Table of Contents
- Introduction
- History and Importance
- Best Time to Visit
- Top Offbeat Things to Do
- How to Reach
- Accommodation Options
- Estimated Costs
- Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
- Nearby Attractions
- Travel Tips
- Traveler-Specific Tips
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Havelock Island, officially Swaraj Dweep, is the Andamans’ poster-child for perfect beaches. But beyond Radhanagar’s famed sunsets and the busy snorkel boats of Elephant Beach, a quieter world waits: mangrove creeks that glow with bioluminescence, forest trails ending in hidden rock pools, and dive sites where pelagics sweep past coral pinnacles. This guide curates the most rewarding offbeat places and experiences in Havelock Island, with practical tips to help you explore responsibly and efficiently.
History and Importance
Named after British General Henry Havelock and officially renamed Swaraj Dweep in 2018, the island has a settler history largely shaped by communities from mainland India, especially Bengali-speaking settlers post-independence. Its ecological importance is immense: fringing reefs, seagrass meadows frequented by turtles, and thick mangrove belts that protect the coastline and nurture marine life. Choosing offbeat corners helps distribute footfall and preserves fragile hotspots.
Best Time to Visit
- October to May: Best overall. Clear seas, good visibility for diving/snorkeling; peak season is December to February.
- March to May: Warmer days but superb underwater visibility; ideal for advanced diving trips.
- June to September: Monsoon brings heavy rain and rough seas; some boat trips and water sports may be suspended.
- Bioluminescence: Most commonly observed on dark, calm nights between November and February (never guaranteed).
Top Offbeat Things to Do
1) Sunrise solitude at Kalapathar’s southern stretch
Kalapathar is known, but walk past the main access to the quieter southern end. The east-facing shore rewards early risers with pastel sunrises, tide pools, and black rock frames. Wear sturdy sandals—coral rubble can be sharp.
2) Neil’s Cove rock pools (north of Radhanagar)
A short forest walk from the far northern end of Radhanagar leads to a turquoise lagoon ringed by rocks and jungle. Go during calm seas and daylight only. Heed local advisories—swimming may be restricted at times for safety.
3) Mangrove kayaking by day, sunset, or night
Paddle through archways of mangroves as kingfishers flash and mudskippers scatter. On moonless nights, some tours offer bioluminescence kayaking where phytoplankton shimmer with every stroke. Book reputable guides and respect no-go channels.
4) Advanced scuba at signature pinnacles
Certified divers can seek out sites like Johnny’s Gorge, Dixon’s Pinnacle, The Wall, or a night dive at Lighthouse. Expect schooling barracuda, trevallies, and thriving soft corals. Currents can be moderate to strong—dive only with experienced operators.
5) Forest trek to Elephant Beach at dawn
Skip the speedboat rush and take the forest trail (with a registered guide if you’re unfamiliar). The walk offers bird calls, mangrove glades, and a serene first hour at the beach before crowds arrive. Carry reef-safe sunscreen and water.
6) Tidepooling at Govind Nagar and Vijaynagar
At mid-to-low tide, quiet stretches along Beach No. 2 to 5 reveal micro-worlds of hermit crabs, anemones, and juvenile fish. Observe—don’t touch. Avoid walking on live coral and watch your step for urchins.
7) Cycling village backroads
Rent a bicycle or scooter and meander through coconut groves and homesteads linking Govind Nagar, Vijaynagar, and Kalapathar. Pause at roadside shacks for fresh coconuts and fish thalis.
8) Stargazing and silent shores
On clear nights, head to a dark patch along Vijaynagar or the southern Kalapathar stretch. Keep lights minimal to preserve the Milky Way views and to improve chances of spotting bioluminescence on calm waters.
How to Reach
- By Air to Port Blair (IXZ): Daily flights from Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Delhi (often via Chennai/Kolkata).
- Ferry to Havelock (1.5–2.5 hours): Government ferries and private catamarans (e.g., Makruzz, Nautika, Green Ocean, Sea Link, ITT Majestic). Book in advance during peak season; carry a printed ticket and an ID.
- Helicopter: Limited inter-island seats, weather/priority dependent. Not reliable for planning.
- Local Transport on Havelock: Scooters (commonly INR 500–800/day), auto-rickshaws, and taxis. No app cabs. Roads are mostly single-lane—ride cautiously at night.
Accommodation Options
- Budget: Simple beach huts and guesthouses around Govind Nagar/Vijaynagar; fan rooms, basic amenities.
- Mid-range: Boutique resorts and cottages with on-site cafes, dive desks, and AC rooms.
- Luxury: High-end eco-resorts near Radhanagar and premium beachfront properties with spas and private dining.
- Location tips:
- Govind Nagar/Vijaynagar: Good base for eateries, quiet beaches, and kayaking pick-ups.
- Near Radhanagar: Best sunsets and forest ambience; farther from most restaurants.
Estimated Costs
- Ferry (Port Blair–Havelock): Approx. INR 1,000–3,000 per person one way, class and operator dependent.
- Scooter rental: INR 500–800 per day (+ fuel).
- Discover Scuba (intro dive): INR 4,500–7,500 per person.
- Certified fun dives: INR 3,500–6,000 per dive (gear included) depending on site and operator.
- Mangrove kayaking: INR 2,500–3,500 per person for 2–3 hours; bioluminescence tours typically similar.
- Elephant Beach speedboat: Around INR 1,000–1,500 per person (shared; varies with season).
- Meals: INR 300–800 per person at local cafes; fresh seafood priced by weight.
- Stay (per night, double occupancy): Budget INR 1,500–3,000; Mid-range INR 5,000–10,000; Luxury INR 15,000–35,000+.
- Sample 3-day spend (excluding flights): Budget INR 8,000–12,000; Mid-range INR 15,000–30,000; Luxury INR 40,000+ per person.
All prices are indicative and fluctuate by season and availability.
Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
Food
- Fresh catch: Grilled reef fish, squid, prawns; ask for local spice rubs or simple lemon-butter.
- Comfort bowls: Thalis (veg/fish), coconut-based curries, and South Indian staples for easy breakfasts.
- Cafes by the sand: Smoothie bowls, wood-fired pizzas, and baked treats for lazy afternoons.
- Tips: Peak dinner hours can be busy—pre-order grilled seafood; confirm taxes/service fees.
Shopping
- Small souvenir stalls near Beach No. 2: Tees, sarongs, magnets, and island crafts.
- Avoid buying: Corals, shells, or turtle products—collection and sale are illegal and harmful.
- Better handicrafts selection is in Port Blair (e.g., government emporiums), so plan a stop before/after Havelock.
Culture
- Communities: A friendly mix of settlers; Hindi, Bengali, and English widely spoken.
- Rhythm of the island: Early to bed, early to rise. Many businesses wind down by 9–10 pm.
- Etiquette: Dress modestly in villages, ask before photographing people, and keep beaches litter-free.
Nearby Attractions
- Shaheed Dweep (Neil Island): Short ferry ride away; quieter beaches, natural bridge, Sitapur sunrise. Ideal for 1–2 nights.
- South Button Marine National Park (seasonal trips): Full-day snorkel/dive excursions from Havelock in suitable weather; exceptional coral and visibility.
- Port Blair add-ons (pre/post): Cellular Jail light-and-sound show, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island (Ross Island) ruins, and museums.
Travel Tips
- Connectivity and cash: Mobile data can be patchy. Carry sufficient cash; a few ATMs exist but may be out of service.
- Reef-safe habits: Use mineral, reef-safe sunscreen; never stand on coral; keep a 2–3 m distance from turtles.
- Tides and safety: Check tide charts before snorkeling or tidepooling. Lagoons and creeks can be risky—follow lifeguard and forest department advisories.
- Monsoon readiness: Expect sudden squalls, ferry delays, and reduced visibility. Keep buffers in your plan.
- Responsible waste: Carry a reusable bottle; take back all trash; avoid single-use plastics.
- Documents: Keep government ID handy. Visitor regulations can change; verify current guidelines before travel.
Traveler-Specific Tips
Families
- Prefer calm-water stretches (Govind Nagar/Vijaynagar) and visit early to avoid midday heat.
- Choose licensed operators for snorkeling intro sessions with kids; insist on life jackets.
- Pack rash guards, reef shoes, hats, and ORS for long beach days.
Honeymooners
- Pick stays near Radhanagar for sunset walks and forest privacy; dine early to avoid rush.
- Book a private mangrove kayak or a stargazing beach set-up on non-windy nights.
- Consider a two-tank dive together if certified; otherwise, schedule Discover Scuba side by side.
Friends and Small Groups
- Plan an early trek to Elephant Beach, then continue to a quiet cove post-11 am as crowds build.
- Reserve scooters ahead in peak months; carry a puncture kit and basic first-aid.
- Bundle activities: A dive day, a kayak night, and a sunrise ride to Kalapathar for variety.
FAQs
Q: Do I need a permit to visit Havelock Island?
A: Indian nationals do not require a special permit for Havelock. Foreign nationals typically register on arrival in Port Blair; specific regulations can change, so check the latest official guidance before travel and carry valid ID.
Q: Is bioluminescence guaranteed?
A: No. It is most often seen on dark, calm nights (commonly November to February), but depends on plankton density, weather, and moon phase. Book with experienced guides and keep expectations realistic.
Q: Are crocodiles a concern at beaches and lagoons?
A: Rare sightings do occur in certain lagoons. Authorities post temporary restrictions when needed. Avoid swimming in creeks, heed lifeguards, and follow local advisories.
Q: What’s the best offbeat dive site for certified divers?
A: Sites like Johnny’s Gorge and Dixon’s Pinnacle are favorites for schooling fish and vibrant corals, but suitability depends on your certification, experience, and sea conditions. Your dive operator will recommend the day’s best sites.
Q: How many days should I set aside for offbeat Havelock?
A: Three full days allow a balanced mix: one day for diving, one for mangrove kayaking and tidepooling, and one for sunrise/sunset beaches plus the Elephant Beach trek.
Conclusion
Offbeat Havelock is all about timing and tact: start early, walk a little farther than the crowds, and swap speedboats for kayaks or bicycles. You’ll find quiet coves, living reefs, and night skies that still feel wild—memories that linger long after the tide has turned.
