Maldives vs Andaman: Which Island Destination is Best for You?

When two beautiful tropical spots present crystal clear waters, crystal clear beaches, and memorable experiences, deciding between them may be difficult. The following detailed comparison of these two paradise islands shows that the Maldives vs Andaman is determined by the decisions you have in selecting the tropical island paradise according to your travel needs, budget, and vacation objectives. If you are dreaming of a Maldives honeymoon package or need an adventurous Andaman tour package, then knowing the major differences will help you make the correct decision. Keep reading to learn more!

Key Takeaways

• Budget: Andaman has cheaper accommodation facilities that start at INR 15,000 for 5-day accommodations, and Maldives accommodation costs INR 5000 per day.
• Accessibility: Andaman does not need a visa for Indian travellers, while the Maldives has a free visa-on-arrival of 30 days for Indian travellers.
• Experience: Select Maldives luxury overwater villas, Maldives, and white pristine beaches; select Andaman historical places, and a variety of activities.
• Best Time: Both of the destinations are best during November to April when the climatic conditions are pleasant with a clear sky.
• Time: 5-7 days trip in the Maldives and 7-10 days trip in the Andaman to several islands for experiences.

Best Time to Visit: Weather and Seasons

Destination	Temperature	Peak Season	Weather Highlights	Off-Season	Travel Notes
Maldives	24–31°C	Nov-Apr (esp. Dec-Mar)	Dry season, clear skies, little rainfall, perfect for water sports	May-Oct	Monsoon winds bring rainfall, but cheaper stays & fewer tourists. Warm sea allows water sports year-round.
Andaman Islands	23–30°C	Oct-May (esp. Dec-Feb)	Pleasant tropical climate, popular tourist season with higher hotel rates	Jun-Sep	Heavy monsoon rains; beach activities are limited. Oct-Nov: post-monsoon, pleasant & less crowded.

Top Destinations and Attractions

Must-Visit Places in the Maldives

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• The capital hub of the city is Malé, through which the majority of the international flights land. The city has colourful buildings, local markets, and the most recognised building, the Islamic Centre mosque. Maldivian culture outside the resort setup is captured in Malale in its authentic meaning.
• Vaadhoo Island is known to visitors for its well-known Bioluminescent beach phenomenon. The blue light that is found in the natural waters forms magical experiences at night, especially among photographers and nature lovers.
• Baa Atoll is a biosphere reserve and provides the best diving in the world. It is the home to manta rays, whale sharks, and various marine ecosystems, which are a necessity for underwater adventure seekers.

Top Andaman Island Attractions

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• Radhanagar Beach is always one of the most tropical places in Asia because of its white sand and the turquoise waters. The beach has a splendid sunset and great swimming conditions.
• Cellular Jail can give importance to historical sites as a former British colonial jail that contains Indian freedom fighters. The light show and museum provide some learning on the struggle for independence of India.
• Ross Island presents the ruins of the British colonial empire with green vegetation. It is a short ride by boat to get to the Island and offers a superb photography experience.
• Baratang Island is endowed with some distinct Andaman Island sights, such as Andaman limestone caves and mud volcanoes. Exploring the limestone caves is enriched with the adventure of going through a thick mangrove forest.

Fun Fact: Radhanagar Beach on Havelock Island was voted ‘Asia’s Best Beach’ by Time Magazine and consistently ranks among the Top 10 Beaches in the World. Similarly, the Maldives’ Baa Atoll is a designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, making it one of the planet’s most recognised diving destinations.

Budget Comparison and Cost Analysis

Aspect	Maldives	Andaman Islands
Daily Expenses	₹5,000 – ₹15,000 per person (depending on resort/meal plan)	Approx. ₹3,000 – ₹4,000 per person
Package Cost	Higher, as most Maldives packages include resort transfers, meals & activities	₹15,000 – ₹20,000 per person for a 5-day trip
Accommodation	Mostly luxury resorts & overwater villas (very high rates). Limited budget guesthouses on local islands.	Wide range: guesthouses, hotels, and homestays for budget to mid-range travellers
Food & Meals	Often included in resort packages, but dining separately is costly	Local restaurants serve fresh seafood & regional cuisine at reasonable prices
Transportation	Resort transfers (seaplanes/speedboats) add to costs	Affordable government-run ferries link major islands
Overall Budget	Higher-end destination, better suited for luxury travellers	More budget-friendly, ideal for affordable vacations

Travel Requirements and Accessibility

Maldives Visa and Entry

Indian nationals are granted a visa-on-arrival of 30 days in the Maldives. One will be required to have a valid passport, return flight tickets, accommodation confirmation, and proof of sufficient funds. Things are also basic at the Velana International Airport.

There are direct flights between the major Indian cities, including Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, and Chennai. The normal flight duration is between 1.5 and 3 hours.

Andaman Entry Requirements

Australian Indian citizens should not need a visa when visiting the Andamans, as the islands form part of Indian territory. It is acceptable to identify a valid photo ID like an Aadhaar card, a passport, or a voter ID. This eradicates visa hassle.

Port Blair is linked by flights to major cities in India, such as Chennai, Kolkata, Delhi, and Bangalore. Chennai and Vishakhapatnam are also served by a ferry service known as Chennai to Vishakhapatnam.

Ideal Trip Duration and Planning

Aspect	Maldives	Andaman Islands
Ideal Duration	5–7 days (relaxation, water sports, luxury stay)	7–10 days (to cover multiple islands & attractions)
Extended Stay	10–14 days (island hopping across atolls)	10–12 days (deeper exploration of remote islands)
Main Activities	Luxury resort stay, water sports, diving, snorkelling, island hopping, spa & relaxation	Historical sites, beaches, snorkelling, diving, trekking, and  island hopping
Travel Style	Resort-centric, focused on leisure & marine life	Multi-island exploration with cultural, natural & adventure mix
Key Planning Notes	Most time spent at one resort; minimal transfers needed	Requires time for inter-island ferry/boat transfers (Port Blair hub + Havelock + Neil)

Activities and Experiences

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  Scuba Diving in Dubai

Both destinations excel in snorkelling and diving, fishing, and boat excursions. The Maldives specialises in luxury spa treatments, exclusive resort experiences, and overwater villas. Andaman offers trekking, historical sites, tribal culture experiences, and adventure sports beyond typical beach activities.

Note: Travel experts recommend snorkelling in Neil Island (Andaman) for affordable PADI dive certifications, often 40–50% cheaper than Maldives programs. 

Bottom Line: Making Your Choice

Select the Maldives when you care most about luxury stays, the best beaches, the best Maldives diving experiences in the world, and the best Maldives luxury packages.

Get Andaman with various Andaman island activities, cultural touring, and low-cost vacations, plus family tours.

These two destinations have their different competitive advantages, and the selection must be based on them, on personal preferences, affordability, and the purpose of the trip. Pickyourtrail comes to your rescue here. Book your Maldives trip, Andaman tour packages, and customise a stress-free holiday.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Which is more inexpensive, the Maldives or the Andaman?

Andaman is considerably cheaper, and the overall expenses amount to 15000-20000 per person in 5 days. The same period of time is generally estimated at a cost of 35-50 thousand dollars in the Maldives because of the luxurious resorts. That is the reason why many travellers tend to compare the Maldives vs Andaman budget comparison prior to arranging a visit.

Q. Do I require a visa to travel to the Maldives or Andaman Islands as an Indian citizen?

Andaman does not need a visa because it is considered Indian territory – you only need a visa in the form of an ID. A visa-on-arrival is provided for 30 days by the Maldives. This is the deciding factor in visa regulations: the Maldives vs Andaman.

Q. Who is the best destination to take when you are with children?

Andaman has more Andaman island attractions for families, such as adventure and historic sightseeing. The Maldives is the best fit for couples and honeymooners, but there are some luxury resorts with a family-friendly resort experience and children’s clubs.

Q. When should you travel to the Andaman or the Maldives to evade crowds?

The best time to visit the Maldives is in May -August to escape the peak season and the Andaman, then in November or February to experience good weather and moderate crowds. This is very important when determining the most appropriate of the two, the Maldives vs the Andaman Islands, to visit.

Q. What place is the best for snorkelling and diving?

Both are good at snorkelling and diving. The Maldives is the destination with globally acclaimed diving with manta rays and whale sharks, and the Andaman offers cheap diving certification and a variety of marine life.