Set in the Bay of Bengal, Havelock Island (officially Swaraj Dweep) is the Andamans’ poster child for slow, sun-splashed travel. Think sweeping crescents of white sand, rainforest canopies humming with birdlife, and shallow lagoons that give way to coral gardens. By day, hop between beaches like Radhanagar and Vijayanagar, paddle mangrove creeks, or sign up for scuba diving in Havelock to meet turtles and shimmering reef fish. Evenings are for sunsets that paint the sea in copper and rose.
This guide distils everything you need to plan a smart, stress-free trip—how to reach Havelock, the best time to visit, three ready-to-use itineraries (2 to 7 days), and detailed tips on beaches, diving, trekking, kayaking, food, and responsible travel. Whether you’re a couple seeking calm, a first-timer mapping the best beaches in Andaman, or an adventure traveller designing a dive-heavy week, read on to build your ideal Havelock plan.
Quick Facts (at a glance)
- Location & Name: Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep), Andaman & Nicobar Islands, India.
- Best Time to Visit: November–April for calm seas, clear water, and sun. May–June is warmer with occasional showers; July–September is monsoon—lush but choppy seas and possible ferry disruptions; October is shoulder season with improving visibility.
- Recommended Trip Length: 4–5 days for first-timers; add days if diving.
- Entry & Permits: Carry valid photo ID. Indian citizens typically don’t need special permits for Havelock; foreigners may encounter permit formalities and must follow area restrictions. Always check current ferry schedules, immigration rules, and forest department advisories before travel.
- Currency, Language, Electricity: Indian Rupee (INR); English and Hindi widely understood; power is 230V, 50Hz with Type D/M sockets (carry a universal adaptor).
- How to Reach: Fly to Port Blair (Veer Savarkar International Airport) → ferry (government or private catamaran) to Havelock; sailing time generally 1.5–2.5 hours depending on vessel and sea conditions.
Suggested Itineraries
1) Short Escape: 2–3 Days (unhurried highlights)
Day 1 – Arrival & Sunset
- Morning: Port Blair → Havelock ferry; check-in; scooter or cab to get oriented.
- Afternoon (3:00 pm): Relax at Vijayanagar Beach (Beach No. 5); soft sand, easy swim.
- Sunset (4:45–5:45 pm): Radhanagar Beach (Beach No. 7)—photography: arrive 60–90 mins before sunset.
- Alternative: If seas are calm, short intro-snorkel near beachside reefs with a guide.
Day 2 – Elephant Beach & Kayaks
- Morning (7:30–11:30 am): Elephant Beach by speedboat for snorkelling in the lagoon.
- Afternoon: Mangrove kayaking (2–2.5 hrs) or chill at your resort.
- Evening: Beach-side dinner; stargazing from the sand.
- Alternative: Forest trail to Elephant Beach (when open and guided), or glass-bottom boat if you don’t swim.
Day 3 – Optional
- Early: Sunrise at Kalapathar area for pastel skies and driftwood frames.
- Late Morning: Brunch and ferry back to Port Blair.
- Alternative: One intro dive (DSD) in sheltered waters with a certified centre.
2) Classic Havelock: 4–5 Days (ideal for first-timers)
Day 1: Travel + Radhanagar sunset; optional night mangrove paddle if bioluminescence is visible.
Day 2: Snorkeling Elephant Beach + chill afternoon; café hop along the main strip.
Day 3: Scuba diving (1–2 dives) at beginner-friendly sites like Aquarium or Lighthouse; post-dive nap.
Day 4: Radhanagar Beach by day for swimming; late-afternoon photography on the northern end.
Day 5: Kayaking in mangroves or sunrise at Kalapathar; depart by afternoon ferry.
3) Adventure & Diving Focus: 6–7 Days
Day 1: Arrive; gear check with a certified dive centre; sunset at Radhanagar.
Day 2: Open Water course – Day 1 (theory + confined water), or 2-tank fun dives if certified.
Day 3: Open Water – Day 2 (2 dives) or advanced sites, depending on experience.
Day 4: Open Water – Day 3 (certification dives) or boat dives to The Wall (for experienced), Johnny’s Gorge, or Minerva Ledge (conditions/experience permitting).
Day 5: Rest morning; island-hopping day trip (weather dependent) to nearby uninhabited sandbars/reefs arranged via licensed operator.
Day 6: Additional 2-tank dive day targeting turtles and macro; evening free.
Day 7: Sunrise shoot, long brunch; pack and ferry out.
Top Things to Do
1) The Beaches
- Radhanagar Beach (Beach No. 7): Wide arc of fine sand with gentle shore break. Best time: late afternoon into sunset; mornings are quiet for swims. Access: paved road + short walk. Photo tip: head to the far ends for fewer people; use a polarizer for sea tones.
- Elephant Beach: Shallow coral lagoon ideal for snorkeling when visibility is good. Access: speedboat from jetty (quick) or guided forest trail when open. Crowds: arrive on the first boats (~8:00–8:30 am).
- Vijayanagar / Kalapathar Side: Long, shaded stretches framed by casuarinas; best at sunrise and on mid to high tide for swimming. Tip: check tide tables—at very low tide, reefs may be exposed.
2) Scuba Diving & Snorkelling
- What you’ll see: Reef fish clouds, anemones with clownfish, occasional turtles, cuttlefish, and macro critters; pelagics on the right day offshore.
- Popular sites: Lighthouse, Aquarium, The Wall, Johnny’s Gorge, Minerva Ledge, Mac Point (chosen by conditions/experience).
- Certification notes: Absolute beginners can try intro dives in confined/open water with a pro; allow half a day. Courses (e.g., Open Water) typically require 3–4 days.
- Safety & booking tips: Choose licensed, certified dive centres with small ratios, proper briefings, and maintained equipment; disclose medical history; avoid flying for 18–24 hours after diving; secure slots in high season; ask about currents/visibility.
3) Trekking & Nature
- Forest walk to Elephant Beach: Short, shaded trail (when open) through secondary rainforest—wear closed shoes, carry water, and go with a local guide after checking advisories.
- Mangrove tours: Quiet paddles through brackish creeks; best at high tide.
- Birdwatching: Early mornings around paddy fields and lagoon edges—look for kingfishers, herons, egrets, and sea eagles.
- Pack: Light long sleeves, insect repellent, hat, and a dry bag. Caution: Leeches after heavy rain; stick to marked paths.
4) Kayaking, Glass-Bottom & Island-Hopping
- Kayaking: 2–2.5 hours; great for couples and photographers; night paddles may reveal bioluminescence on the right moon/tide.
- Glass-bottom boats: For non-swimmers and families; choose longer trips over richer reef patches.
- Island-hopping: Weather-dependent boat excursions to nearby reefs/sandbars with licensed operators, prioritizing fuelled safety boats and lifejackets.
5) Nightlife & Food
- Vibe: Easy-going, beach cafés over nightclubs. Expect early closures outside peak months.
- What to try: Fresh grilled fish, coconut-based curries, prawns when in season, tropical fruit shakes, and south-Indian breakfasts.
- Tips: Peak evenings get busy; consider sunset-early dinners and carry cash for small eateries.
6) Conservation & Responsible Travel
- Havelock’s reefs are fragile. Do not touch/stand on coral, feed fish, or collect shells.
- Use reef-safe sunscreen; carry a refillable bottle and avoid single-use plastic (local bans may apply).
- Respect turtle nesting areas and forest zones; follow forest department signs and lifeguard directions.
- Support operators that minimize anchor damage and follow buoy mooring systems; consider joining beach clean-ups if available.
Practical Information & Tips
Stays by Budget (pros & cons)
- Luxury beachfront resorts: Space, private beach access, better generators/water, in-house activities. Cons: Higher cost; book far ahead in Nov–Feb.
- Mid-range cottages/boutique stays: Great value, garden settings, walk-to-beach locations. Cons: Limited room inventory; variable Wi-Fi.
- Budget guesthouses/hostels: Social vibe, central locations near market. Cons: Basic amenities; occasional power cuts; check cleanliness reviews.
- Eco-stays/camping-style: Immersive nature experience, low footprint. Cons: Fewer frills; check mosquito protection and waste practices.
Getting Around
- Rental scooters/bikes: Most flexible; wear helmets; avoid night riding in rain; watch for sand patches and crabs on roads.
- Taxis: Good for airport-like transfers and Radhanagar sunset runs; pre-arrange return.
- Shared jeeps: Limited but economical on main routes.
- Walking: Pleasant along beach lanes; carry a torch after dark.
Health & Safety
- Marine safety: Heed lifeguards; avoid strong-current zones; wear fins or reef shoes for shallow entries (never tread on coral).
- Sun protection: Tropical UV is intense—hat, sunglasses, SPF reapplied after swims.
- Medical: Basic clinics/pharmacies exist; carry personal meds and motion-sickness tablets for ferries.
- Insurance: Prefer policies covering water sports and ferry delays.
Money & Connectivity
- ATMs: Limited and occasionally out of cash—carry a mix of cash + cards.
- Cards/UPI: Accepted at many mid-range and above establishments; keep cash for small vendors.
- Mobile & Internet: Coverage improves around market/main beaches but can be patchy; don’t rely on fast uploads; download e-tickets/QRs offline.
Packing Checklist
- Beach & Swim: Reef-safe sunscreen, microfiber towel, rash guard, snorkel mask (optional), dry bag.
- Diving: Certification card/logbook (if certified), mask/computer if you prefer your own, spare mask strap.
- Trekking/Nature: Light long sleeves, insect repellent, closed shoes, reusable water bottle.
- Tech & Docs: Universal adaptor, power bank, offline maps, ID/passport copies, printed ferry details.
- Eco-friendly add-ons: Reusable tote, collapsible cup, reef-safe zinc stick.
Sample Perfect Day (Hour-by-Hour)
- 5:15 am: Depart for the Kalapathar area; set up for a pastel sunrise photo with driftwood foregrounds.
- 6:30 am: Easy beach walk; collect only photos, leave shells undisturbed.
- 7:30 am: Breakfast near the main village (light, hydrating).
- 8:30 am: Transfer to jetty; speedboat to Elephant Beach.
- 9:00–10:30 am: Guided snorkelling session over the lagoon; surface intervals for photos.
- 11:00 am: Return; coconut water stop.
- 12:00–1:30 pm: Lunch (seafood curry or vegetarian thali); short rest.
- 2:30 pm: Mangrove kayaking (2 hrs) timed near high tide—quiet creeks and birdlife.
- 5:00 pm: Head to Radhanagar Beach.
- 5:15–6:15 pm: Sunset swim & photo hour—walk north for fewer crowds.
- 7:30 pm: Dinner at a casual beach café; fresh grill + lime soda.
- 9:00 pm: Stargazing on the sand; light walk back with a torch.
