The Andaman Islands are one of India’s most underestimated destinations. With white sand beaches, translucent water, some of the best snorkelling and scuba diving in Asia, and a genuine sense of remoteness, the Andamans deliver an experience that rivals the Maldives at a fraction of the international price.
But costs here can be tricky to predict. Flights from the mainland are more expensive than most domestic routes, inter-island ferries add up, and there are significant differences in quality and price between Port Blair, Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) and Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep). This guide gives you the real numbers.
For a day-by-day plan once your budget is set, read the Andaman Islands 6-Day Itinerary. For honeymoon-specific planning, see the Andaman Honeymoon Guide.
Andaman Trip Cost Summary: 6 Days, 2 People
| Cost Category | Budget (per couple) | Mid-Range (per couple) | Luxury (per couple) |
| Return Flights | INR 18,000 to 28,000 | INR 28,000 to 45,000 | INR 45,000 to 80,000 |
| Accommodation (6N) | INR 10,000 to 20,000 | INR 24,000 to 50,000 | INR 80,000 to 2,00,000 |
| Food (6 days) | INR 4,000 to 8,000 | INR 10,000 to 18,000 | INR 25,000 to 50,000 |
| Ferry and Transport | INR 4,000 to 7,000 | INR 8,000 to 15,000 | INR 20,000 to 40,000 |
| Activities and Diving | INR 3,000 to 8,000 | INR 10,000 to 25,000 | INR 30,000 to 70,000 |
| Permits | INR 500 to 1,000 | INR 500 to 1,000 | INR 500 to 1,000 |
| TOTAL (2 people) | INR 39,500 to 72,000 | INR 80,500 to 1,54,000 | INR 2,00,500 to 4,41,000 |
Flight Costs to the Andaman Islands
Flights are the biggest cost in any Andaman trip. Port Blair (IXZ) is the only airport in the Andamans with commercial services. Direct flights operate from Chennai, Kolkata, Delhi, Bengaluru and Hyderabad. The route is popular and often sells out, especially during peak season (October to February).
| Chennai to Port Blair | INR 4,000 to 9,000 one way. 2 hours direct. The closest and often cheapest gateway. |
| Kolkata to Port Blair | INR 5,000 to 10,000 one way. 2.5 hours direct. Good frequency. |
| Delhi to Port Blair | INR 7,000 to 14,000 one way. Often with a connection in Chennai or Kolkata. |
| Bengaluru to Port Blair | INR 6,000 to 12,000 one way. 2 to 3 hours with one stop usually. |
| Booking advice | Book at least 6 to 10 weeks ahead. Peak season (Dec to Jan) sells out fast. Use IndiGo, Air India or SpiceJet for best fares. |
- Ship alternative: A passenger ship from Chennai to Port Blair takes 50 to 60 hours and costs INR 1,500 to 6,000 per person. Good for budget travellers with time, though it adds 4 to 5 days to your trip.
Inter-Island Ferry Costs
Getting between Port Blair, Havelock and Neil Island requires a government or private ferry. This cost is often underestimated by first-time Andaman travellers.
| Port Blair to Havelock (Government ferry) | INR 350 to 500 per person one way. Takes 2 to 2.5 hours. Book at least 2 to 3 days ahead. |
| Port Blair to Havelock (Private: Makruzz, Green Ocean) | INR 1,000 to 1,800 per person. 1.5 hours. Air-conditioned, more comfortable, essential in rough sea months. |
| Havelock to Neil Island | INR 400 to 700 one way. 30 to 45 minutes by ferry. |
| Neil Island to Port Blair | INR 350 to 600 one way. 1.5 to 2 hours. |
| Full ferry budget for 2 (6-day trip) | Budget: INR 3,000 to 5,000. Mid-range: INR 6,000 to 10,000 (private ferries throughout). |
- Key advice: Always book ferry tickets in advance, especially in peak season (November to February). Government ferries are not available on booking platforms; go to the ferry office in Port Blair or use an authorised agent.
Accommodation Costs in the Andaman Islands
Port Blair
Port Blair is a transit point for most visitors. You will likely spend one or two nights here. Budget options start at INR 1,000 per night; decent mid-range hotels are INR 2,500 to 5,000. The Sinclairs Bayview is a reliable mid-range option with a sea view. TSG Blue are among the better premium properties.
Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep)
Havelock is the Andamans’ most beautiful island and has the best accommodation range. Budget beach huts and bamboo cottages start at INR 1,500 per night. The barefoot resort category (Munjoh Ocean Resort, Barefoot at Havelock) runs INR 8,000 to 20,000 per night. SaffronStays Samudra and Taj Exotica Andaman are the premium options at INR 25,000 to 60,000 per night.
Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep)
Neil Island is quieter and more rustic than Havelock. Budget cottages are INR 1,200 to 2,500 per night. Mid-range options like India Resort and Tango Beach Resort run INR 3,000 to 7,000. There are no 5-star properties on Neil Island.
Food Costs in the Andaman Islands
| Local dhaba meal | INR 100 to 200 per person. Fish curry rice, dal, sabzi. Available throughout Port Blair. |
| Beach restaurant (Havelock) | INR 400 to 800 per person. Fresh seafood, grilled fish, pasta, cocktails. |
| Full-service restaurant | INR 1,000 to 2,000 per person with drinks. Fat Martin, Something Different at Havelock. |
| Resort dining | INR 2,000 to 5,000 per person. Premium seafood, continental and Indian menus. |
| Daily food budget (budget) | INR 600 to 1,000 per person: local meals and one beach restaurant per day. |
| Daily food budget (mid-range) | INR 1,200 to 2,000 per person: 2 to 3 proper restaurant meals per day. |
| Daily food budget (luxury) | INR 3,000 to 6,000 per person: resort dining and fine dining experiences. |
Activity and Diving Costs
| Snorkelling trip (day excursion) | INR 700 to 1,500 per person. Elephant Beach, North Bay Island, Cinque Island. |
| Glass bottom boat | INR 400 to 800 per person. Good for non-swimmers. |
| Introductory scuba dive | INR 3,500 to 5,500 per person. No certification needed. 2 dives included. |
| Open Water Diver course (PADI) | INR 18,000 to 25,000 per person. 4-day certification course. |
| Sea walk | INR 3,000 to 4,500 per person. Walk on the seabed in a helmet. Available at North Bay. |
| Kayaking | INR 500 to 1,200 per hour at Havelock or Neil Island. |
| Sunrise kayaking or mangrove tour | INR 800 to 1,500 per person. Popular guided activity. |
| Cellular Jail light and sound show | INR 50 to 100 per person. Must-do historical experience in Port Blair. |
Permits Required for the Andaman Islands
Indian nationals do not require a special permit for the main Andaman Islands (Port Blair, Havelock, Neil). However, some restricted islands such as Baratang Island (for limestone caves and mud volcanoes) require a Restricted Area Permit (RAP), which can be obtained free of charge at Port Blair.
Foreign nationals require a Restricted Area Permit for most of the Andamans. This is issued on arrival at Port Blair Airport at no charge but must be collected before leaving the airport.
Sample 6-Day Andaman Trip Cost (Per Couple)
| Budget Trip | Return flights INR 22,000 + guesthouses INR 12,000 + food INR 9,000 + government ferries INR 4,000 + 2 snorkelling trips INR 4,000 + permits INR 700 = approx INR 51,700 for 2 people |
| Mid-Range Trip | Return flights INR 35,000 + beach resort Havelock INR 32,000 + food INR 15,000 + private ferries INR 10,000 + scuba dive and snorkelling INR 16,000 + permits INR 700 = approx INR 1,08,700 for 2 people |
| Luxury Trip | Premium flights INR 60,000 + Taj Exotica or barefoot resort INR 1,20,000 + dining INR 40,000 + private speedboat transfers INR 30,000 + private diving experiences INR 40,000 + permits INR 700 = approx INR 2,90,700 for 2 people |
Andaman vs Goa vs Maldives: Where Does Your Money Go Furthest?
| Factor | Andaman Islands | Goa |
| Flights | INR 8,000 to 14,000 per person | INR 3,000 to 8,000 per person |
| Beaches | Pristine, world-class, uncrowded | Lovely but crowded in peak season |
| Marine Life | Exceptional: coral reefs, turtles | Good water sports, smaller reefs |
| Nightlife | Minimal | Very active in North Goa |
| Food variety | Limited, mainly seafood and Indian | Wide variety, international cuisines |
| Unique factor | Remote tropical island feel | Portuguese heritage, beach vibe |
Weighing the Andamans against the Maldives? See the Maldives Itinerary for 5 Days for a cost and experience comparison. Or read the Maldives Honeymoon Guide for the international luxury option.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a 6-day Andaman trip cost for 2 people?
A mid-range 6-day Andaman trip for a couple typically costs between INR 90,000 and INR 1,20,000. This includes return flights from a major Indian city, a mix of mid-range and boutique accommodation across Port Blair, Havelock and Neil Island, private ferries, daily food and 2 to 3 diving or snorkelling experiences.
Is the Andaman trip expensive from Delhi?
Flights from Delhi to Port Blair are more expensive than from Chennai or Kolkata, typically INR 7,000 to 14,000 per person one way. The overall trip cost is still very reasonable compared to international alternatives with similar beach quality.
Can you visit the Andamans on a tight budget?
Yes. Budget travellers can manage the Andamans for INR 2,000 to 2,500 per person per day by using government ferries, staying in basic beach cottages, eating at local restaurants and limiting paid activities to one scuba dive or snorkelling trip. A 6-day trip for one person can come in at INR 25,000 to 35,000 including flights from Chennai.
Is scuba diving worth the cost in the Andaman Islands?
Absolutely. The Andamans have some of the best scuba diving in Asia: visibility is often 20 to 30 metres, marine biodiversity is exceptional and the dive sites are far less crowded than popular international locations. An introductory dive at INR 3,500 to 5,500 is excellent value for the experience.
Do you need to book ferry tickets in advance for the Andamans?
Yes, especially during peak season (October to February). Government ferries sell out days in advance and private ferry operators (Makruzz, Green Ocean) can fill up 2 to 3 weeks ahead during the busy months. Always book ferry tickets before your trip rather than on arrival in Port Blair.
What is the best time to visit the Andaman Islands?
October to May is the main tourist season. November to February is peak season with the calmest seas and best diving conditions. March and April are shoulder months with fewer crowds and good weather. Avoid June to September when the monsoon makes sea crossings rough and many resorts close.
Are there ATMs and card payment options in the Andaman Islands?
ATMs are available in Port Blair and on Havelock. On Neil Island, the nearest ATM is limited and often out of cash during peak season. Always carry sufficient cash from Port Blair before heading to the outer islands. Card payments are accepted at mid-range and luxury resorts but rarely at local restaurants and smaller operators.
| Plan Your Andaman Trip with Authentic Journeys IndiaWe handle flights, ferry bookings, accommodation and curated diving experiences across the islands.Custom Andaman packages for couples, families and groups across all budget levels.Contact us at: www.authenticjourneysindia.com | hello@authenticjourneysindia.com |
