Table of Contents
- Introduction
- History & Importance
- Best Time to Scuba Dive in Havelock
- Top Things To Do (Beyond Diving)
- Nearby Attractions
- How to Reach
- Accommodation Options
- Estimated Costs
- Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
- Tips for Divers & Travelers
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Dreaming of gin-clear water, vibrant reefs, and easy island vibes? Havelock Island (officially Swaraj Dweep) in India’s Andaman archipelago is one of the country’s most rewarding places to learn scuba or log unforgettable fun dives. This guide dives into the best time for scuba diving in Havelock, what conditions to expect each month, and everything you need to plan a smooth, memorable trip.
History & Importance
Havelock Island has evolved from a quiet island to India’s flagship dive destination since the late 1990s. Sheltered by fringing reefs and coral pinnacles in the Bay of Bengal, it offers sites suitable for first-timers as well as advanced divers chasing pelagics and dramatic topography.
- Also known as Swaraj Dweep, it’s about 70 km northeast of Port Blair.
- Protected marine environments and consistent warm waters allow year-round marine life viewing when seas are navigable.
- Reef conservation and low-impact tourism practices are increasingly emphasized by local operators.
Best Time to Scuba Dive in Havelock
Quick answer: The best time to scuba dive in Havelock is generally from November to April, with the sweet spot from January to April for calm seas and excellent visibility. Monsoon swells between June and August can limit operations.
Season-by-Season Overview
- October–November: Season reopens. Seas settle after monsoon; visibility improving (10–20 m). Good for courses and fun dives, occasional brief showers.
- December–February: Peak conditions. Calm seas, clear water (15–30 m, often better), mild currents. Water ~26–29°C. Ideal for beginners and photographers.
- March–April: Excellent sea state and warm water (often 28–29°C). Visibility commonly 15–30 m. Chance of pelagic encounters at advanced sites when currents align.
- May: Transition month. Warm, occasionally glassy mornings but rising chances of wind and choppy afternoons. Visibility variable (8–20 m). Dives often possible early day.
- June–August (Monsoon): Rough seas and frequent rain. Many boats halt trips; some shore dives may run opportunistically but plans can change last-minute.
- September: Conditions begin to improve but can be mixed; operators prepare to restart with weather windows.
Water Conditions Snapshot
- Water temperature: ~26–29°C year-round (most divers use 3 mm shorty or full suit; 5 mm if you chill easily in Dec–Feb).
- Visibility: Typically 10–30 m in season; variable with plankton blooms or wind shifts.
- Currents: Mild to moderate at popular sites; stronger at advanced pinnacles (e.g., Johnny’s Gorge, Dixon’s Pinnacle) depending on tides.
Marine Highlights (Seasonal tendencies)
- Year-round: Hard/soft corals, reef fish clouds, anemone fields, turtles, stingrays, schooling barracuda/trevally.
- Oct–Feb: Often clearer water and active reef life; good for learning and wide-angle photography.
- Feb–Apr: Warm, stable seas with chances of larger schooling action at pinnacles when currents align.
Best Time by Diver Type
- First-time/Discover Scuba: Dec–Apr for calm seas; Nemo Reef and sheltered bays are ideal.
- Certified fun divers: Nov–Apr for consistency; plan for early departures to beat winds.
- Advanced/Drift lovers: Jan–Apr for dependable boat access to off-shore pinnacles and deeper sites.
Top Things To Do (Beyond Diving)
- Snorkeling & Glass-bottom rides: Elephant Beach and surrounding reefs on calm days.
- Bioluminescence kayaking: Night paddles in mangroves on select dates with clear, dark skies.
- Beaches: Radhanagar Beach (epic sunsets), Kalapathar Beach (quiet mornings).
- Kayaking & SUP: Sheltered lagoons on wind-free mornings.
- Nature walks: Short forest trails to Elephant Beach; check trail status locally.
Nearby Attractions
- On Havelock: Radhanagar Beach, Elephant Beach, Kalapathar Beach, Lighthouse (night dives).
- Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep): Day trips or overnight for quieter beaches and additional dive sites (1–1.5 hrs by ferry).
- Port Blair (gateway): Cellular Jail, Corbyn’s Cove, museums, and Sagarika Emporium for crafts.
How to Reach
- Fly: Daily flights to Port Blair (IXZ) from major Indian cities.
- Ferry to Havelock: 1.5–3 hours. Private catamarans (e.g., ~1.5–2 hrs) and government ferries (~2–3 hrs). Advance booking recommended, especially Nov–Apr.
- Typical one-way fares (subject to change): Government ferries ~INR 550–800; private ferries ~INR 1,200–2,500 depending on class and season.
- Local transport: Taxis, two-wheelers, and cycles are common. Roads are straightforward; carry cash as card machines/network can be patchy.
Accommodation Options
- Areas: Govind Nagar (Beaches 2–5) for dive shops and cafes; Radhanagar (Beach 7) for tranquil stays; Kalapathar for quieter corners.
- Budget: Hostels and simple cottages ~INR 800–2,500 per night.
- Mid-range: Beachfront cottages and boutique resorts ~INR 3,000–8,000 per night.
- High-end: Luxury resorts and villas ~INR 12,000–40,000+ per night.
- Peak demand: December–February and holiday weeks; book early.
Estimated Costs
Indicative per-person prices; vary by operator, season, inclusions, and taxes.
- Discover Scuba (first-time dive): ~INR 4,500–6,500 (pool/shore briefing, 1 guided dive, gear; photos often extra).
- Certified fun dive (boat, 1 tank): ~INR 3,500–5,500; two-tank packages often discounted.
- Open Water Course (3–4 days): ~INR 25,000–40,000.
- Advanced Course (2–3 days): ~INR 20,000–30,000.
- Nitrox add-on: Course ~INR 10,000–15,000; fills extra per tank if available.
- Daily meals: INR 600–1,500 depending on cafe and cuisine.
- Scooter rental: ~INR 400–700 per day; fuel extra.
Budget guide (excluding flights):
- Shoestring (hostel + shore DSD): ~INR 3,500–6,000/day.
- Comfort (mid-range + 2-tank dives): ~INR 7,000–12,000/day.
- Luxury (resort + private trips): INR 15,000+/day.
Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
Food
- Fresh seafood thalis, grilled fish, and Andaman-style curries.
- Beach cafes serve Indian, pan-Asian, and continental menus; plenty of vegetarian options.
- Coffee, bakes, and smoothie bowls are easy to find around Govind Nagar.
Shopping
- Beachwear, island crafts, spices. For regulated handicrafts, check government emporiums in Port Blair.
- Avoid buying coral, seashells, or turtle products—these are protected.
Culture & Etiquette
- Relaxed island pace; dress modestly away from beaches.
- Respect marine parks and restricted tribal areas (not tourist zones).
- Carry cash; digital payments may drop with network outages.
Tips for Divers & Travelers
General Dive Tips
- Pick certified operators: Look for PADI/SSI-affiliated centers with well-maintained gear and safety briefings.
- No-touch policy: Keep buoyancy in check, don’t stand on coral, use reef-safe sunscreen.
- Health & safety: Stay hydrated, equalize early and often, and avoid diving if congested.
- No-fly time: Leave 18–24 hours after your last dive before flying.
- Insurance: Consider dive insurance that covers evacuation (check DAN or equivalent).
- Seasickness: Bring medication for choppy days; sit mid-boat and look at the horizon.
Island Logistics
- Book ferries early in peak months; weather can cause schedule changes—keep a buffer day.
- ATMs exist but can run out; carry sufficient cash.
- Mobile networks: BSNL/Jio work in parts; expect patchy data.
- Power cuts happen; pack a power bank and a universal adapter.
For Families
- Choose sheltered sites (e.g., Nemo Reef) and morning slots for calmer seas.
- Kids 8–10 can try pool/lagoon experiences with qualified instructors; confirm age policies.
- Bring rash guards, reef-safe sunscreen, and snacks; watch midday sun exposure.
For Honeymooners
- Target Jan–Apr for smooth seas; consider private boats for relaxed schedules.
- Plan a no-dive day for sunset at Radhanagar and a bioluminescence kayak at night.
For Friends/Groups
- Look for multi-dive packages; early departures beat crowds and wind.
- Mix it up with a day trip to Neil Island for variety in sites and beaches.
FAQs
Q: What is the absolute best month to scuba dive in Havelock?
A: Conditions are most consistently excellent from January to April, with calm seas and good visibility. December and November are also very good as the season kicks in.
Q: Can non-swimmers try scuba in Havelock?
A: Yes. Discover Scuba programs are designed for beginners under close instructor supervision at sheltered sites. Basic comfort in water helps but strong swimming isn’t required for DSD.
Q: Is it worth visiting during the monsoon (June–August)?
A: Expect rough seas, intermittent rain, and frequent trip cancellations. Some shore dives may run on short notice, but the main scuba season is October–May.
Q: What wetsuit should I bring?
A: A 3 mm shorty or full suit is comfortable most of the year (26–29°C). If you get cold easily in Dec–Feb, a 5 mm or adding a vest helps.
Q: Do I need special permits to visit Havelock?
A: Most visitors do not require a separate permit for Havelock beyond standard Indian entry requirements. Rules can change; check the latest government advisories and avoid any restricted tribal areas.
Conclusion
Havelock Island delivers warm tropical waters, lively reefs, and accessible dive sites that shine between November and April, with January to April offering the most reliable mix of calm seas and clear visibility. Combine your dives with beach sunsets, mangrove kayaking, and easy island meals, and you have one of India’s most satisfying tropical getaways—simple to plan, and hard to forget.
