Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Top Instagrammable Cafes in Havelock
- Best Time to Visit for Cafe Hopping & Photos
- How to Reach Havelock (Swaraj Dweep)
- Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
- Nearby Getaways & Photo Stops
- Where to Stay
- Estimated Costs
- Photography Tips for Cafes
- Travel Tips & Packing Guide
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Havelock Island (officially Swaraj Dweep) is the Andamans’ poster-child for powdery beaches and teal-blue lagoons—but it also hides a playful cafe culture. Think barefoot-chic decks, bamboo bungalows strung with fairy lights, and sea-facing swings perfect for your grid. This guide spotlights the top Instagrammable cafes in Havelock, with when-to-shoot tips, signature bites, and practical travel info to plan a photogenic island escape.
Top Instagrammable Cafes in Havelock
1) Something Different – A Beachside Cafe (Govind Nagar)
Why it’s Instagrammable: Sea-facing wooden decks, rope swings, pastel accents, and artful plating against the Andaman blues.
Best photo spots & timing: Golden hour on the beachfront deck; twilight when fairy lights come on.
Try this: Seafood platters, smoothies, wood-fired pizzas.
Typical spend: INR 400–800 per person.
Location tip: Near Govind Nagar Beach (Beach No. 2/3). Easy scooter access.
2) Full Moon Cafe (Vijay Nagar / Beach No. 5)
Why it’s Instagrammable: Rustic bamboo-and-thatch, surfboards, hanging lamps—laid-back dive-chic vibe.
Best photo spots & timing: Late morning for soft light filtering through bamboo; evenings for cozy ambience.
Try this: Tuna steak, garlic butter prawns, island-style breakfast.
Typical spend: INR 400–900 per person.
Location tip: Within the Dive India campus, moments from the beach.
3) Anju Coco Resto (Govind Nagar)
Why it’s Instagrammable: Lush garden courtyard, wood signage, warm lighting; plates pop against green backdrops.
Best photo spots & timing: Midday in the shaded courtyard; evenings for bokeh lights.
Try this: Grilled fish, Thai curries, fresh juices.
Typical spend: INR 300–700 per person.
Location tip: On the main Govind Nagar stretch; popular for dinner—arrive early.
4) Fat Martin Cafe (Govind Nagar)
Why it’s Instagrammable: Colorful chairs, chalkboard art, playful signs—boho frames for casual portraits.
Best photo spots & timing: Afternoon for vibrant tones; night for neon glow.
Try this: Savory crepes, banana pancakes, cold coffee.
Typical spend: INR 250–500 per person.
Location tip: On the main road; easy pit-stop while beach-hopping.
5) Bonova Cafe & Pub (SeaShell Havelock, Govind Nagar)
Why it’s Instagrammable: Contemporary interiors, statement bar, leafy corners—elevated island aesthetic.
Best photo spots & timing: Blue hour cocktails at the bar; indoor portraits with soft spotlights.
Try this: Craft cocktails, seafood starters, island grills.
Typical spend: INR 700–1,200 per person.
Location tip: Inside SeaShell Havelock; dressy-casual works here.
6) Nemo Cafe & Bar (Beachfront, Govind Nagar)
Why it’s Instagrammable: Bean bags on the sand, lantern-lit evenings, sunset silhouettes over the sea.
Best photo spots & timing: Sunset for silhouettes; night for fairy light ambience.
Try this: Grilled seafood, mocktails/cocktails, quick bites.
Typical spend: INR 500–1,000 per person.
Location tip: Beachfront setting; mind the tides for shoreline shots.
7) Red Snapper (The Wild Orchid, Vijay Nagar)
Why it’s Instagrammable: Thatched pavilions, bamboo textures, warm amber lighting—classic island-romance frames.
Best photo spots & timing: Early dinner for golden-to-amber transition shots.
Try this: Lobster, crab in garlic butter, Andaman fish specials.
Typical spend: INR 700–1,300 per person.
Location tip: Within The Wild Orchid resort near Beach No. 5.
8) The Swimming Elephant (Barefoot at Havelock, near Radhanagar Beach)
Why it’s Instagrammable: Tropical wood, leafy vistas, refined plating—elegant island minimalism.
Best photo spots & timing: Post-beach brunch or twilight after a Radhanagar sunset.
Try this: Fresh catch of the day, gourmet desserts, curated beverages.
Typical spend: INR 900–1,600 per person.
Location tip: Close to Radhanagar (Beach No. 7); reservations recommended in peak season.
Note: Menus, prices, and hours can change seasonally (especially during monsoon). Confirm on the day.
Best Time to Visit for Cafe Hopping & Photos
- Nov–Apr (Dry season): Best light, calm seas, longest hours. Peak crowds in Dec–Jan.
- May–Sep (Monsoon): Lush greens and moody skies; intermittent rain, some cafes reduce hours.
- Golden hours: 6:00–7:30 am and 4:30–6:00 pm for soft light and dramatic skies.
- Weekdays: Fewer diners; easier to photograph spaces without people.
How to Reach Havelock (Swaraj Dweep)
By Air + Ferry
- Fly to Port Blair (IXZ) from major Indian cities.
- Take a government or private ferry to Havelock: 1.5–2.5 hours depending on service.
Ferry Pointers
- Tickets: Book at least 1–3 days ahead in peak months.
- Classes: Economy to premium; assigned seating; luggage limits apply.
- Seas: Can be choppy in monsoon; keep motion-sickness meds.
Local Transport on Havelock
- Scooter rental: INR 500–700/day + fuel; most flexible for cafe-hopping.
- Auto-rickshaw/taxis: Available on main stretches; agree on fares beforehand.
- Bicycles: Scenic but humid; carry water and sun protection.
Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
Food
- Order fresh catch (snapper, tuna, crab, lobster) grilled or in island curries.
- Look for coconut, lemongrass, and chili in island-influenced dishes.
- Vegetarian options are common; ask for local produce and seasonal specials.
Shopping
- Small boutiques for shell-free souvenirs, handloom, bamboo crafts.
- Eco-essentials: Refill bottles, reef-safe sunscreen, cloth totes—align with island ethos.
Culture & Etiquette
- Havelock is relaxed yet conservation-forward: minimize plastic and food waste.
- Dress modestly away from beaches; respect locals’ privacy when photographing.
- No tribal tourism: Never attempt visits to protected indigenous areas.
Nearby Getaways & Photo Stops
Radhanagar Beach (Beach No. 7)
Famed sunsets, silky sand, and gentle surf—perfect for minimalist portraits and horizon shots.
Elephant Beach
Vivid shallows and snorkel scenes; combine action shots with beach shack frames.
Kalapathar Beach
Dramatic black rocks against turquoise water; early mornings for crowd-free compositions.
Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep)
Day trip via ferry; quaint eateries, coral bridges, and slow-life frames.
Where to Stay
- Budget: Guesthouses and backpacker stays around Govind Nagar and Vijay Nagar (INR 1,200–2,500/night).
- Mid-range: The Wild Orchid, Symphony Palms, Havelock Island Beach Resort (INR 4,000–8,000/night).
- Premium: SeaShell Havelock, Barefoot at Havelock (near Radhanagar) (INR 9,000–20,000+ per night).
Note: Prices fluctuate by season and availability.
Estimated Costs
- Cafes: INR 300–1,200 per person per meal depending on venue and dishes.
- Scooter rental: INR 500–700/day + fuel.
- Ferry (Port Blair–Havelock): Approx. INR 500–1,500 one-way depending on class/operator.
- Activities: Snorkeling INR 1,000–2,500; scuba intro INR 3,500–6,000.
- Daily budget (mid-range): INR 3,500–7,000 including meals, local transport, and activities (excluding stay).
Photography Tips for Cafes
- Ask first: Get staff consent for bar/kitchen shots and avoid other guests in frames.
- Light play: Use backlight at sunset for silhouettes; bounce with a napkin/white card for food shots.
- Color story: Match island palettes—whites, blues, natural woods—for cohesive grids.
- Props: Shell-free decor, coconut drinks, straw hats; keep tables uncluttered.
- Weather backup: During monsoon, lean into moody indoor portraits with warm lamps.
Travel Tips & Packing Guide
For Families
- Choose cafes with spacious seating and shade; bring wet wipes and mosquito repellent.
- High chairs are limited—carry a portable strap-on seat if needed.
For Honeymooners/Couples
- Time a sunset dinner at Nemo or Something Different for golden silhouettes.
- Pack light linen, a neutral throw, and a compact tripod for two-person frames.
For Friends/Backpackers
- Split platters and try multiple menus; scooter-share to hop efficiently.
- Carry cash; ATMs and card machines can be unreliable.
Safety & Practicalities
- Connectivity: Mobile data can be patchy; download maps offline.
- Sun & sea: Reef-safe sunscreen, hats, quick-dry towels.
- Responsible travel: No drones without permits; keep beaches and cafes litter-free.
FAQs
Q: Do Havelock cafes accept cards or UPI?
A: Many do, but connectivity can fail. Carry sufficient cash as backup, especially during monsoon or after hours.
Q: Are cafes open during the monsoon months?
A: Most remain open with shorter hours; a few shut for maintenance. Check same-day timings before visiting.
Q: Is alcohol available at cafes in Havelock?
A: Licensed venues like Bonova or Nemo serve alcohol. Availability and hours follow local regulations.
Q: Do I need reservations for popular spots?
A: Not always, but during Dec–Feb evenings, reservations help at premium or beachfront venues.
Q: Can I fly a drone for cafe or beach shots?
A: Drones require permissions under Indian aviation rules and may be restricted. Always obtain permits and ask venue consent.
Conclusion
Havelock’s cafe scene blends sun-kissed decks, handcrafted decor, and ocean horizons that elevate every frame. From beachfront swings at Something Different to warm bamboo glow at Full Moon and Red Snapper’s island romance, each stop pairs photogenic settings with flavorful plates. Plan around golden hours, keep cash handy, and explore nearby beaches for a complete, picture-perfect island escape.
