Exploring Islands In The Andaman That Blend Nature, Coral Reefs, Tranquillity And Adventure

Scenic beach view on Havelock Island, one of the top islands in the Andaman.

The islands in the Andaman offer everything you desire: crystal-clear blue waters, pristine sandy beaches, and lush greenery all around. Vibrant coral reefs invite snorkelers, while thrilling water sports add excitement. For those seeking peace, quiet coves provide serene escapes. Whether it’s the lively beach vibe or tranquil solitude, every island promises a unique adventure. Imagine walking barefoot on untouched sands, diving into turquoise lagoons, or watching breathtaking sunsets that paint the sky with oranges and yellows. In the Andamans, each moment feels like paradise, making every step a joyful discovery.

Top 10 Best Islands In The Andaman

The islands in the Andaman offer breathtaking beauty, adventure, and tranquility, making every visit an unforgettable experience in this tropical paradise.

1. Havelock Island

Twisted tree with roots in turquoise waters at Havelock Island in the Andaman.

Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons

Havelock Island is among the most popular islands in the Andaman and is well known for Radhanagar Beach, which is consistently ranked as one of the best beaches in Asia. Its golden sands and the beautiful turquoise waves make it one of the best islands in the Andaman to relax and capture beautiful pictures. Elephant Beach on Havelock Island is where people can go to have an adventure and snorkel through the coral reef. Havelock Island has a perfect combination of tranquillity and adventure; there are both luxury resorts and the opportunity to intentionally be rustic.

Location: Ritchie’s Archipelago, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India
Activities: Scuba diving, snorkelling at Elephant Beach

Suggested Read: Amazing Things To Do In Havelock Island For An Unforgettable Vacation

2. Neil Island

A sandy beach with large trees and lush green plants is seen under a bright, sunny sky.

Photo: Ravigopal Kesari / Unsplash

Neil Island is one of the most fabulous islands of the Andaman. This island is famous for its peaceful, lushness and natural beauty, including carved-out natural bridges. The agricultural land supports Neil Island’s moniker as the “vegetable bowl of Andaman” since it supplies the most fresh seasonal produce to the entire archipelago. Laxmanpur beach is the best place on the island to watch the spectacular Andaman sunset. Bharatpur beach is a spot where the snorkelers visit for the colourful coral.

Location: South Andaman district, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India
Activities: Cycling, snorkelling at Bharatpur Beach

3. Ross Island

A sandy beach with palm trees and blue water on Ross Island in the islands in the Andaman.

Photo: Roop_Dey / Shutterstock

Ross Island, once the administrative capital for the British rulers of the islands in Andaman, has shifted to a living museum of colonial ruins. Crumbling churches, fabled parks, officers’ quarters, and old printing presses are now hidden under massive banyans. The light and sound show here retells its historic yarn many times to this day, bringing history lovers every season of the year to this iconic spot. You will also encounter friendly deer, peacocks and fowl roaming during your adventure here, giving you a few places enriched with history and natural environment.

Location: Near Port Blair, South Andaman district, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India
Activities: Light & sound show, heritage walk

Suggested Read: Best Things To Do In Andaman On Your Next Trip

4. North Bay Island

A panoramic view from above shows a line of palm trees at the edge of a blue ocean.

Photo: Vinayaraj / Wikimedia Commons

North Bay Island is a diver’s dream island in the Andaman, with one of the richest coral ecosystems that can be found only 10 minutes from Port Blair. It’s featured on India’s ₹20 currency note, which is a beautiful representation of how famous North Bay Island is. Water lovers enjoy glass-bottom boat rides, water scooter rides, scuba diving and sea walking on North Bay Island; in fact, it’s one of the best islands in the Andaman for beginners, as no other island has a better reef system that is so shallow with so many fish around.

Location: Near Port Blair, South Andaman district, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India
Activities: Sea walking, glass-bottom boat rides

5. Baratang Island

Small dock with wooden shack and forested backdrop on Baratang Island in the islands in the Andaman.

Photo: Harvinder Chandigarh / Wikimedia Commons

Baratang Island is unique among the islands in the Andaman due to its natural attractions. The limestone caves, with their strange formations, provide the most buzz and have been explored by boat through thick mangrove creeks. Baratang also has some amazing mud volcanoes, which are a geological oddity and draw huge crowds. The tribal reserves surrounding Baratang indicate the cultural richness of this realm. Often highlighted in the islands in the Andaman map, Baratang is one of the quality islands in Andaman for an explorer to discover offbeat attractions.

Location: Between Middle Andaman and South Andaman, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India
Activities: Limestone cave exploration, mangrove boating

Suggested Read: Baratang Island Limestone Caves

6. Jolly Buoy Island

A large boat floats on a vast blue ocean near a small tropical island with a sandy beach.

Photo: Nilanjan pathak / Wikimedia Commons

Jolly Buoy Island, located within the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, is one of the most highly protected islands in the entire Andaman region. Its pristine waters are crystal clear, allowing visibility of colourful coral gardens without diving. The limited capacity of visitors to this destination can help maintain its focus on environmental sustainability for preserving its beauty as a nature-based destination. Continuous glass-bottom boat trips provide rays, turtles, etc., and allow you to travel close or skim across the reef, making the island one of the best for non-divers to visit.

Location: Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, near Wandoor, South Andaman, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India
Activities: Glass-bottom boat ride, eco-tour

7. Long Island

Rocky shoreline with clear waters and green forest on Long Island in the islands in the Andaman.

Photo: Siddhesh Rao / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Long Island is certainly one of the most unique islands that can be found in the Andaman, offering guests an alternative to the busy hustle and bustle of modern life while providing an untouched experience with nature. The main attraction to the island, Lalaji Bay Beach, introduces visitors by way of a trek through beautiful, dense forests or by boat, with crabbing in mangrove creeks for an authentic experience with nature. For visitors, the island is also home to a small but unique village powered, in part, by eco-friendly solar systems, which has a strong tie to the island’s eco-tourism.

Location: North Andaman district, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India
Activities: Trekking to Lalaji Bay, dolphin spotting

Suggested Read: Beaches In Andaman That Will Leave You Spellbound & In Awe

8. Cinque Island

A scenic island with clear blue water, sandy beach, and dense tropical greenery.

Photo: Photos Hub / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Cinque Island is one of the most exotic islands in all of the Andaman and comprises a north and south section that are connected with an isthmus of sand. Also called the “mini Mauritius of India”, the island is exceptional, with untouched beaches and lagoons of crystal-clear waters, and a neighbouring area, one of the richest coral reefs. The twin islands are surrounded by colourful marine life, which makes them a prime spot for professional divers and underwater photographers. The remoteness of Cinque ensures very little human touch, contributing to the charm of the island.

Location: Part of Ritchie’s Archipelago, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India
Activities: Diving, sandbar trekking

9. Viper Island

A lush palm-covered island with a pier, part of the scenic islands in the Andaman.

Photo: Biswarup Ganguly / Wikimedia Commons

Viper Island is unlike any other of the islands of the Andaman. It has a blend of colonial history and tranquillity. Viper Island was where the British used to confine the political prisoners in a small jail before the construction of the now-famous Cellular Jail. This reflects one of the darkest periods in India’s struggle for independence. Travellers can reach the island in a short boat ride. Viper Island is regarded as one of the best islands in the Andaman for cultural tourism, connecting travellers with the resilience of the freedom fighters while appreciating the peace and tranquillity, along with nature’s beauty.

Location: Near Port Blair, South Andaman district, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India
Activities: Exploring colonial ruins, photography of harbour views

Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Andaman And Nicobar Islands On Your Next Holiday

10. Red Skin Island

Pristine sandy beach and clear waters at Red Skin Island, one of the islands in the Andaman.

Photo: Pexels / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only

Red Skin Island, located within the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, is one of the most biodiverse islands in the Andaman Archipelago. Red Skin Island is open seasonally, unlike its counterpart, Jolly Buoy, allowing visitors to enjoy colourful coral reefs and shallow lagoons. The water here is pristine, and you will see parrotfish, sea cucumbers, starfish and other marine life, so snorkelling here is essential. With the fact that the island is exclusive, there are significantly fewer visitors here, thus offering the opportunity to enjoy the tranquillity and beauty of nature.

Location: Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, near Wandoor, South Andaman, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India
Activities: Snorkelling, coral reef exploration

Visiting islands in the Andaman Archipelago feels like entering a tropical playground filled with pristine beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and thrilling adventures. From historic Viper Island to the underwater wonders of Red Skin, each island tells a unique story waiting to be explored. Whether you seek peace, diving, or eco-encounters, the best islands in Andaman offer unforgettable memories. Start your journey with TripXL and discover paradise one island at a time.

Cover Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions

The Andaman Islands are known to be the most beautiful, with amazing beaches, colourful coral reefs, and adventure sports such as snorkelling and scuba diving, and they have a mix of history, natural beauty and cultural richness which make them a dream tropical destination.
Havelock and Neil are some of the most popular couples' islands in the Andaman. They have some of the best honeymoon spots on their islands because of their romantic sunsets, calm beaches, and tranquil stays.
Tourists can explore only a few islands through several government and private ferries from Port Blair to Havelock, Neil and other attractions. They can also be added to an island in the Andaman map, which ensures an easier and more convenient island-hopping experience for adventurers.
Andaman has the islands that provide scuba diving, snorkelling, trekking, sea walks, eco-tours and coral reef viewing. All beaches, caves and ruins contribute to the experience and make the place adventurous and scenic for all types of travellers.
The islands offer a range of stays from luxury resorts and boutique hotels to budget guesthouses and eco-friendly cottages.

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