The short answer
Shaheed Dweep (Neil Island): what visitors should know first
Worth a day trip if you want to experience a smaller, quieter island. Neil Island has good snorkelling, fewer hotels and a different feel. The ferry is straightforward; you can return the same evening.
Useful facts
Shaheed Dweep (Neil Island) facts at a glance
- Location
- Shaheed Dweep (Neil Island), 45 km south of Havelock by ferry
- Type
- Day trip
- Time needed
- Full day: 4–6 hours on the island plus ferry time; or half-day: 2–3 hours
- Best time
- October to April; same seasons as Havelock
Why it matters
Why Shaheed Dweep (Neil Island) is worth your time
Neil Island (officially Shaheed Dweep, named after independence martyrs) represents an alternative model for tourism in the Andamans: smaller-scale, less developed, and more mixed between tourists and local residents. The island is administered similarly to Havelock but has grown more slowly, so its character remains more open and less commercialized.
Ecologically, Neil Island sits in the same coral triangle as Havelock and has equivalent marine richness. Its smaller scale and fewer boats mean reefs are less stressed. For travellers seeking a different pace while staying in the archipelago, Neil Island offers that contrast.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Wake early and go to Govind Nagar Jetty to buy a morning ferry ticket to Neil Island. The ferry takes 45 minutes; the sea is often rough, so take a seat inside the cabin if you are prone to seasickness.
You will arrive at Shaheed Dweep (Neil Island) Jetty on the east side. From there you can walk or auto to the island's main attractions: Laxmanpur Beach on the east, with a small settlement and coral visible in shallow water; Bhramapur Beach on the north-west, quieter and good for snorkelling; and Sitapur Beach on the south, popular for sunset.
Snorkelling here is similar to Havelock but less crowded. The reefs are close to shore. You can rent a kayak or book a snorkelling trip through a local shop. The island feels more lived-in than Havelock, with more Indian tourists and fewer resort compounds. Food at the jetty-side restaurants is cheap and the catch is fresh.
For a full day, arrive on the morning ferry, spend 5–6 hours exploring and snorkelling, then return on the afternoon ferry. Most people do exactly this itinerary.
Plan with confidence
Small decisions that make the visit easier.
- Buy ferry tickets the day before or early morning at Govind Nagar Jetty
- The ferry journey is 45 minutes and can be rough; sit inside if you feel seasick
- There are no proper roads; walking and autos are the main transport
- Snorkelling is easily arranged on the island without advance booking
- Return to Havelock on an afternoon ferry if you are day-tripping
- Cash is more useful than cards; many shops do not take digital payment
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Shaheed Dweep (Neil Island), 45 km south of Havelock by ferry
- Time needed
- Full day: 4–6 hours on the island plus ferry time; or half-day: 2–3 hours
- Best time
- October to April; same seasons as Havelock
- Walking level
- Moderate
- Senior comfort
- The ferry journey is 45 minutes and can be rough if there is swell. Once on the island, most attractions are accessible and involve minimal walking. Older travellers should avoid very rough seas and plan a half-day trip rather than a full day.
- Tickets and access
- Ferry tickets are roughly 250–350 rupees one way. Check schedules at Govind Nagar Jetty; services typically run in the morning and afternoon, but frequency varies seasonally.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Shaheed Dweep (Neil Island)
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
The ferry journey is 45 minutes and can be rough if there is swell. Once on the island, most attractions are accessible and involve minimal walking. Older travellers should avoid very rough seas and plan a half-day trip rather than a full day.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
How often do ferries run between Havelock and Neil Island?
Typically morning and afternoon, but schedules vary seasonally. Check at the jetty on the day you want to travel.
Can I do a day trip to Neil Island?
Yes. Take the morning ferry, spend 5–6 hours on the island snorkelling and eating, then return on the afternoon ferry.
Is Neil Island quieter than Havelock?
Yes. It is smaller, less developed, and has fewer resort complexes. It feels more mixed between tourists and residents.
Is the ferry journey comfortable?
It is 45 minutes and can be rough in swell. Sit inside the cabin if you are prone to seasickness; avoid looking out windows.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
