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.

Main image
Ritchie's Archipelago Button Islands.png
Ritchie's Archipelago Inglis Island.png
Ritchie's Archipelago Neil Island.png
Ritchie's Archipelago Nicholson Island.png
Ritchie's Archipelago
12.2333, 93.1667

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.

Dry season (best)
December-March · 24-30°C
Calm seas, excellent visibility for snorkeling and diving; the busiest tourist months.
Monsoon shoulder
November and April · 24-29°C
Fewer visitors but still generally good sea conditions; services may be less frequent.

Weather & Climate near Ritchie's Archipelago #

Climate
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
34°
Warmest Month
23°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

Weather

1.8
UV Index
Very High
11.4h daylight

February

Weather

2.2
UV Index
Extreme
11.6h daylight

March

Weather

2.4
UV Index
Extreme
12.0h daylight

April

Weather

2.6
UV Index
Extreme
12.3h daylight

May

Weather

2.0
UV Index
Extreme
12.6h daylight

June

Weather

1.9
UV Index
Very High
12.7h daylight

July

Weather

1.9
UV Index
Very High
12.7h daylight

August

Weather

2.0
UV Index
Very High
12.4h daylight

September

Weather

2.0
UV Index
Extreme
12.1h daylight

October

Weather

2.0
UV Index
Very High
11.7h daylight

November

Weather

1.8
UV Index
Very High
11.4h daylight

December

Weather

1.7
UV Index
Very High
11.3h daylight

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