Andaman Packing List: What to Pack for Every Season
Packing for the Andamans is easy once you accept three facts: it is warm all year, you will be in and near water a lot, and you will carry your bags on and off ferries. Light, quick-drying clothes beat anything formal. Here is the list we give our own guests.
Clothes
- 4 to 6 light cotton or quick-dry tops
- 2 to 3 shorts or light trousers
- 2 swimsuits or swim shorts, so one is always dry
- 1 light cover-up or kurta for temples, museums and the Cellular Jail
- 1 smart-casual outfit for dinner, or a candlelight evening
- A light rain jacket or poncho from May to December, and a thin layer for air-conditioned cabs and ferries
- A wide-brim hat and sunglasses
Footwear
Flip-flops or water sandals cover most of the trip. Add one pair of closed shoes if you plan a forest walk such as Mount Harriet. Rubber-soled water shoes help on coral-strewn beaches, but never step on or collect live coral.
Sun, skin and water
- Sunscreen with high SPF. Choose a reef-friendly formula if you can, because you will be swimming over coral.
- After-sun lotion or aloe gel
- Insect repellent for evenings, especially near mangroves
- A reusable water bottle. Refill it at your hotel rather than buying small plastic bottles on every island.
- A dry bag or a few zip bags, since boats and sudden showers are part of island life
Documents and money
- Original photo ID for every adult. Foreign visitors also carry their passport and visa, because registration happens on arrival.
- Printed or saved copies of hotel and ferry confirmations
- Some cash. ATMs exist in Port Blair and Havelock, but cards and UPI can be unreliable on smaller islands, so carry notes for tips, small shops and entry tickets.
Medicines and health
- Your regular prescriptions, in original packaging
- Motion-sickness tablets if you are sensitive. Ferry crossings can be choppy.
- Basic first-aid: plasters, antiseptic, pain relief, oral rehydration salts
- Anything you need for allergies. Pharmacies on Neil and Havelock are limited.
Electronics
- Phone, charger and a power bank
- A waterproof phone pouch for boats and beaches
- A camera or action cam if you plan to dive or snorkel. Photo and video rules apply in some places, so read our rules and tips guide.
- Mobile signal is patchy outside Port Blair and parts of Havelock. Download offline maps and tickets before you leave the main island.
Seasonal tweaks
| Season | Add to your bag |
|---|---|
| Peak and main season (October to March) | Light layers for cooler evenings, sunglasses, a good hat |
| Off season (April to September) | Rain jacket, extra pair of sandals, dry bags, a towel that dries fast |
| Honeymoon trips | One dressy outfit, a camera and a small gift for your partner |
| Trips with kids | Spare swim clothes, snacks, a hat for each child, a small first-aid kit |
What to leave at home
Heavy suitcases, formal wear, single-use plastics and valuable jewellery. Hotels and resorts are relaxed, and you will be happier with one cabin bag and a small day pack.
Not sure which islands suit your dates? Build your trip in 60 seconds and we will show the plan and price, or read the month-by-month weather guide first.
Pick your dates and see a day-by-day plan and price in about a minute or see the Havelock & Neil plan.
🏝️ Design my trip in 60sQuestions answered
What should I pack for the Andaman Islands?
Pack light, quick-dry clothes, swimwear, sun protection, a hat, flip-flops, ID proof, cash, basic medicines and a power bank. Add a rain jacket from May to December.
Do I need a jacket in the Andamans?
Rarely. Evenings can feel cooler on a boat or in an air-conditioned cab, so a thin layer is enough. A rain jacket is more useful than a warm one.
Can I buy things on the islands if I forget them?
Port Blair has shops and pharmacies. Havelock and Neil have only a few, so bring sun care, medicines and swimwear with you.
Turn this into your trip
Choose your dates and islands and see an instant price with free jet ski, speed boat ride and more.
🏝️ Design my trip in 60s See packages
