Where to Stay in the Andamans: Port Blair, Havelock or Neil

The Andamans are not one place to stay, they are three. Port Blair is the capital and the gateway, Havelock is the resort island with the famous beaches, and Neil is the small quiet one.

Where you base yourself decides the trip. This guide compares the three on what actually matters, which is the beach, the commute and the pace, and then suggests how to split your nights.

Havelock at the end of the day.

The three bases compared

Port Blair: the bookends

Port Blair is where you arrive and leave, and it has one big sight in the Cellular Jail. It is not a beach destination.

• Stay one night on arrival and one before departure, so you are close to the airport and the ferry jetty.

• Pick a hotel by the harbour or near Aberdeen Bazaar for convenience.

• Choose a bay-side hotel if you prefer a view, since some face the water.

Two options we like are Sinclairs Bayview and WelcomHotel Bay Island.

Havelock: the main base

Havelock is where the Andamans are at their best. Radhanagar Beach is often named among India's finest, and the island has the best diving and snorkelling.

• Stay two to three nights. Fewer and you spend the time in transit, more and the island starts to repeat.

• Choose a beachside resort if you can, because the island's villages are spread out and transport takes time.

• Know the geography. Radhanagar is on the west, and the main jetty and market are on the east, about 12 km apart. Pick the side that matches your plans.

Resorts that suit a premium trip include Barefoot at Havelock and the Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, both well placed for the beach and with strong dining.

Neil: the slow night

Neil is small and flat, with farms and quiet beaches. It is a good place to slow down, and a poor one for a long stay.

• One night, or two at most. There is less to do, and that is the appeal.

• Choose a stay near Bharatpur or Laxmanpur if you want a beach on the doorstep.

• Expect simple facilities. Hotels are smaller and menus are shorter than on Havelock.

Seashell Neil is a good example of a small, comfortable stay. Our Neil Island guide covers the sights.

How to split your nights

For more detail, see the 6-day Andaman itinerary and the how many days guide.

What to ask when you choose a stay

1. How far is the beach? On Havelock, that decides everything.

2. Is there a boat or jetty pick-up? Ferry transfers should be included.

3. What is the dining plan? Few places are within walking distance in the evening.

4. What is the cancellation policy for ferry disruption? The islands depend on boats, and weather can interfere.

Frequently asked questions

Which island is best to stay on?

Havelock for most visitors. It has the best beaches and the widest range of stays.

How many nights in Port Blair?

One on arrival and one before departure is usually enough.

Is Neil worth staying on?

For one night, if you want a quiet end to the trip. Skip it if time is short.

Can I do the Andamans from only Port Blair?

You can, but you will miss the best beaches. Havelock is the main reason to visit.

Do I need to book in advance?

Yes, from December to February, because the best resorts fill early.

Are there luxury options?

Yes, on Havelock and in Port Blair. Neil is simpler.

Plan your Andaman stay with us

We pair the right stay with each island and arrange the ferries. Explore the Andaman destination page or talk to a trip designer.

Photo credits

Havelock at sunset: Vyacheslav Argenberg, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.