Main image

Biswarup Ganguly CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

Viper Island

Island

Off Port Blair in the Andamans, Viper Island retains colonial-era jail ruins and a small lighthouse; day-trippers arrive by boat to see inscriptions, the gallows site and coastal views back toward the main island.

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In this guide

Viper Island essentials

Hours: Daytime access only (boat trips typically run morning to mid-afternoon)
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About Viper Island

Viper Island is a small island in the South Andaman group, located within the harbour area of Port Blair in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It is best known for visible remains of a British-era penal settlement on its shoreline.

Ruined masonry, collapsed structures and an area traditionally identified as a gallows comprise the main on-island attractions; these lie within a compact area close to the landing. Views across the harbour toward Port Blair and neighboring islands are a secondary draw, and visits are typically part of short island or harbour tours.

The island was used by the British colonial administration as part of their penal system during the 19th century and later; the surviving masonry and burial sites date to that colonial period. The structures fell out of official use as larger penal institutions were established elsewhere in the Andamans.

The island sits within Port Blair harbour on South Andaman Island and is reached by a short boat trip from Port Blair’s waterfront. It is visible from the harbour and lies close to other small historic islands used during the colonial period.

  • Access: Accessible on short boat trips from Port Blair harbour; landing is by small passenger boat rather than large ferries.
  • Visitor note: No large visitor facilities on the island, so bring water and sun protection; visits are usually combined with harbour or island tours from Port Blair.

What to See#

  • Penitentiary ruins: Remains of the British-era penal settlement including masonry foundations and the execution site can be seen across a compact shoreline area; many features are visible from the island’s main landing point.
  • Cemetery and gallows: A small cemetery and the site traditionally referred to as the gallows lie close to the ruins and are interpreted as part of the colonial penal complex.
Things to Do
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Viper Island

Visit in the dry season for reliable boat crossings and calmer seas.

Dry season (October-May)
Oct-May · 24-30°C
Best sea conditions for boat crossings and clearer skies for exploring the ruins.
Monsoon (June-September)
Jun-Sep · 25-30°C
Rough seas and heavy rain; many boat services reduce or suspend trips.

Weather & Climate near Viper Island

Climate

Tropical climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 22°C to 32°C. Heavy rainfall (2527 mm/year), wettest in September with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 63 Moderate
Best Time to Visit
FebruaryMarchJanuary
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
33°
Warmest Month
24°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Excellent 23° - 29° 26° 37 mm partly cloudy 75% 2.0 m/s 1.9 very high 11.4h
February Ideal 23° - 30° 26° 24 mm mostly sunny 72% 1.7 m/s 2.2 extreme 11.7h
March Excellent 23° - 31° 29° 40 mm some cloud 71% 1.9 m/s 2.5 extreme 12.0h
April Very Good 25° - 32° 32° 111 mm partly cloudy 72% 2.1 m/s 2.6 extreme 12.3h
May Good 25° - 31° 32° 296 mm overcast 79% 2.4 m/s 2.0 very high 12.5h
June Good 25° - 30° 30° 332 mm overcast 83% 3.0 m/s 1.9 very high 12.7h
July Good 24° - 29° 27° 331 mm overcast 84% 2.7 m/s 1.9 very high 12.6h
August Good 24° - 29° 27° 341 mm overcast 84% 2.7 m/s 2.0 extreme 12.4h
September Good 24° - 29° 27° 390 mm overcast 83% 2.0 m/s 2.0 extreme 12.1h
October Good 24° - 30° 27° 309 mm overcast 81% 1.7 m/s 2.0 extreme 11.8h
November Good 24° - 30° 27° 217 mm partly cloudy 79% 2.1 m/s 1.8 very high 11.5h
December Very Good 23° - 29° 26° 99 mm partly cloudy 77% 2.3 m/s 1.7 very high 11.3h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Viper Island

Day-boat services to Viper Island depart from Phoenix Bay Jetty in Port Blair; crossings are short (typically 20-30 minutes) but schedules depend on weather and tides. Tickets are sold at Port Blair’s docks and via local operators.

Tips for Visiting Viper Island

  • Boat schedules to Viper Island leave from Phoenix Bay Jetty in Port Blair - confirm times locally as they can change with weather.
  • Respect the site's solemn history: the island houses a former British penal settlement and many visitors leave flowers or small notes at the ruins.
  • Bring sun protection; shade is sparse on the island and return boats can be delayed in rough seas.