Key Takeaways
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The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are one of the nearest and cheapest destinations to travel to. If you are flying from Bangalore or Chennai, you can reach Veer Savarkar International Airport within 2 hours 30 minutes.
To begin with, a short overview: The Andaman and Nicobar Islands have over 572 islands, but only a few are open to tourists. Within those, some of the beaches in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are rated internationally, including Radhanagar on Havelock and the remote turtle nesting places at Karmatang in North Andaman.
Some beaches are best for swimming, some for water sports, some for sunrise photographs, and some simply for sitting and relaxing.
So, in this blog, learn which island each beach is located on, what to do there, and when to visit.
15 Best Beaches in Andaman and Nicobar Islands
From famous swimming beaches and water-sports places to quiet sunrise spots and remote turtle-nesting shores, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands have beaches for different types of travellers.
This list covers 15 beaches across Havelock, Neil, South Andaman, Middle Andaman, North Andaman and Long Island, along with what makes each one different.
1. Radhanagar Beach
- Island: Havelock Island (officially Swaraj Dweep)
- Distance from Port Blair: Around 2 – 2.5 hours by ferry from Port Blair to Havelock, followed by 10 – 12 km by road from Havelock Jetty (25-minute ride)
Overview: Andaman and Nicobar Islands’ most famous beach is Radhanagar Beach. It was rated the best beach in Asia by TIME magazine in 2004. It is also a certified global Blue Flag eco-destination. The beach stretches for around 2 km, with dense forest near the sand at both ends.
Activities: Motorised water sports and loud activities are restricted at Radhanagar Beach to protect its natural surroundings and maintain its Blue Flag eco-standards. For activities such as jet skiing, snorkelling, banana boat rides, and other water sports, visit Elephant Beach instead.
Timings & Tips: Plan your visit around 3 PM and stay until sunset, which is between 5:10 PM and 5:45 PM. Swimming is allowed only during daylight and strictly ends at 5:00 PM.
2. Elephant Beach
- Island: Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep)
- How to reach: A 20 – 30-minute speedboat ride from Havelock Jetty or a 30 – 45-minute nature trek through the forest from the Radhanagar Road checkpoint
Overview: Elephant Beach is the main water sports hub of Havelock and offers the best water activities in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The coral reef starts just a few metres from the shore, and its shallow waters make it ideal for children to try snorkelling.
Activities: Jet skiing, parasailing, banana boat rides, and speedboats are done directly on the shore. Guided beginner scuba sessions, snorkelling, and glass-bottom boat tours are also available. Certified scuba diving facilities and deep reefs are located around Nemo Reef and Govind Nagar. Elephant Beach focuses on shallow shore dives, while Nemo Reef provides clearer water conditions and diving courses.
Timings & Tips: Plan your visit for the morning between 7:30 AM and 11:00 AM. The beach completely closes between 3:00 PM and 4:00 PM, and all tourists are asked to leave. The final speedboats depart Havelock Jetty at 12:00 PM, and all return boats stop operating by 3:00 PM. If you choose the forest trek, the entry gate closes at 1:00 PM.
3. Kalapathar Beach
- Island: Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep)
- Distance from Havelock Jetty: Around 7 km (20 minutes by road)
Overview: Kalapathar Beach gets its name from black rocks scattered along its shoreline; Kala Pathar means “black rock” in Hindi. Located on the southeastern side of Swaraj Dweep, it is quieter than Radhanagar Beach and is a good place for a peaceful morning walk and photography.
Activities: There are no water sports at the beach. Sunrise views, photography, beach walks, and relaxing by the shore are the main activities. Swimming is possible when sea conditions are calm, but be careful around the rocky parts of the beach.
Timings & Tips: Plan your visit early in the morning for the sunrise and avoid the afternoon due to heat. However, the beach is accessible throughout the day, but sunrise is the best time for a peaceful experience.
4. Bharatpur Beach
- Island: Neil Island (officially Shaheed Dweep)
- Distance from Jetty: Around 400 metres from Neil Island Jetty, making it possible to walk there within a few minutes after arriving.
Overview: Bharatpur Beach is one of the most popular beaches and is located close to the main jetty. The beach has shallow, clear waters which are suitable for swimming, wading, and families with children. The deeper areas farther from the shore have coral and marine life.
Activities: Jet skiing, banana boat rides, sofa rides, snorkelling, glass-bottom boat rides, and speedboat rides are available near the beach, while scuba diving is only accessible by boat.
Timings & Tips: Morning is a good time to visit for swimming, snorkelling, and water sports, as the beach is generally less crowded and the sea is calmer around this time. October to May is the best season for water activities, while monsoon brings rain and rougher seas.
5. Laxmanpur Beach
- Island: Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep)
- Distance from Neil Jetty: Around 2 – 3 km, depending on the section of the beach.
Overview: Laxmanpur Beach is known for its sunset and long stretches of shell-covered sand. The beach is divided into two sections: Beach No. 1, the main sunset-viewing area, and Beach No. 2, where there is the Natural Bridge. The Bridge is a naturally formed arch of coral and rock and is best visited during low tide. There are also shallow reef pools around the bridge, where you can spot starfish, sea cucumbers, sea urchins, small fish, crabs, and colourful corals.
Activities: Sunset watching, photography, beach walks, the Natural Bridge, and observing marine life in the shallow reef pools are the best experiences here. Water sports are not permitted at Laxmanpur Beach. Swimming is also not recommended because the shoreline has rocks and dead coral.
Beach No. 1 Timings & Tips: For sunset, visit around 3:30 – 4:00 PM so you have enough time to relax and walk around before settling down for the evening view.
Beach No. 2 Timings & Tips: Visit Beach No. 2 during low tide if you want to see the Natural Bridge and marine life. Check the local tide timings before leaving. Avoid stepping on or touching marine creatures and corals, and do not collect coral or shells from the beach; it is a serious criminal offence in the Andaman Islands.
6. Corbyn’s Cove Beach
- Island: South Andaman (Port Blair)
- Distance from City Centre: Around 6 km (12 minutes by car)
Overview: Corbyn’s Cove Beach is one of the closest beaches to Port Blair. It has a beautiful setting with a crescent-shaped shoreline lined with coconut palms. The drive to the beach along Marina Bay is part of the experience, with the sea on one side and greenery on the other. The beach also faces Snake Island, a famous scuba-diving spot.
Activities: Jet skiing, parasailing, banana boat rides and speed boating are popular here. Sea Karting is one of the beach’s most unique experiences. If you want to combine beach time with sightseeing to Cellular Jail and Chatham Saw Mill, it is a great plan as they are located within 8 km.
Timings & Tips: The ideal time of day to visit is between 2:30 PM and 5:00 PM. Arriving by 2:30 PM gives you enough daylight to finish active water sports and Sea Karting before counters close. Avoid coming after 5:30 PM as the beach gets dark, and swimming or boating is strictly prohibited.
7. Sitapur Beach
- Island: Neil Island (officially Shaheed Dweep)
- Distance from Neil Jetty: Around 5 km (15-minute ride)
Overview: Sitapur Beach, also known as Beach No. 5 or Sunrise Beach, is located at the southern tip of Neil Island and gives you a quieter, more peaceful atmosphere. The highlight here is the natural landscape, with two curved bays, limestone cliffs, rocky sections, and greenery surrounding the coastline.
Activities: Sunrise viewing and photography are the main reasons to visit Sitapur Beach. Walk during the low tide to reach the rocky sections and shallow pools around the second bay, where small marine creatures can be visible. Swimming is not recommended because the beach is exposed to the open sea and has strong currents.
Timings & Tips: Arrive before sunrise, ideally around 5:00 AM. If you plan to visit the rocky or cave-like sections, check the tide timing first and ask a local guide or beach in-charge about current conditions. The tide can rise quickly and reach the cliffside areas, making some sections difficult to cross.
8. Chidiya Tapu Beach
- Island: South Andaman
- Distance from Port Blair: Around 25 km (40 – 45 minutes by car or scooter)
Overview: Chidiya Tapu, also known as Bird Island, is located near Port Blair. The area combines mangrove forests, a rocky coastline, bird-rich surroundings and sea views. The area around the beach is worth visiting for its forest trails and wildlife. The surrounding forests are a habitat for both resident and migratory birds.
Activities: Watching the sunset, trekking to Munda Pahar, birdwatching, nature walks, photography and picnicking are the main experiences. Also visit the nearby Biological Park Chidiyatapu; it is a rainforest sanctuary where there are saltwater crocodiles, Andaman wild pigs, barking deer, and monitor lizards. However, swimming is not recommended at Chidiya Tapu Beach because the shoreline is rocky and the water has strong currents.
Timings & Tips: For birdwatching, arrive in the early morning around 6:00 AM. For trekking the Munda Pahar trail, arrive by 2:00 PM to finish the 3-km forest walk before the trail gate closes at 4:00 PM. For the sunset, arrive between 3:30 PM and 4:00 PM to secure a good viewing spot before the crowd comes. Make sure to pre-arrange a round-trip cab from Port Blair, as no return rides or mobile networks are available after dark.
9. Wandoor Beach
- Island: South Andaman
- Distance from Port Blair: Around 25 km (45-minute drive by cab or scooter)
Overview: Wandoor Beach is a peaceful beach surrounded by mangroves. The beach also has views towards the islands of Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park. At the entrance, there is the Marine Interpretation Centre, which explains the area’s coral reefs and marine life.
Activities: Relaxing on the beach, taking a walk along the shoreline, photography and watching the sunset are the main activities at Wandoor Beach. The long stretch and shade from the surrounding trees are suitable for a quiet afternoon or picnic time. The beach is also the starting point for boat trips to Jolly Buoy and Red Skin Islands, where visitors can see coral reefs and marine life.
Timings & Tips: Visit in the late afternoon and stay for sunset. Swimming is not recommended because of strong currents and saltwater crocodile sightings in the area. If you plan to visit the marine park islands, you have to arrange the required permits and boat tickets in advance.
10. Ross and Smith Twin Beaches
- Island: North Andaman (Ross and Smith Islands, Diglipur)
- Distance from Port Blair: Around 290 – 300 km north (10 – 12-hour journey by road)
- Entry: A forest permit is required and costs approximately 50 INR
Overview: Ross and Smith are two beautiful islands in Diglipur that are connected by a sandbar. During low tide, the sandbar becomes visible above the water, giving you a way to walk from one island to the other with the sea on both sides.
Activities: Walking across the sandbar, swimming, snorkelling, and photography are the main things to do here. The clear turquoise water around the islands makes it a good place to see colourful fish and marine life.
Timings & Tips: Check the tide timings before visiting because the sandbar is best seen and crossed during low tide. Boat trips to the islands operate from Aerial Bay Jetty in Diglipur, so plan your visit around the boat schedule.
11. Vijaynagar Beach
- Island: Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep)
- Distance from Havelock Jetty: Around 7 km (15 – 20-minute ride)
Overview: Vijaynagar Beach, also known as Beach No. 5, is a long stretch on the eastern coast of Havelock Island. The beach is known for its soft white sand, calm shallow water and tall Mahua trees that grow along the shoreline, creating natural shade that is very close to the sea. There are several resorts and small cafes located behind the beach, which makes it a convenient place to stay in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Activities: The calm, shallow water is suitable for a relaxed swim, while the long shoreline is ideal for walking or simply sitting under the shade of the Mahua trees. The beach is also a known spot for watching the sunrise.
Timings & Tips: Visit early in the morning, ideally around 5:00 AM to 6:00 AM, for the best sunrise views and a quieter atmosphere. The beach is open throughout the day, but mornings are good for walks and photography.
12. Lalaji Bay Beach
- Island: Long Island
- Distance from Port Blair: Reaching Long Island itself requires a ferry journey via Rangat; Lalaji Bay is then around 30 – 40 minutes by boat from the Long Island Jetty.
Overview: Lalaji Bay Beach is a quiet and secluded beach on Long Island, surrounded by dense tropical forests. Reaching the beach itself is a journey that is also part of the experience, as the boat passes through mangrove creeks.
Activities: Adventure seekers can trek from Long Island to the beach through the forest, which takes around 1.5 – 2 hours depending on the trail and conditions. The clear water also makes it possible to see marine life around the beach, and it is a great place to swim.
Timings & Tips: Check the weather and sea conditions before planning the boat trip, as Lalaji Bay is a remote destination. If you prefer an adventure, take the forest trekking route instead of a boat.
13. Karmatang Beach
- Island: Middle Andaman (near Mayabunder)
- Distance from Mayabunder: Around 11.6 km (20-minute drive by cab)
Overview: Karmatang Beach is known as a turtle nesting beach. The shoreline is surrounded by tall trees and greenery, giving it a natural setting away from the busier beaches in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The Forest Department has also developed the area with eco-friendly bamboo structures, shaded sitting areas, tree houses, toilets, and changing rooms, making it convenient for families.
Activities: Popular activities here include swimming, beach walks, relaxing under the trees, picnicking, scuba diving, and snorkelling. During the turtle nesting season, the beach becomes particularly important for wildlife enthusiasts, although nesting areas are monitored and access may be restricted to protect the turtles.
Timings & Tips: Visit between December and February if turtle nesting is the main reason for your trip, although recent local guidance extends the nesting activity into March.
14. Ramnagar Beach
- Island: North Andaman (near Diglipur)
- Distance from Diglipur: Around 35 km (45-minute drive by road).
Overview: Ramnagar Beach is a quiet and less-crowded beach near Diglipur, surrounded by forests. The beach is known for its turtle nesting, especially during the winter months. There are eco-friendly facilities such as eco-huts, benches and shaded seating areas developed along the beach.
Activities: Swimming, beach walks, photography and nature walks are the main activities at Ramnagar Beach. A nature trail through the surrounding forest is an added activity if you want to walk around. During the turtle nesting season, visitors should follow Forest Department instructions around nesting areas.
Timings & Tips: Visit during the daytime and check local conditions before entering the water. If you are interested in turtle nesting, December to March is the key period to plan around. Ramnagar Beach is also close to Alfred Caves, so take a jungle trek for about 2 hours one way from the beach.
15. Amkunj Beach
- Island: Middle Andaman (near Rangat)
- Distance from Rangat Town: Around 8 km (roughly a 15-minute drive)
Overview: Amkunj Beach is a quiet, easily accessible coastal spot near Rangat. Unlike the sandy beaches of Havelock and Neil Islands, Amkunj has a rocky shoreline with dark grey sand and smooth pebbles. The beach is also known for its eco-friendly Amkunj Eco-Park, where seating areas have been made using fallen trees from the surrounding area.
Activities: Observe the mangrove vegetation and coastal landscape around the beach. Swimming is possible in a few sandy pockets, but rocks and coral patches make entry difficult in most sections, especially at low tide
Timings & Tips: Visit around 6 AM to 9 AM and spend around 1 – 2 hours in the Eco-Park and coastline rather than planning it as a full day.
Conclusion
The best beach in Andaman and Nicobar depends on the kind of experience you want. Before visiting any beach, check the weather, tide timings and swimming restrictions, as sea conditions can vary between locations. With the right combination of beaches and islands, you can experience much more than just the views of Andaman.
If you need help planning an Andaman trip and finding islands and activities that suit your interests, contact Dimaak Tours.
FAQs on the Best Beaches in Andaman and Nicobar
1. Which beach is best for families in Andaman?
Bharatpur Beach on Neil Island is one of the best choices for families because it has shallow water, easy access from the jetty and several activities such as glass-bottom boat rides, snorkelling and water sports.
2. Which beach in Andaman is best for water sports?
Elephant Beach on Havelock Island is the main choice for water sports, with activities including jet skiing, parasailing, banana boat rides, speed boating, snorkelling and scuba diving.
3. Which beach is best for watching the sunset in Andaman?
Radhanagar Beach and Laxmanpur Beach are among the best options for sunset views. Here you have a sandy coastline and forest surroundings, while Laxmanpur is known for its shell-covered sand and coastal landscape.
