12 Best Beaches to Visit in Andaman: A Complete 2026 Guide

Picture this: powdery white sand beneath your feet, turquoise water stretching to the horizon, and not a skyscraper in sight. Welcome to the Andaman Islands — India's best-kept tropical secret and home to some of the most stunning beaches in all of Asia.

Whether you're a honeymooning couple searching for secluded romance, a family looking for safe swimming spots, or an adventure junkie craving world-class snorkeling and scuba diving, the Andaman archipelago has a beach with your name on it. With over 570 islands scattered across the Bay of Bengal, choosing where to lay your towel can feel overwhelming.

Don't worry — I've done the legwork (and the beach-hopping) for you. Here's your ultimate guide to the best beaches in Andaman for 2026.

1. Radhanagar Beach, Havelock Island — The Crown Jewel

No list of Andaman beaches is complete without Radhanagar Beach. It's been crowned "Asia's Best Beach" by TIME Magazine and consistently ranks among the top 10 beaches worldwide. And honestly? It lives up to every bit of the hype.

The beach features a long crescent of pristine white sand backed by lush tropical forest, with crystal-clear waters that shift from emerald to deep turquoise. But the real showstopper is the Radhanagar Beach sunset — watching the sun melt into the Andaman Sea from Radhanagar is nothing short of magical.

Insider Tips:

• Arrive by 3:00 PM to secure a good spot and stay through sunset
• Carry towels, sunscreen, and plenty of water — facilities are basic
• Luxury stays nearby include TAJ Exotica Resorts & Spa and Barefoot Havelock Island

2. Elephant Beach, Havelock Island — The Adventure Playground

If Radhanagar is where you go to relax, Elephant Beach is where you go to play. This vibrant beach on Havelock Island is the Andaman's water sports capital, offering jet skiing, banana boat rides, parasailing, and some of the best snorkeling you'll find anywhere in India.

The coral reefs here sit just about a meter below the surface, making it incredibly accessible even for beginners. You can reach Elephant Beach either through a scenic 2.5 km jungle trek to Elephant Beach (about 30 minutes) or via a quick 20-minute speedboat ride from the Havelock jetty.

Best For: Snorkeling at Elephant Beach, water sports at Elephant Beach (banana boat, jet ski), and underwater photography

3. Kala Pathar Beach, Havelock Island — The Photographer's Paradise

Named after the striking black rocks (kala pathar) that line its shore, this beach is pure visual poetry. The contrast of dark volcanic rocks against white sand and turquoise water creates an Instagram-worthy backdrop that's hard to beat.

What makes Kala Pathar truly special is its tranquility. There are no noisy crowds, no water sports vendors — just the sound of gentle waves and rustling palms. Early mornings here feel like having a private beach entirely to yourself.

Insider Tip: Visit at sunrise for the most dramatic lighting and the fewest people — a perfect Kalapathar Beach sunrise. It's also a lovely spot for collecting tiny seashells.

4. Bharatpur Beach, Neil Island — The Coral Capital

Often referred to as the "Coral Capital of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands," Bharatpur Beach on Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep) is a snorkeler's dream. Located just 500 meters from the Neil Island jetty, it's incredibly easy to access and features shallow, calm waters teeming with vibrant coral reefs and colorful fish.

From glass-bottom boat rides over coral reefs to scuba diving, Bharatpur offers a full menu of water activities — think of it as Neil Island's answer to Elephant Beach.

Best For: Families with kids (safe, shallow waters), snorkeling, glass-bottom boat rides

5. Laxmanpur Beach, Neil Island — The Sunset Queen

If you're chasing the most beautiful sunset in all of Andaman, head straight to Laxmanpur Beach. This wide, white-sand beach on Neil Island's western tip is famous for its breathtaking evening skies and the fascinating Natural Bridge (Howrah Bridge) — a coral rock formation locally nicknamed the "Howrah Bridge."

The beach is quieter than Bharatpur and perfect for long, contemplative walks. The shoreline is dotted with colorful seashells and dead corals, making it a treasure trove for beachcombers.

Insider Tip: Visit Natural Bridge (Howrah Bridge) during low tide for the best views. Combine a morning at Bharatpur with an evening sunset session at Laxmanpur for the perfect Neil Island day.

6. Sitapur Beach, Neil Island — The Sunrise Sanctuary

While Laxmanpur owns the sunsets, Sitapur Beach claims the sunrises. Located on Neil Island's eastern coast, this peaceful beach is sometimes called the "Gateway to Sunrise." Watching the first golden rays paint the sky in shades of pink and orange over the calm sea is a genuinely spiritual experience.

Sitapur is also excellent for snorkeling and scuba diving at Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep), though swimming can be tricky due to stronger currents.

7. Corbyn's Cove Beach, Port Blair — The City Beach

Need a quick beach fix without leaving Port Blair? Corbyn's Cove Beach is your answer. Located just 8 km from the city center, this coconut-palm-fringed beach is easily accessible and offers a range of water sports including parasailing and jet skiing at Corbyn's Cove, swimming, and surfing.

It's the busiest beach in Andaman, but its curved coastline creates a natural bay with calm waters year-round — making it a convenient and enjoyable stop, especially if you have limited time.

Best For: A quick half-day beach visit when based in Port Blair

8. Wandoor Beach — The Marine Park Gateway

Located about 25 km from Port Blair, Wandoor Beach sits at the doorstep of the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park. The calm, clear waters are perfect for swimming and snorkeling, while the surrounding area offers excellent trekking opportunities with picturesque views.

Wandoor is also one of the more accessible beaches for elderly visitors, with proper road access, facilities, and shaded seating areas.

9. North Bay Beach — The Coral Reef Explorer

A short boat ride from Port Blair, North Bay Island is a haven for ocean lovers. The azure waters and white sands form a stunning backdrop to incredible coral reefs teeming with fish, lobsters, and clams. It's one of the best spots near Port Blair for snorkeling at North Bay and sea walking at North Bay Island.

10. Chidiya Tapu Beach — The Birdwatcher's Beach

Known as the "Bird Island," Chidiya Tapu (Sunset Point) is surrounded by around 50 species of gorgeous birds, including parrots. But it's not just for birdwatchers — this beach is also famous for offering one of the best sunset viewpoints in all of Andaman, perfect for Chidiya Tapu sunset and birdwatching. The drive to Chidiya Tapu through lush tropical forests is an experience in itself.

11. Vijaynagar Beach, Havelock Island — The Hidden Retreat

For those who want to escape the crowds entirely, Vijaynagar Beach is a chill paradise tucked away on Havelock Island. The gentle waves, golden-hour light, and long stretches of silky white sand make it an ideal spot for relaxation, morning walks, and that perfect Instagram selfie.

12. Lalaji Bay Beach, Long Island — The Off-the-Grid Gem

For the truly adventurous, Lalaji Bay Beach on Long Island is one of Andaman's best-kept secrets. You'll need to take a boat and then trek through lush forest to reach it — the Long Island and Lalaji Bay beach trek is part of the adventure — but the reward is turquoise waters and golden sand in near-total seclusion. If you want to feel like a castaway (in the best way possible), this is your beach.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Andaman Beaches?

The best time to visit Andaman is from October to May. During these months, the weather is pleasant with clear skies, calm seas, and temperatures between 23°C and 32°C — perfect for beach days and water sports.

• Peak Season (October–March): Best weather, excellent underwater visibility, but higher prices and more crowds
• Shoulder Season (April–May): Warmer but fewer tourists and more tranquil experiences
• Monsoon (June–September): Heavy rainfall and rough seas; water sports suspended, but you can score 50–70% discounts on hotels and flights

The absolute sweet spot? December to February — perfect temperatures, minimal rainfall, and the best diving conditions. For a full breakdown of what to expect month by month, see our Andaman Weather Guide: Best Time to Visit Paradise Year-Round.

Practical Tips for Beach-Hopping in Andaman

• Permits: Indian citizens don't need any special permit for popular tourist islands. Foreign nationals need a Restricted Area Permit (RAP), which is issued free on arrival at Port Blair airport for up to 30 days.
• Getting Around: Ferries connect Port Blair to Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) and Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep). Book ferry tickets in advance during peak season.
• Pack Smart: Sunscreen, reef-safe if possible, a good pair of water shoes, a dry bag for electronics, and plenty of water.
• Respect the Environment: It is illegal to collect, purchase, or carry coral, shells, or marine specimens from the beaches.
• Cash is King: ATMs can be unreliable on smaller islands. Carry enough Indian Rupees for your island-hopping days.
• Bioluminescence Alert: Between November and February, some beaches on Havelock and Long Island display bioluminescent plankton during dark-moon nights — best experienced on a night bioluminescence kayaking trip, viewed between 8 and 10 PM away from artificial lights.

Final Thoughts: Your Andaman Beach Adventure Awaits

The Andaman Islands offer something that's increasingly rare in today's world — beaches that still feel wild, uncrowded, and genuinely pristine. Unlike more commercialized coastal destinations, the focus here is on lagoons, coral reefs, and quiet stretches where you can actually hear the waves.

Here's your quick action plan:

1. Book flights to Port Blair (direct from Delhi, Chennai, or Kolkata)
2. Allocate at least 6–8 days to cover Havelock, Neil Island, and Port Blair
3. Prioritize Radhanagar and Elephant Beach on Havelock, and Bharatpur and Laxmanpur on Neil Island
4. Visit between November and February for the best overall experience
5. Don't skip the offbeat gems like Lalaji Bay and Kala Pathar for unforgettable solitude

The turquoise waters are calling. Will you answer?

Have you visited the Andaman beaches? Which one stole your heart? Share your experience in the comments below!