Table of Contents
- Introduction
- History & Importance
- Best Time to Visit
- Top Things to Do
- Suggested 3-Day Itinerary
- Nearby Attractions & Islands
- How to Reach & Get Around
- Accommodation Options
- Estimated Costs & Budget
- Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
- Complete Packing Checklist for Havelock
- Essential Tips for Havelock
- Tips by Traveler Type
- Safety & Responsible Travel
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Dreaming of powder-soft sands, turquoise lagoons, and world-class dive sites? Havelock Island—officially Swaraj Dweep—in India’s Andaman & Nicobar archipelago is a tropical escape where time slows and sunsets steal the show. This complete checklist-based guide covers when to go, how to get there, what to pack, the best things to do, costs, and smart tips so you can plan a seamless island holiday.
History & Importance
Part of the Ritchie’s Archipelago, Havelock Island was renamed Swaraj Dweep in 2018 to honor India’s freedom movement and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s call for “Swaraj.” Once named after British General Sir Henry Havelock, the island today is famed for Radhanagar Beach (Beach No. 7), repeatedly ranked among Asia’s best beaches, and for vibrant coral reefs around Elephant Beach and Nemo Reef that make it a diver’s paradise.
Tourism is the lifeline of the island, supporting local communities that reflect a cultural mix of settlers from mainland India. Marine conservation and responsible travel are increasingly central to its identity.
Best Time to Visit
- October–May: Peak season with calm seas and clear skies. Best for swimming, snorkeling, scuba, and sunsets.
- December–February: Coolest, driest months; great underwater visibility—ideal for divers.
- March–May: Warmer but still good; water visibility often excellent for dives.
- June–September: Monsoon; frequent rains, choppy seas, occasional ferry disruptions. Lush landscapes but limited water activities.
Tip: Book ferries and stays well in advance for December–January and around long weekends.
Top Things to Do
- Radhanagar Beach Sunset: Watch the sky blaze over one of Asia’s most celebrated beaches.
- Scuba Diving: Try a Discover Scuba Dive (no certification needed) at Nemo Reef, or certified dives at sites like The Wall and Aquarium.
- Snorkeling at Elephant Beach: Shallow coral gardens with colorful reef fish; go by boat (trek access may be seasonally regulated).
- Kayaking & Bioluminescence: Paddle through mangroves at dusk; on clear, dark nights you may spot glowing plankton.
- Kalapathar Sunrise: Quiet, rocky beach with emerald waters—great for morning photos.
- Beach Hopping: Vijaynagar and Govind Nagar beaches for long, lazy walks and swimming in calm lagoons.
- Glass-Bottom Boat/Sea Walk: Non-swimmers can view reefs; sea walks are occasionally operational at Elephant Beach—check current status.
- Learn to Dive: Enroll in an Open Water course (3–4 days) with reputable dive shops.
- Island Cycling/Scooter Rides: Explore scenic coastal roads fringed by palms and paddy fields.
- Fishing & Sunset Cruises: Arrange responsibly with licensed operators.
Suggested 3-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & Radhanagar Magic
- Morning: Ferry to Havelock; check in near Govind Nagar/Vijaynagar.
- Afternoon: Relax at beach; late afternoon head to Radhanagar for sunset.
- Evening: Dinner at a beachside café.
Day 2: Reef Adventures
- Morning: Discover Scuba Dive or snorkeling (pre-book).
- Midday: Lunch, rest.
- Evening: Mangrove kayaking with bioluminescence (new moon nights best).
Day 3: Elephant Beach & Kalapathar
- Morning: Boat to Elephant Beach; snorkel or glass-bottom boat ride.
- Afternoon: Back to town; café hop or spa.
- Late afternoon: Kalapathar for golden-hour views; depart next morning.
Nearby Attractions & Islands
- Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep): Quieter cousin with natural rock bridge, Laxmanpur sunsets; 60–90 minutes by ferry.
- Port Blair: Stopover city for flights; visit Cellular Jail, light & sound show, and Corbyn’s Cove.
- Ross Island (Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Dweep) & North Bay: Colonial ruins and snorkeling near Port Blair—good pre/post add-ons.
How to Reach & Get Around
Reaching Havelock (Swaraj Dweep)
- By Air: Fly to Port Blair (IXZ) from major Indian cities.
- By Ferry from Port Blair:
- Private catamarans (e.g., Makruzz, Green Ocean, ITT Majestic): 1.5–2.5 hours; book online in advance.
- Government ferries (DSS): 2–3.5 hours; economical; book at counters; schedules vary.
- Check-in: Arrive 60–90 minutes before departure; carry printed/soft copies of tickets and ID.
Getting Around Havelock
- Two-wheeler rentals: Popular, affordable; carry license; helmets advised.
- Taxis/Autos: Available; negotiate or use fixed-rate stands.
- Cycling: Scenic but humid; start early.
- No app cabs; limited night transport after 8–9 pm.
Permits & Connectivity
- Permits: Indian citizens generally don’t need permits for Havelock. Foreign nationals typically require a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) for the Andamans, usually issued on arrival at Port Blair; confirm latest rules before travel.
- Mobile/Internet: 4G works in town areas (Airtel/Jio) but can be patchy; expect slow speeds.
- Money: A few ATMs; cash and UPI accepted—carry backup cash due to outages.
- Power: Occasional cuts; many stays have generators.
Accommodation Options
- Budget (hostels/guesthouses): INR 800–1,500 per night; social vibes near Govind Nagar.
- Mid-range beach resorts: INR 3,000–8,000 per night; cottages by Vijaynagar/Radhanagar roads.
- Luxury resorts: INR 12,000–30,000+ per night; private beaches, spas, dive desks.
Location tips:
- Govind Nagar/Vijaynagar: Close to eateries, dive shops, and long swimmable lagoons.
- Near Radhanagar: Quieter, lush, best for honeymooners and sunset lovers.
Estimated Costs & Budget
Per Person (3 Days, Excluding Flights)
- Shoestring: INR 6,000–10,000 (govt ferry, hostel, local food, 1–2 budget activities)
- Mid-range: INR 15,000–30,000 (private ferry, resort, 1 dive/snorkel + kayaking)
- Luxury: INR 35,000–80,000+ (premium ferry, luxury resort, multiple dives, spa)
Typical Activity Prices
- Private ferry (one-way): INR 1,200–3,000
- Govt ferry (one-way): INR 450–1,200
- Two-wheeler rental: INR 400–700/day + fuel
- Discover Scuba Dive: INR 3,500–6,000
- Certified fun dive: INR 3,500–5,000 per dive (gear included)
- Snorkeling trip (Elephant Beach): INR 800–1,800
- Kayaking/bioluminescence: INR 2,500–3,500
- Glass-bottom boat: INR 700–1,500
Note: Prices vary by season, operator, and inclusions. Always confirm what’s included (photos, guide ratio, safety gear).
Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
Food
- Seafood specials: Grilled fish, prawn curry, crab, and (seasonally) lobster.
- Island staples: Fresh coconuts, banana pancakes, masala omelets, thalis.
- Vegetarian-friendly: Paneer curries, dal, mixed veg, wood-fired pizzas at café-style spots.
Shopping
- Pick: Coconut/jute handicrafts, island-themed souvenirs, spices.
- Avoid: Coral, shells, and marine life products—collection and trade are illegal.
- Where: Small markets near Govind Nagar; for government emporiums, shop in Port Blair.
Culture
- Community: A blend of Bengali, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu influences.
- Language: Hindi widely spoken; English understood in tourism.
- Etiquette: Modest beachwear off the beach; ask before photographing locals.
Complete Packing Checklist for Havelock
Documents & Money
- Government ID/Passport, flight and ferry tickets (digital + paper copies)
- For foreigners: Visa, RAP (if applicable), travel insurance
- Cash + UPI; backup debit/credit card
Clothing
- Light cottons/linen, swimwear, sarong/cover-up
- Sun hat/cap, UV sunglasses
- Light rain jacket (Nov–Mar occasional showers; Jun–Sep monsoon)
- Evening layer for breezy nights
Footwear
- Flip-flops/water shoes
- Comfortable sandals/sneakers for cycling/short treks
Gear & Gadgets
- Reef-safe sunscreen (zinc-based), SPF lip balm
- Mask/snorkel (optional; rentals available), dry bag, waterproof phone pouch
- Power bank, universal adapter (India: Type C/D/M, 230V)
- Action camera/underwater housing (optional)
Health & Safety
- Basic meds: motion sickness, pain relief, antihistamine, rehydration salts
- Insect repellent; after-bite gel
- Personal first-aid kit; antiseptic wipes; band-aids
Extras
- Reusable water bottle; small trash bag
- Lightweight towel/microfiber towel
- Copies of certifications (for certified divers)
Essential Tips for Havelock
- Pre-book ferries and dive/kayak slots in peak months.
- Start days early to avoid heat and crowds; sunsets are late—plan rides back with daylight.
- Swim only in designated zones; heed lifeguard flags and currents.
- Respect reefs: no touching/standing on corals; no feeding fish.
- Carry cash for small vendors; ATMs can run dry.
- Expect limited connectivity; download maps and tickets offline.
- Check Elephant Beach access: boat/trek availability varies with weather and forest rules.
- Drones may require permissions—verify local regulations.
Tips by Traveler Type
Families
- Choose lagoon-facing resorts (Vijaynagar/Govind Nagar) with gentle shallows.
- Book glass-bottom boats or guided snorkel for kids; ensure properly fitted life jackets.
- Carry snacks and sun protection; plan midday siestas.
Honeymooners
- Stay near Radhanagar for privacy and golden sunsets.
- Book a bioluminescence paddle or private candlelight beach dinner (where permitted).
- Opt for couple spa sessions and a relaxed one-activity-per-day pace.
Friends/Backpackers
- Split scooter rentals; explore cafés and free beaches.
- Target budget dives on weekday mornings; compare operators for safety and group size.
- Choose hostels for social vibes and shared activity deals.
Safety & Responsible Travel
- Ocean safety: Currents and sudden depth changes—avoid risky selfies on rocks; jellyfish may appear seasonally.
- Environmental care: Carry back all trash; avoid single-use plastics; use reef-safe sunscreen.
- Wildlife & reefs: Never touch corals or marine life; no shell/coral souvenirs.
- Health: Stay hydrated; treat minor cuts promptly (tropical waters); consider travel insurance covering water sports.
- Cultural respect: Dress modestly off beaches; keep noise low at night.
FAQs
Q: How many days are enough for Havelock?
A: Two to three full days cover Radhanagar, Elephant Beach snorkeling or a Discover Scuba Dive, and a kayaking session. Divers often stay 4–5 days to complete a course and add fun dives.
Q: Do I need a permit to visit Havelock?
A: Indian citizens generally don’t need permits. Foreign nationals typically require a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) for the Andamans, usually issued on arrival at Port Blair; check current government rules before travel.
Q: Is Havelock good for non-swimmers?
A: Yes. Try glass-bottom boat rides, sea walks (when operational), guided shallow-water snorkeling with life jackets, beach time at calm lagoons, and sunset viewing at Radhanagar.
Q: What’s the best month for scuba diving?
A: December to April generally offers calmer seas and better visibility. Always check daily conditions with local dive shops.
Q: Can I visit Elephant Beach during monsoon?
A: Access can be restricted due to rough seas and safety regulations. Boats may not operate and the forest trek may be closed—confirm locally before planning.
Conclusion
Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) blends serene beaches, thriving reefs, and a laid-back island rhythm. Visit between October and May, base yourself near the swimmable lagoons, pre-book ferries and key activities, pack smart for sun and sea, and treat the marine world gently. With this checklist in hand, your island days can be effortless and unforgettable.
