Table of Contents
- Introduction
- History & Importance
- Best Time to Visit
- Top Things to Do on Havelock Island
- Group-Friendly Itineraries
- How to Reach Havelock Island
- Where to Stay: Group-Friendly Accommodation
- Estimated Trip Costs for Group Tours
- Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
- Nearby Attractions & Extensions
- Practical Tips for Group Travelers
- FAQs about Havelock Group Tour Packages
- Conclusion
Introduction
Turquoise waters, sugar-white beaches, and some of India’s best coral reefs make Havelock Island—officially Swaraj Dweep—the crown jewel of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. For groups of friends, families, or corporate teams, Havelock offers a rare combo: laid-back island life with world-class water sports, reliable logistics, and picture-perfect beaches like Radhanagar. This guide covers everything you need to plan seamless Havelock group tour packages—from itineraries and costs to ferries, stays, and insider tips.
History & Importance
Havelock Island was renamed Swaraj Dweep in 2018 to honor India’s freedom struggle. Once sparsely populated and dominated by tropical forests and mangroves, it grew into a scuba and beach destination after its reefs gained fame among divers. Radhanagar Beach (Beach No. 7) has repeatedly been celebrated among Asia’s best beaches, drawing nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
Best Time to Visit
- Peak season: November to April (calm seas, clear skies, best for diving/snorkeling).
- Good shoulder: October and May (warm; occasional showers; fewer crowds).
- Monsoon: June to September (rough seas, ferry disruptions possible, lush landscapes).
- Diving clarity: January to April typically offers the best underwater visibility.
Top Things to Do on Havelock Island
1) Radhanagar Beach (Beach No. 7)
- Sunset hotspot with soft white sand and gentle surf.
- Ideal for group photography, beach games, and swimming (within marked zones).
2) Elephant Beach
- Known for snorkeling, sea walking, and beginner-friendly reefs.
- Reach by speedboat from Havelock jetty or via a short forest trail (conditions permitting).
3) Kalapathar Beach
- Quieter shoreline with black rocks and teal water—great for sunrise and picnics.
4) Scuba Diving & Snorkeling
- Discover Scuba Dive: Guided intro dive at spots like Nemo Reef.
- Certified dives: Multiple sites suitable for varying experience levels.
5) Kayaking & Bioluminescence
- Mangrove kayaking (day/sunset) and seasonal night kayaking to witness bioluminescence.
6) Glass-Bottom Boats & Sea Walk
- Great non-swimmer options to enjoy corals and fish with the group together.
7) Cycling, Cafés & Beach Hopping
- Rent scooters/cycles to explore Govind Nagar, Beach No. 3/5, and casual beachside cafés.
Group-Friendly Itineraries
3 Days / 2 Nights: Havelock Highlights
- Day 1: Arrive Port Blair → Ferry to Havelock → Radhanagar sunset.
- Day 2: Morning scuba/snorkel → Elephant Beach water sports → Café hop.
- Day 3: Sunrise at Kalapathar → Ferry back to Port Blair → Depart.
4 Days / 3 Nights: Port Blair + Havelock
- Day 1: Arrive Port Blair → Cellular Jail & Sound and Light Show.
- Day 2: Ferry to Havelock → Radhanagar Beach.
- Day 3: Elephant Beach activities → Evening free.
- Day 4: Return to Port Blair → Flight out.
5 Days / 4 Nights: Havelock + Neil (Shaheed Dweep)
- Day 1–2: Havelock highlights as above.
- Day 3: Ferry to Neil → Laxmanpur, Bharatpur, Natural Bridge.
- Day 4: Leisure & snorkeling → Return to Port Blair.
- Day 5: Departure.
Group logistics tips: Aim for 8–16 travelers per group; pre-book ferries and activity slots; keep a buffer morning for weather-related changes, especially in monsoon months.
How to Reach Havelock Island
By Air + Ferry (Most Common)
- Fly to Port Blair (IXZ) from major Indian cities (no regular international flights).
- Ferry to Havelock: Government ferries and private catamarans (e.g., Makruzz, Nautika, Green Ocean, Sea Link); 1.5–2.5 hours each way.
- Bookings: Reserve ferry seats in advance during peak season; carry photo ID at boarding.
By Sea (Occasional)
- Long-distance ships from Chennai/Kolkata/Visakhapatnam to Port Blair take ~2–3 days; schedules infrequent.
Local Transport on Havelock
- AC vans/cars for groups; two-wheelers for free time; limited auto-rickshaws.
- Roads are simple; night driving requires caution due to low lighting.
Where to Stay: Group-Friendly Accommodation
- Budget (hostels/guesthouses): Dorms and simple cottages near Govind Nagar and Beach No. 3; good for student groups.
- Mid-range beach resorts: Cottage-style rooms, on-site restaurants, easy beach access; ideal for families and small corporates.
- Premium/luxury: Upscale beachfront resorts near Radhanagar and Govind Nagar with activity desks and banquet options for offsites.
Tip: For 8+ rooms, negotiate group rates including breakfast, ferry assistance, and bundled activity credits.
Estimated Trip Costs for Group Tours
Indicative per-person costs (excluding flights), assuming twin/triple sharing and group rates:
- 3D/2N Havelock-only: INR 12,000–22,000 (budget to mid-range).
- 4D/3N Port Blair + Havelock: INR 20,000–35,000 (mid-range).
- 5D/4N Havelock + Neil: INR 28,000–45,000 (mid to premium).
Common line items:
- Private ferry (one-way): INR 1,200–3,000; Govt ferry: ~INR 400–600.
- Airport–jetty–resort transfers: INR 500–1,200 per sector (shared) or INR 2,500–4,000 per vehicle (private).
- Discover Scuba Dive: INR 3,500–6,000; Sea Walk: INR 3,500–4,500; Kayaking: INR 2,500–3,500; Snorkeling boat to Elephant Beach: INR 1,000–1,800.
- Meals: INR 300–800 per person per meal (local cafés to resort dining).
- Two-wheeler rental: INR 500–800/day; Car with driver: INR 2,500–3,500/day.
Prices vary by season, availability, and group size. Always confirm inclusions (gear, permits, photos/videos, guide ratios) in activity quotes.
Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
Food
- Fresh seafood (tuna, snapper, lobster when in season), classic Indian mains, and island-style grills.
- Beach cafés around Govind Nagar (Beaches 3 & 5) offer smoothies, breakfasts, and continental-Indian fusion menus.
- Vegetarian options widely available; inform resorts early for special diets.
Shopping
- Small boutiques sell beachwear, hats, and island souvenirs.
- Do not buy coral, shells, or turtle products—collection and trade are illegal.
- For handicrafts and larger markets, plan time in Port Blair.
Culture & Etiquette
- Island life is unhurried; greet locals politely and dress modestly away from beaches.
- Evenings are quiet; few late-night venues—plan early dinners for groups.
Nearby Attractions & Extensions
- Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep): Shallow reefs, Laxmanpur sunset, Natural Bridge.
- Port Blair: Cellular Jail, Corbyn’s Cove, museums, and day trips to nearby islands.
- Ross Island (Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island) & North Bay: Ruins, deer spotting, and water sports (from Port Blair).
Practical Tips for Group Travelers
Documents & Permits
- Indian nationals: No special island permits for Havelock; carry government-issued photo ID.
- Foreign nationals: Carry valid passport/visa. Permit rules for certain islands can change—check latest advisories before travel.
Packing Essentials
- Light cottons, swimwear, hat, sunglasses, reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 30+).
- Waterproof phone pouch, dry bag, quick-dry towel, insect repellent.
- Motion-sickness meds for ferry crossings; basic first-aid and personal prescriptions.
- Reusable water bottle; plastic use is regulated—avoid single-use plastics.
Money, Network & Safety
- ATMs are limited; carry enough cash. UPI/cards work but networks can be patchy.
- Mobile networks (Airtel/BSNL/Jio) have improved but may drop in remote pockets.
- Swim within marked zones; heed lifeguards. Do not touch or stand on corals.
- Respect no-drone zones; formal permissions are required for drone use.
Guidance by Traveler Type
Families
- Pick resorts with family rooms and safe shallow beachfronts.
- Choose glass-bottom boats or sea walk for non-swimmers; avoid long boat rides with toddlers in rough seas.
Honeymooners & Couples
- Sunset at Radhanagar, private dinners on the sand (with resort permissions), and couples’ dives/snorkel.
- Opt for beachfront cottages with balconies or plunge pools if budget allows.
Friends & Office Offsites
- Bundle a mix of high-energy (scuba, kayaking) and chill time (beach café crawl).
- Plan team activities early morning to avoid midday heat; keep an evening for stargazing on the beach.
Sustainability & Etiquette
- Use coral-safe sunscreen; never litter on beaches or boats.
- Alcohol is regulated; avoid public drinking on beaches and post-sunset beach parties without permissions.
- No shell/coral collection; fines and confiscations apply.
FAQs about Havelock Group Tour Packages
Q: How many days are ideal for a Havelock group tour?
A: Three days cover the highlights; four to five days let you add Neil Island or extra water activities without rushing.
Q: Do we need to know swimming for scuba or sea walk?
A: No. Discover Scuba Dives and sea walks are guided and beginner-friendly. Listen to briefings and follow safety instructions.
Q: Which ferries are best for groups?
A: Private catamarans (e.g., Makruzz, Nautika, Green Ocean) are faster and easier to block seats for groups. Government ferries are economical but book out quickly.
Q: What’s the best season for clear water and calm seas?
A: November to April, with January–April often giving the best underwater visibility for diving and snorkeling.
Q: Are there medical facilities on Havelock?
A: There’s a primary health center and pharmacies for basics. For serious cases, evacuation to Port Blair is required; travel insurance is recommended.
Conclusion
Havelock Island blends calm beaches, vibrant reefs, and reliable logistics, making it a standout choice for group getaways. With smart ferry bookings, a balanced itinerary, and thoughtful packing, your group can enjoy sunsets at Radhanagar, snorkeling at Elephant Beach, and leisurely café crawls—while staying safe and sustainable. Plan around the season, lock key activities early, and leave room for island-time spontaneity.
