stays). Browse stays: VRBO Havelock Island | Hotels.com Havelock Island
• Eat (budget picks): Anju Coco–style multi-cuisine shacks (tandoori fish, prawn curry), simple veg canteens near Beach 3 (thali), fruit juice stands (tender coconut, lime soda), and breakfast stalls (poori-sabzi, omelet rolls).
• Move: Scooter rentals ₹500–800/day (+fuel), shared autos on the main road, occasional buses. Carry cash.

🌊 Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep)

Smaller and sleepier than Havelock, Neil charms with clear shallows at Bharatpur Beach, tidepool walks to the Natural Rock Bridge, and burnished sunsets over Laxmanpur Beach. It’s perfect for unhurried swims and reef photography.

The market near Neil Kendra hums with snack shops, fruit stalls, and homestyle eateries serving fish curry–rice and veg thalis. Most sights sit within a 10–20 minute scooter ride.

• Stay (budget areas): Bharatpur Beach road (walk to water sports), Neil Kendra/Market (cheap eats and ATMs), Ramnagar (quiet). Browse stays: VRBO Neil Island | Hotels.com Neil Island
• Eat (budget picks): Beach shacks at Bharatpur (fried fish, egg curry, lime soda), small dhabas near Market (veg thali, dal fry), tea stalls for morning samosa and chai.
• Optional activities (bookable):
  Boat Scuba Diving at Neil Island — reef dive with a chance to spot turtles; beginner-friendly.
  

  

  Neil Island Exclusive Cab Package — pre-arranged cab with security devices; useful if you’d rather not rent a scooter.
  

  

🗓️ Day 1 (Sat, 25 Apr): Arrive Port Blair + Cellular Jail

Morning: Fly to Port Blair. Compare fares on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Carry printed/phone copies of IDs.

Afternoon: Check in around Aberdeen Bazaar/Junglighat. Lunch near the Jetty: fish thali or veg meals. Rest during peak heat.

Evening: Visit Cellular Jail museum (1–1.5 hrs), then the Light & Sound Show (book earlier slot if you prefer an early dinner). Post-show walk at Marina Park; try chaat or fresh lime soda. Dinner options: seafood grills by the Jetty or hearty veg thali at a bazaar canteen.

Daily budget (couple): ₹4,500–₹5,500 (stay ₹2,200–₹3,000, food ₹1,000–₹1,400, autos ₹200–₹400, Jail + show ₹700–₹1,000).

🚤 Day 2 (Sun, 26 Apr): Ross Island + North Bay Island

Morning: From the Water Sports Complex, board a shared boat to Ross Island (Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island) and North Bay. Typical departure 8:30–9:30 a.m.; boats bundle both islands.

Afternoon: Explore Ross’s leafy ruins and deer. Transfer to North Bay for snorkeling/glass-bottom (beginner-friendly reef close to shore). Carry water shoes and a dry bag.

Evening: Return by mid/late afternoon. Sunset stroll along the promenade. Dinner near Aberdeen Bazaar—try prawn masala, dal fry, and rotis.

• Boat & timing notes: Ross stop ~1.5–2 hrs; North Bay ~2–3 hrs; total trip ~5–6 hrs. Shared boat ₹900–₹1,300 pp (plus optional activities and small entry fees). Book a day prior.

Daily budget (couple): ₹6,000–₹8,000 (boat + activities ₹2,500–₹3,600, food ₹1,200–₹1,600, local transport ₹200–₹400, stay ₹2,200–₹3,000).

⛴️ Day 3 (Mon, 27 Apr): Ferry to Havelock + Radhanagar Sunset

Morning: Ferry Port Blair → Havelock (Swaraj Dweep). Typical durations: 1.5–2.5 hrs. Morning departures ~6:30–9:00 a.m. Budget options: Govt. Ferry (cheapest, limited seats) or private operators (Makruzz/Green Ocean/Sea Link/Nautika—economy class is good value). Fares usually ₹1,200–₹2,000 pp.

Afternoon: Check in around Govind Nagar/Vijay Nagar. Lunch at a beachside shack (grilled fish or veg thali). Nap or easy swim.

Evening: Auto/scooter to Radhanagar Beach (No. 7). Laze till golden hour; this is the island’s signature sunset. Simple dinner back near Govind Nagar—tandoori fish, veg korma, or fried rice.

Daily budget (couple): ₹7,100–₹8,500 (ferry ₹2,400–₹4,000, food ₹1,200–₹1,600, local transport/scooter ₹300–₹700, stay ₹2,200–₹3,000).

🐠 Day 4 (Tue, 28 Apr): Elephant Beach Snorkeling + Kalapathar

Morning: Boat trip to Elephant Beach (depart ~8:30–9:30 a.m., 20 min by speedboat). Includes time to snorkel the shallow reef with instructor supervision—great for first-timers. Wear a rash guard and avoid touching coral.

Afternoon: Return to the jetty for lunch. Later, ride to Kalapathar Beach for shade, photos, and a relaxed swim near the sandy stretches.

Evening: Back to Govind Nagar. Dinner at a budget café—fish curry–rice, egg masala, parathas, fresh juices.

• Notes: If boat access to Elephant Beach is suspended (sometimes due to advisories), snorkel at Nemo Reef (near Govind Nagar) with a local guide instead.

Daily budget (couple): ₹6,200–₹7,500 (Elephant Beach boat + snorkel ₹2,200–₹3,000, food ₹1,200–₹1,600, scooter/fuel ₹200–₹400, stay ₹2,200–₹3,000).

🏖️ Day 5 (Wed, 29 Apr): Havelock → Neil + Bharatpur & Laxmanpur

Morning: Ferry Havelock → Neil (Shaheed Dweep). Typical duration ~1 hr; departures often between 9:00–11:00 a.m. Economy fares ₹800–₹1,500 pp. Check in near Bharatpur or Neil Kendra.

Afternoon: Walk to Bharatpur Beach for clear, shallow water—good for relaxed swims and glass-bottom rides. Snack at beach shacks (lime soda, pakoras, fish fry).

Evening: Head to Laxmanpur Beach for a slow sunset. If tides allow earlier, visit the Natural Rock Bridge (slippery—wear water shoes). Dinner near Market: simple fish curry–rice or veg thali.

Daily budget (couple): ₹5,700–₹6,800 (ferry ₹1,600–₹3,000, food ₹1,000–₹1,400, scooter/auto ₹200–₹400, stay ₹2,000–₹2,800).

🤿 Day 6 (Thu, 30 Apr): Neil Morning Adventure + Return to Port Blair

Morning: Optional dive: Boat Scuba Diving at Neil Island (intro dive over a vibrant reef; see listing for current pricing). Non-divers can swim again at Bharatpur or scooter to Ramnagar for quiet coves. Alternatively, arrange a comfortable island transfer with Neil Island Exclusive Cab Package.

Afternoon: Ferry Neil → Port Blair (1–1.5 hrs; typical departures ~1:00–4:00 p.m.). Check back into Aberdeen/Junglighat. Tea and bakery snacks.

Evening: Souvenir run at Aberdeen Bazaar (shell curios, spices). Dinner near the Jetty: prawn masala, dal tadka, tawa roti.

Daily budget (couple): Without dive: ₹5,600–₹6,800 (ferry ₹1,600–₹2,800, food ₹1,000–₹1,400, local transport ₹200–₹400, stay ₹2,200–₹3,000). If diving: add per listing price for two.

✈️ Day 7 (Fri, 1 May): Easy Morning + Departure

Morning: Light breakfast (idli, filter coffee). If time allows, quick stop at Corbyn’s Cove for sea views or a short visit to Samudrika Naval Marine Museum (marine life, island exhibits). Pack and head to the airport.

Afternoon: Fly out from IXZ. Compare on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Keep 2–2.5 hours buffer.

Daily budget (couple): ₹1,200–₹2,000 (breakfast/snacks ₹400–₹700, local transport ₹200–₹400, airport transfer ₹300–₹600; no stay counted).

🧭 Ferries & Local Transport (Budget Notes)

• Typical routes & times:
  Port Blair → Havelock: 1.5–2.5 hrs; morning boats most reliable.
  Havelock → Neil: ~1 hr.
  Neil → Port Blair: 1–1.5 hrs.
• Fares (economy, per person, 2025 guidance): PB–Havelock ₹1,200–₹2,000; Havelock–Neil ₹800–₹1,500; Neil–PB ₹800–₹1,400. Govt. ferries are cheaper but sell out; book early.
• Booking tips: Book 7–14 days ahead, carry the same ID used for booking, arrive 45–60 min before departure. Prefer morning crossings for calmer seas.
• On-island moves: Auto-rickshaws ₹100–₹300 for short hops; scooters ₹500–₹800/day (+fuel); bicycles ₹150–₹250/day. Carry cash and a copy of your license for rentals.

🌤️ April–May Weather, Sea Conditions & Packing

• Weather: Hot, humid days (30–34°C); warm nights; UV index high. Short, sharp showers possible—keep a light rain jacket.
• Sea: Generally calm mornings; moderate afternoon swell and occasional squalls. If seasick, choose lower-deck midship seats and morning ferries.
• Staying safe: Respect flags/lifeguards, avoid standing on coral, watch for sea urchins in rocky patches, and follow boat crew instructions.
• Packing list: Reef-safe sunscreen (zinc), UPF rash guard, wide-brim hat, polarized sunglasses, quick-dry swimwear, microfiber towel, water shoes, dry bag, light rain jacket, mosquito repellent, basic meds/sea bands, reusable bottle, photocopies of IDs, power bank, waterproof phone pouch.

💸 Cost-Saving Tips

• Choose economy seats on ferries and morning departures for smoother rides.
• Base near Aberdeen Bazaar (Port Blair) and Govind Nagar (Havelock) to walk to food and rentals.
• Share auto-rickshaws or rent one scooter for two (helmets provided).
• Eat where locals do: veg thali houses and beach shacks with day’s catch are great value.
• Bring your own snorkel mask if you have one; it pays off over multiple sessions.
• Carry cash; some shacks don’t take cards or charge extra for UPI/QR in low-signal areas.
• Hydrate with refillable bottles; many cafés will refill for a small fee or free.

Trip Summary: Across seven easy-paced days, you’ll trace the islands’ history at Cellular Jail, wander Ross’s ruins, and snorkel bright reefs at Elephant and North Bay. Sunsets at Radhanagar and Laxmanpur bookend swims at Bharatpur and Kalapathar, with unhurried ferry hops and affordable eats keeping it relaxed and wallet-friendly.