🏝️ Havelock vs Neil Island: Which One Should You Choose?

If you’re planning a dreamy getaway to the Andaman Islands, chances are you’ve heard of both Havelock Island and Neil Island — two jewels in the Bay of Bengal. But if time is limited (or you want the best of the best), which one should you pick? 🤔

Let’s break it down to help you decide where your paradise really lies! 🌴✨

📍 Location & Accessibility

• Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep)
  ⛴️ ~1.5–2.5 hours by ferry from Port Blair
  One of the most popular islands in Andaman with well-developed infrastructure and tourist facilities.

• Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep)
  ⛴️ ~1–1.5 hours from Port Blair (or 1 hour from Havelock)
  Smaller and quieter, perfect for travelers seeking peace and natural beauty.

• ✅ Verdict:
  Choose Havelock for convenience + popularity.
  Choose Neil for a quieter, offbeat vibe.

🏖️ Beaches & Natural Beauty

• Havelock Highlights
  🌊 Radhanagar Beach – Asia’s top-rated beach with white sands & golden sunsets
  🐠 Elephant Beach – Ideal for snorkeling & water sports
  🌴 Lush forests, scenic roads, and dramatic sunsets

• Neil Highlights
  🌅 Laxmanpur Beach – Famous for sunset views & natural rock formations
  🏝️ Bharatpur Beach – Great for glass-bottom boat rides & coral spotting
  🌿 More untouched landscapes and laid-back charm

✅ Verdict:
Havelock wins for adventure & iconic beaches.
Neil wins for serenity & unspoiled beauty.

🤿 Activities & Adventure

• Havelock Island
  ✅ Scuba diving
  ✅ Snorkeling
  ✅ Kayaking
  ✅ Beach trekking

• Neil Island
  ✅ Coral viewing
  ✅ Snorkeling
  ✅ Beach biking
  ✅ Chilling with a coconut in hand 😄

✅ Verdict:
For thrill-seekers, Havelock is your playground.
For slow-paced beach time, Neil delivers peace.

🏨 Accommodation & Food

• Havelock
  🏨 More resorts, cafes, and beach shacks
  🍽️ Wide variety – seafood, Indian, Continental
  💸 Options for all budgets

• Neil
  🏡 Homestays and boutique stays
  🐟 Fresh local seafood, fewer restaurants
  🌌 More personal, peaceful stays

✅ Verdict:
Choose Havelock for variety & nightlife.
Choose Neil for cozy island vibes.

📸 Vibe & Crowd

• Havelock = Buzzing with tourists, lively, active

• Neil = Calm, romantic, hidden gem

✅ Verdict:
Havelock if you love energy & action.
Neil if you love stillness & stars. 🌌

✅ 1. Snorkeling and Scuba Diving 🤿

Andaman offers some of the clearest waters and richest coral ecosystems in India. Havelock Island and North Bay are among the best spots for snorkeling and diving.

✅ 2. Sea Walking 🚶‍♂️🌊

For those who are not comfortable with diving, sea walking is a great alternative. Walk on the seabed and marvel at the colorful fish and corals.

✅ 3. Jet Skiing and Parasailing 🏄‍♂️

At Corbyn’s Cove and North Bay, you can ride the waves on a jet ski or take to the skies with parasailing.

✅ 5. Island Hopping 🚤

From Port Blair, you can take ferries to nearby islands like Neil Island, Ross Island, and North Bay. Each island has its unique charm and natural beauty.

• Reaching the Andaman Islands is easier than you might think!

  ✈️ By Air:

  • Port Blair (Veer Savarkar International Airport) is the main entry point to the Andaman Islands.
  • Direct flights to Port Blair are available from major Indian cities like:
    ✅ Delhi – Approx. 4.5 hours
    ✅ Mumbai – Approx. 5 hours
    ✅ Kolkata – Approx. 2.5 hours
    ✅ Chennai – Approx. 2 hours
    ✅ Bangalore – Approx. 2.5 hours

  💡 Tip: SpiceJet, Go First, Air India, and Vistara operate regular flights to Port Blair.

  🚢 By Sea:

  • You can also reach Port Blair by ship from the Indian mainland.
  • Passenger ships are available from:
    ✅ Chennai – Approx. 60 hours (3 days)
    ✅ Kolkata – Approx. 66 hours (3–4 days)
    ✅ Visakhapatnam – Approx. 56 hours (2.5 days)

  🌊 Note: Sea travel is less common due to its long duration and limited frequency, but it offers a unique experience for adventure seekers!

Andaman offers a range of accommodations, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly lodges. Some popular options include:

📸 Travel Tips:

✅ Pre-book your ferry from Port Blair to Havelock (Makruzz or Green Ocean) 🚢
✅ Internet is limited – perfect excuse for a digital detox 🌐
✅ Carry sunscreen, mosquito repellent, and light cotton clothes 🌞

So, are you ready to escape into paradise? 🧳
Havelock is calling… and this time, it’s not just about the mainstream spots – it’s about finding your own little corner of calm in the Andamans. 🌊💙

Plan Your Andaman Trip with Us! 📞🛶

For bookings and inquiries, contact us:
📲 Call/WhatsApp: +91 7044073097 / 9435733097
📧 Email: enquiry@holidayeyes.co.in
🌐 Website: www.holidayeyes.co.in

Let’s make your Andaman adventure unforgettable! 🌿🦏🚙