The Ultimate Andaman Islands Travel Guide 2026: Beaches, Islands, and the Best Hotels & Resorts

Few destinations in India inspire quite the same sense of wonder as the Andaman Islands. Located in the Bay of Bengal, roughly 1,400 kilometers east of the Indian mainland, this archipelago of more than 500 islands offers some of the country's most spectacular natural beauty — turquoise waters, white-sand beaches fringed with swaying palms, dense rainforests, and a coral reef ecosystem of extraordinary richness.

Whether you are planning your first visit or returning for another chapter in your Andaman story, this guide covers everything you need to know: the best islands to visit, the beaches that will take your breath away, when to go, how to get there, and — crucially — where to stay.

When to Visit the Andaman Islands

The Andamans can be visited year-round, but the peak season runs from October through May, when the skies are clear, the seas are calm, and visibility for water activities is at its finest. December through February is particularly popular, offering ideal weather for beach lovers and divers alike. The monsoon season (June through September) sees rougher seas and limited ferry services between islands, though rates are lower and the lush, rain-washed landscapes have their own dramatic beauty.

Getting There

The main gateway to the Andaman Islands is Veer Savarkar International Airport in Sri Vijaya Puram (formerly known as Port Blair), which receives regular flights from major Indian cities including Chennai, Kolkata, Delhi, Bangalore, and Mumbai. From Sri Vijaya Puram, inter-island travel is primarily by ferry — government ferries and private operators run regular services to Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep) and Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep), with journey times of approximately 2–3 hours by express ferry.

Sri Vijaya Puram: Your Arrival Point

Most Andaman itineraries begin in Sri Vijaya Puram, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. While many travelers treat it purely as a transit hub, Sri Vijaya Puram has plenty to offer. The Cellular Jail — a colonial-era prison that now stands as a powerful national memorial — is a moving and important site, and its evening light-and-sound show brings its history vividly to life. The Anthropological Museum, the Samudrika Naval Marine Museum, and the Corbyn's Cove beach are also worth exploring.

For those staying in Port Blair, SeaShell Marine Hill offers a sophisticated urban retreat with spectacular views over the Andaman Sea and access to the acclaimed Amaya rooftop restaurant and Kai Lounge — considered among the finest dining and drinking experiences in the city. SeaShell Coral Cove in Port Blair is another excellent option, offering comfortable stays close to the capital's key attractions.

Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep): The Crown Jewel

If Port Blair is the gateway, Havelock Island is the destination that defines the Andaman experience for most travelers. Now officially renamed Swaraj Dweep, Havelock is home to Radhanagar Beach — consistently ranked among the finest beaches in Asia and one of the most beautiful stretches of shoreline anywhere in the world. The beach's crimson-streaked sunsets are the stuff of legend.

Beyond Radhanagar, Havelock offers Elephant Beach, known for its superb snorkeling and shallow coral gardens, as well as Kalapathar Beach, a quieter, more contemplative shore perfect for a morning walk. The island's waters are teeming with marine life, and its dive sites — including the renowned Nemo Reef — attract underwater enthusiasts from around the world.

SeaShell Hotels & Resorts operates two exceptional properties on Havelock Island. SeaShell Havelock — a TripAdvisor-recognised top beach resort — offers private beach access, a pool with a Jacuzzi, the acclaimed White Lotus restaurant, and the High Tide beach-facing bar. The best part is SeaShell Havelock has the Nemo reef as its private beach. For travelers seeking a newer, more intimate luxury experience, the newly opened SeaShell Samssara Havelock delivers aesthetic Executive and Club Rooms, a poolside lounge, spa and wellness facilities, and signature dining that celebrates the flavours of the Andamans. For anyone asking where to find the best hotel in Havelock Island, SeaShell's properties are the clear answer.

Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep): Slow Down and Breathe

Smaller, quieter, and arguably even more unspoilt than Havelock, Neil Island — now known as Shaheed Dweep — is the Andamans at its most unhurried. The island's three main beaches — Natural Bridge, Bharatpur, and Laxmanpur — each have their own distinct character, from the dramatic limestone formation of Natural Bridge to the calm, shallow waters of Bharatpur ideal for snorkelling. Neil is the kind of place where you hire a bicycle, explore at your own pace, and rediscover what it feels like to be genuinely disconnected from the noise of daily life.

SeaShell Neil and SeaShell Samssara, both offers an intimate, beautifully appointed retreat on the island, with the warmth of service and access to activities that the SeaShell brand is known for.

What to Do in the Andamans

The Andamans offer an extraordinary range of experiences across its islands. Scuba diving and snorkelling top most travellers' lists, with the islands' coral ecosystems offering world-class underwater encounters. Kayaking through mangrove waterways, guided nature treks, game fishing in the Bay of Bengal, glass-bottom boat rides, and sea walks are among the many other adventures on offer. For those seeking rest rather than adventure, the islands' spas, wellness centres, and beaches provide the perfect setting for complete relaxation.

Planning the Perfect Andaman Itinerary

A minimum of five to seven days is recommended to do the Andamans justice, with a typical itinerary covering two nights in Port Blair, three nights on Havelock Island, and one to two nights on Neil Island. Travelers with more time can explore additional islands, undertake longer dive courses, or simply allow themselves the luxury of doing very little at all — which, in the Andamans, is a profound pleasure.

SeaShell Hotels & Resorts is present across all three major island destinations — Port Blair, Havelock, and Neil — making it the ideal partner for a seamlessly connected Andaman journey. With consistent standards of hospitality, a shared activity ecosystem through the Habitat Institute and Andaman Island Spirit Charter, and a team of staff who know these islands intimately, SeaShell makes the Andamans feel not just beautiful, but effortless.

Start planning your Andaman journey today. The islands are waiting.