Have you ever dreamed of visiting a tropical island that is untouched by the crowds and chaos of the mainland? A place where you can enjoy the beauty and tranquility of nature, and indulge in some exciting and adventurous activities? If yes, then Neil Island is the perfect destination for you.
Neil Island is a small but stunning island in the Andaman archipelago, located about 40 km from Port Blair. It is one of the least explored and most pristine islands in Andaman, and offers a range of attractions and experiences for travelers of all kinds. Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a solo adventure, Neil Island has something for everyone.
In this guide, we will tell you everything you need to know about Neil Island tourism, and help you plan and book the best vacation on this hidden paradise.
So, without further ado, let’s dive into the amazing world of Neil Island.
Why Visit Neil Island?
Neil Island is a place that will make you fall in love with its natural beauty, its friendly people, and its laid-back atmosphere. Here are some of the reasons why you should visit Neil Island:
Pristine and Serene Beaches:
Neil Island has some of the most beautiful and secluded beaches in Andaman, where you can relax, swim, sunbathe, and enjoy the views of the turquoise sea and the green hills. Some of the popular beaches on Neil Island are Bharatpur Beach, Laxmanpur Beach, Sitapur Beach, and Ram Nagar Beach. Each beach has its own charm and character, and offers different activities and facilities for the visitors.
Rich and Diverse Marine Life:
Neil Island is a paradise for marine lovers, as it boasts of a rich and diverse marine life that can be explored through scuba diving, snorkeling, glass-bottom boat ride, and other activities. You can see a variety of colorful fishes, corals, turtles, dolphins, and even sharks in the waters around Neil Island. You can also visit the Coral Point, where you can witness the amazing coral formations and the marine ecosystem.
Friendly and Hospitable Locals:
Neil Island is home to a small and friendly community of locals, who are always ready to welcome and help the visitors. You can interact with them, learn about their culture and traditions, and enjoy their hospitality and warmth. You can also taste some of the delicious local cuisines, such as seafood, coconut, and fruits, that are prepared with fresh and organic ingredients.
Laid-back and Relaxing Vibe:
Neil Island is a place where you can escape from the hustle and bustle of the mainland, and enjoy a laid-back and relaxing vibe. The island has a slow and peaceful pace of life, where you can unwind and rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul. You can also indulge in some relaxing activities, such as yoga, spa, meditation, and massage, that will make you feel refreshed and energized.
Affordable and Comfortable Accommodation Options:
Neil Island has a range of accommodation options that suit every budget and preference. You can choose from resorts, hotels, cottages, homestays, and camps, that offer comfortable and cozy rooms, with modern amenities and services. You can also enjoy the views of the sea, the garden, or the hills from your accommodation, and experience the natural beauty of Neil Island.
How to Reach Neil Island?
Neil Island is easily accessible from Port Blair, the capital of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and the main gateway to the archipelago. You can reach Port Blair by flight or by ship from various cities in India, such as Chennai, Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai, etc.
From Port Blair, you have two options to reach Neil Island: by ferry or by cruise. Here are the details of each option:
By Ferry:
Ferry is the most common and economical way to reach Neil Island from Port Blair. There are regular government and private ferries that operate between Port Blair and Neil Island, and take about 2 hours to cover the distance. The ferry timings and availability vary depending on the season, weather, and demand, so it is advisable to book your tickets in advance.
You can book your tickets online or offline, through the official websites or the authorized agents. The ferry tickets cost around Rs. 500 to Rs. 1000 per person, depending on the class and the operator.
By Cruise:
Cruise is a more luxurious and comfortable way to reach Neil Island from Port Blair. There are a few cruise operators that offer premium services and facilities, such as air-conditioned cabins, entertainment, food, and beverages, to the passengers. The cruise takes about 1.5 hours to reach Neil Island, and offers a scenic and enjoyable journey. The cruise timings and availability depend on the operator and the schedule, so it is advisable to book your tickets in advance. You can book your tickets online or offline, through the official websites or the authorized agents. The cruise tickets cost around Rs. 1500 to Rs. 2500 per person, depending on the operator and the package.
Here are some tips and advice on how to book and travel to Neil Island:
Best Time to Visit:
The best time to visit Neil Island is from October to May, when the weather is pleasant and the sea is calm. This is also the peak season for tourism, so you can expect more crowds and higher prices. If you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy some discounts, you can visit Neil Island from June to September, when the weather is rainy and the sea is rough. This is also the off-season for tourism, so you can expect less crowds and lower prices.
Best Places to Book:
The best places to book your tickets to Neil Island are the official websites or the authorized agents of the ferry or cruise operators. You can also book your tickets through some of the reputed and reliable travel companies, such as Tripoto, that offer hassle-free and convenient booking services. You can also compare the prices, timings, and availability of different operators and choose the best option for you.
Best Deals and Discounts:
The best deals and discounts for your tickets to Neil Island are available during the off-season, when the demand is low and the supply is high. You can also avail some discounts and offers if you book your tickets in advance, or if you book your tickets in bulk. You can also look for some coupons and vouchers that can help you save some money on your tickets.
Luggage and Documents Required:
The luggage and documents required for your travel to Neil Island are the same as for any other domestic travel in India. You can carry a maximum of 25 kg of luggage per person, and you need to have a valid photo ID proof, such as Aadhaar card, PAN card, passport, etc. You also need to have a printout or a soft copy of your ticket confirmation, and a COVID-19 negative test report, if applicable.
What to Do on Neil Island?
Neil Island is a place where you can do a lot of things, or nothing at all. It depends on your mood and preference. You can explore the island, enjoy the activities, or just relax and soak in the ambiance. Here are some of the best things to do on Neil Island:
Explore the Beaches:
Neil Island has some of the most beautiful and secluded beaches in Andaman, where you can relax, swim, sunbathe, and enjoy the views of the turquoise sea and the green hills. Some of the popular beaches on Neil Island are:
Bharatpur Beach: Bharatpur Beach is the closest beach to the jetty, and the most crowded beach on Neil Island. It is a white sand beach, with shallow and clear water, and a coral reef. It is ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and glass-bottom boat ride. You can also find some shops, stalls, and restaurants near the beach.
Laxmanpur Beach: Laxmanpur Beach is a long and wide beach, with white sand, blue water, and a rocky shore. It is ideal for walking, sunbathing, and watching the sunset. You can also find some coral formations and shells on the beach, and some cafes and shacks nearby.
Sitapur Beach: Sitapur Beach is a small and secluded beach, with golden sand, green water, and a cliff. It is ideal for relaxing, swimming, and watching the sunrise. You can also enjoy the views of the natural bridge and the lighthouse from the beach, and some snacks and drinks from the vendors.
Ram Nagar Beach: Ram Nagar Beach is a remote and quiet beach, with black sand, clear water, and a forest. It is ideal for snorkeling, fishing, and camping. You can also spot some wildlife and birds on the beach, and some huts and cottages for accommodation.
Enjoy the Activities:
Neil Island is a paradise for adventure lovers, as it offers a range of activities and experiences that will thrill and delight you. Some of the popular activities on Neil Island are:
Scuba Diving: Scuba diving is one of the best ways to explore the underwater world of Neil Island, and see the amazing marine life and coral reefs. You can choose from different dive sites, such as Margherita’s Mischief, Bus Stop, and Junction, and dive with professional instructors and guides.
You can also get a certificate and a photo of your dive, and rent or buy the equipment and accessories. The cost of scuba diving ranges from Rs. 3500 to Rs. 6000 per person, depending on the dive site and the operator.
Snorkeling: Snorkeling is another way to enjoy the beauty and diversity of the marine life and coral reefs on Neil Island, without going too deep into the water. You can snorkel at any of the beaches on Neil Island, or take a boat ride to some of the snorkeling spots, such as Neil’s Cove, Kala Patthar, and Natural Bridge. You can also rent or buy the snorkeling gear and accessories, and get guidance and assistance from the staff. The cost of snorkeling ranges from Rs. 500 to Rs. 1500 per person, depending on the snorkeling spot and the operator.
Glass-Bottom Boat Ride: Glass-bottom boat ride is a fun and easy way to see the marine life and coral reefs on Neil Island, without getting wet or wearing any gear. You can take a glass-bottom boat ride from Bharatpur Beach, and see the colorful fishes, corals, turtles, and other creatures through the glass bottom of the boat. You can also take photos and videos of the underwater scenery, and enjoy the views of the island and the sea. The cost of glass-bottom boat ride is Rs. 500 per person, for a 30-minute ride.
Cycling: Cycling is a great way to explore the island, and enjoy the views of the beaches, the fields, the villages, and the hills. You can rent a cycle from any of the shops or hotels on Neil Island, and ride along the roads and trails that connect the different parts of the island. You can also stop at any of the attractions or points of interest, and interact with the locals and the nature. The cost of renting a cycle is Rs. 100 per hour, or Rs. 500 per day.
Yoga, Spa, Meditation, and Massage: If you want to relax and rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul, you can indulge in some of the wellness and holistic activities on Neil Island, such as yoga, spa, meditation, and massage. You can join a yoga class, or practice on your own, at any of the beaches or resorts on Neil Island, and learn the techniques and benefits of yoga.
You can also visit a spa, or book a massage, at any of the resorts or hotels on Neil Island, and enjoy the treatments and therapies that will soothe and heal you. You can also meditate, or practice mindfulness, at any of the peaceful and serene spots on Neil Island, and experience the calmness and clarity of your mind. The cost of these activities varies depending on the service and the provider.
Where to Stay on Neil Island?
Neil Island has a range of accommodation options that suit every budget and preference. You can choose from resorts, hotels, cottages, homestays, and camps, that offer comfortable and cozy rooms, with modern amenities and services. You can also enjoy the views of the sea, the garden, or the hills from your accommodation, and experience the natural beauty of Neil Island. Some of the popular places to stay on Neil Island are:
Summer Sands Beach Resort:
Summer Sands Beach Resort is one of the best and most luxurious resorts on Neil Island, located on the Laxmanpur Beach. It offers spacious and elegant rooms, villas, and suites, with air-conditioning, TV, Wi-Fi, minibar, and balcony. It also has a restaurant, a bar, a swimming pool, a spa, a gym, and a conference hall. It also organizes various activities and events for the guests, such as scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing, cycling, yoga, etc. The cost of staying at Summer Sands Beach Resort ranges from Rs. 8000 to Rs. 15000 per night, depending on the room type and the season.
Tango Beach Resort:
Tango Beach Resort is another excellent and affordable resort on Neil Island, located on the Bharatpur Beach. It offers cozy and comfortable rooms, cottages, and bungalows, with air-conditioning, TV, Wi-Fi, and balcony. It also has a restaurant, a café, a garden, and a playground. It also arranges various activities and tours for the guests, such as glass-bottom boat ride, sightseeing, camping, etc. The cost of staying at Tango Beach Resort ranges from Rs. 3000 to Rs. 6000 per night, depending on the room type and the season.
Pearl Park Beach Resort:
Pearl Park Beach Resort is a charming and budget-friendly resort on Neil Island, located on the Sitapur Beach. It offers simple and clean rooms, huts, and tents, with fan, TV, and Wi-Fi. It also has a restaurant, a lounge, a library, and a terrace. It also provides various facilities and services for the guests, such as laundry, car rental, bike rental, etc. The cost of staying at Pearl Park Beach Resort ranges from Rs. 1000 to Rs. 3000 per night, depending on the room type and the season.
Sea Shell Neil: Sea Shell Neil is a modern and stylish hotel on Neil Island, located on the Ram Nagar Beach. It offers deluxe and premium rooms, with air-conditioning, TV, Wi-Fi, minibar, and balcony. It also has a restaurant, a bar, a swimming pool, and a garden. It also offers various amenities and conveniences for the guests, such as room service, airport transfer, travel desk, etc. The cost of staying at Sea Shell Neil ranges from Rs. 5000 to Rs. 10000 per night, depending on the room type and the season.
Some Tips and Advice for Travellers
Here are some tips and advice on how to choose and book the best accommodation option for you on Neil Island:
Best Time to Book:
The best time to book your accommodation on Neil Island is as early as possible, especially if you are planning to visit during the peak season, when the demand is high and the availability is low. You can also book your accommodation during the off-season, when the supply is high and the demand is low, and enjoy some discounts and offers.
Best Deals and Discounts:
The best deals and discounts for your accommodation on Neil Island are available on the official websites or the authorized agents of the resorts or hotels. You can also book your accommodation through some of the reputed and reliable travel companies, such as Tripoto, that offer hassle-free and convenient booking services. You can also compare the prices, ratings, and reviews of different accommodation options and choose the best one for you.
Best Cancellation and Refund Policies:
The best cancellation and refund policies for your accommodation on Neil Island are the ones that are flexible and fair, and allow you to cancel or modify your booking without any penalty or charge, in case of any unforeseen circumstances or changes in your plan. You should also check the terms and conditions of the cancellation and refund policies before booking your accommodation, and make sure that you are aware of the deadlines and the procedures.
Neil Island is a hidden paradise in Andaman that you must visit if you are looking for a vacation that is relaxing, refreshing, and rewarding. It is a place where you can enjoy the best of nature, culture, and adventure, and create some unforgettable memories.
We hope that this guide has helped you to discover why you should visit Neil Island, how to reach it, what to do there, and where to stay. We also hope that you have found our tips and advice useful and helpful.
Now, what are you waiting for? Book your tickets, pack your bags, and get ready to explore the amazing Neil Island. We are sure that you will have a wonderful time there, and we would love to hear from you about your experience.
If you have any questions, feedback, or suggestions, please feel free to leave them in the comments section below. We would be happy to answer them and assist you.
Thank you for reading this article, and we hope to see you soon on Neil Island. Happy travels!