Dive In, Paddle Out, Explore: The Best Activities in the Andaman Islands (And Why Your Resort Makes All the Difference)

The Andaman Islands are not a destination you visit for a beach holiday alone. They are a destination that calls to every part of you — the adventurer who wants to plunge into some of the clearest waters on the planet, the nature lover who wants to wander through ancient mangrove forests, the romantic who wants to watch a sunset that looks like it was painted just for them, and the wanderer who simply wants to feel unhurried, unconnected, and completely alive.

But here is a truth that many travellers only discover once they arrive: in a destination as extraordinary as the Andamans, the resort you choose shapes your entire experience. The right base does not just give you a comfortable bed — it opens doors to the islands' finest experiences, with expert guides, curated adventures, and the kind of seamless logistics that lets you focus entirely on wonder.

Let us take you through the best activities the Andaman Islands have to offer — and how SeaShell Hotels & Resorts puts all of them within easy reach.

Scuba Diving

The Andaman Sea is home to some of the most spectacular dive sites in all of Asia. Visibility can stretch beyond 30 metres in peak season, and beneath the surface lies a dazzling world of hard and soft coral gardens, spectacular drop-offs, and a marine community so diverse it feels almost unreal. Sites around Havelock, including the famous Nemo Reef and the waters off Neil Island, are home to rays, reef sharks, sea turtles, clownfish, parrotfish, and hundreds of other species.

SeaShell's in-house dive shop at Havelock Island is run by certified, experienced instructors who welcome both complete beginners and seasoned divers. Discovery dives are available for first-timers, while certified divers can join guided dives at the island's most breathtaking sites. The best window for diving is October through April, when calm seas and exceptional visibility make every descent a revelation.

Snorkelling

Not ready to scuba dive? Snorkelling in the Andamans is a world-class experience in its own right. The shallow coral gardens around Havelock and Neil Island are alive with colour and movement — and you need nothing more than a mask and fins to access them. SeaShell's Habitat Institute Activity Centre offers guided snorkelling tours led by knowledgeable naturalists who bring the reef to life, helping you identify the species you encounter and ensuring you experience the ecosystem responsibly.

Kayaking Through Mangroves

The Andaman Islands are home to some of the most extensive and pristine mangrove ecosystems in India. Kayaking through these ancient waterways is a deeply peaceful experience — the sounds of the island amplified, the world narrowed to the gentle rhythm of your paddle and the extraordinary tangle of roots and canopy around you. It is the kind of adventure that slows you down in the very best way.

Island Treks

Beyond the beaches and the reefs, the Andaman Islands are an extraordinarily biodiverse jungle environment. Guided treks through the islands' forest trails offer a completely different perspective — one of birdsong, butterflies, ancient trees, and a wilderness that feels genuinely untouched. The Habitat Institute Activity Centre organises nature trails and educational treks that are perfect for families, solo travellers, and anyone who wants to understand the islands beyond the shoreline.

Game Fishing: Cast Your Line in the Bay of Bengal

For those who prefer their adventures with a rod and reel, the Andaman Islands offer some of India's finest game fishing. The rich waters of the Bay of Bengal are home to a spectacular variety of species, and a guided fishing trip out of Havelock is an experience you will not quickly forget. SeaShell's has an exclusive Game Fishing charter boat and the activity desk can arrange exactly the kind of excursion that matches your interest, whether you are a seasoned angler or a curious first-timer.

Beach Bonfires and Live Music

When the sun goes down over the Andaman Sea, the islands' evenings take on a magic of their own. SeaShell's beach bonfire evenings — complete with live music — have become one of the most beloved parts of the SeaShell experience. There is something profoundly simple and joyful about a fire on the beach, good company, and music floating out over the water. It is the kind of evening that becomes a memory.

Why Where You Stay Matters

Here is the thing about adventure in the Andamans: it is only as good as the support around it. Having access to a knowledgeable activity centre, experienced guides, quality equipment, and a team that understands the island's ecosystems makes an enormous difference to the quality of your experiences.

SeaShell Hotels & Resorts — with properties at Havelock, Neil Island, Port Blair, and the brand-new SeaShell Samssara Havelock — offers guests exactly that. The award-winning Habitat Institute Activity Centre provides curated experiences across all of SeaShell's properties, from dives and snorkelling to treks and cultural experiences, all supported by passionate, expert staff who bring the Andamans to life in a way that independent arrangements simply cannot match.

If the Andaman Islands are on your travel list, start by choosing the right base. At SeaShell, the adventure begins the moment you arrive.