Table of Contents
- Introduction
- History and Importance
- Best Time to Visit
- Top Things to Do on Island-Hopping Cruises
- Suggested Island-Hopping Itineraries
- How to Reach Havelock and Departure Points
- Accommodation Options on Havelock
- Estimated Costs
- Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
- Nearby Attractions
- Tips and Essential Info
- Traveler-Specific Advice
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Island hopping cruises from Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) reveal the Andaman Sea at its most luminous. From powder-white sandbars to coral gardens alive with color, day boats and private charters whisk you to Neil Island, the Button islands, Inglis, and secluded coves where time seems to slow. Whether you’re snorkeling for the first time, diving with turtles, or drifting past mangroves at sunset, Havelock is the perfect launchpad for a relaxed, tropical adventure.
History and Importance
Havelock Island, officially renamed Swaraj Dweep in 2018, evolved from a quiet settlement into the Andamans’ flagship leisure hub. Its proximity to marine protected areas like Rani Jhansi Marine National Park (home to the Button islands) makes it a strategic base for responsible marine tourism. Island hopping here supports local livelihoods, encourages reef conservation through guided, low-impact activities, and offers visitors access to some of India’s clearest tropical waters.
Best Time to Visit
The ideal cruising window is November to April, when seas are calmer and underwater visibility is highest.
- November–February: Peak weather; cooler evenings; excellent snorkeling and diving.
- March–April: Warm, glassy seas; superb visibility; good chance of calm crossings.
- May–September: Southwest monsoon; frequent rain, choppy seas, and possible cancellations.
- October and early May: Shoulder periods; watch forecasts and confirm sailings a day in advance.
Note: Marine park access, water clarity, and operator schedules may change with weather and tides.
Top Things to Do on Island-Hopping Cruises
Signature stops from Havelock
- Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep): Day-hop for calm beaches, the Natural Bridge, and sunset at Laxmanpur.
- South Button Island: Classic snorkel/dive stop with gin-clear water and vibrant reefs; permits required.
- Inglis Island: Powdery sand, reef flats, and photogenic sandbars on calm days.
- Elephant Beach (off Havelock): Short speedboat ride for snorkeling, sea-walks, and glass-bottom tours.
On-the-water experiences
- Snorkeling above coral gardens; look for clownfish, parrotfish, and the occasional turtle.
- Scuba diving at Button islands and nearby sites (for certified divers and learners).
- Glass-bottom boat rides for non-swimmers and families.
- Sunrise/sunset cruising along Havelock’s coast; excellent for photography.
- Wildlife watching: Reef fish, sea eagles, and seasonal bioluminescence on very dark nights.
- Responsible game fishing (catch-and-release) with licensed operators, where permitted.
Suggested Island-Hopping Itineraries
1-day: Havelock highlights
- Morning: Speedboat to Elephant Beach for snorkeling and reef time.
- Midday: Picnic or simple beachside meal; optional glass-bottom session.
- Afternoon: Slow coastal cruise; return for sunset at Radhanagar Beach (on Havelock).
1-day: South Button snorkel and sandbar
- Morning: Depart Havelock Jetty; check permits for South Button.
- Midday: Guided snorkeling in shallow coral gardens; surface intervals on a sandbar (conditions permitting).
- Afternoon: Easy cruise back via scenic channels.
2 days: Havelock–Neil combo
- Day 1: Havelock to Neil; explore Bharatpur Beach and Natural Bridge.
- Day 2: Early snorkel; cruise back to Havelock or onward to Port Blair.
Private charter loop (flexible)
- Route options: Inglis, John Lawrence/Henry Lawrence islands, or sheltered lagoons near Havelock (weather/permits dependent).
- Ideal for photographers, honeymooners, or small groups seeking privacy.
How to Reach Havelock and Departure Points
Getting to Havelock (Swaraj Dweep)
- Fly to Port Blair (Veer Savarkar International Airport) from major Indian cities.
- Ferries to Havelock: Government and private high-speed catamarans take roughly 60–150 minutes, depending on vessel and sea state.
Where cruises depart
- Havelock Jetty (Govind Nagar): Main departure point for inter-island ferries and many day boats.
- Elephant Beach boat point: Short speedboat trips depart from designated areas near the main jetty.
Arrive 45–60 minutes before departure with ID; schedules can change with tides and weather.
Accommodation Options on Havelock
- Budget stays (Govind Nagar/Beach No. 3–5): Simple huts and guesthouses; typical range INR 1,500–3,500 per night.
- Mid-range beach resorts (Vijaynagar/Beach No. 5): AC cottages with in-house dining; INR 4,000–9,000 per night.
- Premium resorts (near Radhanagar/Beach No. 7 and select beachfronts): Spacious villas, pools, and private beachfronts; INR 12,000–35,000+ per night.
Rates vary by season; peak December–January sees higher prices and limited availability.
Estimated Costs
Indicative per-person pricing from Havelock (subject to change; excludes peak surcharges):
- Havelock–Neil ferry (one way): INR 600–1,800 (economy to premium class).
- Elephant Beach speedboat + basic snorkeling: INR 1,200–2,500.
- South Button day trip (shared boat, with guide; permits extra): INR 3,500–6,500.
- Scuba diving (intro dive or fun dive): INR 4,500–8,000 per dive, site-dependent.
- Private charter (small yacht/speedboat, 4–8 hours): INR 30,000–90,000+ per boat, route-dependent.
- Glass-bottom boat ride: INR 600–1,200 for 20–40 minutes.
- Marine park/forest permits (where applicable): Typically INR 100–1,000 per person; camera fees may apply.
Always confirm inclusions (gear, guide, permits, meals) and any fuel or environmental surcharges.
Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
Food
- Seafood thalis, grilled fish, crab and lobster (seasonal) with island spices.
- Fresh coconuts, tropical fruit juices, and light beachside snacks between dives.
- Vegetarian and vegan options are increasingly common in beach cafés.
Shopping
- Handicrafts, coconut shell items, lightweight beachwear, and locally inspired souvenirs.
- Buy only from licensed shops; avoid coral/shell products that harm reefs or violate regulations.
Culture
- Laid-back island life with a mix of settler communities; hospitality is warm and informal.
- Seasonal fairs and island festivals may occur in winter; check local listings during your stay.
Nearby Attractions
- Radhanagar Beach (Beach No. 7): Iconic sunsets and broad sandy bay on Havelock.
- Kalapathar Beach: Quiet shoreline with dark rocks and morning light.
- Neil Island: Bharatpur Beach for lagoon swims; Laxmanpur Beach for sunsets.
- Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island (near Port Blair): Historic ruins draped in banyans; a separate day trip when based in Port Blair.
Tips and Essential Info
- Permits: No special permit for Indian nationals to visit Havelock/Neil; specific marine parks (e.g., Button islands) require forest/marine permits. Foreign nationals must carry passport and follow registration rules; check latest advisories before travel.
- Weather & safety: Trips may be rescheduled for rough seas; follow crew instructions and wear life jackets during crossings.
- Reef-safe practices: Use mineral, reef-safe sunscreen; never stand on coral; keep 3–4 m distance from turtles.
- Cash & connectivity: Limited ATMs and intermittent mobile data. Carry cash for small vendors and permits.
- Plastic & waste: Single-use plastics are discouraged; carry a refillable bottle and take back all trash.
- Drones: Flying requires prior permissions under local and national regulations; confirm before use.
- Health: Pack motion-sickness tablets, basic first aid, and any personal meds. Stay hydrated.
Traveler-Specific Advice
Families
- Choose short hops (Elephant Beach, Neil) and glass-bottom boats for non-swimmers.
- Carry snacks, hats, and UV-protective swimwear for kids; confirm availability of child-size life jackets.
Honeymooners
- Opt for private charters or small-group sunset cruises; request a light picnic onboard.
- Pick calm-season dates for better privacy at sandbars and lagoons.
Friends and Small Groups
- Split costs on a private boat and customize stops (Inglis + snorkel + sunset loop).
- Consider an intro dive add-on to a South Button day for a shared first-time dive experience.
Packing Essentials
- Quick-dry towel, reef-safe sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, water shoes, and a dry bag.
- Waterproof phone pouch, spare power bank, light rain jacket in shoulder season.
FAQs
Q: Do I need a permit for island hopping from Havelock?
A: For Havelock and Neil, no special permit is required for Indian nationals; foreigners must carry valid ID and follow registration rules. Marine parks like the Button islands require separate permits, which operators usually arrange. Always carry photo ID.
Q: Can I visit South Button and Neil Island in one day?
A: It’s not practical to combine both comfortably in a single day due to distance and time needed at each site. Plan separate days or prioritize based on interests (reef snorkeling vs. beach-hopping).
Q: Is island hopping safe during the monsoon?
A: Operators may curtail or cancel trips during rough weather. If traveling May–September, keep plans flexible, monitor forecasts, and consider shorter, sheltered routes.
Q: I can’t swim—can I still join?
A: Yes. Choose glass-bottom boats or guided shallow-water snorkeling with life jackets. Always inform your guide and stay within marked safe areas.
Q: What’s the best month for clear water?
A: January to April typically offers the calmest seas and best visibility, ideal for snorkeling and diving.
Conclusion
Island hopping cruises from Havelock blend easy logistics with big tropical payoff: clear lagoons, healthy reefs, mellow beaches, and relaxed boat days. With thoughtful timing, the right route, and responsible practices, you’ll experience the Andaman Sea at its most vivid—whether that’s a family glass-bottom ride, a couples’ sunset sail, or a reef-focused charter to the Button islands.
