Table of Contents
- Introduction
- History & Importance
- February Weather & Best Time to Visit
- Top Things to Do in February
- Nearby Attractions
- How to Reach Havelock (Swaraj Dweep)
- Where to Stay
- Food, Culture & Nightlife
- Estimated Costs
- Shopping
- Travel Tips & Safety
- Tips for Different Travelers
- Sample 4-Day February Itinerary
- FAQs about Havelock in February
- Conclusion
Introduction
Havelock Island, officially Swaraj Dweep, is the Andamans’ most-loved beach escape—powdery white sands, emerald lagoons, coral gardens, and laid-back cafés. February is one of the best months to be here: calm seas, excellent underwater visibility, and golden, breezy evenings that make Radhanagar’s sunset unforgettable. This guide covers weather, activities, logistics, budgets, and insider tips to plan the perfect February holiday.
History & Importance
Named after British Major General Henry Havelock, the island was officially renamed Swaraj Dweep in 2018. Its fame rests on spectacular beaches—Radhanagar (Beach No. 7) has repeatedly ranked among Asia’s best—and world-class diving. The reefs around Havelock are among India’s premier training grounds for scuba certifications, while its mangroves and bioluminescent bays offer rare night-time nature encounters.
February Weather & Best Time to Visit
February at a Glance
- Temperature: ~23–30°C (mild mornings, warm afternoons)
- Rainfall: Minimal; showers are rare
- Sea: Generally calm; visibility 15–30+ meters for diving
- Wind: Light to moderate; pleasant evenings
February sits in the heart of the dry season (Oct–May), delivering the Andamans’ best beach weather. It’s peak season, so pre-book ferries, dives, and stays.
Best Time to Visit (Year-Round Context)
- Best: October–May (clear seas, sunny days)
- Monsoon: June–September (rough seas, intermittent closures)
- Shoulder: Late September/early October and late April/May can be value-friendly with good weather windows.
Top Things to Do in February
1) Radhanagar Beach (Beach No. 7)
- Why February: Dreamy sunsets with golden light and fewer clouds.
- Do: Sunset strolls, gentle swims (heed lifeguard flags), photography.
2) Scuba Diving
- Top Sites: The Wall, Johnny’s Gorge, Lighthouse, Nemo Reef (great for beginners), Barracuda City.
- Discover Scuba: 30–45 mins underwater with a dive pro; ideal visibility in Feb.
- Courses: PADI Open Water/Advanced—calm seas accelerate learning.
3) Snorkeling & Sea Walk at Elephant Beach
- Access: Speedboat from Havelock jetty or a short forest trail (trail may be regulated—check locally).
- Expect: Vibrant corals, schooling fish; sea walk for non-swimmers.
4) Sunrise at Kalapathar Beach
- Soft dawn colors, fewer crowds; combine with a quiet breakfast by the sea.
5) Kayaking in Mangroves + Bioluminescence
- Day Kayak: Birdlife and mirror-still creeks.
- Night Kayak: On new moon nights, plankton glow; February often delivers clear conditions.
6) Stand-Up Paddleboarding and Glass-Bottom Boats
- Ideal for families and first-timers; calm February seas are forgiving.
7) Fishing & Island Hopping
- Try a light-tackle trip or hop over to Neil Island for day exploration.
8) Café Hopping
- Beach shacks and boho cafés serve fresh seafood, bakes, smoothies—perfect between swims and dives.
Nearby Attractions
- Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep): Natural Bridge, Bharatpur & Laxmanpur beaches; 1–2 hours by ferry.
- Port Blair: Cellular Jail light-and-sound show; Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island (Ross Island) ruins.
- Kalapathar Village: Quiet coastal stretch and viewpoints.
How to Reach Havelock (Swaraj Dweep)
By Air to Port Blair
- Fly to Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ), Port Blair, from major Indian cities.
Ferry from Port Blair to Havelock
- Private Ferries: Makruzz, Nautika, Green Ocean, Sea Link.
- Government Ferry: Budget-friendly, limited seats.
- Duration: 1.5–2.5 hours depending on boat and sea conditions.
- Typical One-Way Fares: INR 1,200–3,000 (private), INR 600–1,200 (government).
- Booking: Private ferries open in advance online; government tickets typically closer to date (queue or counters/agents).
Local Transport on Havelock
- Two-wheelers: INR 500–700/day + fuel.
- Auto-rickshaws/Taxi: Available at jetty and main market.
- Cycles: INR 150–300/day for short hops.
Permits & Entry
- Indian citizens: No special permit for Havelock.
- Foreign nationals: Typically no Restricted Area Permit for Havelock since policy relaxations; standard Indian visa required. Always verify latest rules before travel.
Where to Stay
Beach Zones
- Radhanagar (7): Premium resorts, sunset access.
- Vijaynagar (5) & Govind Nagar (3): Mid-range/budget properties, cafés, easy logistics.
- Kalapathar side: Quieter stays, sunrise lovers.
Types & Indicative Prices (Feb peak)
- Budget guesthouses/hostels: INR 1,200–2,500 per night.
- Mid-range cottages/resorts: INR 3,500–8,000 per night.
- Upscale beachfront villas: INR 10,000–30,000+ per night.
Book early for February to secure preferred locations and dive-friendly stays.
Food, Culture & Nightlife
What to Eat
- Fresh catch: Grilled reef fish, lobster, prawns, crab curry.
- Island favorites: Coconut-based curries, banana fritters, tropical fruit bowls.
- Vegetarian-friendly: Dosas, thalis, paneer curries, wood-fired pizzas at cafés.
Drinks & Nightlife
- Chill beach bars close by 10–11 pm; the vibe is relaxed, not party-heavy.
- Alcohol via licensed outlets; carry ID. Avoid drinking on public beaches.
Culture Notes
- Melting pot of settlers from mainland India; respectful beachwear and modest attire away from beaches is appreciated.
- Plastic reduction initiatives are active—carry a refillable bottle.
Estimated Costs
- Ferries (Return PB–Havelock): INR 2,400–6,000 per person (class/operator dependent).
- Local Transport: Scooter ~INR 600/day; fuel ~INR 100–200/day.
- Scuba Discover Dive: INR 3,500–6,000; Fun dive: INR 3,000–5,000 per dive; PADI Open Water: ~INR 22,000–28,000.
- Snorkeling/Boat to Elephant Beach: INR 1,200–2,500 per person.
- Kayak (mangrove/bioluminescence): INR 2,500–3,500 per person.
- Meals: INR 400–900 per person per meal at cafés; beachside grills higher.
Daily Budget (per person)
- Budget: INR 3,000–5,000
- Mid-range: INR 6,000–12,000
- Luxury: INR 15,000+
Shopping
- Where: Govind Nagar Market and resort boutiques.
- What: Handicrafts, island teas/spices, beachwear, postcards, local art.
- Avoid: Buying corals, shells, or marine life souvenirs—collection and export are illegal.
Travel Tips & Safety
- Connectivity: 4G exists (Airtel/BSNL/Jio) but can be patchy; many cafés have Wi‑Fi. Download maps offline.
- Money: ATMs are limited (SBI/Axis in market); carry cash. UPI works but depends on signal.
- Health: Reef-safe sunscreen, hydration, insect repellent. Basic clinic on island; serious care in Port Blair.
- Ocean Safety: Follow lifeguards; heed red/yellow flags. Avoid stepping on corals; wear aqua shoes.
- Environment: No littering, no touching/feeding marine life. Drones may require permissions—confirm locally.
- Packing for February: Light cottons, hat, sunglasses, swimwear, dry bag, waterproof phone case, motion-sickness tabs for ferries, copies of IDs, flashlight for night walks.
Tips for Different Travelers
Families
- Choose lagoon-facing beaches with gentle gradients (Vijaynagar, parts of Radhanagar on calm days).
- Opt for glass-bottom boats or guided snorkels for kids; carry snacks and shade.
Honeymooners
- Stay near Radhanagar for sunset walks; book a private beach dinner at your resort.
- Try a couples’ Discover Scuba or sunset kayak for memories without crowds.
Friends & Adventure Seekers
- Base near Govind Nagar for cafés and dive shops; rent scooters.
- Stack activities early in the day for best light and calm seas; keep a buffer morning for dive/weather contingencies.
Sample 4-Day February Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrive Port Blair → Ferry to Havelock → Sunset at Radhanagar → Dinner at beachfront café.
- Day 2: Discover Scuba or 2–3 fun dives → Lazy afternoon swim → Night bioluminescence kayak (new moon ±3 days best).
- Day 3: Morning boat to Elephant Beach → Snorkel/sea walk → Café hopping → Stargazing on the beach.
- Day 4: Sunrise at Kalapathar → Brunch → Ferry to Port Blair → Optional Cellular Jail show.
FAQs about Havelock in February
Q: Is February a good time to visit Havelock Island?
A: Yes. It’s peak season with sunny days, calm seas, and excellent underwater visibility—ideal for beaches and diving.
Q: Do I need to pre-book ferries and hotels for February?
A: Highly recommended. Ferries and popular resorts sell out in peak months. Book dives and bioluminescence tours in advance too.
Q: Can beginners try scuba in Havelock?
A: Absolutely. Discover Scuba programs are tailored for non-swimmers and first-timers, with controlled shallow sites and pro supervision.
Q: Are there jellyfish or dangerous currents in February?
A: Conditions are generally calm, but always follow lifeguard flags and local advice. Wearing a rash guard can help prevent minor stings.
Q: What should I pack specifically for February?
A: Light breathable clothing, reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, swimwear, aqua shoes, insect repellent, dry bag, and cash for backups.
Conclusion
With dry, breezy days and clear, calm seas, Havelock in February is beach life at its best. From Radhanagar’s epic sunsets to bioluminescent night paddles and beginner-friendly dives, the island balances adventure with serenity. Plan logistics early, respect the reefs, and travel light—Swaraj Dweep rewards simplicity with unforgettable island moments.
