Picture blue-green water meeting soft white sand, with tropical forest running right down to the shore. That is the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, a chain of islands in the Bay of Bengal, India. There are hundreds of islands, but only some are open to visitors, and together they hold some of the most beautiful beaches in Asia.
This guide covers the best beaches in Andaman and Nicobar, including the top beaches in Andaman for snorkelling, couples and families. You will find everything from the famous sunsets at Radhanagar to the quiet black rocks of Kalapathar and the wild waves of Butler Bay. For each beach, you will find what makes it special, what to do, practical tips and the best time to visit.
Quick answer: Radhanagar Beach is the best all-round beach, Elephant Beach is best for snorkelling, Kalapathar is best for peace and photos, and Laxmanpur is best for sunsets and tide pools.
Top Beaches in Andaman: Compare at a Glance
| Beach | Island | Best for | Water sports |
|---|---|---|---|
| Radhanagar | Havelock | Sunsets, swimming, couples | No |
| Elephant Beach | Havelock | Snorkelling, water sports | Yes |
| Kalapathar | Havelock | Quiet, photography | No |
| Vijaynagar | Havelock | Long walks, relaxing | No |
| Laxmanpur | Neil Island | Sunsets, tide pools, families | No |
| Bharatpur | Neil Island | Snorkelling, glass-bottom boats | Yes |
| Corbyn’s Cove | Port Blair | Quick city beach break | Yes |
| Wandoor | Port Blair | Marine park, island trips | Boat trips |
| Butler Bay | Little Andaman | Wild waves, scenery | No (not for swimming) |
Best Havelock Island Beaches (Swaraj Dweep)
Havelock is the most popular island in the Andamans, and its beaches are the main reason. Here are the four best Havelock Island beaches.
Radhanagar Beach
Often called one of the best beaches in Asia, Radhanagar is the first beach most visitors want to see. A long stretch of fine white sand backs onto green forest. The beach is wide enough that it rarely feels crowded, even in busy months. The water is clear and blue-green, and at sunset the sky turns orange, pink and purple.
What to do:
- Swim in the marked swimming area, where lifeguards are usually on duty
- Walk the shore and watch the sunset
- Take photos or sit with a book and listen to the waves
- Let kids play in the shallow water
Good to know: It gets busiest at midday, especially in December and January, so go before 9 am or after 4 pm. Small stalls sell cold drinks, coconut water and snacks. Always follow the lifeguards and warning flags.
Best time to visit: October to May.
Elephant Beach
Elephant Beach is the top spot for snorkelling in the Andamans. The water is shallow and very clear, and the reefs near the shore are full of colourful fish. You may also spot starfish and sea cucumbers. A boat ride of about 20 to 30 minutes from Havelock takes you there, and the ride itself is part of the fun.
What to do:
- Snorkel with a mask and life jacket, which means even non-swimmers can try
- Try a sea walk, jet ski or banana boat ride
- Take a glass-bottom boat and see fish through the floor
- Try beginner scuba diving if you have time
Good to know: The calm water suits beginners. Go early in the morning when the water is clearest. The best coral and fish are said to be on the left side of the beach. Book water sports early in peak season.
Best time to visit: November to April, for the best underwater visibility.
Kalapathar Beach
Kalapathar means “black rocks”, and the smooth dark boulders against white sand and blue water make this beach look different from the others. Some of the rocks are as big as cars, and the forest reaches down to the shore. It is quiet, with no water sports, no loud music and few crowds, so it suits couples and photographers.
What to do:
- Sit by the rocks and listen to the waves
- Take photos of the black rocks and blue sea
- Walk the 2 km beach, have a picnic or watch the sunrise
- Watch small crabs on the rocks
Good to know: The road passes through pretty forest, and you can reach the beach by taxi or rented bicycle. Bring your own water and snacks, as there are no shops here.
Best time to visit: October to May.
Vijaynagar Beach
Vijaynagar is a long, peaceful beach of about 3 km, ideal for walks and slow days. Palm trees line the shore, and there are a few resorts but plenty of empty space. It is less famous than Radhanagar, so it is calmer, and its sunsets are lovely too.
What to do:
- Take a long morning walk while the air is cool
- Relax under a palm tree with a book
- Watch fishing boats leave and return
- Look for shells and interesting stones
Good to know: Some parts are rocky, so be careful entering the water, and check safety before you swim.
Best time to visit: October to May.
Best Neil Island Beaches (Shaheed Dweep)
Neil Island is smaller and quieter than Havelock. These two Neil Island beaches are the ones to see.
Laxmanpur Beach
Laxmanpur is famous for its sunsets and is a favourite with families. At low tide, small pools of water are left on the sand. Kids love hunting for small fish, crabs and shells in these tide pools. At one end is the Natural Bridge, a rock formation shaped by the sea.
What to do:
- Watch the sunset
- Walk to the Natural Bridge at low tide
- Explore the tide pools and collect a few shells (leave some for others)
- Stroll the 2 km beach and snack on local food
Good to know: Check tide timings with your hotel before you go. Low tide is the best time to explore. The beach is easy to reach from anywhere on Neil Island.
Best time to visit: October to May.
Bharatpur Beach
Bharatpur is the water-fun beach of Neil Island. The water is calm, clear and shallow near the shore, so even weak swimmers can enjoy it. The beach is small but full of things to do, and it works well for a half-day trip.
What to do:
- Ride a glass-bottom boat
- Snorkel, as the coral is close to shore
- Try a banana boat ride
- Take a boat to nearby small islands
Good to know: Small shops rent equipment and sell cold drinks. The coral has suffered damage over the years and is recovering, but you can still see plenty of fish.
Best time to visit: October to May.
Best Beaches in Port Blair
If you are short on time, the beaches near Port Blair are the easiest to visit.
Corbyn’s Cove Beach
Corbyn’s Cove is the closest beach to Port Blair, about 20 minutes away, which makes it a perfect quick break. This half-moon beach is lined with coconut palms, and the waves are a little stronger here than on the island beaches. It feels lively, with local families and tourists sharing the sand.
What to do:
- Try jet skiing or a speedboat ride
- Have pakoras and coconut water at a beachside cafe
- Walk the shore and photograph the palms and sea
- Visit the small war memorial nearby
Good to know: It can be crowded on weekends. It is not as pretty as the island beaches, but it is great for a short visit, and the sunset is nice.
Best time to visit: October to May.
Wandoor Beach
Wandoor, about 45 minutes from Port Blair, is the gateway to Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park. The beach has white sand, shady trees and calm water, with small green islands in the distance. It is also less crowded than Corbyn’s Cove.
What to do:
- Take a glass-bottom boat to see coral and fish
- Snorkel in protected areas with guides
- Visit Jolly Buoy or Red Skin Island by boat
- Learn about sea life at the interpretation centre
Good to know: Only one of Jolly Buoy and Red Skin is open at a time, so the coral stays healthy. Check which one before you go. The boat ride takes about 30 to 40 minutes. Carry valid photo ID and confirm the current entry rules.
Best time to visit: October to May.
Butler Bay Beach, Little Andaman
Butler Bay is far from the main tourist route and feels wild. The waves are strong, so this is not a swimming beach, but it is great for watching the power of the ocean. A lighthouse nearby gives fine views, and the Whispering Waves waterfall is close by.
Good to know: Little Andaman takes time to reach, so plan at least 3 to 4 days. Enjoy the waves from the shore.
Best time to visit: November to April.
Best Time to Visit Andaman Beaches
The weather is warm all year, but some months are better for beaches.
October to May is the best time. The sky is clear, the sun is warm, and the sea is calm, so boats reach every beach and all water sports run.
- December to January: the busiest months. Book hotels and ferry tickets well in advance.
- February to March: still good weather, with smaller crowds.
- April to May: hotter, but the sea is calm and good for water sports.
If you want fewer crowds, October, November, February and March are good choices.
June to September is the monsoon. Expect rain, rough seas and some cancelled boat trips, and water sports stop on rainy days. The upside is fewer tourists, lush green islands and lower hotel prices. Keep extra days in your plan in case boats don’t run.
Our advice: for a beach holiday with every activity, come between October and May. For low prices and peace, try June to September, but be ready for rain.
Tips for Visiting Andaman Beaches
- Go early or late. Beaches are quieter before 10 am and after 4 pm, and the light is best for photos.
- Use reef-safe sunscreen. Regular sunscreen can harm fish and coral. You can buy it in Port Blair or bring it from home.
- Carry water. Some beaches have no shops nearby.
- Keep cash. Small stalls may not take cards or phone payments.
- Protect nature. Take your trash with you, and never touch or step on coral.
- Book early. Water sports and boat rides fill up fast, especially in December and January.
- Wear water shoes. Some beaches have rocks and shells that can hurt your feet.
- Ask about safety. Check with lifeguards or locals, obey warning flags, and never swim alone.
- Pack a dry bag for your phone, camera and dry clothes.
- Learn about tides. Beaches like Laxmanpur are best at low tide.
Which Andaman Beach Is Best for You?
- Best beach in Andaman for snorkelling: Elephant Beach (best for beginners), Jolly Buoy or Red Skin Island from Wandoor, and Bharatpur Beach.
- Best sunset beaches in Andaman: Radhanagar, Laxmanpur and Corbyn’s Cove.
- Best beaches in Andaman for peace and quiet: Kalapathar and Vijaynagar.
- Best beaches in Andaman for families: Radhanagar, Laxmanpur (tide pools) and Bharatpur (shallow water).
- Best beaches in Andaman for couples: Radhanagar for the sunset and Kalapathar for a private feel.
- Andaman beaches for honeymoon: Radhanagar, Kalapathar and any beach at sunrise. See our Andaman honeymoon package for ready-made plans.
- Water sports in Andaman: Elephant Beach, Bharatpur and Corbyn’s Cove.
- Best beaches in Andaman for photography: Kalapathar, Radhanagar and Laxmanpur.
- Easy access from the city: Corbyn’s Cove (20 minutes) and Wandoor (45 minutes).
Plan Your Trip with a Local Expert
Get in touch with your trusted Port Blair travel agency for personalised Andaman tour Packages and Andaman Honeymoon Packages across Port Blair, Havelock, Neil Island, Ross Island, Baratang and Jolly Buoy. Our local team helps with hotel bookings, ferry tickets and customised itineraries.
Location: Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Phone: +91-8900912121 or +918900915151
Email: info@andamantravelcare.com
FAQs
Can we swim safely on all beaches?
No. Radhanagar has safe swimming zones with lifeguards, while Butler Bay has strong waves and is not for swimming. Always ask locals or lifeguards, and never swim alone or far from shore.
Are water sports available all year?
Mostly from October to May. During the monsoon, rough seas and rain stop many activities.
How crowded do beaches get?
They are busiest in December and January and around midday. Kalapathar and Vijaynagar stay quieter.
Do we need a boat to reach these beaches?
For Elephant Beach and the islands off Wandoor, yes. Most other beaches can be reached by road, by taxi, scooter or bicycle. Ferries connect the main islands.
Are these beaches good for kids?
Yes. Radhanagar, Laxmanpur (tide pools) and Bharatpur (shallow water) are good choices. Always supervise children in the water.
What should we pack for beach days?
Swimwear, a towel, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, a water bottle, water shoes, a dry bag and some cash.
Is it expensive to visit these beaches?
Costs come mainly from water sports, boat rides, ferries and stays. Neil Island is usually cheaper than Havelock, and the monsoon brings the lowest hotel prices.
Can we find food and drinks on the beaches?
At many beaches, yes: stalls sell coconut water and snacks. Some, like Kalapathar, have no shops, so bring your own.
Do we need a guide?
Not for most beaches. For snorkelling in the marine park, you go with guides, and a package can sort this out for you.
Are the beaches clean?
They are generally clean and peaceful. Help keep them that way by taking your trash with you.
How can Andaman Travel Care help in visiting beaches?
We arrange tour packages, ferry tickets, hotels, transfers and custom itineraries.
Can we stay near these beaches?
Yes. Havelock and Neil Island have stays within easy reach of the main beaches, Vijaynagar has resorts along the shore, and Port Blair hotels are close to Corbyn’s Cove.