Indian nationals need no permit for Port Blair, Havelock or Neil — an ID proof at the airport is enough. A free Restricted Area Permit, arranged on arrival, is only required for a handful of tribal-belt islands like parts of Baratang and the Nicobars. Foreign nationals get a 30-day permit on landing.

October to May gives you calm seas, clear diving visibility and dry days — December to February is peak season and books out early. The monsoon (June–September) brings lower prices and fewer crowds, but ferries and water sports run on shorter notice.

Government and private ferries run daily between Port Blair, Havelock and Neil, but seats sell out fast in peak season. We pre-book yours the moment your package is confirmed, so there's nothing to queue for on the day.

Honestly patchy. Port Blair has reasonable 4G; Havelock and Neil have working but slow data, with dead zones near the beaches. Treat it as a chance to disconnect — and save your resort's WiFi password for the one photo you need to send home.

Port Blair has plenty of ATMs and most resorts accept cards. On Havelock and Neil, ATMs are limited and occasionally run dry — we always recommend carrying enough cash for two or three days as backup.

Reef-safe sunscreen (regular sunscreen is discouraged near coral), a dry bag for boat transfers, mosquito repellent for evenings, and a light jacket for early ferry rides. Government ID is compulsory at every jetty check-in.