Table of Contents
- Introduction to Elephant Beach, Havelock (Swaraj Dweep)
- History & Importance
- Best Time to Visit
- How to Reach Elephant Beach
- Top Things to Do
- Local Experiences: Food, Shopping & Culture
- Nearby Attractions
- Where to Stay near Elephant Beach
- Estimated Costs
- Travel Tips
- Advice for Different Traveler Types
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction to Elephant Beach, Havelock (Swaraj Dweep)
Elephant Beach is Havelock Island’s most-loved snorkeling and water-sports spot in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, India. A shallow turquoise lagoon, powdery white sand, and a fringing coral reef close to the shore make it ideal for first-time snorkelers, families, and anyone chasing those postcard-blue waters. Boats shuttle visitors in the morning, or you can trek through a mangrove-fringed forest to reach this vibrant slice of island life.
History & Importance
- Name & lore: Havelock’s forests once employed working elephants for logging, and the island’s coastal stretches—including this beach—picked up the “Elephant” moniker from that era.
- Reef access: The beach is renowned for its easily accessible coral gardens. While the 2004 tsunami impacted some sections, many patches have recovered, offering beginner-friendly snorkeling and glass-bottom boat rides.
- Island context: Havelock (officially Swaraj Dweep) is among the Andamans’ most touristed islands, prized for clear seas, soft sands, and manageable logistics from Port Blair.
Best Time to Visit
- Peak (November–February): Dry, sunny, calm seas and best underwater visibility.
- Shoulder (October, March–May): Warm and generally clear; mornings are best for water clarity.
- Monsoon (roughly June–September): Intermittent rain, choppy seas; boat services may be suspended. Trek route can be muddy.
- Daily timing: Aim to arrive by 9–10 am for gentler sun, better visibility, and calmer sea conditions. Most boats return by early afternoon (often before 3 pm).
How to Reach Elephant Beach
Getting to Port Blair
- By air: Fly to Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ), Port Blair, from major Indian cities.
- By ship: Occasional government ships from Chennai/Kolkata/Visakhapatnam (long duration; schedules limited).
Port Blair to Havelock (Swaraj Dweep)
- High-speed ferries: 1.5–2.5 hours. Options include government and private ferries. Book in advance during peak season.
Havelock Jetty to Elephant Beach
- Speedboat: 15–20 minutes from Havelock jetty; first departures usually around 8–9 am. Return boats typically by 1:30–3 pm, weather-permitting.
- Trek: A forest trail of about 1.8–2.2 km (one way) from a check post on the road towards Radhanagar Beach. Trail can be slushy in monsoon; basic entry/guide fees may apply.
- Kayak/Jet ski (limited): Seasonal and operator-dependent; safety and weather permitting.
Note: Boat slots and trekking access are regulated by local authorities and may change with weather and tide conditions.
Top Things to Do
- Snorkeling: Shallow reef, good for beginners. Expect colorful reef fish, soft corals, and occasional clams. Always use a life jacket if you’re not a strong swimmer.
- Sea walk: Guided underwater walk with helmet. Great for non-swimmers; visibility best in the morning.
- Scuba diving (intro dives): Operators often run beginner dives around Havelock; some trips access reefs near Elephant Beach depending on conditions.
- Glass-bottom boat: Family-friendly reef viewing without getting wet.
- Parasailing & towables: Seasonal parasailing, banana boat and sofa rides add a splash of adrenaline.
- Beach time: Soft sands, shallow swimming area, and photogenic driftwood make for relaxed hours on shore.
- Trek experience: Walk through mixed forest and mangroves; watch for roots and puddles, wear proper footwear.
Local Experiences: Food, Shopping & Culture
Food
- Havelock’s cafés and shacks (mostly around Govind Nagar and Vijaynagar) serve fresh seafood, South and North Indian fare, and island-style grills.
- Popular spots include homegrown cafés such as Anju Coco, Full Moon Café, Something Different, and resort restaurants near Radhanagar.
- At Elephant Beach itself, options are minimal and seasonal—carry water and light snacks; avoid littering.
Shopping
- Souvenir stalls cluster near Govind Nagar market and the jetty: handicrafts, beachwear, T-shirts.
- Avoid buying corals, shells, or turtle products—collection and trade are illegal and harm the ecosystem.
Culture
- Havelock’s residents are mainly settler communities from mainland India (Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Ranchi), creating a diverse culinary and cultural mix.
- Beaches are eco-sensitive zones: follow plastic restrictions, keep noise low, and respect local regulations.
Nearby Attractions
- Radhanagar Beach (Beach No. 7): Iconic sunset spot with wide sands and lifeguard-patrolled swimming zones.
- Kalapathar Beach: Photogenic rocky shoreline and shaded stretches; best for quiet mornings.
- Govind Nagar & Vijaynagar Beaches: Long lagoon-like stretches; many dive shops and cafés nearby.
- Nemo Reef: Popular beginner dive/snorkel site off Havelock with abundant reef fish.
- Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep): Easy hop by ferry for a day trip—Laxmanpur Beach sunset and natural rock bridge.
Where to Stay near Elephant Beach
There are no stays directly on Elephant Beach. Base yourself on Havelock and visit by boat or trek.
- Budget (approx. ₹1,500–3,000/night): Simple beach huts and guesthouses around Govind Nagar (Beaches 1–3).
- Mid-range (approx. ₹4,000–8,000/night): Comfortable cottages near Vijaynagar (Beach 5) with in-house cafés and dive desks.
- Luxury (approx. ₹12,000–35,000+/night): High-end resorts near Radhanagar Beach offering spacious villas, spa, and curated experiences.
Tip: Book early for November–February; many properties fill up weeks in advance.
Estimated Costs
Prices vary by season, operator, and availability. Indicative per-person ranges:
- Port Blair ↔ Havelock ferry: ₹1,500–3,000 one way (class-dependent).
- Boat to Elephant Beach (return): ₹1,200–2,000; some include a short guided snorkel.
- Snorkeling add-on: ₹500–1,500 (gear/guide; duration varies).
- Sea walk: ₹3,500–4,500.
- Intro scuba dive: ₹3,500–6,000 (training + dive, 20–40 minutes underwater).
- Parasailing: ₹3,000–3,500.
- Glass-bottom boat: ₹600–1,500 (10–30 minutes).
- Trek guide/forest entry (if applicable): ₹20–₹500.
- Scooter rental (Havelock): ₹500–700/day; fuel extra.
- Meals (casual cafés): ₹500–1,200 per person/day depending on choices.
Travel Tips
- Arrive early: Best water clarity and calmer seas are usually in the morning.
- What to pack: Reef-safe sunscreen, wide-brim hat, polarized sunglasses, quick-dry towel, rash guard, aqua shoes, waterproof phone case/dry bag, insect repellent, motion-sickness tabs.
- Cash matters: Many water-sport kiosks prefer cash; ATMs are limited around Govind Nagar and may run out.
- Permits & rules: No special tourist permit is typically needed for Havelock; follow local forest/boat rules, life jacket mandates, and plastic restrictions. Drone use requires written permission.
- Safety: Heed lifeguards and boatmen; watch for currents and occasional jellyfish; avoid swimming beyond designated areas.
- Eco-responsibility: Do not touch corals or marine life; never stand on the reef; take all trash back with you.
- Connectivity: Mobile data can be patchy; download maps/tickets offline.
Advice for Different Traveler Types
Families
- Pick glass-bottom boats or short, guided snorkels for kids and seniors.
- Carry snacks, drinking water, and sun protection; shade can be limited on the beach.
- Ensure everyone wears life jackets during boat rides and water activities.
Honeymooners
- Schedule water activities in the morning and a relaxed sunset at Radhanagar Beach.
- Choose a resort near Radhanagar or Vijaynagar for quieter stays and romantic dinners.
- Consider a private glass-bottom or charter experience when available (weather-dependent).
Friends & Adventure Seekers
- Bundle activities: snorkel + sea walk or an intro dive to maximize your morning window.
- Rent scooters for flexible island hopping; keep fuel topped up.
- Pack a GoPro or action camera with floaty grip and spare batteries.
FAQs
Q: Is Elephant Beach suitable for non-swimmers?
A: Yes. Sea walks, glass-bottom boats, and guided snorkels with life jackets cater well to non-swimmers.
Q: Can I visit Elephant Beach in the afternoon?
A: Limited. Most boats operate in the morning with returns by early afternoon due to tides and wind. Plan to arrive before 10 am.
Q: Is there food available at Elephant Beach?
A: Minimal and seasonal stalls may operate. It’s best to carry water and light snacks and avoid single-use plastics.
Q: Are there washrooms or changing rooms?
A: Basic facilities may be available during peak season but can be limited. Consider changing at your hotel or wear swimwear under your clothes.
Q: Can I rent snorkeling gear on the spot?
A: Yes, operators typically provide masks, snorkels, and life jackets. Check gear condition and hygiene before use.
Conclusion
Elephant Beach blends easy reef access, soft sands, and a relaxed island vibe—ideal for first-timers and families as well as adventure seekers. Arrive early for the clearest water, choose responsible operators, and respect reef rules. Base yourself on Havelock, plan your boat or trek with the weather in mind, and keep essentials handy. With a thoughtful plan, you’ll experience one of the Andamans’ most photogenic and approachable marine playgrounds.
