Andaman with Kids: A Family Trip Guide
Andaman with kids: how many days, which islands suit families, safe beaches, easy activities, ferry comfort, health tips and what to skip with young children.
The Andamans are a good family destination, with calm water, easy beaches and short, simple activities. The challenge is logistics, not the islands. Ferries, early starts and heat can tire young children, so a family plan needs to be lighter than a couple's.
This guide explains how to pace the trip, where to go and what to skip.
The shallows at Bharatpur, Neil Island.
Age | Suits | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
Under 3 | Calm beaches, short days, resort stays | Ferries, heat, limited medical help on the smaller islands |
4 to 8 | Glass-bottom boats, Bharatpur shallows, Radhanagar | Long days, early starts |
9 and over | Snorkelling, kayaking, Elephant Beach, introductory dives | Safety gear and strong swimmers only for deeper water |
How many days
Five or six nights is comfortable for families. It lets you stay in each base for at least two nights, which is easier than moving every day. See our 5-night itinerary and the how many days guide.
Which islands suit families
Havelock: the best base for most families. Radhanagar is wide and gently sloping, and many resorts have pools. See the Radhanagar guide.
Neil: quieter and smaller. Bharatpur's shallows suit children. See the Bharatpur guide.
Port Blair: useful for arrival and departure. Skip long days of sightseeing.
Easy activities
Glass-bottom boat: a short ride that lets children see coral without swimming.
Snorkelling in shallows: with a life jacket and an adult, at calm beaches.
Beach time: the main activity. Choose beaches with a gentle slope and a lifeguard.
A short boat ride: to Elephant Beach, with the usual safety gear. See the Elephant Beach guide.
What to skip with young children
Baratang: a very long day with a road convoy and a boat. See the Baratang guide.
Scuba diving: usually restricted to children above a certain age. Ask the operator.
Early-morning ferries every day. Pick a few and rest in between.
Ferries with children
Ferries can be crowded and the seas can be rough. Choose the private ferries, which have more comfortable seating, and book early. Bring snacks, water and motion-sickness remedies. See our ferry guide.
Health and safety
Sun: bring hats, rash vests and strong sunscreen.
Water: drink bottled or filtered water.
Medical: Port Blair has the main hospital. Havelock and Neil have basic clinics, so carry a small kit.
Insects: bring repellent.
Where to stay
Pick a resort with a pool and a short walk to the beach, with a kids' menu and a ground-floor room if you have a toddler. See our stay guide and, for food, the vegetarian and Jain food guide.
Best season
October to May is the main season. December to February is the busiest, and the best months for calm seas are from November to April.
Frequently asked questions
Is Andaman good for kids?
Yes, with a slower plan and fewer ferry days.
Which island is best for children?
Havelock, with Neil for a night.
Can toddlers go?
Yes, but keep days short and plan for the heat.
How many days do we need?
Five to six nights.
What should we skip?
Baratang and any long boat day.
Plan your Andaman days with us
We choose child-friendly stays, ferries and activities, and keep the days light. Explore the Andaman destination page or talk to a trip designer.
Photo credits
Photo reused from our Neil Island guides. The credit is listed there, via Wikimedia Commons.
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