Table of Contents
- Introduction
- History & Ecological Importance
- Best Time to Visit
- How to Reach Havelock (Swaraj Dweep)
- Top Sustainable Things to Do
- Accommodation: Sustainable Resorts & Eco-Stays
- Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
- Nearby Attractions & Eco Day Trips
- Estimated Costs & Budget Planning
- Tips for Responsible Travel in Havelock
- Traveler-Specific Tips
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Looking for sustainable resorts in Havelock Island (officially Swaraj Dweep) that blend barefoot luxury with a light footprint? This emerald isle in India’s Andaman archipelago is famed for coral gardens, mangroves, and dusky sunsets at Radhanagar Beach. A new generation of eco-conscious stays is helping travelers enjoy the island while protecting fragile marine and forest ecosystems. Here’s a compact, expert guide to choosing responsible stays, planning low-impact experiences, and budgeting your Andaman escape.
History & Ecological Importance
Havelock Island was renamed Swaraj Dweep in 2018 to honor India’s freedom legacy. Ecologically, it’s part of the Andaman & Nicobar biodiversity hotspot, home to fringing reefs, seagrass beds (vital for turtles), and dense tropical forests. Beaches like Radhanagar (Beach No. 7) are globally celebrated, but the island’s true wealth lies underwater—making sustainability essential to preserve coral health and water clarity.
- Key habitats: coral reefs (Nemo Reef, Elephant Beach), mangroves, turtle nesting zones (seasonal).
- Conservation sensitivities: coral bleaching risk, plastic pollution, and anchor damage from unregulated boating.
Best Time to Visit
- Peak (Dec–Mar): Clear seas, calm winds, best for diving/snorkeling; higher prices and occupancy.
- Shoulder (Oct–Nov, Apr): Warm waters, occasional showers; great visibility and fewer crowds.
- Monsoon (May–Sep): Lush landscapes, best rates; rough seas may disrupt ferries and water activities.
For sea lovers, January–March offers the most reliable conditions. If you prefer quieter beaches and better value, April or late October is ideal.
How to Reach Havelock (Swaraj Dweep)
- By Air: Fly to Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ), Port Blair, from major Indian cities.
- By Ferry from Port Blair:
- Government ferries (Haddo/PHOENIX Bay jetty): budget-friendly, basic cabins; 2–3 hours.
- Private catamarans (e.g., Makruzz, Nautika, Green Ocean, ITT Majestic): 60–90 minutes, assigned seats.
- Advance Booking: Recommended in peak season; carry a government ID and printed/soft copies of tickets.
- Local Transport: Shared jeeps, auto-rickshaws, taxis, and scooters (popular); roads are simple to navigate.
Top Sustainable Things to Do
- Snorkeling & Diving with responsible operators who avoid coral contact and enforce no-touch policies (Nemo Reef, Elephant Beach).
- Guided Mangrove Kayaking and bioluminescence tours with permits and naturalist-led ethics.
- Beach Walks at sunrise/sunset on Radhanagar and Kalapathar—keep beaches dark and quiet during turtle season.
- Reef-Safe Wellness: Choose mineral sunscreen, reef-friendly spa treatments, and refill water at your resort.
- Nature Photography & Birding: Silent, small-group outings to minimize disturbance.
Accommodation: Sustainable Resorts & Eco-Stays
Below are well-regarded stays on Havelock Island known for eco‑minded practices. Initiatives may evolve—check the resort’s latest sustainability policy when booking.
Barefoot at Havelock (near Radhanagar Beach)
- Green Practices: Natural materials, low-light footprint near turtle habitat, waste segregation, responsible water use.
- Why Stay: Rustic-luxe cottages under rainforest canopy, steps from Beach No. 7.
- Approx. Price: INR 12,000–30,000+ per night (seasonal).
Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Andamans (Radhanagar)
- Green Practices: Landscaping with native species, on-site waste management, reduction of single-use plastics, community engagement.
- Why Stay: High-end villas, lagoon-style settings, curated low-impact experiences.
- Approx. Price: INR 25,000–60,000+ per night.
Jalakara (Hilltop boutique, central Havelock)
- Green Practices: Small-scale design, natural ventilation, limited inventory to reduce footprint.
- Why Stay: Intimate, design-forward hideaway; tranquil, non-beach setting.
- Approx. Price: INR 10,000–25,000 per night.
Eco Villa Palm Beach Resort (Govind Nagar)
- Green Practices: Bamboo/wood cottages, emphasis on local materials, basic waste reduction steps.
- Why Stay: Value-friendly beachfront with a simple, eco-led ethos.
- Approx. Price: INR 5,000–12,000 per night.
SeaShell Havelock (Govind Nagar)
- Green Practices: In-house filtration, plastic reduction, staff training on reef-safe guidelines.
- Why Stay: Comfortable rooms, easy access to dive centers and jetty.
- Approx. Price: INR 8,000–20,000 per night.
Homestays & Small Eco-Lodges
- Green Practices: Low energy use, local sourcing, modest footprints.
- Why Stay: Community-centric stays that keep benefits local.
- Approx. Price: INR 2,000–6,000 per night.
How to choose truly sustainable stays
- Ask about water treatment, refill stations, reef-safe policies, and staff naturalist programs.
- Check for elimination of single-use plastics and responsible waste disposal (no burning).
- Prefer properties employing local staff and sourcing local produce.
Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
Food
- Fresh seafood (tuna, crab, prawns) and coastal Indian flavors; vegetarian-friendly menus widely available.
- Request sustainably caught fish; avoid endangered species and oversized lobsters.
- Look for cafes that offer filtered water refills and locally grown ingredients.
Shopping
- Buy practical island goods: reusable bottles, sarongs, Ayurvedic repellents.
- Avoid coral, shells, and marine curios—illegal/unethical to trade or carry.
- For crafts, the government-run Sagarika Emporium is in Port Blair; on Havelock, options are limited and basic.
Culture & Etiquette
- Dress modestly away from the beach; respect quiet hours.
- No drones on protected beaches without permits; follow local signage.
- Do not attempt visits to restricted tribal areas anywhere in the Andamans.
Nearby Attractions & Eco Day Trips
- Elephant Beach: Short boat ride/trek; known for snorkeling. Choose operators that anchor at mooring buoys.
- Kalapathar Beach: Black rock outcrops and sunrise vantage; minimal facilities.
- Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep): Day trip or 1–2 nights for quieter reefs and natural bridges.
- Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island (near Port Blair): Ruins reclaimed by roots; combine with arrival/departure days.
Estimated Costs & Budget Planning
- Stay:
- Luxury eco-resorts: INR 25,000–60,000+ per night.
- Mid-range eco/boutique: INR 8,000–25,000 per night.
- Homestays/basic eco-lodges: INR 2,000–6,000 per night.
- Transport:
- Private ferry (Port Blair–Havelock): INR 1,500–3,500 one-way (class dependent).
- Government ferry: ~INR 500–1,200 one-way.
- Scooter rental: INR 400–800 per day; fuel extra.
- Activities:
- Discover Scuba (intro): INR 3,500–5,000.
- Certified diving: INR 3,500–6,500 per dive; packages reduce cost.
- Kayaking/bioluminescence: INR 1,500–3,000.
- Snorkel boat trip: INR 1,000–2,500.
- Meals: INR 400–1,200 per person per meal depending on venue.
Tips for Responsible Travel in Havelock
- Use reef-safe, mineral sunscreen (non-nano zinc oxide) and wear rash guards to cut chemical load.
- Carry a reusable bottle; refill at resorts/cafes offering filtered water.
- Do not touch or stand on coral; keep fins off the reef and maintain buoyancy.
- Keep beaches dark at night during turtle nesting; avoid flash photography.
- Pack out what you bring in—waste management on islands is limited.
- Confirm ferry schedules in monsoon; carry buffers in your itinerary.
Traveler-Specific Tips
For Families
- Pick beachfront resorts with lifeguard presence or gentle surf (Radhanagar’s calmer days).
- Choose guided intro snorkel sessions and mangrove kayaking suitable for kids.
For Honeymooners
- Opt for villas set back in the forest for privacy and soundscapes of nature.
- Plan sunset beach walks and a no-plastic picnic with reusable kits.
For Friends/Groups
- Bundle dive packages with a reputable operator; ask for mooring-only sites.
- Rent scooters for flexibility; ride cautiously on wet roads.
Packing Essentials
- Reef-safe sunscreen, rash guard, quick-dry towel, dry bag, and a reusable bottle.
- Light rain jacket (Oct–Dec, May–Sep), insect repellent, basic meds, and photocopies of IDs.
Safety & Practical
- ATMs exist but can run dry; carry some cash alongside UPI/cards.
- Mobile data can be patchy; download maps and ferry tickets offline.
- Follow lifeguard flags; currents can be strong on certain days.
FAQs
Q: Are permits required to visit Havelock Island?
A: Indian nationals do not need special permits for Havelock. Foreign nationals can visit notified areas without a Restricted Area Permit under current rules, though regulations can change; carry valid ID and check updates before travel.
Q: Which beach is best for sustainable snorkeling?
A: Nemo Reef and areas near Elephant Beach are popular. Go with operators who use mooring buoys, provide buoyancy training, and enforce no-touch, no-feed policies.
Q: Can I buy seashells or corals as souvenirs?
A: No. Collecting or purchasing corals, shells, or marine curios is illegal and harms ecosystems. Choose locally made crafts or practical eco gear instead.
Q: What makes a resort “sustainable” on Havelock?
A: Key indicators include plastic-free operations, refill water stations, efficient wastewater treatment, support for local employment, responsible seafood sourcing, and naturalist-led guest education.
Q: Is Wi‑Fi reliable on the island?
A: Connectivity has improved but can be intermittent. Many eco-stays prioritize low-tech relaxation; expect slower speeds and plan offline access for maps and documents.
Conclusion
Havelock Island rewards mindful travelers with clear lagoons, rainforest shade, and starry nights. Choosing sustainable resorts—paired with reef-safe habits, small-group nature experiences, and thoughtful spending—helps protect the island’s coral reefs and beaches for future visitors and local communities alike.
