Ritchie's Archipelago
Islands Cluster of Andaman islands with coral reefs and beaches
A chain of Andaman Islands east of Havelock, Ritchie’s Archipelago offers coral reefs, sandy beaches and small island settlements; tourists come for snorkeling, diving and beach‑hopping.
How to Get to Ritchie's Archipelago #
Ferries and government launches run from Port Blair to the main islands of Ritchie’s Archipelago (Havelock/Swaraj, Neil). Regular private and public ferry services operate in the dry season; crossings take between 1.5 and 3 hours depending on the vessel and destination. Port Blair is served by flights from Chennai, Kolkata and other Indian cities.
Tips for Visiting Ritchie's Archipelago #
- Use the inter-island passenger ferries operated from Port Blair to reach the Ritchie's group; book crossings well in advance during peak season (Dec-Mar).
- Hire local guides on each island - they know the best snorkel flats and avoid seasonal jellyfish patches.
- Respect local village rules: some islands have protected wetland areas and limited visitor numbers.
Best Time to Visit Ritchie's Archipelago #
The best time to visit is the dry season, roughly December through March, when sea conditions allow regular ferry services and underwater visibility is highest.