Want offbeat places in Andaman beyond Havelock, Neil, and Port Blair? Head north and out to Long Island, Diglipur, Little Andaman, Baratang, and the twin Ross and Smith islands. These lesser-known islands trade crowds for empty beaches, live volcanoes, and slow village life. Here is how to reach each one, and what to skip.
Why go beyond Havelock and Neil?
Havelock and Neil are lovely, but by 10 am the popular beaches fill with day-trippers and the same jetty queues. The offbeat islands sit further north and south, so they take an extra ferry or a longer drive. That effort is the whole point. Fewer people reach them, so you get quiet sand, cheaper stays, and a version of Andaman that still feels local.
Long Island: the easiest offbeat escape?
Long Island is the gentlest first step off the tourist trail. It is a small island in Middle Andaman with no cars, just cycles and footpaths, and a handful of homestays near the jetty. Government ferries run from Port Blair to Long Island about three times a week, usually the early morning boat that also touches Neil and Havelock.
Booking is the tricky part. Government ferry seats open only around two days before departure, so plan around that (as of August 2026). The reward is Lalaji Bay and Merk Bay, two soft white-sand beaches you often get almost to yourself.
Diglipur and Ross and Smith: worth the long trip?
Diglipur sits at the far north, roughly 300 km and 8 to 10 hours by road from Port Blair. Yes, it is far. But this is where you find the twin islands of Ross and Smith, joined by a thin sandbar you can walk across at low tide.
You need a forest permit from the Diglipur Forest Office, around 50 rupees for Indians and 500 for foreign nationals, issued 6 am to 2 pm on all days except Sunday (as of August 2026). Time your boat for low tide, or the sandbar stays underwater. Diglipur also has Saddle Peak, the highest point in the islands, and mud volcanoes close by.
Little Andaman: too far for a short trip?
Honestly, yes, if you only have four or five days. Little Andaman is a 6 to 8 hour ferry south of Port Blair, and it rewards people who like surf, waterfalls, and doing very little. White Surf and Whisper Wave waterfalls, long empty beaches, and a slow pace are the draw. Go only if you have a week or more and prefer raw over polished.
Baratang: what is the cave trip really like?
Baratang is a popular day trip from Port Blair, but manage your expectations. You drive through the Jarawa tribal reserve in a timed convoy, then take a boat through mangrove creeks to reach the limestone caves. The mangrove ride is the best part.
The caves themselves are small, and the convoy timings make it a long, early day. Go for the journey through the creeks, not the caves at the end of it.
Barren Island: can you actually see the volcano?
Barren Island is the only active volcano in South Asia, about 140 km northeast of Port Blair. You cannot land on it, so you view it from a boat. Chartered and shared day cruises run from Port Blair or Havelock in calm season, and you circle the island to watch the smoking cone, with a decent chance of dolphins on the way. It is a splurge, but nothing else in India looks like it.
Mayabunder and Avis Island: any reason to stop?
Mayabunder is a quiet town in North Andaman, handy as a break on the long Diglipur drive. Nearby Avis Island is a tiny coconut-covered islet you reach by a short boat ride, good for a calm swim and a picnic with almost nobody around. It is not a destination on its own, but it turns a tiring road trip into something you will remember.
When is the best time to visit these offbeat places in Andaman?
October to mid-May is the safe window, when the sea is calm and ferries and charters actually run. December and January are the busiest and priciest. The sweet spot is October, early November, and February, when crowds thin but the boats still sail. Avoid the June to September monsoon, since rough seas cancel the small-boat trips these islands depend on.
What to skip on your offbeat Andaman trip
Do not try to cram Diglipur, Little Andaman, and Barren Island into one short trip. Each eats a full day of travel each way. Pick one far island and do it properly.
- Skip Baratang if you get seasick or hate early starts.
- Skip any operator who promises you can land on Barren Island, because you cannot.
- Skip Little Andaman on a trip shorter than a week; the ferry time will swallow it.
FAQ
Which is the most offbeat island in Andaman that is still easy to reach?
Long Island. One government ferry from Port Blair and you are on a car-free island with near-empty beaches like Lalaji Bay and Merk Bay.
Do I need a permit for these offbeat places?
Indian travellers do not need the general permit for the main islands, but Ross and Smith need a forest permit from the Diglipur Forest Office. Foreign nationals should check current permit rules before travel.
Can I visit Barren Island volcano up close?
You circle it by boat but cannot land. It is an active volcano and a protected zone, so trips only cruise around it.
How many extra days do I need to add offbeat islands?
Add at least two to three days. Long Island needs one night, while Diglipur and Little Andaman need two or more because of the travel time each way.
Plan your offbeat Andaman trip
Ready to travel past the usual beaches? For more island guides, ferry timings, permit help, and honest local tips, explore www.andamantourism.org
