Table of Contents
- Introduction
- History & Importance
- Best Time to Visit on a Cruise
- Cruise Logistics: Ports, Tendering & Permits
- Top Things To Do on a Havelock Cruise Stop
- Nearby Attractions & Extensions
- How to Reach Havelock (Cruise and Independent Travel)
- Accommodation Options on Havelock
- Estimated Costs & Budgeting
- Local Experiences: Food, Shopping & Culture
- Traveler-Specific Tips (Families, Honeymooners, Friends)
- Essential Tips & Responsible Travel
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Andaman cruises that stop at Havelock Island—officially Swaraj Dweep—deliver the quintessential tropical India experience: powdery white sands, translucent lagoons, living coral gardens, and sunsets that linger. Whether your ship anchors for a few hours or a full day, this guide packs everything you need to plan smart shore time—what to do, how to move, costs, culture, food, and tips tailored to your travel style.
History & Importance
Havelock Island was named during the British era after Major General Sir Henry Havelock. In 2018, it was officially renamed Swaraj Dweep. Today, it’s the Andamans’ most beloved beach destination—famed for Radhanagar Beach (Beach No. 7), regularly listed among Asia’s best for its silk-soft sand and painterly sunsets.
Beyond beauty, the island shelters fringing reefs and seagrass meadows teeming with reef fish and invertebrates. Settled communities—largely of Bengali, Telugu, and Tamil origin—coexist with protected forests, making sustainable tourism critical to its future.
Best Time to Visit on a Cruise
- Peak season (November–March): Calm seas, sunny days, great underwater visibility. Ideal for beach time, snorkelling, diving, kayaking.
- Shoulder (October & April–May): Warm and humid; good sea conditions most days. Afternoon showers possible; bioluminescence tours can be magical.
- Monsoon (June–September): Rougher seas and intermittent rain; some water activities may be suspended. Lush landscapes but potential itinerary changes for ships.
Cruise Logistics: Ports, Tendering & Permits
Where ships stop: Large ships typically anchor off Havelock and use tenders to the main Havelock Jetty near Govind Nagar. Smaller expedition vessels may dock directly when berth space allows.
- Tender time: Usually 10–20 minutes each way, sea-state dependent.
- Typical shore window: 6–8 hours (varies by itinerary). Confirm last tender time early.
- Transport on island: Pre-booked ship tours; private AC cabs; shared jeeps; limited auto-rickshaws; self-drive scooters (carry license).
Permits & entry:
- Indian nationals: No special permit required for Havelock.
- Foreign nationals: Valid Indian visa required. As of recent guidelines, no Restricted Area Permit is needed for Havelock; regulations can change—check latest advisories and your cruise line’s guidance.
- Protected areas: Tribal reserves are off-limits. Drones need prior authorization.
Connectivity & payments: Mobile data is improving but can be spotty. Carry cash; some places accept cards/UPI but don’t rely on connectivity.
Top Things To Do on a Havelock Cruise Stop
Time-Smart Shore Plans
- Short call (4–5 hours): Radhanagar Beach for swim/sunset + quick café stop.
- Medium call (6–7 hours): Snorkelling at Elephant Beach (boat or forest trail) + Radhanagar Beach.
- Long call (8+ hours): Discover Scuba Diving in the morning + Radhanagar + Kalapathar Beach for a scenic drive.
Signature Experiences
- Radhanagar Beach (No. 7): Iconic sunsets, gentle waves, lifeguards, facilities. Ideal for families and honeymooners.
- Elephant Beach: Clear shallows and reef patches; great for snorkelling and glass-bottom rides. Reach by speedboat (fastest) or guided trek (time permitting).
- Scuba Diving: Intro dives for beginners; certified dives at sites like The Wall, Lighthouse, and Johnny’s Gorge. Morning sessions offer calmer seas.
- Mangrove Kayaking: Paddle through still creeks; occasional bioluminescence after dark (only feasible with late departures/overnights).
- Sea Walk: Helmet walk on the seabed off Elephant Beach—no swimming skills needed.
- Cafés & Bakeries: Clustered around Govind Nagar; fresh seafood grills, smoothies, and relaxed island vibes.
Nearby Attractions & Extensions
- Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep): Smaller, quieter, and close by; famed for Laxmanpur Beach and natural rock bridge. Reachable by ferry if you extend your stay.
- Port Blair: Cellular Jail sound-and-light show, Corbyn’s Cove, and Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island (Ross). Often included as another cruise call or pre/post extension.
- Kalapathar Beach: Sunrise light on black rock outcrops and turquoise water—best for photography.
How to Reach Havelock (Cruise and Independent Travel)
By Cruise
- Selected ocean and expedition cruises add Andaman calls seasonally; Havelock may be tendered while Port Blair is used for formal entry procedures.
- Schedules are subject to weather, port permissions, and maritime advisories—always verify final plans on board.
By Air + Ferry (Independent)
- Fly to Port Blair (IXZ): Daily connections from major Indian cities (seasonal variance).
- High-speed ferries to Havelock: 60–150 minutes depending on boat and sea. Popular operators run from Port Blair’s Phoenix Bay/Haddo terminals to Havelock Jetty.
- Booking: Reserve ferries in advance during peak months; carry government ID.
Accommodation Options on Havelock
If you’re extending beyond the cruise day, Havelock offers stays for every budget, mostly along Govind Nagar and near Radhanagar.
- Budget (INR 1,500–4,000/night): Guesthouses and simple cottages near the main market and Govind Nagar.
- Mid-range (INR 5,000–12,000/night): Beachfront resorts with AC rooms, in-house dive centers, and cafés.
- Luxury (INR 18,000–45,000+/night): Premium villas and upscale eco-resorts around Radhanagar with private beach access and spas.
Note: Peak season prices rise; book early for sea-facing rooms.
Estimated Costs & Budgeting
- Private AC cab for the day: INR 2,500–4,500 (USD 30–55) depending on hours and distance.
- Elephant Beach boat + snorkel: INR 1,000–2,500 (USD 12–30) per person.
- Discover Scuba (intro dive): INR 3,500–6,500 (USD 42–78) per person; photos/video may be extra.
- Certified dive (single tank): INR 3,500–5,500 (USD 42–66); packages priced lower per dive.
- Sea walk: INR 3,500–4,500 (USD 42–55) per person.
- Mangrove kayaking (2–3 hrs): INR 2,500–3,500 (USD 30–42) per person.
- Glass-bottom boat: INR 800–1,500 (USD 10–18) per person.
- Meals/cafés: INR 400–900 (USD 5–11) per person per meal at mid-range cafés; seafood platters cost more.
Prices are indicative and vary by season, operator, and inclusions. Check inclusions like transfers, photos, and guide fees.
Local Experiences: Food, Shopping & Culture
Food
- Seafood highlights: Grilled red snapper, butter-garlic lobster, prawn curry with island spices.
- Vegetarian options: Coconut-based curries, thalis, fresh salads, and island-grown fruits.
- Where to eat: Govind Nagar market strip for cafés and bakeries; some resorts by Radhanagar offer refined dining with sunset views.
Shopping
- Handmade jute items, shell artwork (avoid conch/coral and anything that harms marine life), spices, and island crafts near Havelock Jetty and main market.
- Carry cash; connectivity can affect card/UPI payments.
Culture
- Community roots are mainly settler populations from mainland India; island life is relaxed and environmentally conscious.
- Dress modestly away from beaches; always ask before photographing people.
Traveler-Specific Tips (Families, Honeymooners, Friends)
Families
- Pick Radhanagar for lifeguards, gentle waves, and shaded stretches.
- Carry hats, reef-safe sunscreen, snacks, and quick-dry towels; restrooms are limited.
- Choose glass-bottom boats or short snorkels for first-timers.
Honeymooners
- Time a late-afternoon visit to Radhanagar for the sunset glow.
- Book a private cab; ask cafés about beachside dinners if time permits.
- Consider a couples’ intro dive with photo package.
Friends & Adventure Seekers
- Prioritize a morning Discover Scuba or 2-tank certified dive.
- Add Elephant Beach snorkelling or kayaking if your ship’s call is long enough.
- Rent scooters for flexible hops between beaches (check fuel/return times).
Essential Tips & Responsible Travel
- Safety first: Observe beach flag warnings; currents can be strong at times. Stings from jellyfish can occur seasonally—ask lifeguards.
- Marine etiquette: No touching or standing on corals; don’t feed fish; choose reef-safe sunscreen.
- Environment: Carry a reusable bottle and bag; single-use plastic is discouraged and often restricted.
- Wildlife advisories: Crocodile sightings are rare but possible near creeks—heed local notices and avoid swimming where prohibited.
- Timing: Build a 45–60 minute buffer to make the last tender.
- Health: Pack seasickness meds for tenders; stay hydrated; wear water shoes for rocky patches.
- Documents: Keep a photo ID and your ship card handy for port checks.
FAQs
Q: Can I see both Elephant Beach and Radhanagar Beach on a short cruise stop?
A: Yes, on a 6–7 hour call you can typically do a morning Elephant Beach snorkel by boat and then head to Radhanagar for late-afternoon relaxation. Build buffer time for the last tender.
Q: Do I need to book water activities in advance?
A: In peak months (Nov–Mar), pre-booking is wise for scuba, sea walk, and boat slots. Ship-run excursions often include guaranteed timing; independent travelers should confirm start/finish times.
Q: Is Havelock suitable for non-swimmers?
A: Absolutely. Non-swimmers can enjoy beach time, glass-bottom rides, sea walks (with guides), and easy snorkels using life vests in calm zones.
Q: Will my mobile data work on Havelock?
A: Coverage exists but can be patchy. Expect slower speeds and occasional outages. Download maps offline and carry cash as backup.
Q: What should I wear for water activities?
A: Quick-dry swimwear or rash guards, reef-safe sunscreen, and water shoes. Light cover-ups are respectful when away from the beach.
Conclusion
Havelock Island rewards cruise visitors with world-class beaches, clear lagoons, and accessible reef adventures in a single shore day. Time your plan around calm-morning activities, keep Radhanagar for sunset hues, and travel light but prepared. With a focus on safety and reef-friendly habits, your Andaman cruise call at Havelock becomes a highlight of the voyage—uncomplicated, memorable, and beautifully blue.
