Table of Contents
- Introduction
- History and Importance
- Best Time to Visit
- How to Reach Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep)
- Top Things to Do with Family
- Best Family Resorts in Havelock Island (Accommodation Options)
- Estimated Costs for Families
- Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
- Nearby Attractions and Island Hopping
- Tips for Visiting with Kids and Families
- Travel Tips by Traveler Type
- Suggested 4-Day Family Itinerary
- Shared FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Searching for the best family resorts in Havelock Island, Andaman? You’re looking at one of India’s finest beach destinations—Swaraj Dweep (formerly Havelock)—where calm lagoons, powdery sands, and reef-fringed shores set the scene for effortless family holidays. This guide blends resort recommendations with practical travel advice, so you can plan a smooth, kid-friendly getaway around Radhanagar, Elephant, and Kalapathar beaches.
History and Importance
Part of the Ritchie’s Archipelago in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Havelock Island was renamed Swaraj Dweep in 2018. It rose to fame after Radhanagar Beach (Beach No. 7) was celebrated internationally for its pristine sands and sunsets. Today, the island balances eco-friendly tourism with marine conservation, offering family-friendly water activities and nature experiences across shallow reefs and mangroves.
Best Time to Visit
- Peak family-friendly season: November to April (clear seas, stable ferries, excellent visibility for snorkeling/diving).
- Good shoulder months: October and May (warmer afternoons; occasional showers).
- Monsoon: June to September (rough seas, some water sports suspended; lush scenery but frequent rain).
How to Reach Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep)
By Air + Ferry: Fly into Port Blair’s Veer Savarkar International Airport. From there, take a government or private catamaran ferry to Havelock (1.5–2.5 hours). Popular private operators run modern, air-conditioned boats—book online in advance during peak season.
- Ferry timings: Mostly morning to mid-afternoon; last boats often depart by 2–3:30 PM. Align flight times accordingly.
- Luggage: Tagged and stowed separately on larger ferries; keep valuables and meds in a carry-on.
- Local transport on Havelock: AC cabs (best for families), autos, rental scooters (helmets advised), limited buses.
Top Things to Do with Family
- Radhanagar Beach: Gentle slopes, lifeguards at peak hours, dreamy sunsets; ideal for sandcastles and photo ops.
- Elephant Beach: Short boat ride or guided forest walk; glass-bottom boat rides and beginner-friendly snorkeling.
- Kalapathar Beach: Serene sunrise spot with shaded stretches—great for a quiet morning.
- Intro Scuba at Nemo Reef: Calm, shallow site for first-time divers (age and health restrictions apply).
- Mangrove Kayaking: Guided paddles at dawn or evening; bioluminescence tours on dark nights (season-dependent).
- Nature walks and birding: Look for kingfishers, herons, and butterflies along coastal tracks.
Best Family Resorts in Havelock Island (Accommodation Options)
Here are reliable, family-friendly stays across popular beaches. Prices are indicative per night for a double in peak season and vary by room type, tax, and dates.
Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Andamans (near Radhanagar)
- Why families love it: Spacious villas, kids’ activities, large pool, easy access to Radhanagar Beach.
- Typical range: ₹35,000–₹70,000+.
Barefoot at Havelock (Radhanagar rainforest setting)
- Eco-chic cottages amid forest; naturalist-led walks, quiet ambience. Note: limited in-room media—great for digital downtime.
- Typical range: ₹12,000–₹25,000.
SeaShell Havelock (Govind Nagar)
- Beachfront, pool, on-site dive center, family rooms and cottages.
- Typical range: ₹9,000–₹18,000.
Symphony Palms Beach Resort (Govind Nagar/Vijaynagar)
- Multiple cottage categories, private beach stretch, spa; convenient for markets and dining.
- Typical range: ₹8,000–₹16,000.
Coral Reef Resort & Spa, Havelock (Govind Nagar)
- Pool, family suites, lawns; good base for snorkeling trips.
- Typical range: ₹10,000–₹20,000.
Munjoh Ocean Resort (Govind Nagar)
- Villa-style rooms, relaxed beach access; babysitting on request (confirm in advance).
- Typical range: ₹10,000–₹18,000.
Havelock Island Beach Resort (Beach No. 2)
- Popular mid-range; pool, water-sports desk, easy logistics for families.
- Typical range: ₹6,000–₹12,000.
Silver Sand Beach Resort (Vijaynagar/Beach No. 5)
- Tall palms, beachfront cottages, quieter stretch for young kids.
- Typical range: ₹8,000–₹15,000.
TSG Blue (near Radhanagar) & The Wild Orchid (Govind Nagar)
- Solid mid-range/boutique picks; larger rooms available; access to beaches and eateries.
- Typical range: ₹5,000–₹10,000.
How to choose your area
- Radhanagar side: Best sunsets and sands; quieter evenings.
- Govind Nagar/Vijaynagar: Handy for markets, eateries, dive centers; easier transfers.
- Kalapathar side: Peaceful, scenic; fewer services nearby.
Estimated Costs for Families
- Accommodation (per night): Budget ₹4,000–₹7,000; Mid-range ₹8,000–₹18,000; Luxury ₹25,000–₹60,000+.
- Meals: ₹400–₹800 per person at local cafés; ₹1,200–₹2,500+ per person at resort restaurants.
- Ferries (one-way, per adult): Government ₹400–₹900; Private catamarans ₹900–₹1,800. Kids often discounted.
- Local transport: Airport–jetty taxi in Port Blair ₹300–₹500; Havelock cab hire ₹800–₹3,000 depending on distance/time; scooters ₹500–₹800/day.
- Activities: Intro scuba ₹4,000–₹7,000; Snorkeling/boat to Elephant Beach ₹1,200–₹2,500; Kayaking ₹2,500–₹3,500; Glass-bottom boat ₹600–₹1,200.
Note: Costs vary by season, availability, and operator. Carry some cash as network and card machines can be unreliable.
Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
- Food: Fresh seafood grills, Andaman fish curry, coconut-based dishes; bakeries and smoothie spots in Govind Nagar. Resorts cater well to kids (pastas, pancakes).
- Shopping: Souvenir stalls for shell-inspired crafts and local spices. Avoid buying corals/tortoiseshell—illegal and harmful to reefs.
- Culture & etiquette: Hindi, Bengali, and English are common. Dress modestly away from beaches; avoid littering; drones require permissions.
- Connectivity: Data can be slow; ATMs limited (carry cash); upscale resorts accept cards but network may drop.
Nearby Attractions and Island Hopping
- Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep): 60–90 minutes by ferry; family-friendly beaches (Laxmanpur, Bharatpur) and natural rock bridge.
- Port Blair: Cellular Jail light-and-sound show, Corbyn’s Cove, museums; often combined at trip start/end.
- Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island (Ross Island): Ruins and deer, short boat trip from Port Blair.
Tips for Visiting with Kids and Families
- Safety first: Observe flags and lifeguards; currents vary by season. Use reef-safe sunscreen and rash guards to avoid sunburn.
- Health & comfort: Pack motion-sickness meds for ferries, child-safe mosquito repellent, hats, refillable bottles, and a small first-aid kit.
- Logistics: Book ferries and resorts early in Dec–Feb. Share flight times with your resort for coordinated jetty pick-ups.
- Gear: Water shoes for coral fragments; snorkeling sets sized for kids; dry bags for boat rides.
- Time your day: Mornings for water activities; afternoons for naps/pool; sunsets at Radhanagar.
Travel Tips by Traveler Type
For Families
- Choose resorts with pools and direct beach access; request rollaway beds/cribs in advance.
- Prefer AC cabs over scooters with young children; car seats are limited—bring a portable booster if needed.
- Check tide timings for Elephant Beach; low-tide shallows suit beginners.
For Honeymooners
- Book sunset-facing cottages near Radhanagar; consider private dinners or couple’s spa.
- Plan a bioluminescence kayak on a new-moon night and a dawn walk at Kalapathar.
For Friends/Groups
- Look for adjoining rooms or family villas; bundle water sports for group rates.
- Evenings are quiet—carry board games or plan beach bonfires where permitted by your resort.
Suggested 4-Day Family Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrive Port Blair → Ferry to Havelock → Check-in → Sunset at Radhanagar.
- Day 2: Morning snorkeling/glass-bottom boat at Elephant Beach → Pool/siesta → Beach playtime.
- Day 3: Intro scuba or mangrove kayaking → Café lunch in Govind Nagar → Craft shopping.
- Day 4: Sunrise at Kalapathar → Leisure breakfast → Ferry back to Port Blair.
Shared FAQs
Q: Which area is best to stay for families in Havelock Island?
A: Radhanagar is ideal for beach lovers and sunsets, while Govind Nagar/Vijaynagar offers easier access to cafés, markets, and dive operators—convenient with kids.
Q: Do we need a permit to visit Havelock (Swaraj Dweep)?
A: Most tourists do not require a special permit for Havelock when arriving via Port Blair, but regulations can change. Carry valid ID and verify latest rules before travel.
Q: Are ferries stroller-friendly and how should we manage luggage?
A: Larger catamarans allow strollers and have designated luggage areas. Keep valuables, baby essentials, and meds in a small carry-on; label checked bags at the jetty.
Q: Is it safe for kids to swim at the beaches?
A: Yes, in designated zones during calm conditions. Always follow lifeguard guidance, avoid rough days, and use floatation aids. Reef shoes help protect little feet.
Q: How many days should a family spend on Havelock?
A: Three to four nights work well—enough for Radhanagar, Elephant Beach activities, and a relaxed day by the pool, without rushing ferry schedules.
Conclusion
Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep) pairs powder-soft beaches with an array of family-friendly resorts, comfortable transfers, and gentle reef adventures. Stay near Radhanagar for iconic sunsets or in Govind Nagar for easy dining and activities, time outings around calm mornings, and keep conservation-minded habits on the water and sand. With thoughtful planning, it’s an effortless island holiday for all ages.
