Andaman and Nicobar Islands Beaches: Complete Travel Guide

Everyone debates about mountains vs beaches, and while mountains may have their place, the feeling of having your toes in white sand, the sound of waves crashing into the shore, and a drink in your hand is unbeatable.

If you’re planning a visit to the Islands of Andaman and Nicobar, it’s very important that you know which beaches you must visit since they make up a majority of where travellers spend their time. That’s why this guide takes you through Andaman’s and Nicobar Islands beaches, what’s special about them and why you should visit.

What Makes the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Beaches So Different?

Unlike most coastal getaways in India, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands beaches are spread across separate islands, so you're never just visiting one beach. You're island-hopping by ferry, which is part of the charm. Port Blair is your entry point, Havelock (now called Swaraj Dweep) holds the most famous names, and Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep) is the quieter, more laid-back cousin.

Tribe Travel Tip: Ferries between islands sell out fast in peak season (December to February), so book yours the moment your dates are set.

Why Is Radhanagar Beach the Star of Every Andaman and Nicobar Islands Beach List?

If you only see one beach on your holiday, this is the one people mean when they talk about the best beaches in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Radhanagar, also known as Beach No. 7, has been ranked among Asia's best beaches for two decades running, and it earns every bit of that reputation with its long curve of white sand and calm, swimmable water.

• Best for: Swimming, sunset views, photography
• Water: Calm and shallow near the shore, safe for swimming
• How to reach: Havelock jetty, then a 12 km taxi or scooter ride
• Highlight: Ranked among Asia's best beaches for two decades
• Things to do: Swimming, sunset watching, beach walks, photography

What Makes Havelock Beach Andaman a Must-Visit for Every Traveller?

Havelock is where most Andaman holidays are centred, and for good reason. Beyond Radhanagar, the island holds a cluster of beaches, dive centres, and beachfront cafes that make it easy to fill three or four unhurried days. Ferries from Port Blair take around two to three hours, and once you're there, a rented scooter is the easiest way to move between beaches.

• Best for: First-time visitors, dive certifications, café hopping
• Water: Varies by beach, from calm swimming zones to coral-lined snorkelling spots
• How to reach: Ferry from Port Blair, two to three hours, with both government and private operators
• Highlight: Home to Radhanagar, Elephant Beach, and Kala Pathar, all within a short ride of each other
• Things to do: Scuba diving, snorkelling, café hopping, scooter rides between beaches

How Do You Reach Elephant Beach From Port Blair?

Elephant Beach sits on Havelock, and the usual route from Port Blair is a ferry to Havelock jetty first, followed by a short boat ride or forest trek to the beach itself. The shallow coral reef just off the shore makes it one of the better spots in the islands for first-time snorkellers.

• Best for: Snorkelling, first-time divers
• Water: Shallow with a coral reef just offshore
• How to reach: Ferry to Havelock (two to three hours), then a speedboat of about 20 minutes, or a forest trek of about 1.5 km from Radhanagar Road
• Highlight: Coral visible just a few metres below the surface
• Things to do: Snorkelling, sea walking, glass-bottom boat rides

Tribe Travel Tip: Rent your snorkelling gear at the jetty rather than on the beach itself; it usually works out cheaper.

What Makes Kala Pathar Beach Different From Radhanagar?

Named after the black volcanic rocks scattered along its shoreline, Kala Pathar Beach is Havelock's quieter alternative to Radhanagar. It's about 10 km from the main market, and because it draws fewer visitors, it's a good pick if you want a peaceful morning by the water without the crowds.

• Best for: Sunrise walks, quiet mornings
• Water: Calm, with rocky patches near the black stones
• How to reach: Taxi, scooter, or bicycle from anywhere on Havelock, about 10 km from the main market
• Highlight: Black volcanic rocks set against white sand
• Things to do: Sunrise photography, beach walks, birdwatching

Is Bharatpur Beach on Neil Island Good for Families?

Neil Island moves at a gentler pace than Havelock, and Bharatpur Beach is its liveliest stretch. Just 500 metres from the jetty, it's the only spot on the island where water sports are organised, which makes it a natural first stop once you arrive.

• Best for: Families, beginner snorkellers
• Water: Shallow and calm, safe for non-swimmers
• How to reach: Ferry to Neil Island, then a 500-metre walk or auto ride from the jetty
• Highlight: The only beach on Neil Island with organised water sports
• Things to do: Snorkelling, glass-bottom boat rides, jet skiing, scuba diving

Where Should You Stay Near Havelock Islands Beaches?

Since Havelock holds most of the well-known beaches, it also has the widest spread of places to stay, from simple beach huts to a few upscale resorts closer to Radhanagar.

Tribe Travel Tip: Staying closer to the market area saves on daily transport if you're planning to visit multiple beaches on a scooter.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Andaman Beaches?

October to May is when nearly every beach on this list is at its best, with clear skies and calm water making it easier to plan an island-hopping holiday without weather surprises.

Conclusion

While the mountains vs beaches debate may never settle, Andaman and Nicobar Islands Beaches are worthwhile no matter what side of the debate you’re on. Book your beach activities early and keep a day where you spend your evening looking at the sun going down over the Indian Ocean.

​If you’re planning on visiting Andaman anytime soon, advisors at Holiday Tribe can help with customised Andaman travel packages that cover everything you’ll see, where you’ll stay, along with optional flight assistance. Get in touch to start planning your tropical escape today.