🌴 Andaman Travel Tips 2026
Essential Guide for First-Time Visitors to Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Plan your perfect Andaman trip with insider tips, money-saving hacks, safety advice, and everything you need to know before visiting these tropical paradise islands. Whether you're planning a romantic honeymoon or an adventure trip to Swaraj Dweep, these tips will help you make the most of your vacation.
⚡ Quick Essential Tips
Must-know information for every Andaman visitor in 2026
Connectivity
Airtel & BSNL work best. Jio has limited coverage. Download offline maps before traveling.
ATMs & Cash
Carry sufficient cash. ATMs scarce in remote islands. UPI works in Port Blair.
Permits
Indians need no permit. Foreign nationals need RAP. Some areas restricted.
Water Activities
Book in advance during peak season. Prices negotiable in off-season.
✈️ Before You Travel
Essential preparations for a smooth Andaman vacation
📋 Documents Checklist
💡 Smart Booking Tips
Flight Bookings
Book 2-3 months in advance for best rates. Direct flights from major cities.
Ferry Tickets
Book government ferries online at dss.andaman.gov.in. Private cruises available.
Accommodation
December-January peak season. Book 3 months ahead. Beach resorts fill fast. Check our tour packages for best deals.
Activity Bookings
Pre-book scuba diving, sea walking. Slots limited, especially in season.
🎒 Packing Essentials for Andaman
Clothing & Accessories
- • Light cotton clothes
- • Swimwear (2-3 pairs)
- • Quick-dry towel
- • Sun hat/cap
- • Sunglasses (UV protection)
- • Comfortable walking shoes
- • Flip-flops/sandals
Health & Safety
- • Sunscreen SPF 50+
- • Mosquito repellent
- • First-aid kit
- • Personal medications
- • Hand sanitizer
- • Waterproof phone pouch
- • Dry bag for valuables
Electronics & Others
- • Power bank
- • Universal adapter
- • Underwater camera/GoPro
- • Ziploc bags
- • Reusable water bottle
- • Snorkeling gear (optional)
- • Offline maps downloaded
🚗 Getting Around Andaman
Complete guide to transportation options and costs in 2026
Inter-Island Transportation
Government Ferries
Most economical. Book online. Prone to delays in rough weather.
₹50-500 per person
Private Cruises
Faster, more comfortable. Makruzz, Green Ocean popular choices.
₹1,000-2,500 per person
Helicopter Service
Available for select routes. Quick but expensive. Weather dependent.
₹3,500+ per person
Local Transportation
Auto Rickshaws
Available in Port Blair. Negotiate fare before boarding. No meters.
₹50-200 per trip
Taxis/Cabs
Fixed rates for popular routes. Full day hire ₹2,500-3,500.
₹15-20 per km
Two-Wheeler Rental
Best for exploring. Carry valid license. Helmets mandatory.
₹400-600 per day
Pro Tip: Book return ferry tickets immediately upon arrival. Last-minute availability can be challenging, especially during peak season.
💸 Money-Saving Tips
Smart ways to reduce costs without compromising on experiences
Off-Season Travel
Visit April-September for 30-50% lower prices on hotels and activities.
Local Food Joints
Eat at local restaurants instead of hotel dining. Aberdeen Bazaar has great options.
Combo Packages
Book activity combos for better rates. Multi-day packages offer best value.
Government Ferries
Choose government ferries over private cruises for inter-island travel.
Homestays
Stay in homestays for authentic experience and lower costs than hotels.
Shopping Smart
Buy souvenirs from Sagarika Emporium or local markets, not tourist spots.
💰 Typical Daily Budget (Per Person)
Budget Travel
₹2,000-3,000
- • Basic accommodation
- • Local transport
- • Street food/local restaurants
- • Limited activities
Mid-Range
₹4,000-6,000
- • Good hotels/resorts
- • Private transport
- • Restaurant dining
- • Popular activities
Luxury
₹8,000+
- • Premium resorts
- • Private transfers
- • Fine dining
- • All activities included
🏥 Safety & Health Tips
Stay safe and healthy during your Andaman adventure
🌊 Water Safety
- ✓Always swim in designated areas with lifeguards
- ✓Check weather conditions before water activities
- ✓Wear life jackets for all water sports
- ✓Stay hydrated and use reef-safe sunscreen
- ✓Don't touch marine life or corals
- ✓Avoid swimming after consuming alcohol
💊 Health Precautions
- ✓Carry mosquito repellent (dengue/malaria prevention)
- ✓Drink only bottled or filtered water
- ✓Pack basic medicines and first-aid kit
- ✓Avoid street food if you have sensitive stomach
- ✓Apply sunscreen SPF 50+ every 2 hours
- ✓Keep emergency medical numbers handy
📞 Emergency Contacts
🙏 Cultural Etiquette & Respect
Respect local customs and indigenous communities
Do's
- ✓Dress modestly when visiting religious places
- ✓Ask permission before photographing locals
- ✓Respect tribal reserve areas and regulations
- ✓Remove shoes before entering temples
- ✓Support local businesses and artisans
- ✓Learn few local greetings
Don'ts
- ✗Don't attempt to visit restricted tribal areas
- ✗Don't litter beaches or marine areas
- ✗Don't touch or take coral/shells
- ✗Don't wear revealing clothes in public areas
- ✗Don't photograph restricted areas or military installations
- ✗Don't disturb wildlife or marine life
📶 Connectivity Guide
Stay connected during your island adventure
Mobile Networks
Internet Access
- • 4G available in Port Blair & major towns
- • Limited connectivity in remote islands
- • Hotel WiFi usually reliable
- • Cyber cafes available in Port Blair
- • Download offline maps beforehand
- • Keep important docs in cloud & offline
Communication Tips
- • Buy local SIM for better rates
- • Activate roaming before travel
- • Use WhatsApp for free calls
- • Share live location with family
- • Keep power bank charged
- • Save emergency numbers offline
📅 Best Time to Visit
Plan your trip according to weather and your preferences
Peak Season
November - February
- ✓ Best weather (20-30°C)
- ✓ Calm seas, clear skies
- ✓ All activities available
- ✗ Highest prices
- ✗ Crowded attractions
Shoulder Season
March - April
- ✓ Good weather (25-33°C)
- ✓ Fewer crowds
- ✓ Better prices
- ⚠ Getting warmer
- ✓ Good for diving
Off Season
May - October
- ✓ Lowest prices (30-50% off)
- ✓ No crowds
- ✓ Lush greenery
- ✗ Monsoon rains
- ✗ Some activities closed
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to common queries about Andaman travel
Ready for Your Andaman Adventure?
Let our local experts help you plan the perfect tropical getaway