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The Andaman Islands are, without question, one of India’s most stunning yet underexplored destinations. With turquoise waters, coral reefs, and beaches that rival anything in Southeast Asia, this remote archipelago in the Bay of Bengal offers a completely different side of India, one built around marine life and island calm rather than temples and traffic. Here’s a complete guide for international travelers planning a trip in 2026.
There are currently no direct international flights into the Andaman Islands. All foreign travelers must first fly into a major Indian city and connect onward to Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, via a domestic or connecting flight.
The gateway airport: Port Blair’s Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ) is the only commercial airport serving the islands. Despite its international designation, it currently handles no direct scheduled international flights, functioning instead as an immigration checkpoint for foreign arrivals connecting through Indian cities.
Best connecting cities: Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, and Delhi all offer regular flights to Port Blair, with Chennai and Kolkata generally offering the most frequent, shortest connections at around two to two and a half hours. If you’re flying in from Delhi or Mumbai, expect a layover at one of these southern or eastern hub cities before your onward flight.
Visa requirements: Foreign nationals need a valid Indian visa and passport to enter the Andaman Islands, just as they would for mainland India. There are no special permits required for most of the main islands, though certain restricted tribal areas do require additional permissions that most tourists won’t need to worry about.
By sea: Passenger ships also connect Port Blair to Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam on the Indian mainland, though this journey takes several days and is far less practical for most international travelers compared to flying.
The islands are best visited between November and April, when the weather is dry, seas are calm, and visibility for diving and snorkeling is at its best. The monsoon season, roughly May to September, brings rough seas, reduced visibility underwater, and occasional ferry and flight disruptions between islands.
The most popular island in the archipelago, Havelock is home to Radhanagar Beach, frequently ranked among Asia’s best beaches for its powdery white sand and clear water. It’s also the main hub for diving and snorkeling operators in the region.
A quieter, smaller alternative to Havelock, Neil Island offers a more laid back atmosphere with beautiful beaches like Bharatpur and Laxmanpur, along with natural rock formations and coral viewing spots accessible right from shore.
Beyond being the transport hub, Port Blair itself has a few worthwhile stops, including the Cellular Jail, a former colonial prison turned museum and memorial that offers insight into India’s independence movement, along with a sound and light show held in the evenings.
Just a short boat ride from Port Blair, Ross Island features atmospheric colonial era ruins slowly being reclaimed by the jungle, along with resident deer and peacocks roaming the grounds.
The Andaman Islands are considered one of the best diving destinations in Asia, thanks to healthy coral reefs, good visibility, and diverse marine life including reef sharks, rays, and occasional sightings of larger pelagic species.
Best dive sites: Havelock’s dive sites, including areas near Neil Island, offer everything from beginner friendly shallow reefs to more advanced sites with stronger currents. Popular certified diving centers operate PADI courses ranging from a single introductory dive to full open water certification.
Snorkeling: For those who prefer to stay closer to the surface, North Bay Island near Port Blair and the shallow reefs around Neil Island offer excellent snorkeling without needing a certification.
Tips: Book dives in advance during peak season, choose PADI or SSI certified operators for safety, and avoid touching coral or marine life to help preserve these fragile ecosystems.
Inter-island travel primarily happens via government and private ferries connecting Port Blair, Havelock, and Neil Island. Government ferries are cheaper but require advance booking, while private ferries offer more frequent departures at a higher price. Once on an island, most attractions are reachable by scooter rental, auto rickshaw, or pre booked taxi, since public transport options are limited.
The Andaman Islands offer a side of India that surprises most first-time visitors, with world class beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and a slower island rhythm entirely removed from the country’s mainland chaos. While reaching the islands from abroad requires a connecting flight through a major Indian city, the journey is well worth it for travelers seeking one of the best diving and beach destinations in Asia, all within Indian borders.
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