Table of Contents
- Introduction
- History & Importance
- Best Time to Visit
- Top Things to Do
- Nearby Attractions
- How to Reach Havelock (Swaraj Dweep)
- Accommodation Options
- Estimated Costs
- Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
- Travel Tips, Packing & Safety
- Suggested 2–3 Day Reef Itinerary
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Coral reef exploration in Havelock Island—officially Swaraj Dweep—delivers some of India’s clearest waters, vibrant marine life, and beginner‑friendly lagoons. From shallow snorkel gardens at Elephant Beach to world‑class dive sites like Dixon’s Pinnacle and Johnny’s Gorge, the island offers year‑round discovery for families, first‑timers, and certified divers alike. This guide blends practical details with expert tips so you can plan a smooth, sustainable, and unforgettable reef adventure.
History & Importance
Part of the Andaman & Nicobar archipelago in the Bay of Bengal, Havelock’s fringing reefs and offshore pinnacles thrive due to nutrient‑rich currents and relatively low coastal development. The island’s reefs act as natural breakwaters, protect shorelines from erosion, and support local livelihoods through eco‑tourism and fishing. After coral bleaching events in the Indian Ocean, community‑driven conservation and responsible tourism practices have become central to preserving these ecosystems for future generations.
Best Time to Visit
- October to May: Prime season. Calmer seas, frequent sunshine, and better underwater visibility.
- January to March: Often the best viz (up to ~20–30 m on good days) and comfortable sea conditions.
- June to September (Monsoon): Rougher seas, intermittent rain, and variable visibility; some trips may be canceled.
- Water Temperature: Typically 26–29°C year‑round; a 2–3 mm shorty or rash guard is comfortable for most.
Top Things to Do
1) Snorkeling
- Elephant Beach: Easy access to shallow coral gardens; great for beginners and families.
- Nemo Reef (Govind Nagar): Calm, sandy entry with patches of hard coral and plenty of reef fish.
- Tips: Go early to avoid crowds, wear a well‑fitting mask, and use a floatation jacket for comfort if you’re new.
2) Scuba Diving (Beginners & Certified)
- Discover Scuba Diving: No certification required; includes pool/shore skills and a guided reef dive.
- PADI/SSI Courses: Open Water (3–4 days) and Advanced (2–3 days) are widely available.
- Popular sites (weather/operator dependent): Lighthouse (night dives possible), Aquarium, Turtle Bay, The Wall, Seduction Point, Dixon’s Pinnacle, Johnny’s Gorge.
- Marine life highlights: Batfish, fusiliers, angelfish, nudibranchs, stingrays, trevallies; occasional pelagics on deeper sites.
3) Glass‑Bottom Boat & Semi‑Submersible Rides
- Ideal for non‑swimmers and young kids to view corals and reef fish without getting in the water.
4) Kayaking & Bioluminescence
- Mangrove kayaking offers quiet channels with birdlife; on some nights, bioluminescence can be seen in calm, dark waters.
5) Underwater Photography
- Bring a simple action cam with a red filter or rent from your dive/snorkel operator; maintain neutral buoyancy and never touch the reef.
6) Citizen Science & Reef Etiquette
- Join beach clean‑ups, learn fish ID basics, and follow reef‑safe practices to minimize impact.
Nearby Attractions
- Radhanagar Beach (Beach No. 7): Iconic sunsets and powder‑soft sand.
- Kalapathar Beach: Quiet shoreline and scenic black rock formations.
- Elephant Beach: Reef access and water activities.
- Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep): Easy day trip for more snorkeling/diving and natural rock formations.
- Mangrove Creeks: Guided kayaking near Havelock’s eastern side.
How to Reach Havelock (Swaraj Dweep)
- Fly to Port Blair: Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ) connects via major Indian cities.
- Ferries to Havelock:
- Government ferries: Budget‑friendly; 2–3.5 hours from Port Blair (Phoenix Bay/Haddo Jetty).
- Private catamarans (e.g., Makruzz, Nautika, Green Ocean): 1.5–2.5 hours; air‑conditioned, pre‑book online.
- Seasonal schedules and sea conditions can affect timings; confirm a day in advance.
- Local transport: Auto‑rickshaws, taxis, and rented scooters/bikes are common. Roads are simple; drive cautiously at night.
- Permits & ID: Carry valid photo ID. Foreign nationals should check latest entry advisories; policies in the Andamans can change.
Accommodation Options
- Budget (₹800–₹2,500/night): Hostels and basic guesthouses in Govind Nagar/Beach No. 3–5.
- Mid‑range (₹3,000–₹8,000/night): Beachfront cottages and boutique stays near Vijaynagar and Govind Nagar.
- Luxury (₹15,000–₹40,000+/night): Upscale eco‑resorts around Radhanagar Beach offering private access and curated dive/snorkel experiences.
- Booking tip: Reserve well in advance for December–March and around long weekends.
Estimated Costs
- Port Blair–Havelock ferry: Government ₹400–₹1,000; private ₹1,200–₹2,500 one way (class dependent).
- Snorkeling trip: ₹800–₹1,500 (shared); private boat higher. Forest entry to Elephant Beach may apply (nominal).
- Discover Scuba (intro): ₹3,500–₹6,500 per person, including gear and instructor.
- Open Water course: ₹22,000–₹30,000; Advanced ₹20,000–₹28,000.
- Certified dive (fun dive): ₹2,800–₹4,500 per dive; discounts for multi‑dive packages.
- Glass‑bottom boat: ₹600–₹1,200 per person (duration varies).
- Scooter rental: ₹500–₹800/day; fuel extra.
- Meals: ₹300–₹900 per person, per meal; seafood specials more.
Note: Prices are indicative and vary by season, operator, and inclusions.
Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
Food
- Fresh reef‑friendly seafood (choose sustainably sourced), coconut‑based curries, and island fruit smoothies.
- Try fish thali, grilled snapper, or prawn curry; vegetarians can find dosas, paneer, and tropical salads.
Shopping
- Handicrafts, coir and jute items, spices, and artworks from small island boutiques.
- Avoid buying coral, shells, or marine curios; it harms ecosystems and may be illegal.
Culture
- Havelock hosts a mix of islanders and settlers from mainland India; dress modestly in villages and be respectful when photographing locals.
- Plastic reduction efforts are active—carry your own bottle and avoid single‑use plastics on beaches.
Travel Tips, Packing & Safety
For Families
- Pick calm lagoons (Nemo Reef, Elephant Beach) and consider glass‑bottom rides.
- Carry snacks, hats, and long‑sleeve rash guards for kids; book morning slots for calmer seas.
For Honeymooners
- Time sunset walks at Radhanagar; choose boutique stays near the beach.
- Arrange private snorkel guides or a couple’s reef tour for quieter experiences.
For Friends & Adventure Seekers
- Stack multiple dives to attempt advanced sites like Dixon’s Pinnacle or Johnny’s Gorge (conditions and certification permitting).
- Try a night dive at Lighthouse with a reputable operator.
Packing List
- Reef‑safe sunscreen (non‑nano zinc oxide), wide‑brim hat, polarized sunglasses.
- Rash guard/shorty, quick‑dry towel, water shoes, and a dry bag.
- Motion‑sickness tablets for ferries; reusable water bottle and light rain jacket (Oct–Dec).
- Cash for small vendors; ATMs are limited and may run out of cash.
- Action camera with red filter; spare batteries or power bank.
Safety & Sustainability
- Never touch, stand on, or collect coral; keep fins away from the reef and maintain buoyancy.
- Follow your guide’s instructions; respect currents and surface conditions.
- Jellyfish and stonefish exist—shuffle feet in sandy shallows and wear booties where advised.
- Dive insurance is recommended; the nearest recompression facility is in Port Blair.
- Drone use may require permissions; avoid sensitive or defense zones.
Suggested 2–3 Day Reef Itinerary
- Day 1: Morning ferry to Havelock; afternoon snorkel at Nemo Reef; sunset at Radhanagar.
- Day 2: Two‑tank dive for certified divers (e.g., Aquarium + The Wall). Beginners: Discover Scuba session. Evening mangrove kayaking if conditions permit.
- Day 3: Early boat to Elephant Beach for snorkel, then relax at Kalapathar Beach; return ferry or extend stay for additional dives.
FAQs
Q: Is Havelock suitable for first‑time snorkelers and divers?
A: Yes. Protected lagoons like Nemo Reef and guided Discover Scuba programs make it beginner‑friendly with shallow, calm entries.
Q: What months have the best underwater visibility?
A: January to March typically offer the clearest water, with good conditions generally from October to May.
Q: Do I need to know swimming for Discover Scuba?
A: Many operators accept non‑swimmers for Discover Scuba under close instructor supervision in shallow, controlled settings. Comfort in water helps.
Q: Are there strong currents around Havelock?
A: Some sites have moderate to strong currents, especially deeper pinnacles. Guides choose sites based on your experience and daily conditions.
Q: Can I see bioluminescence in Havelock?
A: On some calm, moonless nights, yes. Join an experienced guide to maximize chances and ensure safety.
Conclusion
Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) pairs exceptional coral reefs with accessible lagoons, reliable dive operators, and serene beaches. Plan around the October–May window, choose experiences that match your comfort level, and travel light but prepared. With respectful practices and a flexible itinerary, you’ll enjoy rich marine life, clear water, and the easy rhythm of island life while helping protect one of India’s finest reef systems.
