Andaman Family Vacation Guide

Fam-Daman: Strengthen Bonds and Make New Memories With The Fam in Andamans

Family vacations are actually harder to plan and even harder to execute as time flies and everyone moves out. Do you also find yourself facing this situation? Maybe your parents are aging, siblings are working outside or studying and you yourself are trying to juggle work and home. It’s easy to lose sight of the ones who truly matter amidst our busy schedules. That’s why you need a vacation that is wholesome and packed with things to do for everyone in your family. That’s why what you need is an Andaman Family Vacation. Let’s get rolling!

Family Holiday in Andaman Islands: What to Expect?

Here’s us telling you why not?

✅ Balance Of Adventure and Rejuvenation – Your teenage cousins can scuba dive into the azure Andaman waters, while your grandparents can take a quiet stroll on the beach. That’s Andamans for you – balanced and inclusive.

✅ Easily Accessible – The main Andaman islands are easily accessible via ferries. The ferry system is quite reliable and frequent. This helps you plan inter-island travel according to everyone’s schedule.

✅ Great Places To Stay – Premium resorts, clean hygienic hotels and even Airbnbs – you are spoilt for choice when it comes to centrally located stays in the Andamans.

✅ Safe and Calm – The Andaman locals are friendly and crime rates are fairly low. This gives you peace of mind when travelling with kids and the elderly.

✅ Not Overcrowded – Goa and Pondicherry are party hubs. Tourists flock here in hoards and enjoy the bustle of these beach destinations. But Andamans…Andamans is for the discerning. It’s calm, serene and untouched. Yet has the perfect balance of facilities and comfort. It is the perfect destination for a family holiday in India.

Getting The Basics Right!

How many days do I need for a family vacation in the Andamans?

7-10 days is our recommendation. The Andamans are made up of multiple islands that you must visit.  While it’s possible to cover the trip in 5 days, you will want to space out your travels. Here’s a tentative itinerary of what your 10-day relaxed Andaman itinerary may look like:

Port Blair: 2-3 Days Havelock: 2-3 Days Neil Island 2-3 Days

This itinerary allows you to soak in the islands instead of rushing from one attraction to the next.

Best Time To Visit The Andamans For A Family Vacation?

October to March is a best time to visit the Andaman Islands as a family. The climate during this time is pleasant and doesn’t leave you in a sweat. It also allows you to try different water sports since the weather is pleasant. Ferries are also easily available during this time as storms are infrequent.

Travelling in The Andamans – Getting There and Getting Around

Getting There

The easiest way to reach the Andaman Islands is by air. Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair receives direct flights from major Indian cities, and recently, international flights have also begun landing here.

For those seeking an alternative, passenger ships sail to Port Blair from Kolkata, Chennai, and Visakhapatnam. However, these cruises take several days and are not recommended due to their long duration and limited comfort.

Getting Around

Traveling within the Andaman Islands is fairly easy and budget-friendly, with multiple options available for both inter-island and intra-island travel.

Travel Between Islands

Since most islands are separated by sea, waterways are the primary mode of transport:

• Government Ferries – The most affordable option, with ticket prices under ₹1000 for non-locals. However, these ferries may be less spacious and offer limited comfort.
• Private Ferries – Faster and more comfortable, with ticket prices ranging from ₹900 to ₹3000 depending on the seating class. These ferries can be booked online. [Book Now]

Travel Within Islands

• Local Buses – The most economical way to get around within an island. Buses connect key locations and are a great option for budget travelers.

• Scooters & Bikes – Renting a scooter or bike is one of the best ways to explore the islands at your own pace. It’s affordable, convenient, and ideal for solo travelers or couples. [Book Now]
• Cabs – A comfortable option, especially for groups or those carrying heavy backpacks. While more expensive than buses or scooters, cabs offer convenience and ease of travel.

Andaman Adventures for All Age Groups/Family Members

The young, the veterans and everyone in between – Andamans offers varied experiences for people of all ages. No matter how large or diverse your family may be, there are activities for everyone to try.

1. Scuba Diving

The young ones are going to be thrilled. The Andaman waters are known for their vibrant coral reefs. There are many dive sites sprinkled across the island and certified diving schools too. All you need is to be fit enough to explore the underwater world. You can also try this activity with your spouse or parent. There are no limits when it comes to the Andaman waters.

The Andaman waters are home to spectacular coral reefs. This attracts local and global tourists to the Andamans making it one of the best diving destinations in India. You can even enrol at PADI schools to get a Scuba diving certification. The Neil-Havelock-Port Blair circuit has famous diving sites like White Tip Shark, Bus Stop, K-Rock, Lighthouse, Snake Island that will leave you mesmerised.

2. Kayaking

This is not your plain old Kayaing. Andamans has varied options for this water sports too. You can kayak your way through mangroves or marvel at bioluminescence with night kayaking. The entire family can try this activity and sail along the waters on their kayaks.

Where To Try: Havelock Island | Night Kayaking – Port Blair

3. Trekking

The Andaman terrain is home to many trekking trails. Each trail is also categorised as beginner friendly, intermediate and advanced. Even elderly folks who are fit can embark on these treks. The sounds of mother nature coupled with fresh air and the laughter of your family – now that’s a perfect vacation. 

Popular Trekking Trails:

• Treks to Try Beginner/Easy: Chidiyatapu to Mundapahad Trekking Trail | North Bay Island to Mount Harriet Trekking Trail
• Intermediate: Kalapathar Beach to Secret Beach Trek | Radhanagar Beach to Elephant Beach
• Trek Advanced: Long Island to Lalaji Bay Trekking Trail | Lamia Bay to Saddle Peak Trekking Trail

4. Bird Watching at Chidiya Tapu

Chidiya Tapu beach is a bird watcher’s paradise. The island is home to exotic bird species and even wildlife. There is no room for boredom while here. Even you have restless kids stop and stare when exposed to the beauty of Chidiya Tapu. Also don’t miss the stunning sunset while on this island

5. Snorkeling

While the adventure enthusiasts of your family try scuba diving, the others can try snorkeling. This is a less strenuous but equally explorative sport that even the elderly or young kids can try. If you have snorkeling gear then bring it along during your dips

6. Game Fishing

Uncles, aunts and even young kids can all flock together and feel a tug at their fishing poles. Game Fishing or recreational fishing is a fun activity that encourages bonding between everyone.

Where To Try: Havelock Island | Cinque Island | Port Blair | Rutland Island

7. Water Sports

Beyond scuba diving and snorkeling, the Andamans offer a variety of fun and family-friendly water sports activities that let everyone—from kids to grandparents—enjoy the ocean in safe, exciting, and memorable ways.

Must-Try Water Sports:

• Parasailing: Soar high above the waters and take in breathtaking aerial views of the islands.
• Jet Skiing: Ride the waves at high speed and feel the thrill of the open sea.
• Seakarting: Experience the thrill of self-driving a high-powered Seakart on the open waters.
• Sea Walking: Walk on the seabed with an oxygen helmet and witness the vibrant marine life up
• Surfing – The waves at Little Andaman, especially at Butler Bay Beach, are perfect for surfing enthusiasts.

Famous Andaman Attractions – Must-Have Family Experiences

Things To Do In Port Blair

1. Visit Cellular Jail – History unravels at this famous spot. Walk through the jail and as the sunsets be enamored by the spectacular light and sound show.
2. Explore Anthropological Museum – No better place to understand the rich and diverse history of the Andamans, its natives tribes and geography. A must visit for adults and kids alike.
3. Children’s Traffic Park – This park blends education and fun to teach children basic traffic rules. This unique park is a must-visit attraction during your trip to Andamans.
4. Chatham Saw Mill and Forest Museum – These 2 spots hold testimony to the industrious past of the Andamans.
5. Day trip to Ross Island – Pack a bag of essentials and head towards Ross Island. This island is a quick 15 minute boat ride from Port Blair. While you can’t currently set foot on the island, you can see its ruins as you cruise along.

Things To Do In Havelock island

1. Picnic at Radhanagar Beach – Considered to be amongst Asia’s’ best beaches, Radhanagar beach in Havelock island will charm you at first sight. You can find a quiet spot here and have a picnic with your family. Just be sure to not leave any waste behind.
2. Explore Kalapathar Beach – The secluded beach offers a great trekking opportunity. The terrain though is rocky so plan your trip according to the endurance levels of all members.
3. Cycle Around Havelock – This small island holds beautiful attractions in its lap. Explore them all on a bike or cycle.

Things To Do In Neil Island

1. The 3 Point Tour: This tour covers the four major beaches of Neil Island. You can visit Sitapur Beach, Laxmanpur Beach and Bharatpur Beach. This is great for families who are on a day trip to Neil island or are leaving early the next day.
2. Explore Neil on A Cycle: The island, just like Havelock, lets you explore its many lanes and streets – all while you lazily ride on your bike

Where To Dine, Unwind and Stay

Here are our G2A recommendations of the best places to stay at and dine in.

Travel Tricks and Tips: Make The Most of Your Andaman Family Trip

1. Pack Essential Medicines – When travelling with kids and elderly folks, be sure to carry necessary medicines.
2. Inform restaurants of any allergies – Seafood is commonly made and served at Andaman restaurants. So if anyone in your family is allergic then be sure to let the restaurant know of your preferences.
3. Comfort over fashion – Pack light and make sure all members wear comfortable shoes and clothes.
4. Carry water bottles – One per each person ideally. This is because the Andaman weather and the exposure to sea can lead to dehydration. So stay hydrated at all times.
5. Keep buffer time between ferries – A pro-tip is to keep a buffer time of 60 minutes between 2 connecting ferries. This ensures that all members can keep pace and the schedules don’t overlap.
6. Respect the environment and the tribes – The locals and NGOs are making an effort to retain the sanctity of the Andamans. During your trip, make sure to not litter or leave behind waste. Be respectful of the ecosystem and the tribes. 

The Andaman Adventure Starts Here

Andaman holds the promise of a fun time and it delivers. Your family trip to the Andamans will leave you with stronger bonds, new discoveries about each other and albums full of memories. The Andaman awaits your visit – what are you waiting for?