The Ultimate 7-Day Andaman Itinerary

Complete Travel Guide with Ferry Timings, Island Hopping Costs, Hotel Zones, and Planning Tips

Travel in the Andaman Islands runs on water, weather, and timing. Boats set the rhythm. Distances that look short on maps stretch once you factor in sea conditions, ferry schedules, and limited transport after sunset. A well-planned week here depends less on ticking off beaches and more on understanding how the islands connect.

This 7-day Andaman itinerary focuses on that structure. It lays out a practical route through Port Blair, Havelock Island, and Neil Island, with real ferry timings, island hopping costs, and clear hotel zones. The goal is simple: fewer surprises, smoother movement, and enough space in the plan to actually experience the islands rather than rush through them.

Who This 7-Day Andaman Itinerary Is Best For?

This itinerary works best for first-time visitors, honeymoon couples, families with limited vacation days, and travelers who want to experience Andaman without overpacking their schedule. The pacing prioritizes ferry reliability, weather buffers, and realistic travel windows, critical factors that determine whether an Andaman trip feels smooth or stressful.

Travelers looking to cover Baratang, Diglipur, or Long Island in the same trip should consider extending this plan to 8–9 days.

Permit & Entry Requirements

• Indian Nationals: No permits are required to visit the allowed islands (Port Blair, Havelock, Neil, etc.). You only need a valid government ID (Aadhaar/driving license).
• Foreign Nationals: You no longer need a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) for the main islands. You will receive an “On-Arrival” entry stamp at the Port Blair airport/seaport, valid for 30 days. Note: Keep your original passport/ID and 4-5 photocopies handy for hotel check-ins and ferry boarding.

Day 01: Arrive in Port Blair and Settle In

Port Blair serves as the entry point to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Flights arrive here from major Indian cities, making it the starting base for all island travel. After landing at Veer Savarkar International Airport, the priority is rest and orientation. Port Blair works best when treated as a logistical hub rather than a sightseeing-heavy destination.

Planning Insight

Many first-time travelers over-allocate time to Port Blair and under-allocate it to the islands. Treating Port Blair as a transit base, not a resort destination, helps protect ferry schedules and reduces rushed island days later in the trip.

Things to Do on Day 1

• Visit Cellular Jail, one of India’s most significant historical landmarks
• Attend the Light and Sound Show in the evening
• Walk around Marina Park or Aberdeen Bazaar

These activities remain close to the city, keeping travel time minimal after arrival.

Best Areas to Stay in Port Blair

Staying close to ferry terminals reduces early-morning travel stress.

Recommended hotel zones

• Aberdeen Bazaar
• Phoenix Bay
• Junglighat

Port Blair Hotel Costs

• Budget hotels: ₹1,800 to ₹3,000 per night
• Mid-range hotels: ₹3,500 to ₹6,000 per night

Day 02: Port Blair to Havelock Island

Havelock Island, officially Swaraj Dweep, forms the core of most Andaman itineraries. Known for structured beaches and water-based activities, it warrants at least two nights.

Ferry Timings from Port Blair to Havelock

Both government and private ferries operate daily, subject to sea conditions.

Common ferry schedules-

• Government ferry: 06:00 to 06:30 departure Travel time: 3.5 to 4 hours
• Private ferries (Makruzz, Nautika, Green Ocean): 07:00, 08:00, 11:30, 14:00 Travel time: 1.5 to 2 hours

Ferry Cost

• Government ferry: ₹400 to ₹600 per person
• Private ferry: ₹1,200 to ₹2,500 per person

Private ferries reduce travel time significantly and are recommended during peak season.

Should You Pre-Book Ferries or Leave It Flexible?

During peak season (November to February), private ferries sell out quickly, especially morning slots. While government ferries are cheaper, their schedules are more variable, and seats are limited. Travelers who pre-book ferries enjoy tighter island schedules and less waiting time, while flexible bookings often require reshuffling sightseeing plans around ferry availability.

Evening in Havelock

• Visit Radhanagar Beach, frequently ranked among Asia’s top beaches
• Sunset viewing followed by dinner near Beach No. 3

Best Areas to Stay in Havelock Island

Hotel zones by preference-

• Beach No. 3 for connectivity
• Beach No. 5 for mid-range resorts
• Radhanagar area for premium stays

Havelock Hotel Costs

• Budget stays: ₹2,500 to ₹4,000
• Mid-range resorts: ₹5,000 to ₹9,000
• Luxury resorts: ₹12,000 and above

Day 03: Exploring Havelock Island

This day focuses on water activities and unstructured beach time.

Morning Activities

• Boat transfer to Elephant Beach
• Snorkelling and water sports

Costs

• Boat transfer: ₹1,200 to ₹1,500
• Snorkelling packages: ₹1,000 to ₹3,500

Afternoon and Evening

• Visit Kalapathar Beach
• Cafés near Beach No. 3
• Optional kayaking for experienced travellers

Havelock allows space to slow the pace without feeling under-occupied.

Day 04: Havelock to Neil Island

Neil Island, also known as Shaheed Dweep, presents a compact and walkable layout. It suits travelers looking for shorter distances and simpler daily planning.

Why Neil Island Is Often a Traveler Favourite?

Compared to Havelock, Neil Island offers shorter distances, fewer crowds, and a calmer rhythm. It works particularly well for couples, senior travelers, and those looking to slow down after activity-heavy days.

Ferry Timings from Havelock to Neil

• Morning departures around 09:00 to 10:00
• Travel time: 1 to 1.25 hours

Ferry Cost

• Government ferry: ₹300 to ₹500
• Private ferry: ₹1,000 to ₹1,500

Places to Visit in Neil Island

• Bharatpur Beach for swimming
• Natural Bridge during low tide
• Laxmanpur Beach for evening views

Best Areas to Stay in Neil Island

• Bharatpur Beach area
• Sitapur Road

Neil Island Hotel Costs

• Budget stays: ₹2,000 to ₹3,500
• Mid-range resorts: ₹4,000 to ₹7,000

Day 05: Neil Island to Port Blair

Returning to Port Blair prepares travelers for mainland day trips.

Why Returning to Port Blair Makes Sense?

Island-to-island ferry connections are limited in frequency. Returning to Port Blair ensures smoother access to day trips like Ross Island, North Bay, or Baratang without risking missed departures or overnight delays.

Ferry Timings from Neil to Port Blair

• Morning departures between 07:00 and 09:00
• Travel time: 1.5 to 2 hours

Ferry Cost

• Government ferry: ₹400 to ₹600
• Private ferry: ₹1,200 to ₹2,000

Evening Options in Port Blair

• Chidiya Tapu
• Corbyn’s Cove Beach
• Shopping at Aberdeen Bazaar

Day 06: Day Trips from Port Blair

Option 1: Ross Island and North Bay

• British-era ruins
• Coral viewing and water sports

Cost: ₹1,200 to ₹2,500

Option 2: Baratang Island

• Limestone caves
• Mangrove creek boat ride

Cost: ₹2,500 to ₹4,000.

Requires early departure and permit-based travel.

Reality Check

Baratang Island involves an early start (depart by 3:30 AM or 6:00 AM). It requires passing through the Jarawa Tribal Reserve, which is regulated by strictly timed convoy windows and permit coordination. While rewarding, it suits travelers comfortable with long travel days. Those seeking a relaxed final day may prefer Ross Island and North Bay instead.

• The TMI Advantage: Because Baratang requires specific vehicle permits and precise timing, we recommend using a coordinated service. Our Andaman desk manages the convoy permits and driver timings end-to-end to ensure you don’t get stuck at the Jirkatang checkpost.

Day 07: Departure from Andaman

Use this day for departure or short local visits before heading to the airport. Maintain buffer time due to occasional schedule changes.

Approximate 7-Day Andaman Trip Cost (Per Person)

• Flights: ₹8,000 to ₹15,000
• Ferries: ₹3,500 to ₹6,000
• Accommodation: ₹18,000 to ₹35,000
• Activities and transport: ₹6,000 to ₹12,000

Estimated total: ₹35,000 to ₹65,000

Cost Planning Note

Actual trip costs vary significantly based on ferry class, hotel location, season, and activity choices. Locking in ferry seats and island stays in advance often prevents last-minute price spikes, especially during peak months.

Best Time to Visit Andaman Islands

• October to April offers stable sea conditions
• December to January sees peak travel demand

Peak Season Alert (Dec–Jan)

Andaman experiences extreme demand during December and January. While the weather is perfect, private ferries (Makruzz/Nautika) and premium beachfront stays in Havelock’s Beach No. 5 and No. 7 (Radhanagar) often sell out 45–60 days in advance.

Pro Tip: If you are traveling during these months, book your ferry tickets the same day you book your flights to avoid being stranded in Port Blair.

• June to September experiences monsoon-related ferry disruptions

Monsoon Travel Note: While June to September offers lower prices and fewer crowds, ferry disruptions are common. Travelers choosing this season should plan flexible buffers or limit island hopping.

Planning Your Andaman Trip

This itinerary works best when ferry timings, hotel zones, and activity days are locked together. If you’d like this exact 7-day plan customized to your travel dates, budget, or travel companions, our Andaman specialists can help structure it end-to-end, without last-minute surprises.