Swimming in Andaman – Paradise with Precautions

Andaman is blessed with postcard-perfect beaches and waters so blue, they almost feel unreal. The kind of place where the sea calls out to you — whether you’re passing by a quiet beach or walking along a buzzing coastline. And yes, most people instantly feel like taking a dip the moment they see that water.

But here’s the part that often gets overlooked — not every beach in Andaman is meant for swimming.

As dreamy as it all looks, some areas have strong undercurrents, some are protected by marine authorities, and others are simply not safe due to local terrain. So as a traveler, you’ve got to be a little mindful — and that’s where this blog helps.

We’re not here to scare you off — in fact, quite the opposite. There are some incredible beaches in Andaman where swimming is not just allowed but absolutely refreshing. But knowing where to go (and where not to) is the key to enjoying it the right way.

What Makes Andaman Beaches So Different?

Let’s dive into the details — so your beach days in Andaman are as safe as they are unforgettable.

India has no shortage of beautiful coastlines — Goa, Kerala, Pondicherry, Gokarna — each with its own personality. But Andaman? It plays in a different league altogether.

The beaches here are untouched by city chaos. The water feels more like the Maldives than anything you’d expect in India. No noisy beach bars. No vendors calling out. No thumping music.

Just you, the sea, and silence.

The vibe is raw, clean, and deeply immersive. You don’t just “visit” a beach in Andaman — you experience it. Even standing still in waist-deep water feels calming here. That’s what makes swimming so special on these islands — it’s not just about cooling off, it’s about connecting with nature.

To help you understand the difference better, here’s a quick comparison:

Features	Andaman Beaches	Mainland Beaches
Water Color	Crystal-clear turquoise & aqua shades	Mostly greenish-brown or grey-blue
Crowd Density	Low to very minimal	Moderate to very high, especially in season
Cleanliness	Extremely clean, well-preserved	Varies – often littered or crowded
Noise Level	Quiet, calm, close to nature	Louder – music, vendors, water sports buzz
Swimming Experience	Gentle waves, soft seabed, reef lagoons	Often stronger tides, uneven seabed
Wildlife & Coral Views	High – fishes, corals visible near shore	Very limited
Commercialization	Low (except a few popular spots)	High – beach shacks, shops, parties
Vibe	Peaceful, immersive, raw nature	Social, fun, vibrant crowd vibe

Islands Where Swimming and Playing in Water is Most Enjoyable

While the Andaman archipelago is filled with stunning beaches, not all islands are equal when it comes to safe and enjoyable swimming. Based on safety, accessibility, and overall vibe, here are the top islands where your loved ones and kids can comfortably get into the water:

Note: Earlier, places like Wandoor Beach and Chidiya Tapu were open for swimming, but due to crocodile sightings, authorities have now limited access and reduced swimming zones in those areas for safety reasons.

Best Beaches In Andaman Where You Can Swim Freely

Here’s a carefully curated list of beaches by our Dekho Andaman on ground experts across different islands in Andaman where swimming is considered safe, beautiful, and deeply refreshing. If you are into a family trip or a honeymoon trip , then list will give a great info on how to plan the itinerary to Andaman and what to expect

Before diving into the list, it’s important to understand how to understand swim-safe beaches in Andaman and Nicobar Island.

Look out for visible signboards installed by the local administration, usually placed at beach entry points or along the shore. These boards indicate whether swimming is permitted and often specify safe zones using flag markers. Many popular beaches also have lifeguard towers, which not only offer support but also signal active safety monitoring. If you don’t see any markers or supervision — it’s best to skip getting into the water there.

1. Radhanagar Beach – Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep)

If there’s one beach that truly defines the beauty of Andaman, it’s Radhanagar. Stretching wide from left to right, this is a massive, flat beach covered in pure white sand, framed by lush green forest on one side and clear blue waters on the other. What makes it even more special is how swim-friendly it is. The government has clearly marked the swimming zones, allowing both swimmers and non-swimmers to enjoy the water safely.

The sea depth increases very gently, meaning you can walk far into the water without it getting suddenly deep. It’s perfect even if you’re just looking to float or splash around. There are also trained lifeguards stationed along the beach, and safety equipment is visible — making it one of the most secure beaches in India for swimming.

• Best time to swim: 8 AM to 3 PM
• Water conditions: Calm and shallow, safe for all levels
• Facilities: Lifeguards, changing rooms, freshwater, coconut stalls

2. Lalaji Bay Beach – Long Island

This is one of those beaches that makes you feel like you’ve discovered a secret. Located on Long Island, Lalaji Bay is untouched, raw, and almost deserted. The best part? You get to enjoy a massive, open shoreline all to yourself — with waters that feel like a private pool.

The sand is soft, the waters are clean and incredibly shallow for long stretches, and the entire experience feels straight out of a Maldives island resort. You can walk in the water for hundreds of meters without the depth increasing much. It’s ideal for a quiet swim, a peaceful float, or even just lying in the water.

Best time to swim: Mid-morning to early afternoon

Water conditions: Calm, wide stretch with low depth

Facilities: None — carry your own water, towels, and snacks

3. Kalapatthar Beach – Havelock Island

Kalapatthar Beach feels like a peaceful dream. As you drive toward it, the road opens up on your left to reveal uninterrupted views of turquoise water — it’s a treat even before you reach the beach. When you do, you’re greeted by a long white-sand beach backed by black rocks, and a small section that’s perfect for swimming.

Though the full stretch of the beach is huge, only a partially marked zone near the center is suitable for swimming. But within that zone, the water remains shallow for a surprising distance — you can walk 800 to 900 meters into the sea and still feel the sandy floor under your feet.

It’s great for a morning swim or even an evening dip during sunset, especially if you’re someone who enjoys being active by the beach.

Best time to swim: 7 AM to 10 AM or after 4 PM

Water conditions: Calm in the marked zone, long shallow area

Facilities: Limited stalls; carry water and footwear

4. Bharatpur Beach – Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep)

Bharatpur Beach is where fun and nature meet. This is the most lively beach in Neil Island — full of activity but still incredibly swimmable. The entire beach is like a giant shallow lagoon, meaning you can walk in, float, snorkel, or even sit in the water without worrying about depth.

This beach is also home to water sports operators offering jet skiing, banana boats, and glass-bottom boat rides. But the swim zone is clearly separated from activity areas, making it safe for everyone. The best part is that even non-swimmers can safely enjoy the water, thanks to the gently sloping seabed and no sudden dips.

Best time to swim: 9 AM to noon

Water conditions: Shallow and transparent, beginner-friendly

Facilities: Water sports, rental stalls, snack counters

5. Ross and Smith Islands – Diglipur

Two islands joined by a natural sandbar, surrounded by beautiful, shallow sea perfect for swimming.

Best time to swim: Low tide

Water conditions: Calm with mild currents

Facilities: Forest permit required, good resting areas with beautiful forest shacks and huts

6. Corbyn’s Cove – Port Blair

City-side beach that allows safe swimming within marked zones. Easy to reach, good for a short splash.

Best time to swim: Early mornings or weekdays

Water conditions: Moderate, mostly safe

Facilities: Lifeguards, cafes, seating benches

7. Chidiya Tapu – Port Blair (With Restrictions)

Though mostly known for its sunsets, parts of the beach used to be open for swimming before crocodile sightings limited access.

Best time to swim: Only if declared safe by authorities

Water conditions: Varied, depending on tide and zone

Facilities: Forest check post, basic amenities

Why Most Itineraries Show the Same Beaches — And Why That’s a Good Thing

Seen the same beaches on every tour package? You’re not alone.

Radhanagar, Bharatpur, Corbyn’s Cove… again and again. Why?

Because these are the government-approved, well-maintained, and safest beaches for travelers. Lifeguards are often posted. Access roads are good. The water is studied and monitored for currents and marine safety. These beaches aren’t just beautiful — they’re reliable.

It’s not repetition — it’s recommendation.

So, when you see these same names popping up, it’s a sign you’re on the right track.

Beaches of Andaman Islands where Swimming is Not Recommended

While many beaches in Andaman are open and safe for swimming as mentioned above, there are also a few where you should either avoid going into the water or proceed with extreme caution.

If you’re a first-time traveler to Andaman, you may notice several other beach names appearing in your tour itinerary — not all of them are ideal for swim or going inside. Some look inviting but are either unmonitored, unsafe, or restricted due to local regulations or wildlife presence.

So here’s a quick list of beaches where entering the water is not recommended:

1. Wandoor Beach – Port Blair

This used to be a popular beach for locals and travelers alike, but crocodile sightings in recent years have led to heavy restrictions. Swimming is banned unless declared safe by the forest department on rare occasions.

Chidiya Tapu – Port Blair

This beach is known for its sunset views, but swimming is limited and heavily monitored due to wildlife presence and strong currents. Always check with the authorities before entering the water.

Sitapur Beach – Neil Island

Although stunning at sunrise, Sitapur has strong wave activity and rough terrain. There are no designated swim zones, and no lifeguards are stationed here.

Lakshmanpur Beach 1 – Neil Island

Great for walking and sunset views, but not advised for swimming due to rocky patches and deeper waters.

Remote Beaches in North & Middle Andaman

These include places like Guitar Island, Merk Bay, and parts of Rangat. They may look beautiful but often have no lifeguards, no signage, and unpredictable currents. Swimming here is best avoided.

Port Blair Marine Drive Beaches (Near Marina Park)

While scenic and walkable, the beaches along Marine Drive in Port Blair — especially near Marina Park — are not meant for swimming. These are more like waterfront promenades or breakwater zones with no safe entry points. The water here can be choppy, and boating activity is high. Use this area for sunsets and ocean breeze strolls — not sea dips.

Essential Swimming Safety Tips in Andaman

• Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, here are some quick safety reminders to ensure your swim is safe, fun, and worry-free:

• Obey the Flags: Red flags mean “no swimming.” Green means go. Yellow indicates caution.

• Look for Signboards: Government beaches clearly indicate if swimming is allowed — respect the boundaries.

• Swim Only in Daylight: Avoid early mornings or late evenings when visibility is poor.

• Stick to Lifeguard Zones: If lifeguards are present, stay within sight.

• Avoid After Heavy Rains: Water currents can be strong and unpredictable.

• No Swimming After Alcohol: Save the drink for after your beach time.

• Use Reef-Safe Sunscreen: Protect marine life and coral reefs.

• Wear Aqua Shoes: Many beaches have coral fragments or sea urchins near shore.