Best of AndamanImagine standing barefoot on a quiet Andaman beach at night. The waves roll in, and suddenly the water glows a brilliant blue, like stars scattered in the sea. This magical light comes from tiny plankton, a rare sight called bioluminescence. Andaman is one of the few places in India where you can see it. In this guide, you’ll find the best beaches, the right time to visit, and tips to enjoy this unforgettable glow.
What is Bioluminescence and Why It Happens in Andaman
Bioluminescence is nature’s way of adding a little magic to the ocean. It happens when tiny marine organisms mostly plankton give off light through a natural chemical reaction. When the water is disturbed, whether by a wave, a swimming fish, or even your hand, they glow in shades of blue and green, turning the shoreline into something out of a dream.
The Andaman Islands are one of the few places in India where you can see this clearly. The warm tropical waters, low levels of light pollution, and calm nights create the perfect conditions for the glow to shine bright. The intensity changes with the moon phase, season, and tides on a new moon night, when the sky is darkest, the effect is at its most magical.
Best Bioluminescent Beaches in Andaman
1. Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep) – Beach No. 3 & Beach No. 5
Havelock Island, now officially called Swaraj Dweep, is one of the most famous places in Andaman to see the ocean glow. At Beach No. 3 (Govind Nagar Beach) and Beach No. 5 (Vijaynagar Beach), the water is calm and shallow, which makes the blue sparkles even more visible when the waves touch the shore. On a dark, quiet night, it feels like the sea is scattered with tiny stars.
Evenings are the best time to visit, especially after 8 PM when the beaches are emptier and the glow becomes stronger. If you can, stay at one of the beachside resorts nearby this way, you can simply step out after dinner and watch the magic unfold without worrying about catching a ride back..
2. Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep) – Laxmanpur Beach
If you’re visiting Neil Island, Laxmanpur Beach is the place to slow down and soak in nature’s calm. Famous for its sunsets and night-time glow, it’s one of the most beautiful stretches of sand in the Andamans. The glow here is softer and more undisturbed than busier spots like Havelock, making it perfect for a peaceful walk under the stars.
There are two main sections Laxmanpur Beach No. 1, known for its stunning sunset views, and Laxmanpur Beach No. 2, where the water sparkles with bioluminescence on dark nights. Some travelers also explore the smaller stretch often called Lakshmanpur Beach No. 2, a quieter spot ideal for long-exposure photography.
Local Tip: Since it gets quite secluded after dark, it’s best to go with a local guide who knows the tides and can point out the glowing waves safely.
3. Port Blair – Wandoor Beach
Just a short trip the Port Blair to Wandoor Beach distance is about 25 km and you’ll find yourself on one of Andaman’s most scenic shorelines. Wandoor Beach is wide and open, with gentle waves that sometimes carry a sparkling surprise. On dark, calm nights, the glow in the water appears near the shore breaks, giving the whole beach an almost dreamlike feel.
It’s a great spot to combine experiences: watch a stunning sunset, then linger a little longer to catch the bioluminescence if conditions are right. The nearby Wandoor Jetty adds to the charm, with fishing boats and views of the surrounding islands. Whether you call it Wandoor Beach Andaman or Wandoor Beach Port Blair, it’s a quiet, easy-to-reach place to witness nature’s glow without venturing far from the city.
4. Port Blair – Chidiyatapu Beach
Famous for its postcard-worthy sunsets, Chidiya Tapu Beach turns even more magical after dark when the waves sometimes reveal a soft, glowing shimmer. This quiet spot is just 25 km away the Port Blair to Chidiya Tapu distance makes it perfect for an evening trip.
During the day, Chidiya Tapu Port Blair is a birdwatcher’s delight, with dense mangroves and rare species flying overhead. As night falls, head closer to the water’s edge to spot the faint bioluminescence on calm, moonless nights.
Local Tip: A good tip? Carry a small torch for the walk back, but switch it off near the water to let your eyes adjust and see the glow more clearly. Whether you call it Chidiya Tapu or Chidiya Tapu Beach, it’s one of the best places near Port Blair to enjoy nature’s light show in peace.
Bioluminescence Night Kayaking
One of the most magical ways to experience the glowing waters is through bioluminescence night kayaking in Havelock. Paddling in the calm, shallow waters of Beach No. 3 or Beach No. 5, you’ll see every stroke of your paddle light up with tiny blue sparks. It’s quiet, peaceful, and feels like you’re floating through a sea of stars.
If you’re short on time, you can still enjoy night kayaking in Havelock or try night kayaking in Andaman at other spots like Neil Island. Always go with trained local guides who know the safest routes and follow eco-friendly practices to protect the delicate plankton.
Best Season & Timing for Bioluminescence in Andaman
If you want the glow at its brightest, plan your trip between October and April. These months have calm seas, clear skies, and warmer waters that the plankton love. For the most magical view, aim for new moon nights when the sky is darkest the less moonlight, the stronger the blue shimmer.
Skip the monsoon months; heavy clouds and rough seas make it harder (and less safe) to spot the glow. And here’s a
Local tip: head to the beach after 8 PM, when the last traces of daylight are gone, and the shoreline turns into a sparkling wonderland.
How to Experience It Responsibly
Seeing the ocean glow is unforgettable but it’s also fragile. Here’s how to enjoy it without harming it.
- Keep your flashlight or phone light pointed away from the water. Sudden brightness can disrupt the plankton’s natural glow.
- Skip the temptation to swim in the glowing patches. Even gentle movement can damage these tiny organisms.
- Choose eco-friendly guides or tours that follow local conservation rules. They’ll know the safest, most respectful way to show you the magic.
Local Tip: A little care goes a long way. The more we protect this rare sight, the longer it will be here for future travellers.
Photography Tips for Capturing the Glow
Bioluminescence is stunning to the eye, but tricky for cameras. Here’s how to get that magical shot:
- Use long exposure it gives the camera time to capture more of the faint light.
- Keep your camera steady. A tripod works best, but even resting it on a rock or bag helps.
- Avoid bright light sources like flashlights or phone screens nearby, as they can wash out the glow.
Local Tip: Patience is key here. Take a few test shots, tweak your settings, and let the natural sparkle do the work.
Practical Travel Tips
The Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair is your main entry point to the Andamans. From there, you can hop on government or private ferries to reach Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep) and Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep). Inter-island travel is easiest if you book ferries in advance, especially in peak season.
For the best experience, stay close to your chosen bioluminescent spot resorts and guesthouses near Beach No. 3 & 5 in Havelock, Laxmanpur Beach in Neil, and Wandoor or Chidiyatapu in Port Blair will save you long night commutes.
Local Tip: If you’re planning night kayaking, glass-bottom boat rides, or guided glow walks, secure your bookings early during December–February. Tours often sell out quickly, and last-minute spots can be rare.
Why You Shouldn’t Miss the Glow
The bioluminescent beaches of the Andaman Islands aren’t just places you visit they’re experiences that stay with you. Watching the shoreline light up with every wave feels like stepping into another world, one painted in shimmering blue by nature itself.
This glow is more than a visual treat. It’s a rare phenomenon that reminds us how magical and fragile our oceans really are.
If the idea of walking under a starry sky while the sea mirrors the heavens excites you, start planning your trip. The Andamans are ready to put on nature’s finest night show and you’ll want a front-row seat before the moment fades into memory.
