Neil Island

Overview

Neil Island (officially Shaheed Dweep) is a small, flat island south of Havelock that you can cover on a rented scooter or bicycle in a day. Most visitors come for low-tide reef walks, snorkelling at Bharatpur, and the west-facing sunset at Laxmanpur. The only way in is by sea, so your plans revolve around ferry timings and the weather. Two nights is plenty for most people. Come between November and April for calmer seas, and book ferries and rooms early in peak season.

Best time to visit

1. ●Jan
2. ●Feb
3. ●Mar
4. ●Apr
5. ◐May
6. ✕Jun
7. ✕Jul
8. ✕Aug
9. ✕Sep
10. ◐Oct
11. ●Nov
12. ●Dec

● best time · ◐ okay · ✕ best avoided (Jun–Sep)

How to reach

• Fly to Port Blair first

  Flights to Port Blair: roughly ₹6,000–15,000 return, higher in Dec–Jan

  The island has no airport. Everyone flies into Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ) in Port Blair, which has direct flights from cities like Chennai, Kolkata, Delhi, Bengaluru and Hyderabad. From Port Blair you take a ferry to Neil, about 37 km away by sea. Morning flights leave you the best chance of catching a same-day ferry, but check timings before you go.

• Private ferry (Makruzz, Green Ocean, Nautika, ITT Majestic)

  ₹1,200–2,000 per person one way, depending on operator and class

  Private ferries leave from Haddo Wharf in Port Blair, and many Neil sailings stop at Havelock on the way. Total time is usually 1.5–3 hours depending on the vessel and stops. Book online ahead, since sailings are limited and weather can cancel them. Report to the jetty at least an hour before departure. Schedules differ between sources, so confirm with the operator.

• Government (DSS) ferry

  From about ₹500–1,000, class-dependent

  The Directorate of Shipping Services runs cheaper ferries between Port Blair, Havelock and Neil. They are slower, and tourist seats sell out quickly in season. Booking is through the DSS STARS e-ticketing portal or at the jetty counters. Sources disagree on how many days ahead sales open (roughly 2 to 7 days), so check the portal. Treat it as a flexible-plan option, not for tight flight connections.

• From Havelock to Neil

  ₹1,200–1,900 per person one way (private)

  If you are already on Havelock (Swaraj Dweep), the Havelock–Neil hop takes about an hour to an hour and a quarter, with a few sailings a day. Most travellers find this route gives more choice than going direct from Port Blair. Morning sailings are the most popular, so lock in your ticket before you commit to hotels.

• Helicopter (limited)

  Reported around ₹3,500 one way; check before you go

  Pawan Hans runs subsidised helicopter flights from Port Blair to Neil, taking around 15–20 minutes. Seats are few, and they are normally prioritised for residents, so tourists should not count on getting one. Ask the operator or the A&N administration about current availability and fares.

Where to stay

• Backpacker guesthouses

  ₹800–1,800 / night

  Simple rooms with a fan or basic AC are clustered near Neil Kendra, Ramnagar and the beaches. Many include scooter parking and can arrange rentals. Quality varies a lot, so read recent reviews and look at photos. Expect basic hot water and limited menus.

• Mid-range resorts and cottages

  ₹2,000–4,500 / night

  Most visitors end up here: AC rooms, hot water and an on-site restaurant, mostly around Bharatpur and Laxmanpur. Some are a short walk from the beach. Staff can usually book scooters, snorkelling and ferry tickets. In peak season (Dec–Jan), book weeks ahead.

• Premium resorts

  ₹5,000–10,000+ / night

  A handful of resorts with gardens, pools and better dining sit at the top end. They are nowhere near the scale of the big resorts on Havelock, so choices are limited and fill early. Confirm the distance to the jetty and whether they offer transfers.

• Where to base yourself

  Distances are only a few km across the island

  Near the jetty works if you have an early ferry. Near Laxmanpur puts sunset on your doorstep and is quieter. Near Bharatpur suits families who want easy swimming. The island is small, so none of these is far from the others.

Things to do

• Snorkel or take a glass-bottom boat at Bharatpur

  ₹500–1,500+ per person, depending on activity

  Bharatpur has the island's calmer, shallower water and most of its water-sports operators. Go in the morning when the sea is clearer and crowds are small. Compare prices at a couple of counters, check that life jackets are provided, and ask about the tide before you book.

• Reef walk and Natural Bridge at low tide

  Free

  The wave-carved rock arch near Laxmanpur No. 2 is only properly accessible at low tide, and the tidal pools nearby hold starfish and small marine life. Check tide timings locally, wear shoes with grip, and keep an eye on the incoming water. Look, but do not pick up or remove anything.

• Sunset at Laxmanpur Beach

  Free

  The beach faces west and is the island's standard sunset spot. Reach it about an hour before sunset and walk along the shore. The sea here is not recommended for swimming because of sharp coral and currents. Mosquitoes and darkness arrive fast, so carry a torch.

• Sunrise at Sitapur Beach

  Free

  The east side of the island gets the morning light, and it is typically quiet. Fishing boats are often around. It is a pleasant early scooter ride if you are not rushing for a ferry.

• Cycle or scooter the island loop

  Bicycle ₹100–200/day; scooter ₹400–800/day, fuel extra

  The roads are flat and short, so a bicycle is fine for most people and a scooter saves time. Keep to the slow local speeds and wear a helmet. Carry ID, and expect to leave a deposit or ID copy with the rental shop.

Food

• Market-area eateries at Neil Kendra

  ₹150–400 per meal

  The cheapest meals are the small places around the main market. Expect thalis, parathas, egg curry, noodles and fried rice. They are plain but filling and the easiest way to keep daily costs low.

• Seafood at resort and beach restaurants

  ₹400–1,200 per meal

  Fresh fish, prawns and crab are widely available, often priced by weight, so ask the price before ordering. Most kitchens do North Indian and Chinese dishes, and a few do pasta or continental food. Vegetarians are covered but with a limited menu.

• Plan around closing times and supplies

  Bottled water ₹20–40 (check on arrival)

  The island is small and kitchens can shut early or run out of items, especially in the off-season. Eat lunch before the 2 pm lull and have dinner by around 8:30 pm to be safe. Carry water and snacks for beach days.

Safety & permits

Permits & entry

• ID and permit for Indian citizens

  No fee reported for Indians on main tourist islands

  Indian citizens are generally not required to have a Restricted Area Permit for Port Blair, Havelock and Neil, but you need a valid government photo ID (Aadhaar, passport, driving licence or voter ID). Carry originals plus copies; hotels and ferry operators check them. Some sources mention an inner line permit at the airport for tribal areas, so sources do not fully agree. Rules change, so confirm on the official A&N Administration or Tourism website before travel.

• ID for children

  Free

  Take proof of age for children, such as a birth certificate or school ID. Ferry operators ask for passenger names, ages and IDs matching the booking. Rules change, so confirm with the operator and the official site.

• Restricted and tribal areas

  Not applicable for Neil

  Areas such as the Sentinelese and Jarawa reserves, Nicobar islands and some defence zones are closed to tourists. This does not affect a normal Neil trip. Rules change, so confirm on the official A&N Administration website.

• Foreign nationals

  Check the official site for current rules

  Foreign visitors need a valid visa and a Restricted Area Permit, which is usually issued free on arrival at Port Blair airport. If you are travelling with a foreign friend, they should check this on the official site first.

• Reef and marine etiquette

  Check before you go

  Corals and shells on the beaches are protected by law in general, and collecting them can lead to penalties. Do not touch, stand on or remove them. Check local notices for any beach, activity or entry rules that apply when you visit.

Places in Neil Island

Tips & questions

Quick tips, questions and photos from people who've been — or are going.

Reviews & tips