Short answer
An Andaman trip's cost depends on flights, season, resort category and the number of island hops. Flights are a large share, peak weeks in December and January are far pricier than shoulder months, and activities such as diving, sea walks and entry tickets are usually paid separately.
On this page 13 sections
"How much does an Andaman trip cost?" is the question we hear most. The honest answer is that it depends on the choices you make: the season, the flight, the resort and what you do in the water. This guide explains what moves the price, gives a rough planning frame and shows how to compare quotes. It is a planning guide, not a price list; real rates change with season and availability, and we confirm them in a written quote.
What drives the cost
Flights. Because the islands are far from the mainland, airfare is a large share of the total, and it rises sharply around December to January and school holidays. Booking early makes a big difference.
Season and dates. Resort rates and ferry demand are highest from mid-December to mid-January. Shoulder months and the monsoon are cheaper, though with weather risk.
Resort category and location. Beachfront resorts on Havelock cost more than guest houses in Port Blair. Eco-resorts, luxury properties and basic cottages are priced very differently.
Number of islands. Each island adds ferry costs, a resort night and transfers. A two-island trip is usually cheaper and less stressful than a three-island trip.
Ferry class. Private high-speed ferries are faster and more comfortable than government ferries, and cost more. Premium and economy seats differ.
Activities. Diving, sea walks, boat charters and entry fees add up.
Group size. Per-person costs fall as headcount rises, because transfers and some activities are shared.
A rough planning frame
For a five-night trip for two travellers, excluding flights, packages tend to fall into three bands in the shoulder season:
| Style | What it typically looks like |
|---|---|
| Value | Simple hotels and guest houses, government or economy ferries, fewer extras |
| Comfortable | Good beach resorts or cottages, private ferries, private transfers, breakfast included |
| Premium | Luxury or eco-luxury resorts, premium ferry seats, upgrades and special experiences |
Each band rises sharply in peak weeks. We do not publish fixed prices because they date quickly. Ask for a quote and we will price your actual dates.
How a quote is built
- Accommodation for each night, by resort category and room type.
- Ferry tickets for the inter-island legs, by class and operator.
- Meals, usually breakfast.
- Transfers and sightseeing by private car or taxi.
- Included experiences, such as a boat trip or an introductory dive.
- A service margin for planning and coordination.
Anything outside these lines is paid locally.
Costs paid on the spot
- Entry tickets to the Cellular Jail, Ross Island, North Bay and other sites.
- Light and sound show tickets.
- Scuba dives and sea walks not included in the package.
- Boat rides to Elephant Beach and other spots.
- Scooter or bicycle hire.
- Lunches, dinners, drinks and snacks.
- Tips, shopping and personal expenses.
Ask for approximate figures so you can plan a daily budget.
Diving and activities
Introductory dives, courses and fun dives are priced per dive or per package, and prices differ by operator and season. A sea walk or glass-bottom boat ride costs less but adds up for a family. Certified, insured operators are worth paying for; very cheap deals may cut corners on safety.
Ferries and flexibility
Ferry prices vary by operator and class. Because sailings can be cancelled or rescheduled, a flexible booking, or a quote that explains how changes are handled, is important. Ask what happens if a ferry is cancelled and whether you can rebook at no extra cost.
Cost by type of traveller
- Couples often choose beachfront resorts and private transfers.
- Families benefit from family rooms and a single base for several nights.
- Groups share transfers and sometimes get better resort rates.
- Divers spend more on activities and may stay longer.
Where the money goes
On a typical trip, flights are often the largest single item, followed by resorts and then ferries and activities. Meals are usually a smaller share, though beachfront restaurants can add up. Understanding this helps you decide where to save: booking flights early, choosing a mid-range resort and being selective about paid activities usually has more effect than hunting for cheap meals.
Getting around costs
Taxis from the airport to hotels in Port Blair cost relatively little, but transfers on Havelock and Neil can add up, since distances between beaches and resorts are longer than they look. Scooter and bicycle hire is cheaper than taxis if you are confident. Many resorts offer transfers as part of the stay, so check what is included.
A sensible budgeting approach
Decide your fixed costs first: flights, ferries and resorts. Then set a daily allowance for meals, activities and extras. Keep a reserve of 10 to 15 per cent for weather changes, additional transfers and small surprises. This approach gives you flexibility without overspending.
When to book to save
For peak weeks, book flights and resorts at least three to four months ahead. For shoulder season, six to eight weeks is usually enough. Very late bookings in peak season leave you with limited choices.
Red flags in very cheap quotes
- No resort names or categories.
- No mention of ferry class or operator.
- Unclear meal plans.
- Hidden charges for transfers or entry tickets.
- Pressure to pay in full without written terms.
Saving money sensibly
- Travel in November, early December or April.
- Choose fewer islands.
- Mix one special resort with simpler stays.
- Skip optional paid extras you do not care about.
- Book flights early.
See our Andaman tour packages for typical routes, or send us your plan and we will respond with a written quote.
Practical tips
- Compare packages by resort names or categories, ferry class and inclusions, not only price.
- Book flights early; they are often the largest single cost and the least flexible.
- Fewer island hops usually means lower cost and lower weather risk.
- Budget separately for dives, sea walks, entry tickets and meals.
- Ask what happens to the price if a ferry is cancelled and the plan changes.
