Backpacking Guide to the Andaman Islands

Why Backpack In The Andamans?

Andamans isn’t your regular beach destination. This is why backpackers love it.

It’s the perfect place to squeeze all your essentials into a rucksack and explore the blue horizon. It’s not crowded or bustling like Goa. It’s about nature, raw terrains and an unhinged spirit of adventure. And the chance to make great friends along the way. The Archipelago is home to 31 inhabited islands. Each island holds the promise of a good time…without shooting off your budget.

Unconvinced & Need More Reasons To Backpack Across The Andamans in 2025?

• Diverse Languages Spoken – Language is never a barrier with Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu and English spoken in pockets across Andaman.
• Affordable Local Transport – Ferries, private buses, rental bikes, local buses are cheap and get you to your destination fairly quickly.
• Island-Hopping Made Easy – Islands are well connected by private and government ferries.
• Budget Stays without Compromise – There are a handful of clean, safe and affordable stays available to budget travellers.
• The Waters Are ‘Free’ to Explore – Nature doesn’t come at a price, go for some pristine swims!
• Natural Beauty Around Every Corner – From beaches to lush forests, the Andamans are raw, untamed, and naturally beautiful.
• Frequent Flights from Major Cities – Flights to Port Blair are available from cities like New Delhi, Chennai, and Kolkata, with fares starting as low as INR 5000.

Is Andamans Safe For Backpackers?

Yes, Andamans is safe for all types of travellers including female solo travelers. All the Andaman islands have low crime rates and are politically stable.

We recommend taking basic safety precautions like:

• Carrying pepper spray
• Avoiding secluded spots after dark, unless you know the place well.
• Informing a loved one of your current location. (You know, general stuff!)
• Respecting the local customs and traditions.

How Many Days Do I Need To Backpack In The Andamans?

The duration of your travel will depend on your budget. We recommend 5-7 days. Your itinerary  will look something like this [Backpacker’s Guide] for a week of exploring in the Andamans.

For a detailed budget breakdown and sample itineraries, download this informative Backpackers Guide here.

Stay

Budget hostels or hotels:

Estimated Costs ₹900 – ₹1,500 per night (Exclusive of overheads and taxes)

Recommended Islands: Port Blair, Havelock, and Neil Island

Food

Street food and budget restaurants:

Estimated Costs ₹500 – ₹1000 per meal

Recommended Spots*: Kattabomman (Port Blair), Go Fresh, Hashtag (Havelock), Senthil Eats (Neil)

* Meal-for-one at these spots can cost you 1000 INR/- and upwards.

Transportation

• Government Ferries: Starting from INR 450/- (for non-islanders)
• Private Ferries – INR 1000/- to INR 3100/- (depends on the class and ferry provider you choose)
• Private transport – Cab costs (Non-AC) – INR 175/- for 5 kilometers; Cab Costs (AC) – INR 200/- for 5 kilometres.
• Bike Rentals – INR 400/- to INR 1000/- per day.
• Local Buses – INR 1540/- to INR100/- (cost depends on the route)
• Round-trip Flights to Port Blair – Flights to Port Blair start around INR 10,000 to INR 15,000, depending on the airline and travel dates

Activities

Set aside almost 40% of your budget for activities. These estimations can vary depending on location, duration and the type of activity you choose. Our list will give you an understanding of what to expect.

Cost of Popular Andaman Adventure Activities

1. Scuba Diving: INR 3,500/- to INR 6500/-
2. Parasailing:  INR 2,000/- to INR 4,000/-
3. Sea Walking: INR 4,500
4. Snorkeling:  INR 2,500/-

Low Cost Andaman Experiences

1. Swimming in Radhanagar Beach (Havelock), Vijaynagar Beach (Havelock)
   
2. Trekking to trails like Mundapahad to Chidiya Tapu, North Bay Island To Mount Harriet, and Baratang To Limestone Cave Trek
3. Stroll through Cellular Jail (Port Blair) – INR 30/- entry fee for Indians; INR 100/- entry fee for Non-Indians.
   You need to pay an additional INR 300/- to see the famous light and sound show.

Estimated 7 Day Budget For Solo Backpacking In Andaman

6 Nights * Food * * Transport * 3 High Budget Experiences + miscellaneous experiences

6000 + 10,000 + 3,500 + 11,500 = (Estimation) INR 35,500/- to INR 40,000/-

Note: This is an approximate value. Costs can vary based on your choice of activities, accommodations, and mode of transport. Plan accordingly!

Where Should You Backpack in The Andamans?

The Andaman Islands are well connected by private and government ferries. You can check the ferry schedule here [Ferry] and book your private ferry ticket so you don’t have to wait.

1. Port Blair, Havelock and Neil – The sought-after trinity of the Andaman Archipelago are Port Blair, Havelock and Neil Island.  These islands are where the tourist action is. From great places to stay, good food and a great diving community. A large chunk of the Andaman experience is concentrated in these hubs.

2. Barren Island – South Asia’s only active volcano is a backpacker’s dream! Sail 5 hours on a boat to witness geological history rising from the ocean. This rare adventure can cost as little as ₹25,000 if planned right. Want to save up to 80% on your Barren Island trip? Book Now

3. Radhanagar Beach – You can’t not visit the 7th best beach in the world. That’s blasphemous. Radhanagar beach on Havelock is a sight to behold with its white sands and turquoise waters. The tropical appeal of the beach is unmatched.

4. Chidiya Tapu – True to its name of being ‘Bird Island’ chidiya tapu is a bird watcher’s paradise. It also one of the many treks we recommend you try.

5. Long Island – If seclusion had a name then Long Island would be it. The island is still not on the tourist radar and so is fairly secluded. Reach here by taking a ferry from Port Blair. You can experience the sounds of the ocean roaring in your ear because of how uncrowded the island is. You can rent a boat and head to Guitar Island, Merk’s Bay, and Button Islands.

6. Mayabunder Island – Who knew you would witness turtles nesting in Andamans? Mayabunder Island is home to Karmatang beach which witnesses the seasonal nesting of turtles. The underrated beach is also a former home of Burmese Karen Tribes. Imagine the diversity! Also did we mention you can see mangrove creeks here?

7. Baratang Island – A hidden gem for nature lovers! Baratang is famous for its Limestone Caves, mud volcanoes, and the dense mangrove forests that you can explore by boat. It’s a backpacker’s delight and offers an offbeat experience. A short ferry ride from Port Blair takes you to this treasure trove of unique attractions.

Go2Andaman Tip: So island hopping is a great way to explore Andamans. If you want to split your 10 day travel to cover as much ground, then our free itinerary is exactly what you need.

A Bag Full of Budget Experiences

1. Trekking – The Andamans offer incredible treks for all skill levels. 

• Chidiya Tapu to Mundapahad Trek – A low-effort, scenic trek perfect for beginners.
• Lamia Bay to Saddle Peak Trek – An intermediate trek with breathtaking views of the island.
• For more trekking adventures, check out our complete guide [Trekking in Andaman].

2. Marine Life – The Andaman waters are a paradise for marine enthusiasts:

• Snorkel at Neil Island or Havelock.
• Scuba dive in the bright coral reefs.
• Head to Lalaji Bay Beach for a chance to spot dolphins.
• Go on a night dive or night kayaking to see bioluminescent waters glow after dark

3. History and Culture – The Andamans have a rich and tumultuous history:

• Visit the Cellular Jail in Port Blair to learn about the island’s colonial past and pay homage to the island’s freedom fighters.
• You can also visit museums like the Anthropology Museum and Samudrika Naval Marine Museum to gain deeper insights into the region’s heritage.
• Be respectful of the indigenous tribes, such as the Jarawa, Onges, and Sentinelese.

4. Nature Galore

• Mangroves, thick forests, birds and animal species are all found in the Andamans.
• To maintain this don’t leave a carbon footprint behind. The Andaman locals and even tourists abide by the sustainability measures to keep the island clean.

Getting Around as a Backpacker

Easy-peasy in the Andamans! With plenty of transportation options, getting around is budget-friendly and hassle-free for backpackers.

1. Ferry – Cheap, but not always quick. The best and in a lot of cases the only way to island hop is via ferries. 

• Private ferries cover certain routes (Book Now) and you can book tickets online.
• Government ferries are cheaper but you have to pay with your time since long ticket queues are the norm.
  

2. Local Buses – Intra island travel can be done using local buses. These are cheap too.

3. Scooters & Bikes – You can rent scooters or bikes in Andamans. We recommend this option for intra island travel since it’s flexible, fast and cheap. You can book your tickets here [Book Now]

4. Cabs – For those looking for a more comfortable option, cabs are widely available across the islands. Although pricier than buses or scooters, they’re perfect for group of backpacers or those carrying heavy backpacks.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Backpacking in the Andamans

We are all for breaking rules but for a great backpacking experience across Andamans, abide by these:

1. Travel light by creating a capsule wardrobe of easy to wear, sweat absorbing clothing. Carry essentials like medicines and mosquito repellent
2. Always carry your passport, permits and government approved documents on you
3. Carry cloth bags to dispose of waste. Remember don’t leave a trace.
4. Power banks and offline maps are your companions when the network fails. You don’t want to be left stranded.
5. Andaman only offers 2 litre water bottles as part of its sustainability measures, so carry water with you.
6. Be open-minded. Backpacking opens up your view to cultures that are new. Respect the locals, the tribes and their customs.

Want Your Free Copy of Our 7 Day Backpackers Budget Itinerary?

We just touched the tip of the iceberg with our recommendations. There is so much more that other backpackers have told us. We listened and combined it into this free itinerary. It’s your guide to experiencing Andamans unlike ever before.