Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Suggested 3 Nights 4 Days Itinerary
- History and Importance
- Best Time to Visit
- Top Things to Do in Havelock
- Nearby Attractions
- How to Reach Havelock (Swaraj Dweep)
- Accommodation Options
- Estimated Costs and Budget
- Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
- Travel Tips
- Tips for Families, Honeymooners, and Friends
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Planning a 3 nights 4 days trip to Havelock Island (officially Swaraj Dweep) in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands? This compact itinerary blends iconic beaches, world-class diving, bioluminescent kayaking, and easygoing island life. From the legendary sunset at Radhanagar Beach to snorkeling at Elephant Beach and lazy brunches in beachside cafés, here’s your expert-crafted plan with practical tips, costs, and must-knows.
Suggested 3 Nights 4 Days Itinerary
Day 1: Port Blair to Havelock, Check-in, Sunset at Radhanagar
- Morning/Noon: Land at Port Blair (IXZ). Transfer to jetty and board ferry to Havelock (1.5–2.5 hours; government or private).
- Check-in: Stay near Govind Nagar/Beach No. 5 for convenience or near Radhanagar (Beach No. 7) for tranquility.
- Late afternoon: Head to Radhanagar Beach for the famed golden-hour sunset. Gentle swim if conditions allow.
- Evening: Dinner at a beachfront café; early night to rest for diving.
Day 2: Scuba Diving + Elephant Beach
- Early morning: Introductory scuba dive (for beginners) or a fun dive (certified) at sites like Aquarium, Lighthouse, or The Wall. Book in advance.
- Late morning/Noon: Elephant Beach by speedboat (commonly 15–20 minutes). Snorkel over vibrant coral gardens; try sea-walking or jet ski if you wish.
- Afternoon: Return to hotel; relax by the beach.
- Evening: Café-hop in Govind Nagar; sample fresh seafood.
Day 3: Kalapathar Sunrise, Leisure, Night/Bioluminescence Kayaking
- Early morning: Sunrise at Kalapathar Beach; black rocks, pale sands, and teal waters make stunning photographs.
- Midday: Optional second dive/snorkel, or rent a scooter to explore beaches 3/5/7. Coffee and naps are encouraged.
- Late evening: Night mangrove kayaking (new moon nights may show bioluminescence; season-dependent). Go with certified guides.
Day 4: Ferry Back to Port Blair, Departure
- Morning: Ferry to Port Blair.
- If time permits: Quick visit to Cellular Jail (Port Blair) or a seaside lunch before your flight.
Monsoon alternative (June–September): Replace boat trips with spa sessions, cooking classes, beach walks between showers, and café time. Check sea conditions daily.
History and Importance
Havelock Island, renamed Swaraj Dweep, is among the most visited islands in the Andaman archipelago. Once home to indigenous communities (protected and off-limits areas remain across the Andamans), Havelock grew into a responsible adventure hub after divers mapped accessible reefs near Beaches 2, 3, and 5. Today, it balances conservation with tourism by zoning beaches, regulating water sports, and promoting reef-safe practices.
Best Time to Visit
- November to April (Peak): Calm seas, best visibility for diving/snorkeling, postcard sunsets.
- October and May (Shoulder): Good weather; occasional showers; fewer crowds.
- June to September (Monsoon): Rough seas at times; some boat trips may be canceled; lush landscapes and quieter shores.
For diving, visibility is typically best from December to March. For bioluminescence kayaking, choose darker/new-moon nights, subject to seasonal blooms.
Top Things to Do in Havelock
1) Beaches
- Radhanagar (Beach No. 7): Iconic sunset spot, powdery sands, lifeguard presence.
- Elephant Beach: Snorkeling and water sports; typically accessed by boat.
- Kalapathar: Dramatic black rocks, serene sunrise views.
2) Diving & Snorkeling
- Beginner-friendly dive sites: Aquarium, Lighthouse.
- For certified divers: The Wall, Pilot Reef, Johnny’s Gorge (conditions permitting).
- Always choose reputable dive centers with small groups and proper briefings.
3) Kayaking in Mangroves
- Daytime ecology tours or night kayaking; look for bioluminescence on darker nights.
4) Café Hopping & Wellness
- Beach cafés serve fresh seafood, tropical bowls, and island bakes.
- Yoga sessions and spa therapies available at many stays.
5) Responsible Wildlife & Reef Etiquette
- No touching coral or marine life, no standing on reefs, and use reef-safe sunscreen.
Nearby Attractions
- Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep): 1–1.5 hours by ferry; Laxmanpur Beach sunset, Natural Bridge.
- Ross Island (Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island) & North Bay: Day trips from Port Blair for colonial ruins and snorkeling.
- Chidiya Tapu (Port Blair): Sunset point with birdlife; best as a pre/post Havelock add-on.
How to Reach Havelock (Swaraj Dweep)
- Fly to Port Blair (IXZ): Direct flights from major Indian cities.
- Ferry to Havelock: Government ferries and private operators (e.g., Makruzz, Nautika, ITT Majestic, Green Ocean); 1.5–2.5 hours. Book return in advance.
- Local Transport on Havelock: Taxis, auto-rickshaws, and scooter rentals (fuel stations limited; carry cash). No app cabs.
- Documents: Carry valid photo ID (passport for foreign nationals; Indian ID for citizens). No special permit typically required for Havelock; restricted areas remain off-limits.
Accommodation Options
- Budget (INR 2,000–4,500/night): Simple beach huts/guesthouses near Govind Nagar/Beach No. 5.
- Mid-range (INR 5,000–12,000/night): Boutique resorts with pools, on-site dive shops, and café access.
- Luxury (INR 15,000–35,000+ /night): Upscale beach resorts near Radhanagar with private beach access and spa.
Book early for winter peaks and around holidays. Request rooms away from generators for quieter nights.
Estimated Costs and Budget
- Ferries: INR 500–1,200 (government) or INR 1,500–3,500 (private) per person, per sector.
- Diving: INR 3,500–6,500 for an intro dive; INR 4,000–7,500 per fun dive (certified), depending on site and season.
- Elephant Beach boat + snorkel: INR 1,200–2,500 per person (excludes premium water sports).
- Night kayaking: INR 2,000–3,000 per person.
- Meals: INR 600–1,200 per person per meal at cafés; local joints can be lower.
Sample 3N/4D per-person budget (excluding flights):
- Backpacker: INR 10,000–18,000
- Mid-range: INR 20,000–40,000
- Luxury: INR 60,000+ (with premium stays and private experiences)
Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
Food
- Fresh catches: Red snapper, tuna, prawns, squid, lobster (seasonal).
- Try Andaman-style fish curry, tandoori seafood, coconut-based gravies, and tropical fruit bowls.
- Veg-friendly cafés with island bakes and coffee are common near Beach No. 3/5.
Shopping
- Handmade soaps, spices, local art, and cotton wear.
- Avoid buying corals, shells, or turtle products; it’s illegal and harms ecosystems.
- For authentic crafts, government emporiums are in Port Blair; Havelock has small souvenir stalls.
Culture & Vibe
- Slow-island rhythm: early mornings, beach days, quiet nights.
- Responsible tourism is encouraged; waste segregation and plastic reduction initiatives are common.
Travel Tips
- Connectivity: 4G exists but can be patchy; BSNL/Airtel/VI coverage varies. Download maps and keep offline copies of tickets.
- Cash & Payments: ATMs are limited; carry sufficient cash. UPI/cards may fail at times.
- Safety: Swim within designated zones; heed lifeguards. Watch for currents and jellyfish warnings.
- Sun & Reef Care: Use reef-safe sunscreen, rash guards, and hydrate well.
- Environment: No littering; avoid single-use plastics; never touch or stand on coral.
- Drones: Flying drones is regulated in India; check permissions and no-fly zones before use.
- Bookings: Reserve ferries, dives, and night kayaking in advance, especially December–January and long weekends.
Tips for Families, Honeymooners, and Friends
Families
- Pick stays with easy beach access and on-site dining.
- Choose calm-water times (mornings) for swims and snorkeling.
- Carry floatation aids for kids and basic meds; pediatric care is limited.
Honeymooners
- Book a sunset stroll at Radhanagar and a private candlelight dinner at your resort.
- Opt for a couple’s dive or guided snorkel, plus a spa afternoon.
- Choose rooms with balconies/verandas and quieter beachfront locations.
Friends/Adventure Groups
- Plan multiple dives or a PADI course; try night kayaking and sea-walking.
- Rent scooters to beach-hop and café-hop at your own pace.
- Travel shoulder season for better rates and fewer crowds.
FAQs
Q: Do I need a permit to visit Havelock Island?
A: Indian nationals need a valid photo ID; foreign nationals need a passport and Indian visa. No special permit is typically required for Havelock, but certain protected areas in the Andamans remain off-limits.
Q: Which ferry should I book to Havelock?
A: Both government and private ferries operate. Private ferries are faster and easier to book online, while government ferries are cheaper but have limited seats. Book both directions in advance during peak season.
Q: Is Havelock good for non-swimmers?
A: Yes. Try sea-walking, glass-bottom boat rides, guided snorkeling with life vests, beach walks, café hopping, and sunset/sunrise viewing.
Q: What should I pack for a 3N/4D Havelock trip?
A: Reef-safe sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, quick-dry clothes, swimwear, aqua shoes, light rain jacket (monsoon), insect repellent, dry bag, reusable water bottle, and basic meds.
Q: Can I see bioluminescence in Havelock?
A: It’s possible on darker/new-moon nights and is season-dependent. Book a certified night kayaking tour; sightings are not guaranteed.
Conclusion
In four unhurried days, Havelock rewards you with world-class beaches, vivid reefs, and laid-back island charm. Time your trip for calm seas, pre-book ferries and key activities, and travel light with a focus on reef-friendly practices. This 3 nights 4 days plan balances signature experiences—Radhanagar sunset, Elephant Beach snorkel, a dive session, and night kayaking—while leaving space for serendipity and seaside café moments.
