Table of Contents
- Introduction
- History & Importance
- Best Time to Visit
- Havelock Ferry Booking Guide
- Top Things To Do
- Nearby Attractions
- How to Reach Havelock (Swaraj Dweep)
- Accommodation Options
- Estimated Costs
- Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
- Travel Tips by Traveler Type
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Planning a trip to Havelock Island (officially Swaraj Dweep) and want a smooth ferry experience? This guide blends local know-how with practical steps so you can book the right ferry, pick the best seats, avoid queues, and time your journey with the weather and tides. You’ll also find quick tips on where to stay, what to eat, and what it might cost—so your beach time eclipses your logistics time.
History & Importance
Havelock Island, renamed Swaraj Dweep in 2018, was once a quiet settlement named after the British General Henry Havelock. Today, it’s the Andamans’ most-loved island escape, famous for sugar-white sand, clear lagoons, and coral reefs. Radhanagar Beach often tops Asia’s best-beach lists, while nearby reefs make Havelock a prime scuba and snorkel destination.
Best Time to Visit
- Peak season (November–March): Calm seas, sunny skies, great visibility for diving/snorkeling.
- Shoulder (October, April): Warm water, fewer crowds; occasional showers.
- Monsoon (May–September): Rougher seas, frequent rain; ferry schedules can change.
Pro tip: For time-sensitive itineraries, avoid monsoon months or keep a buffer day in Port Blair in case ferries reschedule.
Havelock Ferry Booking Guide
Ferry Types & Classes
- Government ferries: Budget-friendly, basic seating, limited online visibility. Good for price-sensitive travelers.
- Private catamarans/cruises: Faster, air-conditioned cabins, assigned seats; multiple classes (Economy/Executive/Business/Deluxe) with varying legroom and views.
Key Routes & Durations
- Port Blair (PB) ↔ Havelock: ~1.5–2.5 hours depending on vessel and sea conditions.
- Havelock ↔ Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep): ~45–75 minutes.
Common departure points in Port Blair include Phoenix Bay Jetty and Haddo Wharf; arrivals at Havelock Jetty (Swaraj Dweep).
How to Book
- Online: Private operators and several authorized aggregators allow advance e-booking. Book 1–3 weeks ahead in peak season.
- Offline: Counters at Port Blair and Havelock jetties; government ferry tickets often released closer to travel date and may require in-person purchase or local agent support.
- Documents: Carry a valid photo ID; foreign nationals need passport and valid Indian visa. Names must match the ID exactly.
Seat Selection & Best Views
- Window seats: Better for sea views and motion comfort. Mid-ship seats generally feel the least motion.
- Class tips: Executive/Business classes offer more legroom; front rows can feel more motion in choppy seas.
Check-in & Boarding Timelines
- Report 60–90 minutes before departure; security and luggage screening can create queues.
- Carry printed or mobile e-tickets plus original ID. Keep some cash for small port fees if applicable.
Baggage Rules
- Typical allowance (varies by operator): ~15–25 kg check-in + 7 kg cabin per person; excess charged per kg.
- No hazardous items; power banks usually in cabin luggage only.
Prices & Fees (Indicative One-way)
- Private ferries PB ↔ Havelock: INR 1,500–3,500 per adult depending on class/season.
- Government ferry PB ↔ Havelock: Approx. INR 550–1,000.
- Infants/children: Concessions vary; verify at booking.
Changes, Cancellations & Delays
- Private ferries: Date/route changes usually allowed with a fee; cancellation slabs depend on notice period.
- Government ferries: More restrictive; check at counter.
- Weather holds authority: Schedules can shift due to sea state—keep flexible plans and travel insurance.
Monsoon Travel & Seasickness
- Buffer times: Leave 4–6 hours between flight arrival and ferry departure in monsoon.
- Medication: Consider doctor-approved antiemetics; choose mid-ship seats.
- Dry bags: Protect electronics; ferries are enclosed but jetties may be wet.
Sample Ferry Plan for 4 Days
- Day 1: Fly to Port Blair → Afternoon ferry to Havelock (or overnight in PB if flight arrives late).
- Day 2–3: Explore Havelock; optional day trip to Neil via morning ferry; return evening or next day.
- Day 4: Morning ferry back to Port Blair → Evening flight or overnight buffer, then fly next day.
Top Things To Do
- Radhanagar Beach (Beach No. 7): Sunset heaven; gentle waves.
- Elephant Beach: Snorkeling, sea-walk, water sports; best reached by boat or a short forest trail when open.
- Kalapathar Beach: Quiet sunrise spot with black rocks and jade water.
- Scuba diving: Discover Scuba (beginners) or fun dives (certified). Clear viz and beginner-friendly reefs.
- Kayaking & bioluminescence: Night mangrove paddles on new-moon nights offer a chance to spot glow.
- Island cycling/scooter rides: Easy roads, lush canopies, and beach-hopping freedom.
Nearby Attractions
- Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep): Natural Bridge, Bharatpur & Laxmanpur beaches; laid-back vibe.
- Port Blair: Cellular Jail, Corbyn’s Cove, museums, light-and-sound show.
- Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island (Ross Island) & North Bay: Ruins, deer, lighthouse, snorkeling.
How to Reach Havelock (Swaraj Dweep)
- By Air: Fly to Port Blair’s Veer Savarkar International Airport from major Indian cities.
- By Sea from Mainland India: Occasional long-haul passenger ships to Port Blair exist but are time-consuming; most travelers fly.
- Port Blair → Havelock: Ferry/catamaran from Phoenix Bay Jetty or Haddo Wharf; prebook in season.
Note: As of current norms, most tourists do not require special permits to visit Havelock. Always verify latest advisories before travel.
Accommodation Options
- Budget (INR 1,000–3,000/night): Guesthouses, hostels near Govind Nagar market.
- Mid-range (INR 3,500–8,000/night): Beach cottages, boutique stays with in-house cafes.
- Premium/Luxury (INR 12,000–35,000+/night): Beachfront resorts near Radhanagar or Govind Nagar with pools, spas, and dive desks.
Booking tips: Reserve 3–6 weeks ahead for Dec–Jan and long weekends; check if your resort can coordinate ferry tickets and airport transfers.
Estimated Costs
- Backpacker (per day): INR 3,000–5,000 (hostel/guesthouse, scooter rental, local eats, government ferry/low-class private seat).
- Comfort (per day): INR 6,000–12,000 (mid-range stay, private ferry, a paid activity).
- Luxury (per day): INR 20,000+ (premium resort, top-class ferry seats, guided dives/spa).
Sample activity costs (indicative): Discover Scuba INR 4,500–7,000; fun dives INR 3,000–5,000 per dive; snorkeling trip INR 1,000–2,000; kayak tour INR 1,500–3,000; scooter rental INR 500–800/day; inter-island private ferry INR 1,500–3,500 one-way.
Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
- Food: Fresh seafood grills, prawn curry, tuna cutlets; plenty of vegetarian plates; beach cafes serving Indian and global fare.
- Cafes & Markets: Govind Nagar and Beach No. 5 areas host cozy cafes, bakeries, and dive hangouts.
- Shopping: Spices, coconut products, local handicrafts. Avoid buying coral/shell products that harm reefs or breach regulations.
- Culture: A friendly mix of settlers from mainland India; island life is slow-paced—carry cash as ATMs and network can be patchy.
Travel Tips by Traveler Type
Families
- Choose morning ferries for calmer seas; pick mid-ship seats.
- Book resorts with on-site dining and easy beach access; carry snacks, meds, and sun protection.
Honeymooners
- Time sunsets at Radhanagar and a stargazing walk post-dinner.
- Reserve executive seats for a quieter ferry cabin; consider a private dinner at your resort.
Friends & Backpackers
- Scooter-share to cut costs; plan dawn dives and night bioluminescence.
- Mix one government ferry with one private ferry to balance budget and comfort.
Packing & Safety
- Essentials: Reef-safe sunscreen, hat, quick-dry wear, dry bags, basic meds, insect repellent.
- Cash & Connectivity: Carry enough cash; many places accept UPI/cards but outages happen.
- Environment: Swim within marked zones; follow reef-safe practices and local advisories.
FAQs
Q: How far in advance should I book the Port Blair–Havelock ferry?
A: In peak months (Nov–Mar, late Dec especially), book private ferries 1–3 weeks ahead. Government ferries are often released closer to the date and may require counter purchase or an agent.
Q: Which is better—government or private ferry?
A: Government ferries are cheaper but basic and harder to prebook; private ferries are faster, with assigned seating, AC cabins, and clearer schedules. Choose based on budget, comfort needs, and flexibility.
Q: What’s the best seat to reduce seasickness?
A: Mid-ship seats on lower decks feel the least motion. Window seats help you fix your gaze on the horizon.
Q: How much time should I keep between my flight and ferry?
A: Keep 4–6 hours buffer, especially in monsoon. Delays can occur due to weather or aircraft schedule shifts.
Q: Can I change or cancel my ferry ticket?
A: Private ferries usually allow changes or cancellations with a fee based on how early you request. Government ferry rules are stricter; check at the ticket counter when you buy.
Conclusion
Havelock’s lagoons and beaches are easy to reach when you book the right ferry at the right time. Choose a vessel that fits your comfort and budget, arrive early to sail stress-free, and keep a weather buffer in peak monsoon. With smart planning for seats, luggage, and timing, you’ll spend more hours barefoot on white sand—and fewer in lines at the jetty.
