Key Takeaways
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When planning an island holiday, most Indian travellers choose between the Maldives and the Andaman Islands. Both are similar in some aspects, with white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, snorkelling, scuba diving, and coastal food.
The Maldives is built around private resorts, overwater villas, lagoon experiences and water sports. Whereas the Andaman combines beaches with sightseeing, local culture, and adventure activities.
Finally, choosing between a trip to the Maldives and the Andaman often comes down to budget. Read this blog to learn what each destination has to offer.
Overview on Maldives vs Andaman: Which Is Better for Indian Travellers?
|
Factor |
Maldives |
Andaman Islands |
| Total Trip Cost
(3 days incl. flights) |
90,000+ INR (Private island)
70,000 INR (Public Island) |
55,000 INR |
| Visa Requirement | Free visa on arrival for Indians | No visa required |
| Round-trip flights | 28,000 – 34,000 INR | 22,000 – 25,000 INR |
| Snorkelling & Diving | House reefs, manta rays, whale sharks, world-class coral reefs | Excellent coral reefs, scuba diving and snorkelling at Havelock and North Bay |
| Overwater Villas | Available across luxury and premium resorts | Not available |
| Adventure Activities | Snorkelling, diving, jet skiing, parasailing, dolphin cruises | Scuba diving, sea walking, kayaking, trekking and bioluminescence tours |
| Nightlife | Limited; mostly resort-based entertainment | Limited nightlife |
| Indian Food Availability | Available at resorts, but expensive | Widely available and reasonably priced |
| Alcohol Availability | Available only at resorts and liveaboards | Available at hotels, resorts, and restaurants |
| Currency | 1 MVR = 6.10 INR | Indian currency |
Beaches: Maldives vs Andaman
Both destinations have beautiful beaches. The Maldives is known for lagoons and uninterrupted ocean views, while the Andaman has a variety of beaches ranging from coral-lined shores to forest coastlines.
Maldives Beaches
- Lagoons: The Maldives is made up of 26 atolls and over 1,000 coral islands. Most resort and local islands are surrounded by turquoise lagoons. The water temperature remains at 27 – 30°C year-round.
- Sandbanks: Then there are sandbanks, which are reached by a short boat ride. Here, there is water on all sides and nothing else visible.
- Sea of Stars: These are bioluminescent beaches in the Maldives. On some beaches, particularly on Vaadhoo Island in Raa Atoll, the shallow water glows blue at night. This is caused by phytoplankton that emits light when touched.
- Bikini Beach: The name “Bikini Beach” is a term used for the designated swimwear-permitted beach on local islands. It is important to check before booking a local island stay whether a Bikini Beach is available, because not all local islands have one.
Andaman Beaches
- Radhanagar Beach: It is a 2-km stretch of white sand. The water is clear, with a tropical forest as a backdrop; it has been rated among the top 10 beaches in Asia.
- Elephant Beach: Here you have coral reef just 10 metres from the shore, which makes it one of the most accessible snorkelling beaches.
- Kalapathar Beach: It is quieter, with black rocks along the shoreline and almost no visitors in the evening.
Apart from these beaches, you can visit Neil Island. This island has natural rock formations, including the beach called Natural Bridge, with shallow lagoon water on one side.
There are bioluminescent beaches in the Andaman too. In Havelock Island, there is a stretch of beach where the bioluminescent plankton effect is visible on dark nights from October to May.
Snorkelling and Diving: Maldives vs Andaman
Snorkelling and diving are among the biggest reasons travellers choose coastal destinations. The Maldives is famous for easy access to reefs and abundant marine life encounters, while the Andaman stands out for its diverse dive sites and lower certification costs for scuba diving sessions.
Maldives Snorkelling and Diving
Most resort and local islands have a house reef just a short swim from the shore. So, you do not need to book a separate boat trip every time you snorkel in the Maldives.
While scuba diving is also popular, it is not as easy as snorkelling and is recommended only for experienced divers. If you already know how to swim, then take a few practice sessions before diving.
You have visibility of between 20 and 30 metres, making it easy to spot sea turtles, reef sharks, eagle rays, moray eels, and large schools of fish.
Famous places for snorkelling and diving in the Maldives
- Hanifaru Bay Snorkel (Baa Atoll)
- Banana Reef (North Male Atoll)
- Vaavu Shipwreck (Vaavu Atoll)
- Fish Head (North Ari Atoll)
- Maaya Thila (North Ari Atoll)
- Manta Point (North Male Atoll)
- Kandooma Thila Dive Site (South Male Atoll)
- Kuredu Express (Lhaviyani Atoll)
Andaman Snorkelling and Diving
Snorkelling and diving in the Andaman Islands feel different because each island offers a distinct underwater landscape. Instead of shallow lagoons, you get coral gardens, reef walls, underwater rock formations, and even shipwreck dive sites.
The water visibility is 15 – 25 metres, slightly lower than in the Maldives. However, for divers, the Andaman Islands offer a greater variety of underwater landscapes, including reef walls, coral gardens, and shipwreck sites.
Famous places for snorkelling and diving in the Andaman
- Elephant Beach (Havelock Island)
- Johnny’s Gorge (Havelock Island)
- The Wall (Havelock Island)
- Jolly Buoy Island (Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park)
- Red Skin Island (Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park)
- Bharatpur Beach (Neil Island)
- Laxmanpur Beach (Neil Island)
- North Bay Island (Port Blair)
Things to Do in the Maldives vs Andaman
Most things to do in the Maldives focus on ocean-based activities and resort experiences, whereas the Andaman combines water sports with history, nature, and island-hopping.
Things to Do in the Maldives
- Water activities: Snorkelling, scuba diving, sandbank visits, sunset cruises, dolphin watching tours, jet skiing, parasailing, windsurfing, kayaking, and glass-bottom boat rides are available at all resorts and most local island guesthouses.
- Whale shark and manta ray excursions: These are specific to the Maldives and will not be the same in Andaman.
- Cooking: A few resorts and local guesthouses offer cooking classes where you can learn to make some of the Maldivian famous food, including garudhiya (fish broth), mas huni (shredded tuna and coconut), and roshi (flatbread).
- Public island visits and local culture: If you are staying on a local island or taking a day trip from a private resort, learn about Maldivian life with a glimpse into how local people live. You will see traditional wooden boats, small mosques, tea shops, and fish markets.
- Shopping: Male (the capital) has the best shopping in the Maldives. Local shops sell Maldivian craft items, wooden dhoni (traditional boat) models, lacquerware, woven mats, and sarongs. There are boutique shops in private island resorts, but prices are high.
- Underwater dining: The Maldives is one of the few destinations that offer underwater restaurants. As you eat, you will see marine animals pass very close by.
- Romantic dinners: Candlelight dinners in the Maldives are very popular among couples. Not just that, you can request a floating breakfast, dinner with a movie under the stars and a sandbank picnic.
Things to Do in the Andaman
- Water activities: Scuba diving, snorkelling, sea walking, jet skiing, parasailing, banana boat rides, and glass-bottom boat tours are available across Havelock Island, Neil Island, North Bay, and other popular tourist spots. Most activities on Neil Island and in the Andaman Islands are more affordable than in the Maldives.
- Night kayaking: This is one of the Andaman Islands’ most unique experiences. In certain parts of Havelock Island, bioluminescent plankton cause the water to glow blue when disturbed.
- Historical attractions: The Cellular Jail in Port Blair is one of India’s most important historical sites. The evening Light and Sound Show narrates the stories of Indian freedom fighters who were imprisoned here during British rule.
- Island hopping: Unlike the Maldives, Andaman combines beaches with multiple sightseeing islands. Popular day trips include Ross Island, North Bay Island, and Neil Island, each offering a distinct landscape and experience.
- Nature and adventure tours: Baratang Island is famous for its limestone caves, mangrove boat rides, and one of India’s few active mud volcanoes. These experiences add a layer of exploration beyond beaches and water sports.
- Local culture and seafood: Andaman’s food is influenced by Bengali and South Indian cuisines and has coastal flavours. Fresh seafood and coconut-based dishes are common. Visit local markets for a cultural experience.
- Shopping: Port Blair is the main shopping hub in Andaman. You can buy shell crafts, wooden handicrafts, coconut products, spices, pearls, and locally made souvenirs.
Accommodation in the Maldives and the Andaman
Where you stay will impact your overall trip budget. The Maldives revolves around private island resorts and guesthouses on a public island. Andaman has everything from backpacker hostels to luxury beachfront properties.
Stays in the Maldives
The Maldives has only two main stays. One is a public island, and the other is a private island. Each gives a completely different experience.
Local island: These are guesthouses on Maldivian local islands where local people live. You stay in a simple, clean room, eat at local restaurants, and can walk around the island and interact with residents.
Maafushi is the most popular local island among tourists. You have water sports operators and bikini beaches where you have the freedom to wear bikinis. Make sure you don’t wear swimsuits outside the beach on local islands.
Approx. Guesthouse cost per night: 6,000 – 10,000 INR.
Private Resort: Stay on a private island operated by a single hotel or resort brand. There are no local residents, no local shops, and even to explore a local town, you need to book a day trip with your resort.
The stays range from beach villas to luxury overwater villas. Everything from food, water sports, spa and excursions is provided by the resort.
Approx. villa cost per night: 40,000 – 1,00,000 INR and more.
Stays in the Andaman
Andaman has hotels and resorts at all budget levels across the three main tourist islands.
- Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep): The main tourist destination in Andaman with beach resorts facing Radhanagar Beach and Vijaynagar Beach.
Approx. Cost per night: 3,500 INR for a standard room. 25,000 INR at premium sea-facing cottages.
- Port Blair: This is the entry point for all Andaman trips. There are hotels, budget guesthouses, and mid-range hotels. Most travellers spend a night in Port Blair before heading to Havelock or Neil Island, as it serves as the main hub.
Approx. Cost per night: 2,000 – 5,000 INR.
- Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep): This place is quieter than Havelock, with small guesthouses and beach cottages. The island is much smaller, and the pace is slower, better for those who want minimal activity and maximum quiet.
Approx. Cost per night: 2,500 – 8,000 INR.
Best Time to Visit the Maldives and Andaman
Maldives: To enjoy most water sports in the Maldives, visit between November and April. This is the dry season, as well as the peak time. So, the cost of accommodation and flight will be high.
The second best season to visit the Maldives is the shoulder season, which is April, May and the start of November. There is a good balance of crowd, rain and sun, but expect rain and the oceans turn rough, leading to cancellation of water activities.
Andaman: To enjoy the beaches, island-hopping, scuba diving, and other water activities, visit between October and May. This is the dry season when the sea remains calm, ferry services operate regularly, and underwater visibility is at its best.
December to February is the peak tourist season, so hotel and flight prices are usually higher.
Visa and Travel Logistics for the Maldives and Andaman
Maldives: As an Indian passport holder, you get a free 30-day visa on arrival for the Maldives. However, you need to fill out the IMUGA Traveller Declaration form within 96 hours before landing. This process is easy and can be completed online.
With such easy procedures and short flight duration of 2 – 3 hours from Indian cities, the Maldives is one of the quickest international destinations for Indians.
Andaman: It is an Indian territory, so no visa is required. You don’t have to face international airport procedures, and no foreign exchange. Direct flights from other Indian cities take just 2 – 2.5 hours.
Conclusion
The Maldives and the Andaman are both exceptional island destinations, but they suit different types of travellers.
Choose the Maldives if your priority is luxury, privacy, overwater villas, world-class snorkelling, and a resort-focused holiday. Choose the Andaman if you want a more affordable trip that combines beaches, scuba diving, historical attractions, nature, and local experiences.
Yet both destinations can be curated for any kind of traveller if planned well. So, contact Dimaak Tours to customise your vacation in any of these islands.
FAQs on Maldives vs Andaman
1. The Maldives or the Andaman, which is better for a honeymoon?
The Maldives is better for couples looking for privacy, overwater villas, candlelight dinners, and luxury experiences. The Andaman suits couples who prefer a mix of beaches, sightseeing, water activities, and a lower overall budget.
2. Which destination has better beaches?
Both have beautiful beaches, but they offer different experiences. The Maldives is known for crystal-clear lagoons, white sandbanks, seclusion, and overwater villas. The Andaman has more variety, including beaches, coral beaches, shores near the forest, and island-hopping tours.
3. Which is cheaper, the Maldives or the Andaman?
Andaman is 50 – 60% cheaper. A 3-day Andaman trip costs approximately 55,000 INR, including flights. When it comes to a 3-day Maldives itinerary based on a private island, it costs approximately 90,000 INR and more, depending on the type of stay. If you choose a stay on a Maldives public island, expect to spend around 70,000 INR for 3 days.
