Andaman vs Seychelles: Which One’s Worth Your Trip?

Andaman vs Seychelles: Which One’s Worth Your Trip?

Seychelles is more than just the ‘next big honeymoon destination’. This island, the smallest country in Africa, is home to postcard-perfect beaches, lush green landscapes and some premium experiences.

Back in India, the Andaman Islands promise the above with a dash of raw, unfiltered natural beauty. Both destinations are beautiful and offer something for all travel needs. The big question – which one is better for you? We lay down what you need, when to visit, where to stay and what to do, to help you decide.

Traveller’s Note for Seychelles:

Along with a passport and visa, tourists need the following documentation:

1. Confirmed Return Tickets.
2. Confirmed hotel reservations.
3. Show sufficient funds for the total duration of stays.
4. Completed immigration forms.

Best Time to Visit Andaman vs Seychelles

Andaman Islands

October to May is ‘the’ best time to visit Andamans. These months are ideal for exploring the islands and the waters with dry days, clear skies and calm seas. June to September isn’t tourist season owing to the tropical heat and humidity but it’s bufget friendly – backpackers we are looking at you. July to September is when rains hit the archipelago, and travel becomes limited even as the landscape turns lush and green.

Seychelles

March to May is a good time to visit the island country. The weather is perfect with clear skies, amazing weather and no fear of rainy storms. September to November is also a good time, but strictly avoid December to February – there is heavy rainfall, which limits your exploration of the island. June to August sees slightly cooler winds and choppy seas, making it less ideal for snorkelling but great for hiking.

Overall, shoulder seasons offer the best mix of pleasant weather and fewer tourists.

Places to Visit in Andaman vs Seychelles

Where to Go in Andaman?

1. The Classic Circuit: Port Blair – Havelock – Neil

This is the golden triangle of Andaman travel. Start in Port Blair, the capital, where history comes alive at the Cellular Jail and the many small but insightful museums. Don’t miss Corbyn’s Cove, a breezy beach close to town, perfect for sunset strolls.

Next, take a ferry to Havelock Island, known for scuba diving and stunning beaches. Snorkel at Elephant Beach or watch the sky turn pink at Radhanagar Beach, this is where the magic happens.

Then comes Neil Island, the laid-back cousin. Slow down and cycle through paddy fields, watch the sunrise at Sitapur Beach and laze the day away at Laxmanpur Beach.

2. Offbeat Islands & Hidden Gems

Want to go beyond the usual? Head north. Long Island is raw, rustic and dotted with jungle trails. Middle and North Andaman take you through lesser-seen coastal villages and scenic drives, Kalipur Beach, turtle nesting grounds and Alfred Caves. If you’re chasing waterfalls and surf spots, Little Andaman is your place. And if you want the ultimate bragging rights, take a cruise to Barren Island, India’s only active volcano.

3. A Glimpse into the Past

Andaman isn’t just beaches,  it’s full of stories. Visit the Cellular Jail to know the struggle of freedom fighters in India, explore old Chatham Saw Mill, still in operation since British times. Walk through the eerie ruins of Ross Island, once the colonial capital. The Anthropological Museum, Samudrika Naval Museum and Forest Museum in Port Blair offer glimpses into the islands’ indigenous tribes, marine life and history, a side of the Andamans most people miss.

Where to Go in Seychelles?

1. Nature Parks Visits

Seychelles is a land of diversity. Here, you can explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site ‘Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve’ on Praslin Island, home to the rare Coco de Mer palm and black parrots. In Mahe, hike through Morne Seychellois National Park, the largest in the country, with cloud forests, scenic trails and panoramic island views.

You can also explore Curieuse Marine National Park, where giant Aldabra tortoises roam free and mangrove forests thrive. Or take a boat to Ste. Anne Marine National Park, known for its coral gardens, vibrant marine life and excellent snorkelling right off the boat.

2. Famous and Secluded Beaches

Head to the famous Grand Anse Beach for some sunbathing and relaxing. If you don’t want to swim but want to witness the high waves while sitting on soft hands, then go to Petite Anse beach. Take pictures of the golden sands in Anse Takamaka, gorgeous palm trees in Anse Intendance, or just stroll across Anse Major to glimpse the secluded Anse Major Beach. Each beach in Seychelles offers a unique experience. 

3. Bazaars, Plantations and Museums

Seychelles is more than beaches , it’s full of local flavour and cultural gems. Begin your day at La Digue’s Coconut Plantation, where traditional island life still thrives. In Mahé, stop by the iconic Clock Tower before heading to the National Museum of History, which walks you through Seychelles’ colonial past and Creole heritage. Explore the Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market in Victoria for fresh produce, island spices and handicrafts, perfect for a midday wander. In the evening, head to Beau Vallon Night Market, where local street food, live music and handmade souvenirs bring Seychellois culture to life.

For a deeper dive, visit the Ruins of the Leprosarium on Curieuse Island, or the vibrant Arul Mihu Navasakthi Vinayagar Temple in Victoria – the only Hindu temple in Seychelles.

Things to Do in Andaman vs Seychelles

What Activities to Try in Andaman?

1. Scuba Diving & Snorkelling

The waters around the Andaman Islands are unbelievably clear and what lies beneath is just as impressive. Coral reefs here are thriving, colourful, and filled with marine life. You don’t need to be an swimmer or expert either for scuba diving in Andaman. If you’re diving for the first time or have your logbook full, places like Havelock, Neil, and Chidiya Tapu have dive sites and snorkel spots for every level. Expect calm waters, helpful instructors, and some truly memorable underwater moments.

2. Offbeat Treks with a View

For those willing to walk a little, trails like the Madhuban trek (Mount Harriet) or the famous Elephant Beach trek in Havelock are incredibly rewarding. You’ll pass through forested paths, old plantations, mangrove creeks and reach to beaches with no footprints but your own.

Read More: Trekking in Andaman

3. Explore India’s Only Active Volcano

Barren Island, a black-sand beauty far out at sea, is home to the only active volcano in India. While reaching it requires good weather and a private charter for a private or shared trip, it’s a rare, once-in-a-lifetime kind of trip, definitely something Seychelles can’t offer. The surrounding waters are also rich with marine life, making it a surreal spot for advanced scuba divers and game fishing enthusiasts.

4. Night Kayaking (Bioluminescence)

This one’s pure magic. On moonless nights near Havelock, the water lights up with bioluminescent plankton – tiny organisms that glow when disturbed. While doing Night Kayakaing, you’ll paddle through still creeks as your oar leaves trails of light. It’s calm, eerie, beautiful and one of the most memorable things you can do in the Andamans.

5. Simple Village Life

Unlike Seychelles’ curated luxury vibe, Andamans still runs on island time. Watch fishermen bring in the day’s catch, buy fresh coconuts off roadside carts, or just sit at a chai stall near a jetty and chat. The little moments are the magic here. There are no rush hours, just ferry timings. Evenings are for beachside sunsets, not bar-hopping. It’s not about what you tick off, but how slowly you soak it all in.

What Activities to Try in Seychelles?

1. Surfing

Seychelles beaches are famous for surfing. You can ride the waves if you are an experienced surfer or learn to navigate your surfboard as a newbie. No matter the experience level, give this exciting sport a shot.

2. Kayaking and Scuba Diving

Go kayaking over the calm waters and say hi to the fish that come to the surface. If underwater adventures with corals are more your thing, then sign up for a scuba diving experience.

3. Zip Lining and Rock Climbing

Zoom over the landscape of Seychelles on a zipline to taste adventure. Fitness enthusiasts looking to develop a new hobby can try rock climbing. This gritty sport tests your limits in all the right ways.

4. Hiking

Seychelles is blessed with exciting hiking trails starting from Morne Blanc, Valle De Mai Trail, Glacis Trois Freres Trail, Copolia Lodge Trail, Anse Lazio and Anse Georgette Trail. Experience the raw unfiltered views with a hiking experience unlike any other. 

Where to Stay in Andaman vs Seychelles

Accommodation in Andaman:

Andaman’s stays are thoughtful and easygoing. You’ll find wooden villas tucked into coconut groves, eco-resorts that open right onto the beach, and family-run guesthouses and hostels where the pace is as slow as the sunsets. Prefer luxury? There are upscale stays too, just without the over-the-top performance. The vibe? Understated, open-air, and built for pause, not show.

Read more: Top Hotels in Andaman

Accommodation in Seychelles:

Seychelles is sprinkled with premium resorts like Ephelia, Four Seasons Resorts, Anantara Maia Seychelles that come with great amenities and views. If uber-luxury isn’t your thing, then small boutique stays with great food like the Indian Ocean Lodge or Air BNBs are also a great option. Budget stays are rare on the island during tourist season, but do try early booking options.

Where & What to Eat in Andaman vs Seychelles

Eating in Andaman

You’re not coming to Andaman for curated five-course meals. You’re coming for fish caught that morning, spiced with what’s available, and served hot with rice. Expect hearty Indian coastal flavours and Fusion Foods, fresh crab and lobster, and a few beach cafés where you’ll eat while your clothes dry in the sun. No dress codes. No reservations needed.

Read More: Best Restaurants in Port Blair, Havelock & Neil Island.

Eating in Seychelles

Indulge in fresh seafood dishes like Shark Chutney, Fish Soup, Keri Bernik, Grilled Fish and more. You can also try the famous Salad Palmis, which balances delicate flavours and is super healthy. Indulging your sweet tooth is easy with a bite of Ladob and Cassava Cake. Wash these down with Buka, Kalou and Takamaka Bay Rum, which are all local liquors. You can try these delicacies at local joints or head to popular spots like Marie Antoinette, La Plaine St Andre, Saffron Restaurant and Bonbon Plume for succulent food.

Which One Should You Choose?

Choose Andaman if:

• You prefer meaningful travel over luxury.
• You enjoy destinations that are still evolving, not overly packaged.
• You prefer slow, offbeat travel with a DIY spirit.

Choose Seychelles if:

• You want a taste of postcard-perfect luxury and bucket-list beaches.
• You want to mix beaches with cultural experiences.
• You’re planning a special occasion like a honeymoon or a milestone trip.