The Samudrika Naval Marine Museum is the best single stop in Port Blair for understanding the sea around the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Run by the Indian Navy, this museum fills several galleries with corals, shells, fish, the skeleton of a giant whale and displays on the islands’ geography, people and ecology. It is a clear, well-organised and educational visit, and it makes an excellent preview of what you will see when you snorkel or dive later in your trip.
The museum is in the Haddo area of Port Blair, a short drive from the city centre. This guide covers what you will see, the usual timings, how to reach it, how long to allow and how to combine it with nearby sights. If you would rather have your sightseeing and transfers arranged for you, explore our Andaman tour packages, planned by Andaman Emerald Travels, a travel team based in Port Blair.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Haddo Road area, Port Blair (Sri Vijaya Puram), roughly 2 to 4 km from the city centre |
| Run by | The Indian Navy |
| Type | Marine and island heritage museum with several galleries |
| Focus | Marine life, corals, shells, islands’ geography, tribes and naval heritage |
| Suggested time | 1 to 1.5 hours (up to 2 hours for keen readers) |
| Usual timings | Reported as 9 am to 1 pm and 2 pm to 5 pm; closed on Mondays |
| Entry | A small ticket; valid photo ID is usually required |
| Best for | Families, students, marine life lovers, rainy-day visits |
Samudrika was set up by the Indian Navy to build awareness of the ocean and its life, and it is maintained by the Navy today. The name comes from the Sanskrit word for “of the sea”. The museum is laid out as a series of galleries, usually described as five, each focused on a different part of the story: the islands’ marine life, corals and shells, geography and ecology, the people of the islands and the sea’s connection to the Navy and to the region.
It is not a huge museum, but it is thoughtfully arranged, with clear labels and displays. It suits all ages, and because it is indoors and cool it is a good escape from heat or rain. For travellers who plan to go to the water later, it is the best classroom in town.
Exhibits are updated from time to time, but visitors usually see the following:
| Exhibit | What You Can Learn |
|---|---|
| Corals and reefs | Types of coral, how reefs form and why the Andamans have such rich marine life |
| Shells and molluscs | A large collection of sea shells, in many shapes, sizes and colours |
| Fish and marine species | Reef fish and other sea creatures found around the islands |
| The whale skeleton | A huge skeleton that is a major draw for most visitors |
| Islands, geography and ecology | How the archipelago formed, its forests, mangroves and oceans |
| People of the islands | Information on the tribes and communities of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands |
| Naval heritage | The Navy’s role in the islands and maritime history |
| Curio shop | A small shop where you can buy souvenirs |
Take your time in the coral and shell galleries. The variety is surprising, and the labels explain which species are protected and why. If you want to learn more about the islands’ indigenous communities, the museum’s displays pair well with our guide to the tribes of Andaman.
Visitors often confuse the two, and some websites even use the names interchangeably. They are separate attractions with some overlap:
| Feature | Samudrika Naval Marine Museum | Fisheries Museum (Marine Aquarium) |
|---|---|---|
| Run by | Indian Navy | Fisheries department |
| Location | Haddo Road area, north of the centre | Central waterfront area near Marina Park |
| Style | Several themed galleries, with the whale skeleton | Smaller; live tanks and displays |
| Focus | Marine life, islands, people and naval heritage | Fish, corals and fisheries |
| ID needed | Usually yes | Check on arrival |
| If short on time | Choose this one | A good add-on for children |
If you only have time for one, choose Samudrika. If you are travelling with children, the Fisheries Museum is a nice second stop. The collections are similar, so you can skip the second if your day is full.
The museum is in the Haddo area, a few kilometres from the centre of Port Blair, and it is easy to reach by cab, auto or rented scooter. Sources give slightly different distances, so allow 10 to 20 minutes from most hotels. If you are on one of our packages, your private cab will take you directly and wait while you visit.
The museum is commonly reported to be open from morning to late afternoon with a lunch break, and closed on Mondays and public holidays. Tickets are modest, with a lower price for children, and prices can change. Because the museum is run by the Navy, you will normally be asked for valid photo ID at the gate. Please confirm current days, hours, prices and rules before you go, or ask our team to check for you.
Most visitors spend 1 to 1.5 hours. Allow up to 2 hours if you enjoy reading every label or are travelling with students.
The museum is open through the year, so you can visit in any season. Morning is usually quieter, with late mornings, weekends and holidays being busier. It works especially well on hot or rainy days. For planning, see our guides to October, December and February weather.
The Samudrika Museum sits in the Haddo area, close to several other sights, so it is easy to build a half-day:
| Attraction | Why Pair It | Approx. Time Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Forest Museum | Nearby in the Chatham complex; explains the islands’ forests and timber | 45 minutes to 1 hour |
| Chatham Saw Mill | A historic working mill on Chatham Island | 45 minutes to 1 hour |
| Japanese Bunker | A relic of the Second World War occupation | 20 to 30 minutes |
| Anthropological Museum | Introduces the indigenous communities of the islands | 1 to 1.5 hours |
| Cellular Jail | The historic prison and evening Light and Sound Show | 1.5 to 2 hours plus the show |
Timings are approximate and vary with season and crowds.
| Time | Plan |
|---|---|
| Morning | Start at the Samudrika Museum when it opens |
| Late morning | Continue to Chatham for the Forest Museum and the saw mill |
| Afternoon | Lunch in the city, then the Anthropological Museum or another museum |
| Evening | Attend the Light and Sound Show at the Cellular Jail |
Looking for a ready-made plan that includes Port Blair city sightseeing? See our 3 nights 4 days and 4 nights 5 days Andaman packages.
After the museum, the best next step is to see a reef for yourself. Snorkelling is a good, easy way to start, and the corals and fish you saw in the galleries will feel familiar when you meet them in the water.
Port Blair city sightseeing, including the museums, is included in many of our packages. Every traveller has different needs, so we offer a package for each:
| Traveller Type | Package | What It Offers |
|---|---|---|
| Couples | Andaman honeymoon packages | Romantic stays, private transfers and relaxed sightseeing |
| Families | Andaman family packages | Comfortable, child-friendly plans |
| Friends and colleagues | Andaman group packages | Shared planning for large parties |
| Value-focused travellers | Andaman budget packages | Affordable trips that cover the highlights |
| Government employees | Andaman LTC packages | Plans designed for LTC travel |
| Thrill seekers | Andaman adventure packages | Water sports and active excursions |
Not sure which suits you? Reach out through our contact page for a customised itinerary. You can also browse all Andaman destinations on our site.
See what travellers say about us on Andaman Emerald Travels on Google, then call +91 9933245630 or send an enquiry for a free quote on your Andaman tour packages.
It is a museum run by the Indian Navy in Port Blair, with galleries on marine life, corals, shells, the islands’ geography, tribes and naval heritage.
It is in the Haddo Road area of Port Blair, a short drive from the city centre.
It is commonly reported as open in the morning and afternoon with a lunch break, and closed on Mondays and public holidays. Check current timings before you go.
Yes, a modest ticket with a lower price for children. Prices can change, so check before you go.
Usually yes. The museum is run by the Navy, so carry a valid photo ID.
Most visitors spend 1 to 1.5 hours. Allow up to 2 hours if you read every label.
No. They are separate attractions, though some websites mix up the names. Samudrika is run by the Navy and is larger, while the Fisheries Museum is a smaller aquarium-style museum run by the fisheries department.
Most of our packages include Port Blair city sightseeing. Couples often choose a honeymoon package, families a family package and budget travellers a budget package. Our team can customise any plan.
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