Table of Contents
- Overview: Havelock in March
- History & Importance
- Weather & Best Time to Visit (March Focus)
- Top Things To Do in March
- How to Reach Havelock in March
- Accommodation Options
- Estimated Trip Costs in March
- Local Experiences: Food, Shopping & Culture
- Nearby Attractions & Island Hopping
- Travel Tips for March
- Advice by Traveler Type
- Safety, Permits & Responsible Travel
- FAQs about Havelock in March
- Conclusion
Overview: Havelock in March
Havelock Island—officially Swaraj Dweep—in India’s Andaman archipelago is a tropical postcard of powdery white beaches, teal lagoons, and living coral reefs. March is among the best months to visit: calm seas, warm water, high underwater visibility, and fewer crowds than the peak holiday weeks. Expect sun-drenched days, dreamy sunsets at Radhanagar Beach, excellent diving conditions, and lively evenings around beach cafés.
History & Importance
Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) sits in the Ritchie’s Archipelago, long inhabited by indigenous communities of the Andamans. The island’s modern story intertwines with post-independence settlement and conservation. Today it is Andaman’s flagship leisure destination, famed for:
- Radhanagar Beach (Beach No. 7), often ranked among Asia’s best beaches
- Healthy fringing reefs and beginner-friendly dive sites
- Protected mangroves and low-impact eco-adventures
Weather & Best Time to Visit (March Focus)
March Weather Snapshot
- Temperature: 25–32°C (warm days, pleasant evenings)
- Sea: 28–29°C; generally calm with 15–25 m underwater visibility
- Rain: Light pre-monsoon showers possible late March; mostly sunny
- UV Index: Very high (use SPF 50+, hats, and UPF clothing)
- Daylight: ~12 hours; sunrise ~5:20–5:35 am, sunset ~5:20–5:45 pm (IST)
Overall Best Time: November to April. March sits in the sweet spot—post-peak holiday rush, excellent sea conditions for snorkeling/diving, and good ferry connectivity.
Top Things To Do in March
- Sunset at Radhanagar Beach: Silky sand, gentle surf, and fiery sunsets. Swim only within marked zones; currents can be strong.
- Snorkeling & Scuba Diving: Beginner dives at Nemo Reef; advanced sites like Dixon’s Pinnacle and Johnny’s Gorge. March offers warm water and great visibility.
- Elephant Beach Adventure: Reach by boat (subject to permits/reef protection timings) or a short forest trek. Try snorkeling, parasailing, sea-walks, and banana boats.
- Kalapathar Beach: Morning walk along black rock outcrops and quiet coves; great for sunrise photos.
- Kayak in Mangroves: Sunrise or new-moon night bioluminescence paddles (sightings vary but March can still glow on low-moon nights).
- Try a Dive Course: 3–4 day Open Water courses run smoothly in March, with predictable seas.
- Island Cycling/Scooter Rides: Explore villages, local markets, and coastal stretches at your pace.
- Holi on the Island: If Holi falls in March, expect low-key celebrations at select resorts/cafés.
How to Reach Havelock in March
Step 1: Fly to Port Blair (IXZ)
- Direct flights connect from major Indian cities (e.g., Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru).
- March fares are often lower than Dec–Jan; early booking still recommended.
Step 2: Ferry to Havelock (Swaraj Dweep)
- Private catamarans: Operators like Makruzz, Nautika, and Green Ocean; 1.5–2.5 hours. Pre-book online (March seats can fill).
- Government ferry: Budget-friendly; tickets usually from counters in Port Blair. Schedules may change—check a day prior.
- Seas in March: Typically calm; fewer weather-related cancellations than monsoon.
Getting Around on Havelock
- Two-wheelers: INR 400–600/day; fuel available in market area.
- Autos/Local taxis: Fixed-rate point-to-point rides; arrange return from remote beaches.
- Cycles: Great for short, flat routes in cooler mornings/evenings.
Accommodation Options
- Budget stays (INR 1,200–3,000/night): Guesthouses and simple cottages near Govind Nagar/Beach No. 5.
- Mid-range resorts (INR 4,000–9,000/night): Beachfront cottages, on-site cafés, and snorkel-friendly house reefs.
- Luxury resorts (INR 12,000–30,000+/night): Private beach access, upscale dining, spas, and dive shops.
Book early for March weekends and around Holi. Ask about on-site dive centers if you plan to train or dive.
Estimated Trip Costs in March
- Flights (round-trip to Port Blair): INR 9,000–22,000 per person (city and booking window dependent).
- Ferries (one-way PB–Havelock): INR 550–1,500 (Govt vs private class).
- Local transport: Scooter INR 400–600/day; taxi to Radhanagar return INR 800–1,200.
- Activities: Discover Scuba INR 5,000–7,500; Fun dive INR 3,500–5,500 per dive; Kayak INR 2,000–3,000; Sea-walk INR 3,500–4,500.
- Meals: INR 300–700 per person at cafés; resort dining higher.
- 3N/4D indicative budgets (per person):
- Budget: INR 12,000–20,000 (ex-Port Blair flights)
- Mid-range: INR 22,000–40,000
- Luxury: INR 45,000+
Local Experiences: Food, Shopping & Culture
Food
- Fresh seafood grills, Andaman-style curries, coastal thalis.
- Beach cafés serve smoothies, wood-fired pizzas, and vegan-friendly bowls.
- Try coconut water, tuna fry, and prawn masala after sunset at Radhanagar.
Shopping
- Handmade shells (avoid live shell trade), coconut crafts, spices.
- Reef-safe sunscreen, sarongs, and bamboo straws from eco-stores.
Culture
- Laid-back island cadence; early mornings and quiet nights (most venues close by 9:30–10 pm).
- Holi, if in March, is celebrated modestly—respect local customs and beaches (no color near reefs).
Nearby Attractions & Island Hopping
- Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep): 60–90 minutes by ferry; natural bridge, Laxmanpur sunset.
- Port Blair: Cellular Jail Light & Sound show; Corbyn’s Cove; museums.
- Ross Island (Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island): Colonial ruins draped in banyans; deer sightings.
- Long Island/Baratang (day trips via Port Blair): Limestone caves, mangrove creeks (plan extra days).
Travel Tips for March
- Sun & Heat: Pack UPF clothing, hats, SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle.
- Bookings: Reserve ferries and stays 1–3 weeks ahead, especially around Holi.
- Cash & Connectivity: ATMs exist but can run dry; carry cash. Airtel/BSNL work best; data can be patchy outside market areas.
- Reef Safety: Do not stand on coral; use snorkeling fins carefully; follow guide instructions.
- Timing: Swim and snorkel in mornings when seas are calm and visibility is highest.
- Tides & Access: Boat access to Elephant Beach may vary by tide and conservation rules—check locally a day prior.
- Health: Motion-sickness tablets for ferries; mild jellyfish possible—wear a rash vest.
Advice by Traveler Type
Families
- Choose shallow-entry beaches (Radhanagar lifeguard zones, Govind Nagar house reefs).
- Book family rooms or interconnecting cottages; confirm extra beds/cribs.
- Carry snacks, ORS, and hats; avoid midday sun with kids.
Honeymooners
- Pick sunset-facing cottages; plan a private dinner on the beach.
- Couples’ kayak at dawn or bioluminescence nights near new moon.
- Schedule a photoshoot at Kalapathar’s empty morning coves.
Friends & Backpackers
- Rent scooters; split taxi costs for Radhanagar sunsets.
- Target dive packages (multiple dives lower the per-dive cost).
- Find social hostels/cafés around Govind Nagar for live music evenings.
Safety, Permits & Responsible Travel
- Permits: Indian nationals do not require special permits. Foreign nationals receive permits on arrival at Port Blair (check current rules; carry passport, visa, and copies).
- Marine Rules: No fishing in protected zones; no shells/corals removal; drones require permissions.
- Medical: Primary health center on Havelock; advanced care and hyperbaric chamber in Port Blair.
- Alcohol & Nightlife: Limited bars; avoid night swims—rip currents and marine life risk.
- Waste: Havelock is sensitive—avoid single-use plastic; carry back what you bring.
FAQs about Havelock in March
Q: Is March a good month for scuba diving in Havelock?
A: Yes. March offers warm, calm seas with 15–25 m visibility, making it ideal for both beginner dives and advanced sites.
Q: Will it rain in Havelock in March?
A: Mostly sunny with occasional light showers, especially late March. Showers are brief and rarely disrupt ferry schedules.
Q: Do I need to pre-book ferries in March?
A: It’s wise to book private catamarans 1–2 weeks in advance—March can be busy around weekends and Holi.
Q: Which beaches are best in March?
A: Radhanagar for sunsets and swimming within flagged areas; Elephant Beach for water sports; Kalapathar for peaceful mornings and photos.
Q: Are there jellyfish in March?
A: Mild stingers can occur. Wear a rash guard or thin wetsuit and follow lifeguard/divemaster guidance.
Conclusion
March showcases Havelock at its tropical best: sky-blue days, warm clear waters, and just-right crowds. With world-class beaches, vibrant reefs, and easy logistics via Port Blair, it’s a superb time for snorkeling, scuba courses, and unhurried sunsets at Radhanagar. Plan ferries and stays ahead, respect reef rules, and pack sun protection to make the most of your island days.
