The Andaman and Nicobar Islands boast over 300 beaches scattered across the archipelago, though only a fraction are accessible to tourists. Of the 572 islands in the territory, approximately 38 islands are inhabited and open to visitors. Among these accessible islands, around 50-60 beaches have developed tourism infrastructure and can be visited with proper permits and arrangements.
The beaches range from well-known destinations like Radhanagar Beach and Elephant Beach that receive thousands of visitors annually, to remote, pristine shores on islands like Long Island and Little Andaman that see minimal tourist traffic. Many beaches remain completely untouched and protected within marine national parks and tribal reserves, preserving their natural beauty and ecological significance.
The accessible beaches are primarily concentrated in South Andaman (Port Blair area), Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep), Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep), and parts of North and Middle Andaman. Each beach offers unique characteristics, from coral-rich snorkeling spots to surf-friendly waves, making the Andaman Nicobar beaches incredibly diverse despite their geographic proximity.
Before diving into detailed descriptions, here’s a quick comparison of the top beaches to help you plan your itinerary:
| Beach Name | Location | Best For | Crowd Level | Entry Fee | Best Time to Visit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Radhanagar Beach | Havelock Island | Swimming, Sunsets | High | Free | Evening |
| Elephant Beach | Havelock Island | Snorkeling, Water Sports | Very High | ₹500-₹800 | Morning |
| Corbyn’s Cove | Port Blair | Quick Visits, Water Sports | Medium | Free | Anytime |
| Kalapathar Beach | Havelock Island | Photography, Sunrise | Low | Free | Early Morning |
| Bharatpur Beach | Neil Island | Family Swimming | Medium | Free | Morning |
| Vijaynagar Beach | Havelock Island | Relaxation, Sunrise | Low | Free | Early Morning |
| Wandoor Beach | Port Blair Area | Marine Park Access | Medium | ₹50 + Boat | Morning |
| Laxmanpur Beach | Neil Island | Sunset, Tidal Pools | Low-Medium | Free | Evening |
Here’s what you can expect to spend on various activities at Andaman Nicobar beaches:
| Activity | Available Beaches | Cost Range | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snorkeling | Elephant, Bharatpur, North Bay | ₹500 – ₹1,500 | 30-60 min |
| Scuba Diving | Elephant, Havelock, Neil | ₹3,500 – ₹6,000 | 30-45 min |
| Sea Walking | North Bay, Elephant | ₹2,500 – ₹4,500 | 20-30 min |
| Jet Skiing | Corbyn’s Cove, Elephant, North Bay | ₹800 – ₹1,500 | 10-15 min |
| Parasailing | Corbyn’s Cove, North Bay | ₹1,500 – ₹2,500 | 5-7 min |
| Glass Bottom Boat | North Bay, Jolly Buoy, Red Skin | ₹400 – ₹2,000 | 30-60 min |
| Banana Ride | Elephant, North Bay | ₹300 – ₹600 | 10-15 min |
| Kayaking | Havelock, Neil, Mangroves | ₹500 – ₹1,500 | 1-3 hours |
Radhanagar Beach stands as the crown jewel of Andaman Nicobar beaches, internationally recognized as one of Asia’s finest beaches. Located on Havelock Island’s western coast, this 2-kilometer stretch of pristine white sand and turquoise waters offers picture-perfect tropical beauty.
The beach features gentle slopes ideal for swimming, with clear waters extending 50-100 meters from shore before deepening. Dense tropical forest borders the beach, providing natural shade and enhancing the secluded paradise atmosphere. Sunset views from Radhanagar are legendary, with the sun descending into the Bay of Bengal creating spectacular color displays across the sky and water.
Despite its popularity, Radhanagar maintains cleanliness and natural beauty through strict conservation measures. Facilities include changing rooms, lifeguards during peak hours, and basic refreshment stalls, while commercial development remains minimal to preserve the beach’s pristine character.
Best For: Swimming, sunset photography, relaxation
Access: 12 km from Havelock jetty, well-connected by road
Entry: Free, open 24 hours
Elephant Beach ranks among the most popular Andaman Nicobar beaches for water sports and snorkeling. Located on Havelock’s northwest coast, this beach offers exceptional coral reef access directly from the shore, making it perfect for marine life observation.
The shallow waters (2-5 meters depth) near the beach host vibrant coral gardens teeming with tropical fish, including parrotfish, butterflyfish, and clownfish. The beach serves as a hub for water activities including snorkeling, sea walking, jet skiing, and banana boat rides. Multiple operators offer equipment rentals and guided experiences, with combo packages available at reasonable prices.
Reaching Elephant Beach requires either a 30-minute boat ride from Havelock jetty or a scenic 40-minute trek through dense tropical forest. The boat option is more popular, with multiple departures throughout the morning.
Best For: Snorkeling, water sports, coral viewing
Access: 20-minute boat ride or 40-minute trek
Entry: ₹500-₹800 (boat ride included)
Corbyn’s Cove stands as Port Blair’s most accessible beach, located just 7 kilometers from the city center. This coconut palm-fringed beach offers convenient beach access for visitors with limited time in the capital city.
The beach features a wide sandy stretch perfect for leisurely walks and beach games. Water sports facilities include jet skiing, speed boat rides, and parasailing operated by licensed vendors. The beach’s proximity to Port Blair means good infrastructure with restaurants, changing facilities, and ample parking. It’s also a great starting point to explore other things to do in Port Blair.
While not as pristine as remote Andaman Nicobar beaches, Corbyn’s Cove provides easy beach access and is particularly popular for evening visits. The beach is well-maintained with lifeguard services during operational hours.
Best For: Quick beach visits, water sports, family outings
Access: 7 km from Port Blair, accessible by taxi/auto
Entry: Free, water sports separately charged
Kalapathar Beach offers a unique landscape among Andaman Nicobar beaches with its distinctive black rocks (kalapathar meaning “black stone”) scattered along the shoreline against pristine white sand. Located on Havelock’s eastern coast, this beach provides stunning sunrise views.
The beach remains relatively quiet compared to Radhanagar and Elephant Beach, making it ideal for peaceful contemplation and photography. The contrast between black volcanic rocks, white sand, blue-green waters, and lush green vegetation creates dramatic visual compositions. The shallow waters and rocky sections make swimming less ideal, but the beach excels for photography and peaceful walks.
Morning visits are recommended when the beach is least crowded and lighting conditions are optimal for photography. The 45-minute drive from Havelock jetty passes through scenic countryside and small villages.
Best For: Photography, sunrise viewing, peaceful walks
Access: 12 km from Havelock jetty
Entry: Free
Bharatpur Beach ranks among the best Andaman Nicobar beaches for shallow water activities and family-friendly swimming. Located on Neil Island’s northern coast, this beach features exceptionally shallow, calm waters extending far from shore, making it perfectly safe for children and non-swimmers.
The beach is renowned for excellent snorkeling with diverse coral formations and abundant marine life visible just meters from shore. Glass bottom boat rides operate regularly, offering underwater viewing for those preferring to stay dry. For more adventures on Neil Island, check out the complete guide to things to do in Andaman.
Natural coral formations create natural pools at low tide, perfect for safe swimming and marine life observation. Small refreshment stalls and basic facilities serve visitors, while the overall ambiance remains peaceful and uncommercialized.
Best For: Family swimming, snorkeling, glass bottom boat rides
Access: 1 km from Neil Island jetty
Entry: Free
Vijaynagar Beach, also known as Beach No. 5, stretches along Havelock’s eastern coast offering serene beauty with minimal tourist development. This 3-kilometer beach features soft white sand, clear waters, and scattered coconut palms providing natural shade.
The beach’s relative remoteness means fewer crowds, making it ideal for those seeking peaceful beach experiences. The waters are generally calm and suitable for swimming, though underwater currents require caution. The beach lacks commercial water sports, preserving its natural, tranquil character.
Sunrise views from Vijaynagar Beach are spectacular, with the sun emerging from the Bay of Bengal illuminating the coastline. Local guesthouses and small resorts near the beach offer accommodation for those wanting to wake up to ocean views.
Best For: Peaceful relaxation, sunrise viewing, long walks
Access: 10 km from Havelock jetty
Entry: Free
Wandoor Beach serves as the gateway to Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, offering access to some of the most pristine Andaman Nicobar beaches including Jolly Buoy and Red Skin Island. Located 30 kilometers from Port Blair, Wandoor itself features a scenic beach with casuarina trees lining the shore.
The main attraction lies in the protected islands accessible by boat from Wandoor. These islands feature untouched beaches, exceptional coral reefs, and strict conservation measures ensuring pristine conditions. Daily visitor numbers are regulated through permit systems, maintaining the ecological balance. You can experience the underwater world through scuba diving or take glass bottom boat rides to view the marine life without getting wet.
The boat journey to the park islands passes through mangrove creeks and offers scenic views of smaller uninhabited islands. The entire excursion typically takes 5-7 hours including travel time and beach exploration.
Best For: Marine park visits, coral viewing, eco-tourism
Access: 30 km from Port Blair
Entry: ₹50 + boat charges ₹500-₹1,500
Laxmanpur Beach consists of two sections (Laxmanpur I and II) on Neil Island’s western coast, famous for stunning sunset views and natural coral formations. The beach features unique natural rock formations and extensive coral deposits visible during low tide.
Laxmanpur I offers the best sunset viewing points among Andaman Nicobar beaches, with the sun setting directly over the water creating magnificent sky colors. Low tide reveals fascinating tidal pools filled with marine life including starfish, sea cucumbers, and small fish trapped by receding waters.
The beach maintains a peaceful atmosphere with minimal commercial activity. Visitors can walk between Laxmanpur I and II during low tide, exploring natural rock formations and pools. The shallow waters and rocky sections make swimming challenging, but the beach excels for sunset photography and nature observation.
Best For: Sunset viewing, tidal pool exploration, photography
Access: 2 km from Neil jetty
Entry: Free
Understanding which beaches are on which islands helps in planning efficient itineraries:
| Island | Number of Accessible Beaches | Must-Visit Beaches | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep) | 7 major beaches | Radhanagar, Elephant, Kalapathar, Vijaynagar | Water sports, Swimming, Photography |
| Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep) | 3 major beaches | Bharatpur, Laxmanpur I & II | Family activities, Sunset |
| Port Blair & Nearby | 5+ beaches | Corbyn’s Cove, Wandoor, Chidiya Tapu | Quick access, Marine parks |
| North Bay Island | 1 main beach | North Bay Beach | Water sports hub |
| Little Andaman | 3 accessible beaches | Butler Bay, Kala Patthar | Surfing, Remote experiences |
| Long Island | 2 beaches | Lalaji Bay, Guitar Island | Offbeat, Trekking |
The timing of your visit significantly impacts your beach experience in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Peak Season (November to February): This period offers ideal conditions for enjoying Andaman Nicobar beaches with pleasant temperatures (23-30°C), calm seas, and minimal rainfall. The weather is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and all water sports. However, this season sees maximum tourist crowds and premium pricing for accommodations and activities. Beach resorts and water sports operators remain fully booked, requiring advance reservations. Check out the best time to visit Andaman for detailed monthly weather information.
Good Season (March to April, October): These months provide excellent beach weather with slightly warmer temperatures but still favorable conditions. March and April see higher temperatures (28-33°C) but fewer crowds and better availability. October marks the post-monsoon transition with occasional showers but lush green landscapes and rejuvenated beaches.
Off-Season (May to September): Monsoon season brings heavy rainfall, rough seas, and limited beach activities. Most water sports suspend operations due to safety concerns. However, hotel rates drop significantly, and the islands showcase dramatic monsoon beauty. This period suits travelers seeking budget deals and don’t mind limited beach access. For budget-conscious travelers, our Andaman budget trip guide offers money-saving tips for any season.
Daily Timing: Visit beaches early morning (6-9 AM) or late afternoon (4-6 PM) for the best lighting, fewer crowds, and comfortable temperatures. Midday sun (11 AM-3 PM) can be intense, requiring strong sun protection.
Sun Protection: The tropical sun is intense. Apply waterproof sunscreen (SPF 50+) regularly, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during peak hours. Dehydration occurs quickly, so drink plenty of water throughout beach visits.
Water Safety: Always swim in designated safe zones with lifeguard supervision. Underwater currents can be strong and unpredictable. Non-swimmers should wear life jackets even in shallow waters. Avoid swimming during rough weather or monsoon season.
Environmental Conservation: The Andaman Nicobar beaches are ecologically sensitive. Carry all trash back, avoid touching or stepping on coral reefs, refrain from collecting shells or coral, and use reef-safe sunscreen to protect marine ecosystems. When snorkeling in Andaman, maintain distance from corals and marine life to preserve the delicate underwater environment.
Permits and Regulations: Some beaches require entry permits or are part of protected marine parks with daily visitor limits. Obtain necessary permits in advance, especially for islands like Jolly Buoy and Red Skin. Respect restricted areas and tribal reserves. Our comprehensive Andaman travel guide covers all permit requirements and booking procedures.
What to Pack: Essential items include swimwear, quick-dry towels, waterproof bags for electronics, reef-safe sunscreen, wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses with UV protection, underwater cameras for snorkeling, and basic first aid supplies.
Q: Which is the best beach in Andaman Nicobar? A: Radhanagar Beach on Havelock Island is widely considered the best, recognized internationally for its pristine beauty. However, “best” depends on preferences – Elephant Beach excels for snorkeling, Laxmanpur for sunsets, and Bharatpur for family swimming.
Q: Are Andaman Nicobar beaches safe for swimming? A: Yes, most popular beaches have designated swimming zones with lifeguard services during operational hours. Always follow safety guidelines, swim in marked areas, and avoid beaches during rough weather or monsoon season.
Q: Can I visit all beaches without permits? A: Most popular beaches are freely accessible without special permits. However, beaches within marine national parks (Jolly Buoy, Red Skin) require permits from the Forest Department, and some remote islands need special permissions from the Administration.
Q: What water sports are available at Andaman Nicobar beaches? A: Common activities include snorkeling, scuba diving, sea walking, jet skiing, parasailing, banana boat rides, kayaking, and glass bottom boat rides. Availability varies by beach, with Elephant Beach and North Bay offering the most options.
Q: Are Andaman Nicobar beaches crowded? A: Popular beaches like Radhanagar and Elephant Beach see significant crowds during peak season (December-February). Less-known beaches like Vijaynagar and Kalapathar remain relatively quiet. Visit early morning or off-season for peaceful experiences. For more insider tips, read about the best things to do in Havelock Island including timing strategies to avoid crowds.
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