Andaman Honeymoon Planner: 7-Day Island Route
Most honeymoon guides default to Bali or Thailand, assuming Andaman lacks romance or takes too long to plan. The truth: a 7-day Andaman itinerary beats those options on value, privacy, and ferry-hopping adventure—and it requires zero visa for Indians. This route chains Port Blair, Havelock, and Neil into a seamless island-to-island journey with exact ferry timings, per-night costs, and decisions that actually matter for couples.
1. Ferry Routes & Schedules (The Skeleton of Your Trip)
Ferries are your lifeline in Andaman. Unlike flights, they run on predictable daily schedules, cost ₹350–₹900 per person one-way, and deliver views that justifies the 2–4-hour journey. Bookmark this now.
Port Blair ↔ Havelock Island (most crucial route):
- Government ferry: 7:00 AM departure, 10:00 AM arrival (₹350, economy). Booking opens 5 days prior at andamanport.gov.in or ferry counters at Port Blair (Deepak Shipping Wharf, Phoenix Bay).
- Premium speedboat: 8:30 AM & 2:00 PM departures, 90 min journey (₹900 per person), run by private operators at Port Blair jetty.
- Return ferries from Havelock to Port Blair: 1:30 PM & 4:00 PM (government), 3:00 PM speedboat.
Havelock ↔ Neil Island (shorter, scenic):
- Government ferry: 8:30 AM, 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 4:00 PM (₹150, 30 min). Run 5 days a week; skip Wednesdays and Sundays.
- No speedboat option; government only.
Neil ↔ Port Blair (return route):
- 5:30 AM departure, 7:30 AM arrival (₹300, government, 2 hours). Book ahead; this morning ferry fills fast.
| Route | Operator | Duration | Cost (₹) | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Port Blair → Havelock | Government | 3 hrs | 350 | Daily, 7 AM | Book 5 days ahead |
| Port Blair → Havelock | Speedboat | 90 min | 900 | 2x daily | Premium comfort |
| Havelock ↔ Neil | Government | 30 min | 150 | 5x daily (no Wed/Sun) | Cheapest island hop |
| Neil → Port Blair | Government | 2 hrs | 300 | Daily, 5:30 AM | Early start |
Pro tip for couples: Book return ferries the moment you arrive. Government ferries fill 60% by day 3 of availability. Use the speedboat for one leg (splurge ₹900 per person) and government for the other; you'll feel the difference in energy on day 6.
2. Day-by-Day Itinerary: Port Blair (Days 1–2)
Skipping Port Blair is a mistake couples make repeatedly. Yes, it's the entry point—but it's also where Andaman's history, food scene, and couple-friendly monsoon-valley hikes live. Two nights here set the rhythm.
Day 1: Arrival + Cellular Jail + Corbyns Cove
Land at Veer Savarkar Airport (price alert: most flights from Delhi/Mumbai cost ₹8,000–₹14,000 return on IndiGo/Air India; book 6–8 weeks ahead). Grab a prepaid taxi to your hotel (₹350–₹500 to city center). Check in by 2 PM, lunch at Panna II (seafood, ₹800 per head), then head to Cellular Jail by 3:30 PM.
Cellular Jail is non-negotiable. The 3:30 PM English sound-and-light show (₹40 entry + ₹60 show) takes 1.5 hours and delivers context: this 19th-century prison held independence fighters, and every couple leaves quieter than they arrive. Afterward, walk the outer ramparts at sunset (6:15 PM in November, 6:45 PM in December).
End at Corbyns Cove Beach, 8 km south. Drive there by 7:15 PM (₹300 auto-rickshaw return), walk the shoreline, grab dinner at a shack (fish curry + rice, ₹600 per head), and return by 9:30 PM.
Day 2: Scuba Diving + Chatham Saw Mill + Sunset at Chidiatapu
Book your scuba dive yesterday. Barracuda Diving School (PADI-certified, ₹8,000–₹12,000 per person for a 2-tank dive) departs Port Blair jetty at 7:00 AM. The dive happens near Havelock but launches from Port Blair; you'll be back by 2 PM with certification photos and trembling hands.
Lunch at Ananda Bakery (masala dosa, coffee, ₹400 per head). Afternoon: visit Chatham Saw Mill (₹50 entry, 45 min), a colonial-era timber yard turned museum—your only "indoor" activity, saved for this humid day.
By 5:30 PM, drive to Chidiatapu (Red Skin Beach), 30 km south. The sunset here is less crowded than Corbyns and lasts 40 minutes. Grab beer and snacks from the beach shack. Return to the hotel by 8:30 PM.
| Day | Morning | Afternoon | Evening | Budget (₹ per couple) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrival + Cellular Jail | Corbyns Cove walk | Dinner at beach shack | 2,500 |
| 2 | Scuba dive (Barracuda) | Chatham Saw Mill | Chidiatapu sunset + beer | 17,500 |
Costs (Days 1–2 Port Blair):
- Accommodation: ₹4,000–₹7,000 per night (mid-range honeymoon resort; see section 4).
- Meals: ₹2,500 (breakfast, lunch, dinner).
- Activities: ₹8,200 (scuba, Cellular Jail, entries, transport).
- Contingency: ₹1,000.
Total Days 1–2: ₹27,700–₹30,700 per couple.
3. Havelock Island (Days 3–4): Radhanagar, Snorkeling & Isolation
Ferry at 7:00 AM from Port Blair (₹350, 3 hours). Arrive 10:00 AM. You've now left the mainland.
Day 3: Radhanagar Beach + Elephant Beach Snorkeling
Grab an auto-rickshaw to your hotel (₹400 from jetty). Check in, lunch, then head to Radhanagar Beach (also called Beach #7) by 3:00 PM. This is the honeymoon shot: turquoise water, white sand, zero vendors if you arrive after 3 PM. Swim, wade, watch the sunset (6:30 PM in Nov-Dec). Dinner at your hotel or at one of 4–5 shacks near the beach (grilled fish, rice, ₹500 per head).
Day 4: Elephant Beach Snorkeling Dive + Kala Pathar
Wake at 6:30 AM for the Elephant Beach snorkeling tour. Local operators run daily departures (₹600–₹800 per person, 4 hours, includes equipment and coral-zone snorkeling). You'll see parrotfish, clownfish, rays—and understand why Havelock draws couples year after year.
Return by 12:30 PM, lunch at Govind Nivas (Kerala fish curry, ₹400 per head), then hike Kala Pathar in the late afternoon. This 2 km forest trail leads to a black rock viewpoint overlooking sea and jungle. Walk slow; the couple ahead of you is probably on their honeymoon too. Return by 6:00 PM, dinner at your hotel or splurge at Arbuda (pan-Asian, ₹1,200 per head for mains).
| Day | Morning | Afternoon | Evening | Budget (₹ per couple) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | Ferry + check-in | Radhanagar Beach | Sunset + dinner at shack | 2,500 |
| 4 | Elephant Beach snorkeling | Kala Pathar hike | Dinner (splurge or local) | 3,200 |
Costs (Days 3–4 Havelock):
- Accommodation: ₹3,500–₹6,000 per night (mid-range beachfront hut).
- Meals: ₹2,500.
- Activities: ₹1,400–₹1,600 (snorkeling, Kala Pathar is free).
- Ferry: ₹350 (already counted in Day 1 transport from Port Blair).
Total Days 3–4: ₹17,750–₹20,000 per couple.
4. Neil Island (Days 5–6): Underwater Wonders & Sit-Still Romance
Ferry from Havelock to Neil at 11:00 AM (₹150, 30 min). Arrive 11:30 AM. Neil is smaller, slower, and where honeymoon couples go to stop talking.
Day 5: Laxmanpur Beach + Coral Garden Snorkeling
Check in by noon. Lunch at Sher-e-Punjab (aloo parathas, tea, ₹300 per head—yes, mainland food here too). Afternoon: Laxmanpur Beach is Neil's main beach. Walk the shore at 4:00 PM when light softens. By 5:30 PM, book a Coral Garden snorkeling tour for tomorrow morning.
Dinner at your guesthouse or Café Gecko (Italian pasta, ₹600 per head). Early bed; you're leaving the mainland now.
Day 6: Coral Garden Snorkeling + Sitapur Beach Sunset
6:00 AM snorkeling departure (₹500 per person, 3 hours). Coral Garden is Neil's crown jewel—easier than Elephant Beach, with calmer water and denser coral. You'll float above brain coral, staghorn, and shoals of fusiliers. Return by 9:30 AM.
Lunch, then visit Sitapur Beach (also called Sunrise Beach) in late afternoon. This white-sand crescent is emptier than Laxmanpur. Watch the sunset alone. Return by 7:30 PM, pack for departure tomorrow.
| Day | Morning | Afternoon | Evening | Budget (₹ per couple) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | Ferry + check-in | Laxmanpur Beach | Dinner at guesthouse | 1,800 |
| 6 | Coral Garden snorkeling | Sitapur Beach | Pack + dinner | 1,500 |
Costs (Days 5–6 Neil):
- Accommodation: ₹2,500–₹4,500 per night (basic guesthouse, rustic honeymoon charm).
- Meals: ₹1,500.
- Snorkeling: ₹500 per person (₹1,000 per couple).
- Ferry: ₹150 (Havelock to Neil).
Total Days 5–6: ₹12,050–₹14,450 per couple.
5. Day 7: Return to Port Blair + Departure
Ferry departs Neil at 5:30 AM (₹300, 2 hours). Arrive Port Blair 7:30 AM. You've now spent 6 nights on islands; the mainland feels loud.
Head to airport by 10:00 AM (prepaid taxi, ₹400). If your flight departs after 6 PM, grab a hotel room for day-use (₹1,200 for 8 hours) and sleep before travel. Lunch at Panna II one last time (₹600 per head). Depart.
Day 7 costs:
- Ferry: ₹300 per couple.
- Airport transfer: ₹400.
- Lunch: ₹600.
Total Day 7: ₹1,300 per couple.
6. Complete 7-Day Budget Breakdown
Here's the full picture. Assume December travel (best weather, peak prices).
| Expense | Budget (Low) | Budget (Mid) | Budget (High) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flights (Delhi–Port Blair–Delhi, per couple) | 16,000 | 20,000 | 26,000 |
| Accommodation (7 nights, per couple) | 40,500 | 56,000 | 70,000 |
| Meals (7 days, per couple) | 7,000 | 10,500 | 15,000 |
| Ferries (all routes, per couple) | 1,100 | 1,100 | 2,700 |
| Activities (scuba, snorkeling, entries) | 11,000 | 12,500 | 14,000 |
| Transport (taxis, autos, local) | 3,000 | 4,000 | 5,000 |
| Total (per couple) | ₹78,600 | ₹104,100 | ₹132,700 |
| Per person | ₹39,300 | ₹52,050 | ₹66,350 |
Where to save:
- Book flights 8 weeks ahead (saves ₹3,000–₹5,000).
- Skip scuba on Day 2; do snorkeling only (saves ₹8,000).
- Stay in basic guesthouses (Neil and Havelock have ₹2,500 options; drops accommodation by ₹8,000–₹12,000).
- Eat at local shacks 50% of the time (meals drop to ₹5,500–₹7,000).
Where to splurge:
- One night in a beachfront villa (₹12,000–₹18,000; worth it on Day 4, Havelock).
- Romantic dinner on Day 6, Neil (₹1,500–₹2,000 per couple).
- Private snorkeling boat instead of group tour (₹3,000–₹4,000 upgrade).
Use the Trip budget calculator to model your exact dates, hotel choices, and flight origin (flights from Bangalore or Hyderabad cost ₹2,000–₹4,000 less than Delhi).
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to visit Andaman for a honeymoon?
November to February is peak season: calm seas, clear skies, no rain, and 27–30°C days. December and January are the busiest months—book hotels 6–8 weeks ahead. March–April is shoulder season (still good, fewer crowds, ₹2,000–₹4,000 cheaper per night). Avoid May–September (monsoon, rough seas, ferry cancellations, and few tourists for a reason). If you travel October, May, or late February, you'll dodge crowds but risk 1–2 rainy days and ferry delays.
Do I need a visa to visit Andaman as an Indian citizen?
No. Andaman and Nicobar Islands are part of India, so Indian citizens require only a valid passport or national ID. Flights are domestic, so standard Indian domestic travel rules apply. Non-Indian spouses (if applicable) follow standard Indian visa rules for their nationality—check the Visa wizard for Indians to confirm your partner's requirements.
How do ferry bookings work, and can I book online?
Government ferries open booking 5 days before departure at andamanport.gov.in or at the Deepak Shipping Wharf counter in Port Blair (arrive by 10:00 AM). You cannot book online for more than 5 days ahead, but many travel agents in Port Blair can pre-book for a small fee (₹100–₹200). Speedboats are private and book through resort concierges or directly at the jetty; they fill faster but have more departures. Always book your return ferry on Day 1 if possible—Day 3–4 bookings often fail.
Which island is best for a honeymoon: Havelock or Neil?
Havelock is better if you want action: it has more restaurants, better beaches (Radhanagar is ranked India's best), more snorkeling options, and a lively backpacker scene by evening. Neil is better if you want isolation and slowness: fewer tourists, simpler guesthouses, incredible coral gardens, and zero noise after 9 PM. Most couples do both (3–4 nights on Havelock, 2 nights on Neil). If forced to choose one, Havelock is the safer bet for variety.
What's the cheapest month to visit, and how much cheaper?
September and October are cheapest (off-season, ₹2,000–₹5,000 less per hotel night, ₹1,500–₹3,000 cheaper flights). The tradeoff: occasional rain, rougher seas, and 2–3 ferry cancellations possible (book flexible return dates). If you can travel early November (first week), prices drop ₹1,500–₹3,000 per night compared to peak December, and weather is near-perfect. Mid-May to mid-August is also empty and cheap, but rough seas make snorkeling risky—ferries run but tours cancel frequently.
Ready to Plan Your Andaman Honeymoon?
A 7-day island route beats generic resort honeymoons because you're not sitting still—you're ferry-hopping, snorkeling with your spouse, hiking jungle tracks, and eating at unmarked shacks where locals eat. The cost is fixed (₹39,300–₹66,350 per person), the itinerary is proven, and the ferry schedule is written in stone.
The only variable left is when you book. December fills by mid-October. November fills by late August. Do it now.
Your next step: lock your dates and run them through the Free AI itinerary generator to refine hotels by season and budget, confirm ferry departure windows, and build a packing list for sea-state conditions. Then use the Forex & bargain check to lock your INR-to-USD rate for a smooth wallet in Port Blair.
Don't plan honeymoons in generic templates. Let AI handle the ferries, the timings, and the backup routes. You focus on the person next to you. Generate your free AI itinerary →