Neil Island, Andaman: Step-by-Step Travel Guide for the Ultimate Island Escape

If you’re dreaming of a quiet tropical getaway, far from the noisy crowds and tourist traps, Neil Island (now officially known as Shaheed Dweep) in the Andaman Islands is your perfect escape. With postcard-perfect beaches, clear waters, and a slow island pace, it’s the kind of place where you can truly disconnect and breathe.

Here’s your step-by-step guide to planning the perfect Neil Island tour—from how to get there to where to go, what to eat, and tips for making the most of your trip.

🧭 Step 1: Getting to Neil Island

✈️ Fly into Port Blair

• Airport: Veer Savarkar International Airport (Port Blair)
• Connected Cities: Chennai, Kolkata, Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad

🚤 Ferry from Port Blair to Neil Island

• Travel time: 1.5 to 2 hours
• Ferry Options:
  • Government ferries (economical, slower)
  • Private cruises like Makruzz, Green Ocean, Nautika (faster, more comfortable)
• Tip: Book ferry tickets in advance—especially during peak season (October to April)

🏨 Step 2: Choose Where to Stay

Neil Island offers cozy resorts, beachfront cottages, and homestays.

🌴 Top Stay Options:

• Pearl Park Beach Resort – beachfront, mid-range
• Tango Beach Resort – great views, budget-friendly
• Sea Shell Samssara – luxury with a private beach
• Coconhuts Beach Resort – simple, clean, and peaceful

🛏️ Tip: Book a beachfront property to enjoy sunrise/sunset right from your room!

🗺️ Step 3: Explore the Island – Best Places to Visit

Neil is compact—you can cover most attractions in 1–2 days by scooter or auto-rickshaw.

🌄 1. Sitapur Beach – For Sunrise Lovers

• Known for its early and stunning sunrise views
• Rocky coastline + crashing waves = picture-perfect
• Arrive by 4:45–5:00 AM

🏖️ 2. Laxmanpur Beach – For Sunset & Silhouettes

• The most famous beach on the island
• Long white shoreline with coral pieces
• Ideal for sunset walks and photography

🌉 3. Natural Bridge (Howrah Bridge)

• A natural rock arch formed by erosion and tides
• Visit during low tide to walk on the seabed and see marine life
• A local guide helps you navigate safely

🤿 4. Bharatpur Beach – Water Sports & Chill

• Crystal-clear water, ideal for snorkeling, glass-bottom boat rides, and relaxing
• Family-friendly and good for casual swimming

🍛 Step 4: What to Eat – Local Flavors

Neil Island may be small, but it offers fresh and flavorful meals—especially seafood.

🍽️ Top Places to Try:

• SeaShell Restaurant – great for grilled fish and island curries
• Nirvana Café – beachfront views with Indian and continental dishes
• Blue Sea Restaurant – budget-friendly and homely

🐟 Don’t miss: Fresh lobster, coconut fish curry, and banana flower pakoras.

🧳 Step 5: What to Pack

• Light cotton clothing, swimwear, flip-flops
• Reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses, hat
• Snorkeling gear (optional, or rent locally)
• Power bank, mosquito repellent
• Offline maps (mobile networks can be weak)

📅 Step 6: Ideal Itinerary (2 Nights / 3 Days)

🗓️ Day 1:

• Arrive in Port Blair and ferry to Neil
• Check-in and sunset at Laxmanpur Beach

🗓️ Day 2:

• Sunrise at Sitapur Beach
• Visit Natural Bridge
• Snorkeling or boat ride at Bharatpur Beach

🗓️ Day 3:

• Leisure morning walk, breakfast
• Ferry back to Port Blair

💡 Travel Tips for Neil Island

• 🚲 Rent a cycle or scooter to explore at your own pace
• 📶 Limited internet, so carry offline tools
• 🐚 Be mindful of coral and marine life—no touching or collecting
• 🗑️ Help keep the island clean; follow a leave-no-trace travel ethic

🌊 Final Words: A Peaceful Paradise Awaits

Neil Island isn’t just a destination—it’s a feeling. It’s about sunrises with no alarms, long silences, warm sea breezes, and a reconnection with nature. If you want a peaceful summer break away from noise and notifications, this is where you should be.

Pack light, unplug, and let the island reset your soul.