Portblair guide
Packing List
What to pack for Portblair
In January, Portblair is typically warm, typically dry (23 to 30°C). Pick the month you travel and the list changes with it.
Portblair essentials
- Modest outfits that cover shoulders and knees for town and religious sites
- Swimwear for the resort or beach only, cover up in town
Documents
- Photo ID
- Travel tickets (print + digital)
- Hotel booking confirmations
- Photocopies / phone photos of passport and tickets, stored separately
Clothing
- One smart-casual outfit for dinners
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Light summer clothing
- Sunglasses
- Reusable water bottle
- Undergarments and sleepwear
- Enough outfits for 7 days (6 sets)
Toiletries & health
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, and toiletries
- Reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 50+), regular SPF bleaches coral
- Personal medication with prescription
- Basic first-aid: band-aids, painkillers, ORS
- Hand sanitiser and wet wipes
- After-sun lotion
- Stick to busy places with high turnover. Avoid tap water. Freshly cooked hot food is safest.
Electronics
- Phone and charger
- Power bank
- Camera (optional)
Money
- Debit / credit cards
- Some cash for incidentals
Local know-how
- Don't buy coral or sea shells as souvenirs — both are protected and their sale is illegal
- Local SIM: Moderate 4G. BSNL most reliable across Andaman. Jio 4G in Port Blair city areas. Airtel limited. Cellular...
- Overpriced day-trip packages to Havelock from travel agents vs buying ferry directly
- Peak season in January: keep bags zipped and don't flash jewellery
Trip gear
- Water shoes for the house reef
- Snorkel mask (or hire at the reef)
- Dry bag for valuables