Overview
Island hopping is the classic way to experience the Andaman Islands, and also the easiest to get wrong. Ferry timings change with the season, popular beaches fill quickly and a rushed schedule can turn a dream trip into a series of jetty queues. We plan island hopping the other way round: we start with the kind of days you want and build the route, the crossings and the stays around them.
A typical journey links Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair) with Swaraj Dweep (Havelock) and Shaheed Dweep (Neil). On Swaraj Dweep there are long white beaches, mangrove creeks and reefs for snorkelling; Shaheed Dweep is smaller and slower, with village lanes, natural rock formations at low tide and a relaxed pace. Where permits and sea conditions allow, we add a private day trip to quieter islands such as the Cinque Islands, or a sheltered cove reached only by boat.
Between the islands, we combine scheduled government and private ferries with private boats where they make the journey easier or more beautiful. Your host keeps track of the timings, the luggage and the weather, and adjusts the plan if the sea changes. The result is a journey with space in it: time to swim, eat well, explore on foot and arrive on each island with energy to enjoy it.
Highlights
- Multi-island
- Ferries and private boats
- Beaches and reefs
What to Expect
- A planning call to understand your dates, pace, interests and the islands you most want to see.
- Ferry crossings between Sri Vijaya Puram, Swaraj Dweep and Shaheed Dweep, booked and coordinated for you.
- On-island days that mix beaches, short nature walks, snorkelling where permitted and local food.
- Optional private boat days to quieter islands and coves, subject to permits and sea conditions.
- A host on call throughout, who adjusts the plan to weather, ferry changes and how you feel.
Location
Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair), Swaraj Dweep (Havelock) and Shaheed Dweep (Neil), with optional private boat days in South Andaman, including the Cinque Islands where permitted. Longer journeys can add Long Island, Rangat or North Andaman.
Duration
Two to six days is typical, depending on how many islands you include and how slowly you like to travel. We recommend at least two nights on each main island.
What's Included
- Route planning and a day-by-day plan
- Ferry coordination between islands
- Island transfers and a local host
- Optional private boat days where permitted
- Help with permits and entry formalities
Best For
First-time visitors, couples and families.
Island hopping suits travellers who want to see the best-known islands without the stress of managing ferries and transfers. Families with children and older travellers appreciate the slower pace and the built-in rest days.
Best Time
October to May usually brings the calmest crossings and clearest water. During the monsoon, ferries can be cancelled at short notice, so we plan more flexible routes with spare time.
Permissions & Availability
Island Hopping is subject to permissions, sea conditions and host availability. Ferry schedules are set by the operators and can change at short notice. Some islands, such as the Cinque Islands, need a Forest Department permit and are open for day visits only. We always keep a sheltered alternative ready.
We confirm every element a day or two before you travel and keep you informed if plans need to change. Safety, local rules and our hosts' wishes always come first.
Responsible Travel
Island Hopping follows our responsible travel promise. We keep groups small, use established routes and permitted locations, pay hosts fairly and leave every place as we found it. We never promise wildlife sightings, and we never market, visit or photograph the islands' indigenous communities, whose privacy and protected status we fully respect.
Please carry a refillable bottle, use reef-safe sunscreen, avoid touching coral or wildlife and ask before photographing people.
Gallery
Day-by-day itinerary
- Day 1
Arrive in Sri Vijaya Puram
Airport welcome, a slow lunch and an evening walk along the seafront.
- Day 2
Ferry to Swaraj Dweep
Morning crossing to Havelock, beach time and an early dinner.
- Day 3
Reefs and mangroves
Guided snorkelling in the morning, mangrove kayaking with the tide.
- Day 4
On to Shaheed Dweep
Short ferry to Neil, cycle the village lanes, sunset on the shore.
- Day 5
Low-tide rock formations
Explore natural rock formations at low tide, then return by ferry.
- Day 6
Private island day
Optional private boat to a quieter island, subject to permits and sea.
Sample itinerary – final plan depends on permissions, sea conditions and host availability.
FAQs
Which islands are included in Andaman island hopping?
Most journeys link Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair), Swaraj Dweep (Havelock) and Shaheed Dweep (Neil). We can add quieter islands by private boat, subject to permits and sea conditions.
How many days do I need for island hopping in Andaman?
We suggest at least five days for Port Blair, Havelock and Neil, so each island gets two nights. Shorter trips are possible but feel rushed.
Do you book the ferries?
Yes. We coordinate the ferry crossings and transfers, and keep you updated if an operator changes the schedule.
What happens if a ferry is cancelled?
Safety comes first. We rebook the next suitable crossing or adjust the route, and we always build some spare time into monsoon-season plans.
How much does island hopping cost?
Price on request. The cost depends on the islands, ferry class, stays and private boat days, and we send a clear itemised quote.