How to Reach Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep), Andaman – A Complete Tourism Guide

Havelock Island, officially called Swaraj Dweep, is the Andaman archipelago’s most sought-after beach destination, famed for Radhanagar Beach, turquoise lagoons, and world-class diving. Reaching it is straightforward once you plan the journey in two legs: first to Port Blair, then onward by ferry (or rarely, by helicopter) to Havelock. Here’s everything you need to know.

Leg 1: Getting to Port Blair (Gateway to Swaraj Dweep)

By Air (fastest and most reliable)

Fly into Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ), Port Blair. Non-stop and one-stop flights operate from major Indian cities such as Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Delhi, and Mumbai. Typical non-stop flying times are about 2–2.5 hours from Chennai/Kolkata and ~3–5 hours from southern/northern metros depending on routing. Morning arrivals are ideal to catch the same-day ferry to Havelock.

• Tip: Aim to land in Port Blair before late morning if you plan to continue to Havelock the same day.
• Buffer: Monsoon or operational delays can ripple into ferry schedules; keep a buffer day if traveling in June–September.

By Sea (slow, scenic, and infrequent)

Government-run passenger ships occasionally sail from Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam to Port Blair. The voyage usually takes 2–3 days, with basic cabin classes. These are not luxury cruises and schedules are limited and weather-dependent.

• Who should consider: Slow travelers comfortable with basic amenities and flexible dates.
• Booking: Done through designated counters/agents; seats for tourists are limited. Always verify latest schedules and eligibility.

Leg 2: Port Blair to Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep)

By Ferry (most common)

Multiple private catamaran ferries and government ferries connect Port Blair to Havelock daily, subject to weather and season. The sailing time ranges from ~60–90 minutes on faster private vessels to ~2–3 hours on government ferries.

Private catamaran ferries

• Operators: Common names include Makruzz, Nautika, Green Ocean, and Sea Link (names and availability can change seasonally).
• Duration: About 1–1.5 hours, depending on sea conditions and routing (direct vs via Neil).
• Classes: Economy to Premium with assigned seats; air-conditioned cabins.
• Booking: Usually available online and via local travel agents; peak season (Oct–May) sells out early.
• Cost: Higher than government ferries but faster and easier to book.

Government ferries

• Duration: Typically 2–3 hours; robust vessels, more economical.
• Booking: Tickets are often released closer to departure dates and may require purchase at official counters in Port Blair. Queues and limited tourist quotas are common.
• Who should consider: Budget travelers with flexibility and time.

Terminals and routes

Port Blair departures are generally from Phoenix Bay Jetty or Haddo Wharf (varies by operator). Arrivals on Havelock are at the Havelock Jetty (Govind Nagar). Ferry timings are usually concentrated in the morning to early afternoon. Always check the exact jetty and boarding time on your ticket.

Ticketing and check-in tips

• Book early: Especially Oct–May and around holidays.
• ID required: Carry a valid photo ID (Indians) or passport/visa (foreigners) for check-in.
• Report time: Be at the jetty 45–60 minutes before departure for security and boarding formalities.
• Baggage: Allowances vary by operator; confirm check-in and cabin baggage limits to avoid fees.
• Weather: Monsoon seas can be rough; sailings may be delayed or cancelled. Keep buffer time and travel insurance.

By Helicopter (very limited and not guaranteed)

Administration-run helicopters sometimes service Swaraj Dweep but tourist seats are limited and subject to priority for residents/emergency travel. Schedules, fares, and eligibility change, weight limits are strict, and confirmed seats can be hard to secure. Treat this as a special-case option and verify directly with local authorities on arrival.

Direct Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep) to Havelock connections

Many private and some government ferries run Neil–Havelock and Havelock–Neil sectors. If your dates don’t show a direct sailing, route via Port Blair (Neil → Port Blair → Havelock).

Last-Mile Travel on Havelock

• Resort pick-ups: Many hotels offer paid transfers from the jetty—arrange in advance.
• Local transport: Taxis, auto-rickshaws, and rental scooters/bicycles are common. Roads are scenic but dimly lit at night—ride cautiously.
• Distances: Jetty to Radhanagar Beach is roughly a short drive; Jetty to Kalapathar is also close by. Plan 10–30 minutes by road depending on your stay’s location.

Best Time and Weather Considerations

October to May offers calmer seas and clearer skies—best for ferries, diving, and beaches. The Southwest Monsoon (June–September) brings rain, choppy waters, and occasional ferry disruptions. Build in buffer days, especially if you have tight flight connections.

Permits, IDs, and Travel Rules

• Indian citizens: No special island permit required for Port Blair, Havelock, and Neil.
• Foreign nationals: A Restricted Area Permit (RAP) or equivalent permission is generally issued on arrival in Port Blair. Carry passport, valid Indian visa, and a couple of photocopies. Rules can change—confirm current requirements before travel.
• Restricted zones: Tribal reserves and certain islands are off-limits. Drone use requires prior permission.
• Environmental norms: Single-use plastics are restricted; do not collect shells/corals; follow reef-safe practices.

Quick Planning Checklist

• Book a morning flight to Port Blair if you need a same-day ferry; otherwise, plan 1 night in Port Blair.
• Reserve ferry tickets in advance (choose private catamarans for speed/comfort).
• Keep ID documents, tickets (printed or digital), and some cash for local transport.
• Account for weather buffers, especially in monsoon months.
• Confirm jetty names and report times on your tickets before departure.

Sample Connection Scenarios

Scenario A: Morning flight arrival in Port Blair

Land by 9–10 am → taxi to assigned jetty → board a late-morning private ferry → reach Havelock early afternoon → check-in and head to the beach for sunset.

Scenario B: Afternoon flight arrival in Port Blair

Stay overnight in Port Blair → catch the first ferry next morning → maximize time on Havelock without rushing or risking a missed connection.

Scenario C: Combining Neil and Havelock

Port Blair → Neil (1 night) → direct ferry to Havelock → return to Port Blair for your flight. Balance your ferry timings to avoid tight turnarounds.

Essential Notes for a Smooth Trip

• Name spelling: Ensure your ferry ticket matches your ID exactly.
• Seat selection: If prone to motion sickness, choose midship seats on ferries and carry medication.
• Connectivity: Mobile data can be patchy; download tickets/maps offline.
• Respect local timings: Many services wind down early; plan dinners and transfers accordingly.

In short: Fly to Port Blair, take a pre-booked private ferry to Havelock for speed and comfort, and keep a little buffer for the weather. With these steps, reaching Swaraj Dweep is simple—and the beaches make every minute worth it.