Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep): Complete Travel Guide

🚢 By Ferry (Most Common)

• Ferries connect Neil Island to both Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair) and Havelock (Swaraj Dweep)

• Travel time from Port Blair: roughly 1.5 to 2 hours (private ferries), longer on government ferries

• Travel time from Havelock: roughly 1 to 1.5 hours

• Private ferries (Makruzz, Green Ocean, Nautika) are faster and more comfortable; government ferries are cheaper but slower

• Advance booking is highly recommended, especially in peak season

✈️ By Helicopter (Limited)

• Helicopter services operate occasionally between Port Blair and Neil Island

• Subject to weather and availability

• Seats are limited and mostly prioritized for island residents

• Rare for tourists — not reliable to plan around

Decide your travel window

Book for October–February for the calmest seas and clearest skies. March–May works too, though daytime heat picks up. Avoid June–September — monsoon disrupts ferry schedules regularly.

Book your ferry early

Neil has no airport — reach it by ferry from Sri Vijaya Puram (1.5–2 hours) or Havelock (1–1.5 hours). Private ferries (Makruzz, Green Ocean, Nautika) are faster and more comfortable; government ferries are cheaper but slower. Book online a few days ahead, earlier during peak season (Dec–Jan).

Sort permits (foreign nationals only)

Indian citizens need no permit. Foreign nationals use the same Restricted Area Permit (RAP) issued on arrival in the Andamans — no separate permit for Neil.

Pick your stay duration

1–2 days is enough to cover Bharatpur Beach, Laxmanpur Beach, and the Natural Bridge. Most travelers treat Neil as a short add-on to a longer Havelock stay rather than a standalone destination.

Time your Natural Bridge visit around low tide

The Natural Bridge is only walkable and safe to view during low tide — a 2–3 hour window that changes daily. Check tide timings with your hotel or locals before planning your day around it.

Consider combining with Havelock

A common circuit is Sri Vijaya Puram → Havelock → Neil → Sri Vijaya Puram, using the direct Havelock–Neil ferry to avoid backtracking.

Budget for the trip

• Budget: ₹3,000–5,000/day (guesthouses, shared ferries, local food)

• Mid-range: ₹5,500–9,000/day (3-star stays, private ferries, water sports)

• Luxury: ₹10,000+/day (premium resorts, private transfers)

Pack right

Light cottons, swimwear, sunscreen, sandfly repellent (especially for Laxmanpur Beach in the late afternoon), a rented bicycle is worth budgeting for once there, and cash — ATMs are limited to a couple of spots near the market.

• Permits: Indian nationals need no permit. Foreign nationals use the same Restricted Area Permit (RAP) issued on arrival in the Andamans — no separate permit for Neil Island.

• Best time to visit: October to May, with October–February offering the calmest seas and clearest skies. Avoid June–September (monsoon) for frequent ferry disruptions.

• Sandflies: Laxmanpur Beach in particular sees sandflies in the late afternoon — carry repellent.

• Cash and connectivity: ATMs are limited to one or two near the market — carry sufficient cash. Network coverage (Airtel, Jio, Vodafone, BSNL) is patchy outside the main village.

• Natural Bridge timing: Only accessible and safe to view during low tide, in a roughly 2–3 hour window — check tide timings with your hotel or locals before heading there.

• Minimal nightlife: Neil shuts down early compared to Havelock — good to know if you're expecting beach parties or a late-night food scene.

Also known as

Neil Island (former name)

Island group

Ritchie's Archipelago

Distance from Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair)

~37–40 km by sea

Distance from Havelock (Swaraj Dweep)

~1–1.5 hours by ferry

Area

~18.9 sq km

Languages spoken

Hindi, English, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu

Currency

Indian Rupee (₹)

Time zone

IST (UTC +5:30)