Capital of India's remote Andaman archipelago, Port Blair pairs the haunting Cellular Jail — where freedom fighters were exiled — with jungle-strangled British ruins, vivid coral reefs, and the fringes of humanity's last uncontacted tribes.
Cruise ships dock at Haddo Wharf, an active military and cargo port — passengers must take a ship shuttle to the exit gate before catching local transport.
💡 Pro move: Carry INR cash — credit cards are rarely accepted by local taxis, auto-rickshaws, or small eateries.
All major cruise ships dock at Haddo Wharf; a ship shuttle transfers passengers to the exit gate.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| Most cruise lines | Haddo Wharf, Jetty No. 4, Port Blair📍 | Docked |
| Smaller expedition vessels | Haddo Wharf or Aberdeen Jetty area📍 | Docked |
Port Blair packs history, nature, and island culture into a compact shore day — with colonial ruins, marine parks, and beaches all within reach.
The most significant monument in the Andamans — a seven-wing star-shaped British colonial prison used to exile Indian freedom fighters. Arrive early to beat the heat and crowds; an evocative evening light & sound show runs if your ship overnight-calls.
Find Port Blair history tours →The former British administrative HQ — officially renamed Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep in 2018 — is now a ghost town where giant ficus tree roots swallow the old church, hospital, and ballroom. Friendly deer and peacocks roam the island. Reached by a short ferry from Aberdeen Jetty.
Find Ross Island boat tours →The closest beach to Port Blair — a crescent of sand fringed with coconut palms. Swim, rent a jet ski, or simply enjoy fresh coconut water under a palm. Busy on weekends but calm mid-week.
Find Corbyn's Cove excursions →Run by the Indian Navy, this excellent museum covers the islands' marine life, indigenous tribes, and coral ecosystems. A large blue whale skeleton stands outside. Well organised and genuinely informative.
Find Port Blair museum tours →A quieter beach near the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park — stunning views of uninhabited islands and some of the best snorkelling near Port Blair. Note: swim only in designated zones; saltwater crocodiles inhabit surrounding mangroves.
Find Wandoor snorkelling tours →Port Blair's bustling town centre is free to explore — spice shops, pearl jewellery stalls, and local street food. Flag Point commemorates where Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose first hoisted India's flag on liberated soil in 1943.
Find Port Blair walking tours →Port Blair's sights are spread out — the best self-guided walking is in Aberdeen Bazaar and around the waterfront near the Cellular Jail.
From the heart of Port Blair's market, walk north-east along the waterfront promenade to reach the Cellular Jail entrance. Pass Flag Point and Marina Park along the way.
From Aberdeen Bazaar, it's a short walk to Aberdeen Jetty (Water Sports Complex) where speedboats depart every 30 minutes for Ross Island.
📍 Open in MapsClimate normals for Port Blair, Andaman Islands, India (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainy Days | Sunrise | Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 83°F / 28°C | 76°F / 24°C | 9 | 5:43 AM | 5:13 PM |
| Feb | 84°F / 29°C | 76°F / 24°C | 5 | 5:40 AM | 5:25 PM |
| Mar | 87°F / 31°C | 76°F / 24°C | 4 | 5:26 AM | 5:29 PM |
| Apr | 88°F / 31°C | 79°F / 26°C | 12 | 5:07 AM | 5:30 PM |
| May | 86°F / 30°C | 80°F / 27°C | 26 | 4:55 AM | 5:35 PM |
| Jun | 84°F / 29°C | 79°F / 26°C | 27 | 4:55 AM | 5:43 PM |
| Jul | 84°F / 29°C | 78°F / 26°C | 28 | 5:02 AM | 5:47 PM |
| Aug | 84°F / 29°C | 78°F / 26°C | 27 | 5:08 AM | 5:38 PM |
| Sep | 83°F / 28°C | 77°F / 25°C | 28 | 5:08 AM | 5:19 PM |
| Oct | 83°F / 28°C | 77°F / 25°C | 28 | 5:08 AM | 5:00 PM |
| Nov | 83°F / 28°C | 78°F / 26°C | 19 | 5:15 AM | 4:51 PM |
| Dec | 83°F / 28°C | 77°F / 25°C | 13 | 5:30 AM | 4:57 PM |
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)
Upcoming cruises that call at Port Blair, Andaman Islands, India. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.
Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.