Planning a dream vacation to the Andaman Islands? Let us help you pick the islands you should be visiting! Among the 572 Islands in the Andaman Archipelago, here are a few of the best islands to visit in Andaman and Nicobar, that make for an ideal holiday vacation. From the most famous islands to uninhabited ones, each one offers a unique experience. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a deep dive into nature, these beautiful islands provide the perfect ambience for an unforgettable trip.
Get ready to explore stunning beaches, Exotic marine life, vibrant coral reefs, and lush tropical forests.
Most Famous Islands to Visit in Andaman and Nicobar
1. Port Blair
Port Blair, located on South Andaman Island, is the capital city and the gateway to the beautiful islands to visit in Andaman and Nicobar. It offers a blend of nature and rich history that creates unforgettable memories. Visit Cellular Jail, Soak in the glorious sunsets and enjoy bird watching at Chidiya Tapu, where you can also enjoy scuba diving at some of the best spots in the region. Explore the museums in the Andaman Islands to learn about the island’s interesting cultural heritage, and don’t miss a visit to Chatham Saw Mill, one of the oldest saw mills in Asia. Spice up your adventure by hiking Mount Harriet National Park for an ariel view of the nearby Islands in Andaman. For beach lovers, Wandoor Beach and Corbyn’s Cove Beach are the perfect spots for water sports and relaxation in Port Blair.
2. Havelock Island
Havelock Island, also known as ‘Swaraj Dweep’, is one of the best islands to visit in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Known as the scuba diving capital of India and a diver’s paradise with some of the best dive spots in the country with vibrant coral reefs and Exotic marine life, Havelock Island attracts divers from all over the world. The island is known for its tropical forests, and pristine beaches including Radhanagar Beach, which is ranked among Asia’s best beaches, Elephant Beach, a popular spot for snorkelling, sea walking and water sports and Kalapathar Beach perfect for relaxing. Sink your toes into powdery sands, dive into the crystal-clear waters at Elephant Beach and soak up the sun. It’s like stepping into a tropical paradise where time slows down and every wave invites a dip in the Andaman Sea.
3. Neil Island
Neil Island, also known as ‘Shaheed Dweep’, is a cute little island village worth exploring among the popular islands to visit in Andaman and Nicobar. Neil Island offers lovely sandy beaches offering breathtaking sunset views and is perfect for snorkelling and scuba diving in more secluded spots with vibrant coral reefs. It is a quiet, quaint island with few commercial establishments, making Neil Island the perfect spot for a relaxing vacation. Neil Island is less crowded than Havelock Island and is all about peaceful beaches, perfect for strolls and maybe encountering a friendly crab or two along the way!
4. Ross Island
Ross Island, also known as ‘Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island’, is one of the best islands to visit in Andaman and Nicobar that offers a blend of history and natural beauty. Once the capital of the Andaman Islands during British times and widely known as ‘Paris of the East‘, it’s just a short 15-minute boat ride from Port Blair. Explore the historic colonial ruins, and stroll on the white sandy beaches. Additionally, the island is home to various wildlife. Forget distant zoo sightings, here, you might end up in a game of tag with the local deers as they roam freely, adding a dash of unexpected fun to your island adventure.
5. North Bay Island
North Bay, located in the South Andaman Islands is renowned as one of the famous islands to visit in Andaman and Nicobar for water sports and offers a range of exciting water activities. North Bay Island is home to a historic lighthouse, which is featured on the old 20-rupee note, adding to its stunning beauty and significance. Guess what? North Bay Island is also a hidden gem for budget travellers, conveniently accessible by a short boat ride from Port Blair, offering affordable activities like scuba diving, sea walking, snorkelling, glass bottom boat rides and banana boat rides. Even though it’s affordable, we don’t recommend scuba diving here due to crowded conditions and poor visibility.
6. Long Island
Long Island is one of the cleanest islands to visit in Andaman and Nicobar and is your go-to for peaceful beaches, minus the crowds. Swim in clear waters and explore Lalaji Bay Beach, a must-visit beach destination on Long Island known for its pristine beaches. With its narrow roads, this small island village feels like stepping back in time to Havelock Island 30-40 years ago walking through lush forests As the name suggests, there are some long treks that are best to do early in the morning, and unlike New York’s Long Island, here you won’t dodge traffic, just some tropical wildlife.
Long Island can be reached by ferry from Port Blair and Havelock Island.
7. Little Andaman
Little Andaman, also called as ‘Hutbay’, your pocket-sized paradise in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, offers a relaxed escape from the tourist crowds. Picture yourself on this remote island with uncrowded sandy beaches like Butler Bay Beach, taking leisurely swims, and easily exploring tropical rain forests. Unlike various islands to visit in Andaman and Nicobar, little Andaman has breathtaking waterfalls hidden within the island’s lush green forests. The island’s surf spots might be small, but they pack a big punch, making it the only destination for surfer’s dreams in the Andaman Islands for a period of 3 months during the peak season. There are ferries from Port Blair to Hut Bay Jetty operating thrice a week.
8. Jolly Buoy Island
Jolly Buoy Island is your ticket to crystal clear waters, vibrant marine life, beautiful coral reefs, pristine beaches, and a break from the crowds. Swim, and soak up the sun in peace. It’s like finding a quiet spot at a party, just you and the ocean, no loud music or crowds! Among the Splendid islands to visit in Andaman and Nicobar, Jolly Buoy Island is covered with 70% tropical forests and stands out as the place where you can experience zero pollution and smell nature’s actual fragrances, thanks to the No-plastic zone. Part of the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, Jolly Buoy Island operates for six months of the year, after which it closes for six months and Red Skin Island opens during that period.
9. Ross and Smith Island
Ross and Smith Islands, also known as the Twin Islands located in north Andaman Island, with pristine beaches and clear waters ideal for relaxing, swimming, snorkelling, and beach picnics. What makes them special is the thin 50-meter natural sand bar appearing during low tide, bridging the two islands for a one-of-a-kind adventure. You can reach these beautiful islands from Diglipur Island. Remember to head back before high tide, unless you’re up for an unexpected solo swimming competition in the Andaman Islands.
10. Interview Island
Interview Island in the Andaman Islands is a nature lover’s paradise, offering an unforgettable jungle trek through lush greenery and calm breezes. Among the best islands to visit in Andaman and Nicobar, this is a photographer’s dream with its diverse wildlife and stunning flora. The 99 square km wildlife sanctuary is home to rare animals, mangroves, marshlands, and evergreen forests, featuring wildlife like spotted deer, three-striped palm squirrels, Andaman woodpeckers, and white-headed starlings. Trekking the middle of this landscape guarantees a raw and memorable experience close to nature.
Uninhabited Islands to visit in Andaman and Nicobar
1. Parrot Island
Parrot Island, is one of the bird watcher’s islands in Andaman Nicobar. Hop on a local boat from Baratang Island jetty in the afternoon for a scenic 20-30-minute ride, arriving just in time for the magical sight of parrots flocking back to their nests at sunset. It’s a short journey with breathtaking views, making every moment a memorable experience for nature lovers and bird watching enthusiasts. Remember, it’s an uninhabited island, so you can admire it from the comfort of your boat but can’t step foot on its untouched shores, preserving its natural beauty for generations to come.
2. Barren Island
Barren Island in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, home to India’s only active volcano, has a raw and stunning beauty that’s truly unique. With no human inhabitants, hard vegetation, minimal wildlife, diverse marine life and vibrant coral reefs it’s a paradise for nature lovers. The island’s rich marine life ensures your game fishing experience will be exceptional. Want to explore Barren Island? You can charter a private boat or join a shared day trip from Port Blair or Havelock Island to cruise around this volcanic island. Forget about grilling your barbeques here, Barren Island is among the islands in Andaman Nicobar which has a strict ‘no-stepping’ policy!
3. Cinque island
Explore the Cinque Islands, one of the best islands to visit in Andaman and Nicobar, a part of the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, divided into North Cinque Island and South Cinque Island and connected by a beautiful sand bar. Known for its vibrant marine life, pristine beaches, and clear waters, it’s an ideal spot for a day trip from Chidiya Tapu via two-hour private charter boat rides, perfect for group travellers. You can also go scuba diving with special permission. Keep in mind that there are no accommodations on the Cinque Island, so plan for a refreshing day of exploration in this secluded paradise of the Andaman Islands.
4. Narcondam Island
Norcondam, one of the volcanic Islands in Andaman Archipelago is a secluded paradise with a dormant volcano and rugged terrain covered in tropical forests. There are no facilities or vehicles here, making it a truly wild experience. It has rich flora and fauna, including rare and endangered species, and offers excellent bird watching from a distance. To visit, you can take a government ferry or charter a private live-aboard boat from Diglipur Island. But remember, Norcondam Island’s policy is clear- admire from afar, stepping foot on this Andaman Islands treasure is strictly prohibited!
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