Andaman is often dismissed as "too expensive" by budget travellers. But with smart planning, you can experience the islands for much less than you think. Here's how.
Flights: Book Early
Flights to Port Blair from Delhi or Chennai can be as cheap as ₹3,000-5,000 return if booked 2-3 months ahead. Last-minute prices triple. Set fare alerts on Google Flights.
Where to Stay
Port Blair: Budget guesthouses near Aberdeen Bazaar: ₹700-1,500 per night
Havelock: Neil's Cove, Pristine Beach Resort budget rooms: ₹1,500-2,500 per night
Neil Island: Simple guesthouses: ₹800-1,200 per night
Avoid mid-December to mid-January — prices double during peak season.
Ferries vs Speed Boats
Government ferries from Port Blair to Havelock cost ₹350-450 (vs ₹900-1,200 for private speed boats). They take longer (2-2.5 hrs vs 90 mins) but the experience is great. Book at the Phoenix Bay Jetty a day ahead.
Budget for Activities
Scuba Diving: ₹3,000-4,500 for one dive. Non-negotiable if it's on your list.
Snorkeling at Elephant Beach: ₹800-1,200 including boat
Glass Bottom Boat: ₹500-700
Sea Walk: ₹4,000 (worth it, do it once)
Food Budget
Eat at local dhabas and restaurants away from the beach — meals for ₹100-250 per person. Beach shacks are 3x more expensive for the same food. The local Andamani and South Indian food is excellent and cheap.
6-Day Budget Breakdown (per person)
| Item | Cost |
|------|------|
| Flights (return from Delhi) | ₹5,000-8,000 |
| Accommodation (5 nights) | ₹6,000-10,000 |
| Ferries (Port Blair-Havelock-Neil-Port Blair) | ₹1,500-2,500 |
| Food (6 days) | ₹3,000-4,500 |
| Activities (diving, snorkeling, boat rides) | ₹5,000-8,000 |
| **Total** | **₹20,500-33,000** |
Joining an organised group trip reduces this significantly — group rates on accommodation, shared transfers, and pre-negotiated activity prices.
Vikram Nair
Travel writer & adventure enthusiast at JustWravel. Passionate about off-beat destinations and authentic experiences.
