Tucked away on Little Andaman (also known as Hut Bay), Butler Bay Beach is a hidden gem that feels untouched by time. Picture golden-yellow sands lined with swaying palms, crystalline waters perfect for a refreshing dip—and, uniquely, India’s only true surfing spot. If you crave solitude, adventure, or simply a chance to soak up nature, this stretch of shoreline has it all.
Why Visit Butler Bay Beach?
Best Surfing Spot in India: Between April and June, the waves here are perfect for skilled surfers from around the world. It’s the only place in India with real, consistent ocean waves made for surfing.
Peaceful Escape: This beach stays quiet and uncrowded—perfect for sunset strolls or sunbathing in calm surroundings.
Wild Beauty: Lush forests meet the sand, so you can trek through greenery and then cool off with a swim.
Where is Butler Bay Beach located?
Butler Bay Beach is on the south coast of Little Andaman Island, one of India’s Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal. It lies about 120 km south of Port Blair and feels wonderfully remote. You can reach it by a slow but scenic eight-hour ferry ride, or save time with a helicopter or fast charter boat.
How to Reach Butler Bay Beach?
To reach Butler Bay Beach in Little Andaman, follow these steps:
1. Travel to Port Blair:
- Fly into Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
2. Journey from Port Blair to Little Andaman (Hut Bay):
- By Government Ferry: Regular ferries operated by the Directorate of Shipping Services connect Port Blair (Phoenix Bay Jetty/Haddo Wharf) to Hut Bay in Little Andaman. The journey takes approximately 7 to 9 hours. It’s advisable to check the ferry schedule in advance and book tickets early, especially during peak seasons.
- By Helicopter: The Civil Aviation Department operates regular helicopter services from Port Blair airport to Little Andaman. The flight duration is about 35 minutes. Due to limited seating, advance booking is recommended.
3. Travel from Hut Bay to Butler Bay Beach:
- Upon arrival at Hut Bay Jetty, you can hire local transport options such as scooters, motorbikes, auto-rickshaws, or taxis. Butler Bay Beach is located approximately 14 kilometers from the jetty and is accessible via the main coastal road. The route offers scenic views of tropical forests and palm plantations.
Additional Tips:
- If you’re traveling from Havelock or Neil Island, you’ll first need to return to Port Blair before proceeding to Little Andaman.
- For a more private and expedited journey, consider renting a private charter boat from Port Blair to Little Andaman. This option is faster (approximately 4 hours) but more expensive.
- Always check the latest travel schedules and weather conditions before planning your trip, as services may be affected by seasonal changes.
By following these steps, you can reach Butler Bay Beach and enjoy its pristine beauty and surfing opportunities.
Read More: How to reach Port Blair?
Best Time to Visit Butler Bay Beach
The best time to visit Butler Bay Beach is from November to May. Here’s why this period stands out:
Ideal Weather (November to March)
- The weather is pleasant and dry, with calm seas and clear skies.
- Perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing on the beach.
- Great time for families, solo travelers, or couples looking to unwind.
Surfing Season (April to June)
- Between April and June, Butler Bay becomes a surfer’s paradise.
- The waves are consistent and powerful, attracting skilled surfers from across the globe.
- It’s the only official surfing spot in India, making it special for surf lovers.
Avoid the Monsoon (June to October)
- Heavy rains and rough seas during the monsoon months.
- Ferries may get canceled, and outdoor activities become limited.
- Not ideal for travel or beach fun.
In short: Visit November to May for great weather and surfing opportunities. If you’re a surfer, April to June is your golden window. Avoid the monsoon season if you want a smooth trip.
Things to Do & Nearby Attractions
1. Surf the Waves
From April to June, Butler Bay Beach offers India’s only real surf spot. Whether you’re an expert or taking your first lesson, local surf schools rent boards and teach you how to catch the perfect swell.
2. Swim and Snorkel
The clear, warm water is ideal for a refreshing swim any time of year. At low tide, grab a mask and snorkel to explore shallow coral gardens just off the shore—you might spot turtles, colorful fish, and hard corals.
3. Jungle Trek to White Surf Waterfall
A short, guided trek through the rainforest brings you to White Surf Waterfall. The cool cascade is perfect for a mid-hike break. Early mornings are best, when the forest is alive with bird song and the waterfall’s mist is at its freshest.
4. Visit Kalapathar Beach
Just a 20-minute ride north, Kalapathar is a rocky beach with a small cliff you can climb during low tide. The view from the top gives you a sweeping panorama of the Andaman Sea and Butler Bay’s golden arc in the distance.
5. Explore Red Oil Palm Plantations
Little Andaman’s red oil palm groves stretch for thousands of hectares. Join a short plantation tour to learn how the palms are grown and harvested. It’s a unique glimpse into the island’s economy and ecology.
6. Climb the Little Andaman Lighthouse
Head inland to the 134-ft lighthouse, where a spiral staircase leads you to a viewing deck. From there, you can see Butler Bay’s shoreline, dense rainforest, and on clear days, ships passing in the open sea.
Each of these activities pairs perfectly with a day lounging on Butler Bay’s golden sand—so plan your trip to mix adventure with plenty of time to simply relax and soak up the view.
Is the Butler Bay Beach worth visiting?
Yes, Butler Bay Beach is absolutely worth visiting—especially if you’re looking for peace, nature, and adventure all in one place. Here’s why:
Only Surfing Spot in India: It’s the only official surfing destination in the country. From April to June, surfers from all over the world come here to ride the consistent and clean waves. Even if you’re not surfing, watching them in action is exciting.
Quiet and Unspoiled: Unlike crowded tourist beaches, Butler Bay is peaceful and less commercial. You can walk for hours without seeing many people. It’s perfect for those who want to relax, read a book, or just enjoy nature.
Surrounded by Nature: Behind the beach are dense tropical forests, ideal for short treks or nature walks. You might spot exotic birds, butterflies, and maybe even elephants if you go deeper inland.
Breathtaking Sunsets: The sunsets here are stunning and uninterrupted, with golden light bouncing off the waves and palm trees.
Nearby Attractions: While here, you can also visit Whisper Wave Waterfall, White Surf Waterfall, or take a boat to nearby villages. The local culture and food add another layer to the experience.
If you enjoy natural beauty, solitude, surfing, and raw landscapes, Butler Bay Beach is not just worth visiting—it might become your favorite spot in the Andamans.
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