Long, deserted white sand beaches, waves for an alarm clock and roads so flat you can cycle the whole island in an afternoon. Neil is the slower, quieter side of the Andamans.
Low tide
Snorkelling
Sunset
Sunrise
Coral
Market
Neil Island, officially known as Shaheed Dweep, is a small island in Andaman famous for its long stretches of deserted white sand beaches, the sound of waves as your alarm clock, and roads so flat you can cycle the entire island in an afternoon.
Situated in Ritchie’s Archipelago, Neil Island offers genuine tranquility and a pace of life wonderfully slower than nearby Havelock (Swaraj Dweep).
It is a compact, flat island that promotes slow travel and effortless mobility: you can cover it on foot in about two hours or cycle leisurely between beaches. For travellers seeking relaxation among pristine, uncrowded beaches, this is your destination.
Neil Island is also popular for water sports and beach activities, especially at Bharatpur Beach, which attracts visitors looking for excitement as well as peace.
Planning a trip to this remote island involves real logistics, from ferry bookings to infrastructure limits that can catch you off guard. That’s why we’ve put together this guide with first-hand information to help your trip run smoothly.
You'll hear both names used interchangeably. Historically known as Neil Island, it was officially renamed Shaheed Dweep on December 30, 2018, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The renaming honoured the 75th anniversary of Subhas Chandra Bose hoisting the Indian flag in Port Blair.
The island remained uninhabited until the late 1960s, when settlers, mainly refugees from erstwhile East Pakistan, arrived and built the communities you see today. Throughout this guide we use both names.
Neil Island is part of Ritchie’s Archipelago, about 40 kilometres northeast of Port Blair. At just 18.9 square kilometres, with the widest part only 5 km across, it’s wonderfully manageable.
Unlike most Andaman islands, Neil is remarkably flat, with no steep hills or difficult roads. That makes it ideal for cycling and very easy to get around. Much of the land was historically used for paddy cultivation.
This farming heritage earned it the nickname “the vegetable bowl of the Andaman Islands” for supplying fresh, organic produce to the region. Roughly 7 km from corner to corner, it’s the perfect escape from the relative bustle of Havelock.
Neil Island has a tropical climate all year, but timing matters. The two main seasons, dry and monsoon, shape what you can do here.
Indian nationals do not need a permit to visit the Andaman Islands. Foreign travellers must follow these formalities:
Neil Island can only be reached by sea. There are no flights to the island.
The closest airport is Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair. From there, you reach Neil by ferry from either Port Blair or Havelock Island.
| Ferry operator | Departure | Arrival | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Makruzz | 08:00 AM | 11:00 AM | 3h 0m | ₹1,700 |
| Govt. Ferry | 02:30 PM | 04:15 PM | 1h 45m | ₹1,000 |
| Ferry operator | Departure | Arrival | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Green Ocean 1 Economy | 09:15 AM | 10:30 AM | 1h 15m | ₹1,400 |
| Green Ocean Premium | 09:45 AM | 11:00 AM | 1h 15m | ₹1,200 |
| ITT Majestic Silver | 10:30 AM | 11:30 AM | 1h 0m | ₹1,650 |
| Govt. Ferry | 02:00 PM | 03:15 PM | 1h 15m | ₹1,000 |
| Makruzz (Premium) | 02:30 PM | 03:30 PM | 1h 0m | ₹1,850 |
| Nautika Luxury | 03:00 PM | 03:45 PM | 0h 45m | ₹1,650 |
We strongly recommend private ferries. You can book online in advance, seats are confirmed, schedules are reliable and the ride is more comfortable.
Most travellers go Port Blair → Havelock → Neil, then back via Havelock → Port Blair. It saves money on direct routes and lets you see Havelock without an extra trip back to Port Blair.
Government ferries have much lower, fixed fares. The catch: getting a confirmed ticket as a tourist is hard, because tickets are mainly reserved for island residents.
Unless you're extremely flexible, book a private ferry and save yourself the stress.
The beauty of Neil Island is its simplicity. Most visitors do the “3 point tour”, covering the three main beaches plus the famous Natural Bridge.
The Natural Bridge, locally called Howrah Bridge, is Neil Island’s defining attraction. This natural rock arch was carved by centuries of waves eroding the limestone coast. It sits near Laxmanpur Beach.
The Natural Bridge is only visible and reachable at low tide. On the same day the tide can drop to 0.14 metres and rise to 2.41 metres, when the bridge is completely under water. Check the Neil Island tide timings with your hotel or the tourist information centre before you go.
Just 550 metres from Neil Kendra, the main village, Bharatpur Beach is close to the jetty and is the island’s main water sports centre.
On Neil’s western coast, Laxmanpur Beach is known for two things: spectacular sunsets and unusual limestone rock formations along the shore. It has white shell sand and shallow, calm water, perfect for sunbathing, and it’s one of the best sunset spots in the Andamans.
Laxmanpur is known for ravenous sandflies, especially in the evening. Bring insect repellent, or a beach chair or hammock to stay off the sand. The beach faces the open sea and the tides are too strong, so don't attempt to swim here.
Five kilometres south at the island’s tip, Sitapur Beach is Neil’s best-kept secret for sunrise. It’s quiet and beautiful, and faces the open sea, so it’s more exposed to tides and waves and has clear views to the east.
The sea at Sitapur can be rough, with strong currents and tides. Don't attempt to swim here.
A rocky beach about 2 kilometres from the jetty, with extensive coral visible from the shore. It’s a great place to spot marine life, including ornamental fish, sea urchins, sea anemones, sea cucumbers and starfish.
This tiny island at Neil’s southern tip, locally called ‘Chhota Neil’, is a wildlife sanctuary and turtle nesting ground.
Neil Island is loved for its laid-back vibe and natural beauty. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a nature lover or just want to unwind, there’s plenty to do, from exploring coral reefs to cycling past paddy fields.
The clear waters around Neil are a paradise for anyone who loves the underwater world, thanks to thriving coral reefs and abundant marine life.
At Bharatpur Beach, the island’s water sports hub, you can snorkel or join a certified scuba session to see tropical fish, colourful coral gardens and sometimes even dolphins. Glass bottom boat rides are perfect if you want to see marine life without getting wet.
Whether you’re an experienced diver or a first-timer, the calm seas and expert guides make it easy to explore.
One of the best ways to experience Neil is on two wheels. The island is flat with no sharp bends, so it’s made for cycling.
Rent a bicycle or a scooty and ride out to Ramnagar, Sitapur and Laxmanpur beaches. Along the way you’ll pass fields, palms and the main bazaar, where you can try local organic produce and fresh seafood. Distances are short, so beach hopping is easy.
For a feel of island life, stroll through Neil’s villages. A visit to Neil Kendra Market is a must: it’s where locals gather, and you’ll find everything from fresh produce to handmade souvenirs.
Hop on a local bus to see other parts of the island, or simply wander the lanes to discover small shops, friendly faces and the everyday rhythm of island life.
Neil is famous for its sunsets and sunrises over the Andaman Sea. For sunrise, head to Sitapur Beach. In the evening, go to Laxmanpur Beach, the island’s best sunset spot.
For a different view, take a boat ride at dawn or dusk. October to February has the best weather for these, along with the full range of water sports and beach activities.
This chapter covers the practical details that make the difference between a smooth trip and a difficult one.
Neil Kendra is the island’s central village market, right next to the jetty. Everything essential is here or nearby: the two ATMs, the bus stop and most auto and taxi points.
Known as the “vegetable bowl of the Andaman Islands”, Neil’s food is all about fresh produce and simple cooking. Most meals are at resort restaurants or small local stalls.
The market and jetty area are the best places for affordable, authentic food, often from small stalls and family-run canteens.
Resorts and specialised eateries serve sit-down meals with Indian and continental food.
| Restaurant | Style | Price range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dugong by Seashell | Premium resort dining | ₹800 to ₹1,500 per person | Fine dining with a blend of luxury and local flavours. |
| Waters Wet Bar | Bar and lounge | ₹1,200 to ₹2,000 per person | Known for cocktails and finger food. |
| Garden View Restaurant | Resort eatery | ₹600 to ₹1,200 per person | Set in lush green surroundings. |
| Blue Sea | Restaurant | ₹500 to ₹1,000 per person | Budget-friendly meals and homely Andaman food. |
| Vibes & Dives | Sitapur beachside | Moderate | Next to TSG Aura and Emerald Gecko. Great for sunset drinks. |
Restaurants on Neil close much earlier than elsewhere in the Andamans. Sort out dinner before 8 PM, as it's very hard to find food after that. Breakfast usually starts after 8:30 AM, and food is cooked fresh, so expect a wait.
Confirm dinner timings with your hotel as soon as you check in. If you're at Laxmanpur or Sitapur for sunset, order your meal beforehand, and carry light snacks if you'll be back late, as small shops shut soon after the restaurants.
Neil Island has stays for every budget.
Flat, well-built roads and short distances make getting around easy. The island is only about 7 km from one corner to the other.
Only some beaches are supervised for safe swimming, snorkelling and diving, so take these precautions seriously.
| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
| Ask the Tourist Information Centre and Forest Department staff about safe swimming areas. | Don’t swim in protected areas, to avoid dangerous animals. |
| Always have an adult supervise children. | Don’t dangle your arms or legs in the water on boat rides. |
| Ask the lifeguard on duty about currents, tides and marine creatures. | Don’t swim under the influence of drugs or alcohol. |
| Avoid swimming in the dark. | Avoid shiny jewellery or bright clothes while swimming, as they may attract predatory fish. |
| If you get into trouble, stay calm and wave your arm for help. | Don’t swim with an open wound, as predatory fish are attracted to blood. |
| Avoid diving or swimming among schools of fish, which may attract predatory fish. |
| Service | Contact numbers |
|---|---|
| Primary Health Centre | 03192-282627, 03192-282676 |
| Police Radio | 03192-282602 |
| Chief Wildlife Warden (Port Blair) | 03192-233270 |
| Tourist Information Centre (Port Blair) | 03192-232694 |
For jetty transfers or a guided tour of the island, get in touch with our team. Our air-conditioned cabs run all year.
| Service or tour | Price |
|---|---|
| 3 point tour: Bharatpur, Laxmanpur, Natural Bridge and jetty transfers | ₹2,000 |
| Neil Island tour: Laxmanpur, Natural Bridge and jetty transfers | ₹1,700 |
| Sitapur Beach sunrise trip | ₹500 |
| Bharatpur Beach trip | ₹500 |
| Jetty transfers | ₹500 |
As locals with first-hand experience of Shaheed Dweep, we focus on accurate, transparent logistics.
From private ferry seats to hotels and cabs on Neil Island, contact us or browse our Andaman tour packages, many of which include Neil.
Tell us your dates. We match hotels to your ferry timings and send a free day-by-day plan.
Get a free itinerarySeasons, islands, ferries and local tips for planning the whole trip.
Airport and jetty transfers, sightseeing and full-day car hire.
Meet the Port Blair team behind these guides.
