1. Go hiking and discover the Natural Coral Bridge

Put on your trekking shoes and discover the Natural Coral Bridge, which is formed by two living corals. Though the place is open 24 hours a day, it is best to view the bridge during low tide. Most trekkers like to visit its tip, which leads to a muddy path and a small man-made garden. You can also explore the island’s tropical jungle while witnessing a breathtaking view. If you’re new to hiking, fret not as this activity is suitable for all levels of hikers. You can even hire a guide, which is highly recommended to avoid getting lost in the jungle. Meanwhile, the roads on the island are narrow and long. As you traverse these roads, get ready to be mesmerized by the surrounding paddy fields, long banana plantations, and other forms of agriculture.

Natural Coral Bridge

Address: Shahid Neil Island, Andaman Sea, India

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

2. Go snorkeling and sea walking at Bharatpur Beach

The island’s pristine clear water makes it an ideal place for snorkeling and sea walking enthusiasts. Explore the hidden gems such as the vivid corals, colorful fishes, and thriving marine life. All you need is a mask, a snorkel, and an adventurous soul. Bharatpur beach is the prime destination when it comes to the island’s water sports activities. The best thing about snorkeling is that it doesn’t have any age barrier. Moreover, you can easily rent snorkeling gear since it is available in most resorts on the island. With some luck and patience, you may even spot the state animal of Andaman, the dugong (sea cow), in your snorkeling session.

Bharatpur Beach

Address: Bharatpur, Andaman and Nicobar Islands 744104, India

Opening hours: 8am - 5pm (daily)

3. Go sightseeing at Laxmanpur Beach

Endowed with water that is crystal clear and has a deep blue hue, Laxmanpur Beach is a white-sand beach that’s perfect for anyone who enjoys sightseeing and doing casual trips. Regarded as a non-commercial travel destination, this beach is included in many tourists’ itineraries. One of the major highlights of the beach is the coral reefs which you can easily observe on the seashore and while you are snorkeling. It is also a kid-friendly beach as it offers a variety of activities to keep your children occupied. These include playing on the white sand, collecting seashells, and swimming in shallow waters. If you have a knack for photography, Laxmanpur Beach is blessed with stunning natural beauty that makes it a perfect spot for taking colorful snapshots. So go ahead and release your creative side by clicking the shutter button and choosing a great angle for your photos. Other activities you can enjoy at Laxmanpur Beach include sunbathing, bird watching, scuba diving, and sunrise and sunset watching. Although the weather is pleasant all throughout the year, the peak tourist months in Laxmanpur Beach are from October to May.

Laxmanpur Beach

Address: Village road, Laxmanpur, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India

Opening hours: 8am - 5pm (daily)

4. Enjoy a scuba diving adventure on Neil Island

Scuba diving is a great way to discover and explore the beautiful marine life that Neil Island is known for. Have a breathtaking underwater adventure when you swim among the colorful fish. Admire the rich and beautiful corals which remain untouched by human activities. The adventure begins at Bharatpur Beach, where several dive centers are located. This is where you gear up with the scuba jackets, oxygen masks, and other necessary equipment. Neil Island has a number of diving schools that offer short-term diving courses, so you don’t have to worry if you’re a beginner. The best season to go scuba diving is from December to May.

Scuba Diving at Neil Island

Address: Shahid Neil Island, Andaman Sea, India

5. View marine life by riding a glass-bottom boat

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

This unique ride on a glass-bottom boat allows visitors to witness the island’s alluring marine life from a different perspective. It’s perfect for those who do not desire to go underwater but do not want to miss the spectacular view that’s waiting to be unveiled underneath. With a glass-bottom boat, visitors can enjoy viewing mammals, fishes, colorful corals and dense reefs while feeling the wind and the warm weather of the island. Being the safest ride to discover underwater paradise, the glass bottom boat ride is mostly enjoyed by children who wish to experience a fun underwater adventure.

Heaven Rider Glass-Bottom Boat Ride

Address: Bharatpur Beach, Neil Island, South Andaman, Andaman & Nicobar, India

Opening hours: 7am - 4:30pm (daily)

6. Marvel at the breathtaking sunrise and sunset at Sitapur Beach

Situated on the southern tip of Shahid Neil Island, Sitapur Beach is famous for its iconic sunrise and sunset. It is also regarded as one of the most peaceful and serene beaches in the island. With fewer travelers visiting the beach, it’s no wonder why it’s been well-preserved while retaining the raw state of nature and wildlife. Officially named “Sunrise Beach” by the administration, Sitapur Beach is directly exposed to the open sea on one side, allowing a clear view of the sunrise. After watching the sunrise, you can walk along the shoreline and enjoy the ocean breeze. Continue walking until you reach “Sunset Point” where you can get a better view of the daily scene it’s named after. It is a vantage point that you can easily find at the entrance side of the beach. The best time to visit Sitapur Beach is during the months of January to May of every year. This is the peak season and visitors can appreciate the pleasant weather at the beach.

Sitapur Beach

Address: Beach No.5, Neil island, Andaman and Nicobar island

Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)

Spend a fun and meaningful stay in Shahid Neil Island

With so many things that you can do on the island, it’s no wonder why Andaman’s Shahid Neil Island continues to attract a throng of visitors year after year. Whether you love the sea, the forest, the air, or just the sight of the sun rising and setting in the horizon, Shahid Neil Island will always be your ultimate vacation destination.