Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Best Tour Operators in Havelock Island
- How to Choose the Right Operator
- History & Importance
- Best Time to Visit
- Top Things to Do in Havelock
- Nearby Attractions & Island Hopping
- Practical Travel Information
- Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
- Tips & Safety
- Traveler-Specific Advice
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Turquoise lagoons, powdery white sands, and coral gardens—Havelock Island (officially Swaraj Dweep) is the Andamans’ poster child. From Radhanagar Beach sunsets to bioluminescent kayaking and beginner-friendly scuba dives, this island packs a lot into a small footprint. The right tour operator can elevate your trip with safe, well-timed activities and seamless ferry logistics. This guide curates trusted tour options, explains how to choose the best fit, and shares practical tips for every traveler profile.
Best Tour Operators in Havelock Island
Below are reputable categories and examples of operators active in Havelock. Always verify current licenses, availability, and safety standards before booking as offerings can change seasonally.
1) Scuba Diving Centers (Training, Try Dives, Fun Dives)
- Dive India – Well-regarded training programs (SSI/PADI), beginner-friendly try dives, fun dives to sites like The Wall and Johnny’s Gorge.
- Barefoot Scuba – Professional instructors, good equipment standards, and access to varied dive sites; linked with the long-standing Barefoot brand on the island.
- Ocean Tribe – Small-group focus, discover scuba for first-timers, and personalized guiding.
- Andaman Bubbles – Known for patient instructors and a relaxed teaching style for nervous beginners.
What to verify: PADI/SSI affiliation, insurance, maximum group size, boat-to-diver ratio, and equipment maintenance logs.
2) Kayaking & Bioluminescence (Mangrove Ecology)
- Kayak Andaman – Guided mangrove and night-time bioluminescence paddles with safety briefings and basic instruction.
- Other local kayak outfits at Havelock Jetty/Vijaynagar – Check guide certification, life jackets, and tide-aware scheduling.
3) Snorkeling & Elephant Beach Boat Trips
- Registered Boat Associations (Havelock Jetty) – Fixed-price speedboats to Elephant Beach with snorkeling add-ons. Book via your hotel or a licensed agent for clear inclusions.
- Full-service DMCs – Can bundle permits, transfers, and snorkel guides with safety spotters.
4) Game Fishing Charters
- Gamefishing Asia – Specialist catch-and-release charters around Havelock’s offshore grounds, subject to weather and season.
- Local skippers – Verify boat seaworthiness, safety gear (VHF, PFDs), and ethical practices.
5) End-to-End Andaman DMCs (Island Hopping, Ferries, Hotels)
- Experience Andamans – Popular for multi-island itineraries, hotel and ferry bookings, and day tours on Havelock.
- Other Port Blair–based agents – Choose those with 24/7 helplines and on-ground reps in Havelock for real-time support.
Note: Licensing and availability can change. Request recent customer references and confirm inclusions in writing.
How to Choose the Right Operator
- Licenses & Certifications – Dive centers should be PADI/SSI affiliated; boat operators must display local permits.
- Safety Practices – Oxygen kits on dive boats, first-aid kits, radio comms, weather/tide checks, and guide-to-guest ratios.
- Small Groups – For diving and kayaking, fewer people per guide improves safety and experience.
- Transparent Pricing – Confirm taxes, gear rentals, photos/videos, park/entry fees, and cancellation terms.
- Local Knowledge – Tide-aware scheduling for Elephant Beach, wind-aware timings for kayaking, and reef-friendly briefings.
- Sustainability – No touching/standing on corals, reef-safe sunscreen, and no plastic littering.
History & Importance
Havelock Island, renamed Swaraj Dweep in 2018, honors India’s freedom struggle heritage. Once a quiet settlement, it rose to prominence with responsible ecotourism centered on mangrove ecosystems and fringing reefs. Radhanagar Beach (Beach No. 7) has been lauded internationally for its scenery, drawing travelers to a destination that balances biodiversity with low-rise, nature-led tourism.
Best Time to Visit
- October to April – Peak season, calmer seas, best underwater visibility for snorkeling/diving.
- May to June – Warm, occasional showers; some wind; still diveable with variable visibility.
- July to September (Monsoon) – Rough seas, frequent rain; many water activities may be suspended and ferries can be delayed.
Tip: For bioluminescence kayaking, clear dark nights with minimal moonlight are ideal; check lunar phases.
Top Things to Do in Havelock
- Scuba Diving – Try dives for beginners; open water courses; 1–2 dive sessions for certified divers.
- Snorkel Elephant Beach – Shallow reefs suitable for novices; arrive early to avoid crowds.
- Kayak the Mangroves – Dawn ecology tours or night bioluminescence paddles.
- Beach-Hopping – Radhanagar for sunsets; Kalapathar for moody rockscapes; Vijaynagar for tranquil swims.
- Nature Walks – Forest trail to Elephant Beach (check weather; trail may close after storms).
- Sunset & Stargazing – Low light pollution makes for excellent night skies in clear weather.
Nearby Attractions & Island Hopping
- Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep) – 1–1.5 hours by ferry; natural bridge, Laxmanpur and Bharatpur beaches.
- Ross Island (Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island) – Near Port Blair; colonial-era ruins and deer.
- Baratang (via Port Blair) – Limestone caves and mangrove boat rides (best done as a separate day trip from Port Blair).
- Barren Island (advanced charters) – India’s only active volcano; specialized boat trips for sightseeing/fishing when conditions permit.
Practical Travel Information
How to Reach
- Fly to Port Blair (IXZ) – Daily flights from major Indian cities.
- Ferry to Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) – 1.5–2.5 hours. Private ferries include Makruzz, Nautika, Green Ocean, ITT Majestic; government ferries also operate. Pre-book in season.
- Local Transport – Scooters (with helmets), AC cabs, auto-rickshaws. Roads are simple; speeds are controlled for safety.
- Permits – Indian nationals: valid ID. Foreign nationals: as of 2025, no Restricted Area Permit is required for Havelock; always check latest advisories and carry your passport.
Accommodation Options
- Luxury – Beachfront villas and eco-resorts near Radhanagar or Vijaynagar; expect premium dining and private activity desks.
- Mid-range – Cottage-style stays and boutique hotels along Govind Nagar/Vijaynagar.
- Budget/Hostels – Basic rooms and dorms near the market and Beach No. 5.
Popular areas: Govind Nagar (Beach No. 3) for convenience, Vijaynagar (Beach No. 5) for calm waters, Radhanagar (Beach No. 7) for sunsets.
Estimated Costs
- Return Port Blair–Havelock ferry: INR 2,400–4,800 per adult (class and operator dependent).
- Scuba Try Dive (1 dive): INR 3,500–6,500 per person; Certified fun dives: INR 4,000–6,000 per dive.
- Open Water Course: INR 22,000–35,000 per person (3–4 days).
- Kayaking (2–2.5 hours): INR 3,000–4,500 per person; Bioluminescence night tours may carry a premium.
- Elephant Beach boat + snorkel: INR 1,200–2,800 per person depending on season/inclusions.
- Game fishing charter: INR 25,000–60,000+ per boat per session (capacity and tackle included).
- Meals: INR 300–800 per person at cafes; more at resort restaurants.
- Daily budget (pp): Budget INR 3,000–5,000; Mid-range INR 6,000–12,000; Luxury INR 15,000+ (excluding flights).
Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
- Food – Fresh seafood thalis, grilled lobster/crab (seasonal), tuna steaks, coconut-rich curries, and island-style breakfasts.
- Cafes & Bakes – Beachside cafes around Beach No. 5/Govind Nagar for smoothies, bakes, and sunset coffees.
- Shopping – Small boutiques sell island wear and handicrafts. Avoid buying live shells/coral (illegal). Choose ethically sourced souvenirs.
- Culture – Mixed settlers’ traditions with a slow-island rhythm; respect quiet hours and beach cleanliness norms.
Tips & Safety
- Connectivity – 4G is improving but can be patchy. Download tickets offline; inform family of limited coverage.
- Money – ATMs exist but can run dry; carry backup cash and cards.
- Reef Safety – Do not touch or stand on corals; use reef-safe sunscreen; follow guide instructions.
- Weather – Activities are tide and wind dependent; be flexible with timings.
- Regulations – No drones without permission; no littering; alcohol only in licensed venues; night sea swimming discouraged.
- Insurance – Consider travel and dive insurance that covers water activities and weather disruptions.
Traveler-Specific Advice
For Families
- Pick calm-water beaches (Vijaynagar) and early morning slots for snorkeling/kayaking.
- Ask operators for child-sized life jackets and patient guides.
For Honeymooners
- Choose small-group or private tours during golden hours for photos.
- Consider resorts with in-house activity desks for seamless scheduling.
For Friends/Groups
- Bundle activities (kayak + Elephant Beach) over 2–3 days to avoid fatigue.
- Private boat/kayak departures can be cost-effective when shared.
Packing Essentials
- Quick-dry swimwear, sun protection (reef-safe), water shoes, dry bag, light rain jacket (Nov–May occasional showers).
- Basic meds, motion-sickness tablets, copies of IDs.
FAQs
Q: Which is the best tour operator in Havelock Island?
A: “Best” depends on your activity. Choose established dive centers (e.g., Dive India, Barefoot Scuba, Ocean Tribe, Andaman Bubbles) for scuba; licensed kayak outfits for mangroves/bioluminescence; and registered boat associations or reputable DMCs for Elephant Beach and transfers. Verify current licenses, safety standards, and group sizes.
Q: How far in advance should I book tours?
A: For peak season (Nov–Feb) and long weekends, book ferries and key activities 2–4 weeks ahead. Diving courses and private charters may require 4–6 weeks’ notice.
Q: Are tour prices negotiable?
A: Many operators have seasonal fixed rates, especially for boats and diving. You may find minor flexibility for group sizes or multi-activity bundles, but prioritize safety/equipment quality over small discounts.
Q: What certifications should I look for in a dive operator?
A: PADI or SSI affiliation, certified instructors (OWSI or higher), valid insurance, well-maintained equipment, oxygen kits on boats, and low student-to-instructor ratios.
Q: Is internet reliable for e-tickets and payments?
A: Connectivity can be patchy. Keep offline copies of tickets, carry some cash, and confirm if your operator accepts UPI/cards before departure.
Conclusion
Havelock Island rewards careful planning. Match your operator to your activity, verify safety and licensing, and schedule around tides and weather. With clear expectations and sustainable practices, you’ll enjoy world-class beaches, biodiverse reefs, and memorable island hospitality—safely and seamlessly.
