Updated: 29/07/2020

Complete Travel Guide for Andaman Family Holidays

The true essence of Andaman’s beauty is perfectly described by this poem. It’s a place where you can smell the sea, feel the sky and lose yourself in the astral blue waters with its gently lapping waves kindling a symphony of its own.

There is pleasure in the pathless woods,

There is rapture on the lonely shore

There is society, where non intrudes,

      By the deep sea and music in its roar,

I love not man the less, But nature more.

– Lord Byron

The Serene Sunset

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, right in the middle of the Bay of Bengal is an Indian archipelago comprising of roughly 572 islands. Lying east of the Indian mainland, many of these islands are inhabited and open for tourists while some islands are still inhabited by tribes, who still have no contact with the other world. So they are considered the most isolated archipelagos in the world. The most attractive part of the Andaman’s is its clean blue world class beaches well complimented by the delicious local delicacies.

Things to do in Andaman Islands with Kids

Underwater activities at Andaman Islands

Snorkeling

The marine life is filled with such treasure that nothing beats experiencing it personally. Snorkeling lets you do just that without harming the Eco system. Andaman is filled with vibrant marine life and shallow reef areas that makes snorkeling here a must experience.

Although snorkeling activities are available around Port Blair in the North Bay, Red Skin Island, Jolly Buoy Island, Mahatma Gandhi National Park, Wandoor and Mowhadhera beach however, we found the best place to do Snorkeling at the Elephant beach, Havelock Island due to more vibrant marine life and the quality of corals there.

Check out this page for more details on snorkeling activity at Elephant beach at Havelock Island including pickup and drop from the hotel. Minimum age requirement for kids is 10 years.

Scuba Diving

If your kids are of an adventurous nature, there is no better way other than Scuba Diving to admire the colorful corals, vibrant aquatic life and seabed gardens in the crystal clear azure waters of Havelock Island, Andamans. One of the main reasons we visited Havelock Island the second time was to experience this enchanting activity in the best diving hubs of India, Havelock Island, with its glistening white sandy beaches. If you have never done Scuba Diving amid the corals before, we highly recommend experiencing it in Havelock Island. It is the best stress buster and a fun family bonding experience one could ever find. This is the Scuba Diving activity we took when we visited Havelock Island for the second time. It’s the best! The professional guide was super knowledgeable and experienced. Minimum age requirement for kids is 10 years. Pro-Tip: With easy cancellations and full refunds at least 72 hours prior the activity, it makes booking the same worthwhile to avoid hassles of cancellation later due to general uncertainties associated with family travel. 

Kayaking

Imagine sitting in a kayak paddling away in a water stream surrounded by lush green mangroves. The water stream and mangroves slowly opening up to the ocean. This is one of the most peaceful activities ever. It is a  perfect way to bring your stress levels down. You are surrounded by untouched nature. You also get the adrenaline rush when you finally see the vastness of the ocean while on the kayak.

Head here for more details on Kayaking along the mangrove forests at the Havelock Island.

Glass Bottom Boat Ride

For people who prefer to stay dry but still want a piece of the action, this is a perfect activity. Here they take you in the middle of the sea in a boat that has a glass bottom. The water is so clear that you can view the marine life underneath, colorful fishes, stunning coral reefs and even dolphins from the glass bottom.

Check out this page for more details on the Glass boat ride and Dolphin watching experience at Port Blair, Andaman. Minimum age requirement for kids is 10 years.

Underwater Sea Walk

Underwater Sea Walking experience at the North Bay Island near Port Blair is another exciting fun-filled adventure activity with kids. Amid the crystal clear blue water of the lagoon witness the magnificent marine life walking underwater on the seabed. Its exciting! Pro-Tip: If you are not staying at Havelock Island and experiencing snorkeling or scuba diving there, then we highly recommend taking this adventurous water activity.

Check out this page for more details about the Underwater Sea Walking experience at the North Bay Island near Port Blair, Andaman. Minimum age requirement for kids is 10 years.

Visit the famous Andaman Tourist Places

Port Blair

Port Blair, capital as well as the largest city of Andaman Islands has many attractions which can be easily completed in a day if planned well. What works well is a Private Half Day Sightseeing Tour which  covers the historical Cellular Jail along with Ross Island (including ferry ride and light and sound show). 

Cellular Jail (Kala Pani)

The Cellular Jail

Andaman is all about fun and frolic, but one trip to the Cellular Jail or Kala Pani brings out the patriotism in you. The infamous monument is drenched with stories of freedom fighters and their blood. The jail has been declared a National Memorial. This memorial is an architectural wonder and it amazes and disturbs you at the same. The monument is enormous but the individual cells used to house the inmates are dark, cramped and dingy.  It was really touching to read the poem written by Veer Savarkar himself, on the walls of his prison cell. The prison is built in the form of seven wings and a tower at the center. However, only three out of the seven wings stand today. It’s hard to imagine that this place was once the most dreaded place in India. This memorial has an art gallery among many other galleries, depicting the struggle of the freedom fighters. The area also houses an eternal flame burning in the memory of the freedom fighters. 

The saga of the freedom fighters is retold everyday in the Light and Sound show in the evening and is a must see.

Samudrika Marine Museum

The Naval Marine Museum

This museum run by the Indian Navy, gives an insight of the marine life found in this region. The best part about the museum is being greeted by the skeleton of a giant blue whale at the entrance. The museum is divided into 5 rooms / sections. The first room presents information about the tribes of the island. The second room showcases the underwater species. The third room depicts the colorful corals. The fourth room showcases a beautiful collection of shells. The fifth room depicts the history of the island.

Corbyn’s Cove Beach

Corbyn’s Cove

Port Blair is not known for its beaches however this small beach, 8 Kms from the main city, is a delight. It’s a small stretch of sand backed with palm trees. This beach is popular among tourists since it has many entertainment options like water sports and also restaurants facing the wide blue expanse.

When we visited this beach, there were hardly any people around. As the sun started setting, in no time the beach was filled with people in festive gear and the beach was lit in hundreds of small bonfires. They were praying to the Sun God on the eve of Chhath Puja. It was surprising to see people celebrating this North Indian festival in far off Andaman.

Anthropological Museum

An Exhibit at the Museum

Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a part of India but still we know so little about them. The anthropological Museum gives us the detailed information of the tribes settled in these islands. It’s got a showcase of the first settlers here and also the present tribes, including the way they live, their culture etc. This museum is a must visit and believe me it’s quite interesting and not boring like the other anthropological museums.

Jolly Buoy Island

Jolly Buoy Island

Jolly Buoy island is famous with the tourists, more so its a must visit place when you are in Port Blair. This Island can be reached by a one-hour ship ride from Wandoor beach which is 30 Kms south west of Port Blair. A taxi is required to reach Wandoor beach from Port Blair.

Pro-Tip: Reach Wandoor beach early as most ferries to Jolly Buoy Island leave around 9 – 9:30 am. Due to limited number of ferries and the passengers it is allowed to take, we highly recommended to arrange the permit and ferry tickets through the hotel / local travel agent. You need a Photo ID for getting a permit from the tourism department. Also, it helps in skipping the line and allows to relax and enjoy the nature. The ship leaves the tourists on Jolly Buoy Island and returns later for Pick up. This island is a environmentally sensitive zone with no plastic restriction as well. There is nothing available as such at the Jolly Buoy Island. You need to carry food, water, sunscreens and hats with you. However, at Wandoor beach you can rent empty Milton water bottles at INR 5 each on a security deposit of INR 250. You can fill them with your water and carry it on the Island. You can even submit your plastic items at the Wandoor beach.

The wide expanse of corals can be seen here via snorkeling, scuba diving and also by a small glass bottom boat. Normally while alighting from the ship the visitors are transferred to this small glass bottom boat, taken for a ride of 10-15 mins to see the corals and then dropped off to the beach. If you are not too much into water activities you can sit back relax and enjoy the view of the limitless sea meeting the cool blue sky and also the thick green forests lining it.

Jolly buoy is a no man’s land. It’s pristine, clean and untouched. It’s less crowded and the corals here are breathtaking. It is open from November to April.

Red Skin Island

On the Way to Red Skin Island

Wandoor beach, Jolly Buoy Island and Red Skin Island are all part of the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park and are located in it. Both Islands are alternatively open for tourists. Red Skin Island is open from May to October and Jolly buoy Island is open from November to April.

Pro-Tip: Red Skin is not as good as Jolly Buoy Island as the beach is very narrow and it gets very crowded during peak season, in fact it can altogether be avoided if its peak season since there will be hardly any place on the beach to fit in.

Ross Island (Netaji Subhas Chandra Dweep)

Ross Island (Netaji Subhas Chandra Dweep)

Ross Island located at a distance of 3 Kms from Port Blair has a rich heritage. It was the base for the British Administration of the penal colony in Port Blair and also the capital of most of the Andaman Islands, till an earthquake destroyed it in 1941. The remnants of its prosperous past can be seen in its ruins. It’s extremely picturesque and it reminded me of the Lost T.V. series. Many deer also can be spotted here.

This island is managed by the Indian navy so they maintain a record of people coming in. They have a small post INS Jawara and also operate a museum on this island. There is a light and sound show in the evenings.

Ross Island was recently renamed as Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep as a tribute to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.

The most striking feature about Ross Island is the roots of huge trees engulfing the ruins of the once occupied houses.

Chidiya Tapu

The captivating sunset

Chidiya Tapu or Bird Point is famous for its sunsets. This island is 25 Kms from Port Blair and is well connected by road. It’s at the southernmost tip of South Andaman. The ride to reach it is amazing with thick green forests and glimpses of the sea in between. It’s an ideal picnic spot, very well maintained but with no restaurants around. It’s a bird watchers delight as many varieties of birds and also crocodiles can be seen here.  Check out this page for more details on a Full Day Private Tour to Chidiya Tapu from Port Blair.

If you are want to be a bit more adventurous, then experience trekking in the dense rainforests near Chidiya Tapu. Soak in the fresh scent of nature when exploring the rainforest along the dense trekking trail in the midst of thick canopies of Padauk trees growing in abundance. Starting the trek from Munda Pahad Beach, endemic birds and exotic animals can also be spotted while trekking your way towards the Munda Pahad hill. Its like walking into a whole new world away from the fast paced life we are accustomed to living.  Head here for more details on an expert guided trekking experience at Chidiya Tapu. The best part of this trek is getting to watch the sunset with last golden lights on the coast of Port Blair.

Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep)

The Pristine Radhanagar Beach at Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep)

Havelock Island (Now Swaraj Dweep), with an area of about 113 square kilometers is one of the populated islands in the Andaman. Havelock Island is known for its pristine white beaches, crystal blue waters, green foliage lining the shores and rich corals. The main beaches in Havelock Island are Radhanagar Beach, Elephant Beach, Vijaynagar Beach and Kalapather Beach.

Havelock Island was renamed in 2018 as Swaraj Dweep as a tribute to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.

Radhanagar Beach

Radhanagar Beach is rated as one of the best beaches in Asia in 2004, by Time magazine; and truly it lives up to its expectations. It’s truly a heaven on earth with its desolate shores lined with a fringe of green woods, the soft unfolding of the waves, and the vastness of the azure waters meeting the blue silk of the sky. In case you are not staying at the adjacent Barefoot resort, (where we stayed!) which practically makes the pristine and clean Radhanagar Beach like its private property, then you can take a Radhanagar and Kalapathar Beach day tour when at Havelock.

Elephant Beach

Kayaking at Elephant Beach, Havelock Island

Elephant Beach is a part of Havelock Island and can be reached by a 20 min boat ride from Havelock. What makes the ride enticing is that is passes through the scenic light house. This island is famous for kayaking, snorkeling and Scuba Diving due to the presence of coral reef here at a depth of less than 1 meter. This makes the Elephant beach popular with tourists. On our first visit to Havelock Island, we restricted ourselves to kayaking and snorkeling as back then we were a bit skeptical about Scuba Diving. Eventually Scuba diving turned out to be an amazing experience and us being non-swimmers did not come anyway in between the fun.

Check out the must-do activities for families with/without kids for a memorable experience: Boat Ride to Elephant Beach and Snorkeling Experience at Havelock Island, kayaking in the midst of Mangoove forests of Havelock Island and Scuba Diving.

Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep)

Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep)

This beautiful island, located about 40 Kms. off South Andaman is a hidden gem. This Island is just 7 Kms in length and can be easily covered in 2 hours. People flock to this island for some quality time since it’s still less crowded with tourists and filled with unspoiled corals and rich vegetation. You can enjoy snorkeling, scuba diving, trekking, swimming, game fishing etc.

Getting to Andaman’s

Tourism is the most significant and fastest growing sector of Andaman economy, making it an important part of local livelihood and sustenance. Slowly its emerging as a much sought after Eco friendly tourist destination making it easier for people to reach there.

Family Accommodation in Port Blair

Fortune Resort Bay Island

This is the perfect place to be for unwinding, with an amazing view of the Bay of Bengal, from the comforts of your own hotel room. This hotel faces the astral blue waters and boasts of an awesome view of the North Bay on one side and the Ross Island on the other side. This amazing view can be enjoyed from the rooms, the restaurant, the bar and also the swimming pool. The best part about the stay is spending hours watching the serenity of the sunrise and the sunset.

Since it’s a part of the ITC family, the hotel lives up to its expectations. The open air restaurant, Mandalay serves delectable multi cuisine food especially the local delicacies. Good food, great location, courteous staff made our stay truly memorable to this day.

Click here to check out the latest prices for Fortune Resort Bay Island.

Family Accommodation in Havelock Island

Barefoot Resort

The walk to the Beach

Come to Havelock Island to stare dreamily into the horizon where the sun and water meet. The only thing to interrupt you from your reverie is an occasional bark of a dog or a bird call. This is what being one with nature truly means. And imagine living in a resort that just molds itself with its surrounding, so much so that you cannot see the resort from the main road it just camouflages into nature. That’s Barefoot for you.

Built with minimalist rustic design, keeping in mind the architecture of the local tribal houses of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Barefoot is a pleasant surprise for city dwellers.

The best thing about this place is the 3 minute walk amidst greenery to reach the pristine white beach of Radhanagar. In fact it was so isolated that it felt like a private beach. The staff is attentive and they even offer packages on snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking and other activities.

Click here to check out the latest prices for Barefoot Resort.

Andaman Weather

The Andaman Islands are a tropical beauty and are blessed with the South-West monsoons as well as the North-East Monsoons. It’s a perfect holiday place for sun, sand and sea. The Islands are neither too chilly nor too hot any time of the year. Moreover it does not rain here so much as to clog the roads and dampen your spirits. It’s a fine balance of all the three seasons.

Check out the latest weather report for Andaman Islands here

Best Time to Visit Andaman

December to April is the best time to visit Andaman’s for the thrill seekers if you want to enjoy the varied water sports available here. It’s the best time for diving and snorkeling.

May to December is the best time for nature enthusiasts since the greenery comes alive in the rains and also the water falls can be seen in their full glory.

Things to Carry

1. Sunscreen: This is a must for any beach holiday unless you want the sun and salt to burn your skin.
2. Sun Protection: Sunglasses, Hats are indispensable.
3. Insect Repellent: Andaman being a tropical place has its fair share of insects. Carry a repellent to make the stay bug free.
4. Beachwear: Swimsuits, flip-flops, towels, diving suits etc; make sure you carry them all as there will be lots fun filled water activities.
5. Cash: Andaman has long stretches of remote land and ATMs are not available at every corner so make sure you have enough cash.
6. Flashlight: There is nothing more satisfying that watching a sunset by the seaside but it will dark soon and there are hardly any street lights so make sure to carry a flashlight with you.

Let us help you plan your perfect holiday to Andaman

A popular saying goes “Take every chance you have as somethings only happen once in life”, only if it were true in travel. Bad planning can make even the best destinations seem inadequate. To make sure you have a great time, we can help curate a travel plan for you. Complete with accommodations and transfers. Fulfilling your budget and requirements. Feel free to contact us.

Hope you find this Andaman Family Guide of use to you. Have you been to the Andamans with kids? Do let us know about your stay in Andaman or in case I am missing something, please contact us or comment below and I will update this blog soon. Your comments and/or feedback are most welcome.

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