Andaman vs. Maldives: The Ultimate Island Showdown for 2025
Choosing between Andaman and the Maldives can feel like picking between two slices of paradise. But while both offer picture-perfect beaches and crystal waters, your experience will differ greatly depending on what kind of traveler (or couple) you are.
This comprehensive 2025 travel comparison dives into everything — from activities and costs to visa policies and romantic appeal — helping you make the perfect choice for your beach escape.
1. Beach & Scenery: Raw vs. Refined
Andaman
- Diverse landscapes: From mangrove forests to volcanic formations (Baratang), Andaman is wild and varied.
- Top Beaches: Radhanagar Beach, Kalapathar, Elephant Beach
- Bonus: Underwater volcanoes and limestone caves add a touch of the exotic.
Maldives
- Postcard-perfect islands: Every atoll is manicured perfection.
- Top Beaches: Veligandu Island, Hulhumale Beach, Cocoa Island
- Unique Feature: Iconic overwater bungalows surrounded by lagoons.
✅ Choose Andaman if you love raw nature and exploration; Maldives for uninterrupted luxury visuals.
2. Things to Do: Adventure vs. Indulgence
|
Activity Type |
Andaman |
Maldives |
|---|---|---|
|
Water Sports |
Scuba diving, snorkeling, sea walking (e.g., Havelock, Neil) |
Snorkeling, paddleboarding, reef diving |
|
Island Hopping |
Yes – Easily accessible islands (Port Blair, Havelock, Neil) |
No – Usually confined to resort island |
|
Wildlife/Nature |
National parks, marine life, turtle nesting |
Limited – Mostly resort gardens or excursions |
|
Cultural Experience |
Visit indigenous tribes (restricted), cellular jail, historic tours |
Very limited; mostly international luxury setups |
✅ Adventurers and explorers will thrive in Andaman. Maldives is all about laid-back leisure.
3. Romantic Appeal: Intimacy vs. Shared Experiences
Maldives
- Privacy Level: Maximum (overwater villas, private islands)
- Ideal For: Luxury honeymoons, anniversaries, vow renewals
- Downside: Less scope for shared adventures
Andaman
- Privacy Level: High, but less curated than Maldives
- Ideal For: Active couples who bond over experiences
- Bonus: Watch bioluminescence at Havelock (a rare romantic natural event!)
✅ Maldives is perfect for “do-nothing together” couples. Andaman suits “explore-together” duos.
4. Accessibility & Visa Rules
|
Requirement |
Andaman |
Maldives |
|---|---|---|
|
Passport |
Not required for Indian citizens |
Required (valid for 6 months minimum) |
|
Visa |
No visa needed |
Visa on arrival (free for Indians) |
|
Flight Access |
Domestic flights to Port Blair |
International flights to Male |
✅ Andaman is faster and simpler for Indian citizens to reach and plan.
5. Who Should Choose What?
|
Traveler Type |
Recommended Destination |
|---|---|
|
Budget honeymooners |
Andaman |
|
Luxury seekers and Instagram couples |
Maldives |
|
Nature and adventure lovers |
Andaman |
|
Seclusion + pampering aficionados |
Maldives |
|
Last-minute planners (no passport) |
Andaman |
Felix Feria Travel Tip
You don’t have to pick one. Many couples opt for Andaman for their honeymoon and Maldives later as a luxury anniversary trip. It’s all about timing and vibe.
Ready to Plan?
Explore our carefully crafted Andaman Honeymoon Packages for 2025 — or contact us to compare Maldives experiences side by side.
We design travel that feels as personal as your story.
