The beaches in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands are nothing like the crowded, café-lined shores you see on most Indian coasts. Think powder-soft white sand, turquoise lagoons, dense rainforest backdrops, and strict construction controls that keep the islands feeling wild yet surprisingly comfortable for travellers. This guide shows you exactly which beaches are worth your time, how to plan around them, and how to turn the trip into a smooth, medium-to-luxury holiday with IndianHoliday.
Best Beaches in Andaman
Key Beach Attractions in Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Beaches for first-timers
1. Radhanagar Beach – Havelock Island
Why it’s special: Consistently ranked among Asia’s best beaches and #7 globally by Time Magazine
Radhanagar Beach stretches for 2 kilometres with powdery white sand that feels like walking on flour. The turquoise waters stay shallow for nearly 100 meters, making it perfect for families with children. The beach faces west, offering spectacular sunsets that paint the sky in shades of orange and purple.
- Swimming in designated safe zones (9 AM – 5 PM)
- Parasailing (₹3,500 per person)
- Beach photography at sunset point
- Picnicking under shaded areas
2. Elephant Beach – Havelock Island
Why it’s special: Andaman’s water sports capital with vibrant coral reefs just 1 meter underwater
Reach this beach either through a scenic 2.5km jungle trek (30 minutes) or a thrilling speedboat ride (20 minutes) from Havelock jetty. The beach earned its name from elephants that once swam here from nearby islands.
- Snorkelling with an instructor (₹1,000)
- Sea walking (₹3,500)
- Banana boat rides (₹600 per person)
- Jet skiing (₹3,000 for 10 minutes)
3. Corbyn’s Cove Beach – Port Blair
Why it’s special: Port Blair’s only beach, perfect for a quick beach fix without leaving the capital
Just 8 kilometres from the city centre, this coconut-palm-fringed beach offers convenience without compromising on beauty. The curved coastline creates a natural bay with calm waters year-round.
- Jet ski rides along the coast
- Speed boat to Snake Island (₹1,500)
- Beach volleyball courts
- Local seafood at beachside shacks
Beaches for Couples & Honeymoons
4. Kala Pathar Beach – Havelock Island
Why it’s romantic: Secluded stretch with iconic silver sand and emerald waters
Named after the black rocks (kala pathar) lining the road, this beach offers Instagram-worthy backdrops with fallen trees creating natural frames against the turquoise sea. Early mornings here feel like having a private beach to yourself.
- Sunrise walks (reach by 5:30 AM)
- Private beach picnics
- Hammock lounging under trees
- Couple photography sessions
5. Vijaynagar Beach – Havelock Island
Why couples love it: Long stretches of empty beach perfect for sunset strolls
This 2-kilometre beach sees fewer tourists because it is far from the main tourist area. The shallow waters and gentle waves create a natural infinity pool effect during high tide.
- Beachside candlelight dinners (book through resorts)
- Morning yoga sessions
- Shell collecting walks
- Sunset photography
6. Laxmanpur Beach – Neil Island
Why it’s special: Natural rock bridge and stunning sunset views
This beach splits into two sections – Laxmanpur I for sunsets and Laxmanpur II for the natural coral bridge. During low tide, walk 400 meters into the sea on the exposed reef.
- Natural coral bridge (visible during low tide)
- Howrah Bridge rock formation
- Shell-covered shores
- Orange-purple sunset views
Offbeat, Less-Crowded Beaches
7. Lalaji Bay Beach – Long Island
How to reach: 6-hour journey from Port Blair (includes ferry + jungle trek/boat ride)
This hidden gem requires effort but rewards with dolphins playing in crystal-clear waters and empty beaches. The journey through mangrove creeks is an adventure itself.
- Guaranteed dolphin sightings (early morning)
- Pristine coral reefs
- Complete isolation
- Overnight camping options
8. Merk Bay Beach – North Passage Island
Access: Private boat charter from Long Island (₹8,000-10,000 for group)
Only 20-30 visitors monthly reach this untouched paradise. The beach remains exactly as nature intended – no shops, no crowds, just pure white sand and azure waters.
- Zero commercial development
- Bioluminescent plankton (December-March)
- Virgin coral reefs
- Uninhabited island experience
9. Butler Bay Beach – Little Andaman
Journey: 8-hour ferry from Port Blair + 14km road journey
Little Andaman’s best-kept secret offers world-class surfing waves from January to March. The beach stretches for 8 kilometres without a single permanent structure.
- Surfing (boards available for rent)
- White Surf Waterfall trek (3km)
- Whisper Wave waterfall visit
- Crocodile spotting (safe distance)
Family Beaches for Kids
10. Bharatpur Beach – Neil Island
Why families choose it: Shallow waters extending 500 meters with zero waves
This unique beach on Neil Island has water depths below 3 feet even during high tide, creating a massive natural swimming pool. The sandy bottom has no rocks or coral, making it safe for children.
- Glass-bottom boat rides (₹500/person)
- Shallow water snorkelling
- Beach games area
- Coral viewing without swimming
11. Wandoor Beach – Port Blair
Why it’s family-friendly: Gateway to Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park
Located 30 km from Port Blair, this beach combines education with recreation. The Marine Park interpretation centre teaches children about marine ecosystems.
- Jolly Buoy Island day trips
- Marine Park educational tours
- Crocodile sighting (rare but possible)
- Beach picnic areas
12. Sitapur Beach – Neil Island
Why kids love it: Rock pools and sunrise views
The eastern-facing beach creates natural rock pools during low tide, where children can safely observe small fish, crabs, and starfish.
- Sunrise viewing (5:30 am)
- Rock pool exploration
- Gentle waves
- Beach camping nearby
Water Sports & Diving Beaches
13. North Bay Island – Port Blair
Water sports hub: Most activities under one location
Every water sport imaginable happens here, with certified instructors and quality equipment. On this island, The coral reef starts just 20 metres from shore.
- Scuba diving: ₹4,500 (45 minutes)
- Sea walking: ₹4,000 (30 minutes underwater)
- Semi-submarine ride: ₹1,800
- Parasailing: ₹3,500
- Snorkelling: ₹1,500
14. Chidiya Tapu Beach – Port Blair
Best for: Sunset views and bird watching
Located 30km south of Port Blair, this beach earned the name “Bird Island” for hosting 50+ endemic bird species. The sunset point offers 270-degree ocean views.
- Bird photography (dawn/dusk)
- Sunset point trek (1 km)
- Munda Pahad trek (2.5 km)
- Biological Park visit
Worth It If You Have Extra Days
15. Ross & Smith Island Beach – Diglipur
Highlights: Twin islands joined by a natural sandbar straight out of a Maldives postcard
Ross & Smith are two small islands connected by a long, white sandbar that appears and shrinks with the tide. The water here is unbelievably clear, with shallow turquoise lagoons on both sides, and almost no permanent construction, so it feels genuinely wild and untouched.
- Iconic sandbar walk at low tide.
- Excellent swimming and snorkelling in calm conditions.
- Lower visitor numbers than at Havelock and Neil.
- One of the most photogenic spots in the entire archipelago.
16. Kalipur Beach – Diglipur
Highlights: Wild-looking beach with turtle nesting and Saddle Peak views
Kalipur is a black-and-golden sand beach backed by forest and framed by the distant ridge of Saddle Peak, the highest point in Andaman. It is known for seasonal turtle nesting on nearby stretches, giving you a very different atmosphere from the polished resort beaches of Havelock.
- Important nesting site for olive ridley and leatherback turtles (seasonal).
- Expansive, quiet shoreline with very few tourists.
- Good base for combining with the Saddle Peak trek and Ross & Smith day trips.
- Strong “raw Andaman” feel rather than developed tourism.
17. Ramnagar Beach – Diglipur
Highlights: Quiet, tree-lined bay ideal for long walks and sunrise
Ramnagar Beach is a lesser-known stretch near Diglipur, with golden sand, scattered rocks, and overhanging trees, used more by locals than by tourists. It offers soft morning light, gentle surf on calm days and a peaceful place to just walk without crowds.
- Long, relatively empty shoreline for sunrise or evening walks.
- Natural shade from casuarina and coconut trees along the sand.
- Good stop if you’re already based in Diglipur for Ross & Smith or Kalipur.
- Authentic local vibe with minimal commercialisation.
Wildlife & Turtle Nesting Beaches
18. Cuthbert Bay Beach – Middle Andaman
Unique Insight: Protected turtle nesting beach with a simple forest rest house
Cuthbert Bay is a notified turtle nesting ground near Rangat where forest authorities manage access and basic facilities. The beach itself is vast, windy and wild-looking, with a strong conservation focus rather than tourism development.
- Seasonal nesting of olive ridley and other sea turtles.
- Strong conservation emphasis – suitable for responsible wildlife viewing.
- Very few visitors compared to mainstream tourist beaches.
- Ideal for travellers interested in marine conservation and ecology.
19. Baludera Beach – Baratang Island
Unique Insight: Quiet mangrove-fringed curve with shallow water on calm days
Baludera Beach offers a gentle, curved shoreline backed by mangroves and trees, far from the primary tourist circuits. It’s usually almost empty, making it ideal for travellers who like soft sand, shallow water (when seas are calm) and a simple, local beach experience.
- Shallow, usually gentle sea on good-weather days.
- A mix of sand and mangrove gives it a distinctive look.
- Practically no commercial noise – just a few locals and occasional picnickers.
- Good place to glimpse Andaman’s quieter side after the busy sights at Baratang.
20. Guitar Island Sandbar – Near Long Island
Unique Insight: Remote, guitar-shaped sandbar with 360° sea views
Guitar Island is essentially a narrow sandbar and low island reached by a small boat from Long Island. Seen from above, it looks like the shape of a guitar, and on the ground, it feels like you are standing in the middle of the ocean with water on all sides.
- Bright white sand and shallow water are ideal for wading and photos on calm days.
- Almost zero crowds – just your boat crew and the sea.
- An offbeat add-on to a Long Island base that already includes Lalaji Bay and Merk Bay.
- Great for travellers who have already done Havelock and Neil on a previous trip.
Why are the beaches in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands so special?
Andaman beaches combine three things most Indian travellers rarely get together: Maldives-style water clarity, clean, uncrowded sand, and easy access from major Indian cities. Unlike Goa or Kerala, there are far fewer shacks and nightclubs right on the sand – the focus is on lagoons, coral reefs, and quiet stretches where you actually hear the waves. You also get:
- Protected marine parks and coral reefs (Elephant Beach, Wandoor, Jolly Buoy).
- World-ranked beaches like Radhanagar on Havelock are often listed among Asia’s best.
- A mix of high-end resorts and comfortable mid-range stays, making it ideal if you want comfort without going full Maldives prices.
What’s the Best Time to Visit Beaches?
Seasonal Beach Activity Guide
| Month | Weather | Sea Condition | Best Beaches | Activities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct-Nov | Pleasant (25-30°C) | Calm | All beaches | Diving, snorkelling |
| Dec-Feb | Cool (22-28°C) | Very calm | Radhanagar, Elephant | All water sports |
| Mar-Apr | Warm (28-32°C) | Calm | Offbeat beaches | Swimming, kayaking |
| May | Hot (30-35°C) | Slightly rough | Corbyn’s Cove | Limited activities |
| Jun-Sep | Monsoon | Rough | Closed/Limited | None |
What are the beach experiences and water sports to try?
Which beaches are best for snorkelling and scuba diving?
- Elephant Beach (Havelock) – classic entry point for snorkelling, sea walks and beginner dives.
- Bharatpur (Neil) – shallow coral gardens ideal for glass-bottom and short snorkels.
- Wandoor/Jolly Buoy – clear water with colourful coral, when open.
What romantic beach experiences can couples plan?
Building on your existing “romantic experiences” list, the strongest couple-focused options are:
- Private candlelight dinners on the beach at select resorts.
- Sunset cruises off Havelock and Neil.
- A couple of snorkelling or introductory scuba dives.
- Bioluminescence night kayaking around Havelock on suitable nights.
- Scenic helicopter or small-plane sightseeing, when available and in season.
Which family-friendly activities work well?
- Glass-bottom boat rides at Bharatpur, Elephant Beach, and Jolly Buoy.
- Short, supervised snorkelling sessions in shallow lagoons.
- Easy beach days at Radhanagar, Vijaynagar, and Corbyn’s Cove with shaded areas and calm sections.
How to Reach Different Beaches?
Transportation Guide
| From Port Blair To | Mode | Duration | Cost | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Havelock | Govt Ferry | 2.5 hours | ₹400 | 3-4 daily |
| Havelock | Private Ferry | 1.5 hours | ₹1,500 | 5-6 daily |
| Neil Island | Govt Ferry | 2 hours | ₹400 | 2 daily |
| Long Island | Govt Ferry | 6 hours | ₹150 | Twice weekly |
| Little Andaman | Govt Ferry | 8 hours | ₹200 | Thrice weekly |
| Diglipur | Bus + Ferry | 12 hours | ₹700 | Daily |
Local Beach Access
- Two-wheelers: ₹500-700/day (most convenient)
- Auto-rickshaws: ₹200-500 per trip
- Shared jeeps: ₹50-100 per person
- Private taxis: ₹2,000-3,000/day
What local tips, safety advice and etiquette should you follow?
- Stick to designated safe zones and obey lifeguard flags.
- Avoid swimming during very rough seas or after dark.
- Use only licensed operators for scuba, sea walks, and boat trips; avoid on-the-spot offers.
- No littering – plastic bans are strictly enforced in many areas.
- Do not touch or stand on corals, and avoid chasing marine life.
- Drone use may be restricted; check local rules before flying.
- Modest swimwear is widely accepted at tourist beaches, but avoid nudity or topless sunbathing – it’s not culturally acceptable.
- High SPF sunscreen, reef-safe if possible.
- Polarised sunglasses and a wide-brim hat.
- Light cotton clothes and a light rain jacket (if travelling shoulder/monsoon).
- Waterproof phone pouch, dry bag and extra copies of ID + permits.
Why trust this guide?
- Curated by IndianHoliday, an Indian tour operator established in 1990.
- Our team has been planning South India holidays for 35+ years with vetted on-ground partners in and around Andaman.
- Information on safety, travel rules, destinations and festivals is checked against official sources and local inputs as of January 2026.
- We update this guide regularly so that you have realistic, on-the-ground advice – not outdated brochure copy.
How can IndianHoliday help you plan a seamless Andaman beach holiday?
A good Andaman trip isn’t just about listing beaches, but it’s about choosing the right few, in the correct order, with the right mix of stays and ferries. With 35+ years of experience and a strong Andaman portfolio, IndianHoliday can:
- Design custom Andaman packages focused on your preferred beaches and comfort level.
- Secure reliable ferry tickets, transfers and guides, so you don’t waste time in queues.
- Match you with trusted dive/water-sports partners and beach-facing stays.
- Provide local support during the trip for any date or weather changes.
FAQs
Which is the No. 1 beach in Andaman?
Radhanagar Beach on Havelock Island consistently ranks as Andaman’s best beach, holding the #7 position globally and featuring pristine white sand, clear waters, and stunning sunsets perfect for all traveller types.
Can non-swimmers enjoy Andaman beaches?
Yes, beaches like Bharatpur (Neil Island) and Corbyn’s Cove have shallow waters extending 200-500 metres, while activities like glass-bottom boat rides, beach walks, and seaside dining offer enjoyment without swimming.
Are Andaman beaches safe for solo female travellers?
Major beaches like Radhanagar, Elephant, and Corbyn’s Cove are safe for solo female travellers with regular police patrol, lifeguards, and good tourist infrastructure. However, remote beaches are best visited in groups.
Which beaches require special permits?
Jolly Buoy Island, Red Skin Island, and beaches in tribal areas require permits obtained from the Port Blair Forest Office (₹50-500), while most popular beaches have no permit requirements.
Can we see bioluminescence at Andaman beaches?
Havelock’s Beach and Lalaji Bay Beach display bioluminescent plankton during dark-moon nights between November and February, best viewed between 8 and 10 PM, away from artificial lights.
Are there beaches accessible for elderly visitors?
Corbyn’s Cove and Wandoor Beach offer easy road access with minimal walking, proper facilities, and shaded seating areas suitable for elderly visitors and those with mobility concerns.
