Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Quick Overview: Long Island vs Havelock Island
- History & Importance
- Best Time to Visit
- How to Reach
- Top Things to Do
- Accommodation Options
- Estimated Costs
- Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
- Nearby Attractions & Day Trips
- Practical Tips & Safety
- Tips by Traveler Type
- Suggested Itineraries
- Which One Should You Choose?
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
This guide compares two beautiful islands in India’s Andaman & Nicobar archipelago: Long Island (Middle Andaman) and Havelock Island, officially known as Swaraj Dweep (South Andaman). Not to be confused with Long Island, New York, these are tropical islands fringed by coral reefs, mangroves, and sugar-white beaches—yet they offer very different travel vibes. Here’s a clear, practical breakdown to help you pick the island that matches your style, time, and budget.
Quick Overview: Long Island vs Havelock Island
- Vibe: Havelock is popular, polished, and activity-rich. Long Island is offbeat, quiet, and wild.
- Access: Havelock has frequent ferries from Port Blair. Long Island is reached via Rangat or limited government ferries.
- Beaches: Havelock’s Radhanagar Beach is world-famous. Long Island’s Lalaji Bay is pristine and secluded.
- Diving & Snorkeling: Havelock has top-notch dive sites and many operators. Long Island offers raw, less-crowded reefs via local boats.
- Infrastructure: Havelock has a wide range of stays, restaurants, ATMs, and bike rentals. Long Island has minimal stays, few eateries, and no ATMs.
- Who it suits: Havelock for first-timers, families, honeymooners, divers. Long Island for nature-lovers, backpackers, and travelers seeking solitude.
History & Importance
Long Island (Andaman)
Long Island is a small settlement in Middle Andaman known for its historic timber yard and sawmill legacy from the mid-20th century. Today, it is important for its conservation-value forests, mangrove creeks, and access to Lalaji Bay and the uninhabited North Passage and Guitar Island, which protect rich coral life. Tourism remains low-impact and community-oriented.
Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep)
Named after British General Henry Havelock and officially renamed Swaraj Dweep in 2018, the island rose to fame for its powdery beaches, especially Radhanagar Beach (Beach No. 7), once acclaimed among Asia’s best. It became the Andamans’ flagship leisure and diving hub, balancing eco-tourism with modern comforts.
Best Time to Visit
- Peak season (November–April): Calm seas, sunny skies, best underwater visibility. Ideal for both islands.
- Shoulder (October & late April–May): Warm, occasional showers; dive visibility varies; smaller crowds.
- Monsoon (May–September): Rough seas can disrupt ferries and boat trips. Trekking/forest access may be restricted. Best avoided unless you’re flexible.
- For diving: January–March often offers the clearest water in Havelock; Long Island’s boat access depends heavily on sea state.
How to Reach
Havelock (Swaraj Dweep)
- Fly to Port Blair (Veer Savarkar Airport).
- Ferry from Port Blair: 1.5–2.5 hours.
- Private ferries: Makruzz, Green Ocean, Sea Link (book online in advance).
- Government ferry: Directorate of Shipping Services (DSS); cheaper, fewer seats; book at counters.
- Local transport: Scooters (approx. ₹500–₹800/day), taxis, autos; limited public buses.
Long Island (Middle Andaman)
- Route 1: Port Blair → Rangat (by road 6–7 hours via Andaman Trunk Road or government ferry) → Yerrata Jetty → Long Island boat (about 60–90 minutes).
- Route 2: Occasional direct government ferries from Port Blair to Long Island (limited schedules; check DSS in advance).
- On-island mobility: Mostly on foot; no regular taxis; local boats for Lalaji Bay/North Passage. No ATMs.
Note: Ferry schedules change seasonally. Always verify at DSS counters or official websites a few days prior.
Top Things to Do
Havelock Island
- Radhanagar Beach (No. 7): Sunset walks, swimming in gentle surf.
- Elephant Beach: Snorkeling, sea-walks, glass-bottom rides; boat access subject to permits/sea conditions.
- Kalapathar Beach: Photogenic black rocks, quiet mornings.
- Scuba diving: Sites like Aquarium, Lighthouse, The Wall, Johnny’s Gorge, Dixon’s Pinnacle (with certified operators).
- Kayaking & bioluminescence: Night mangrove paddles on select moonless nights.
- Food hop: Beach cafés for fresh seafood and island-chic vibes.
Long Island
- Lalaji Bay: A forest trek (approx. 5–6 km one-way) or boat ride to a sweeping, untouched beach.
- North Passage Island (Merk Bay): Day trips by licensed boat; white sand, turquoise shallows, excellent snorkeling when seas are calm.
- Guitar Island sandbar: A photographic crescent of sand visible at low tide; boat trips only.
- Mangrove creeks: Quiet boat rides birdwatching for kingfishers, egrets, and sea eagles.
- Stargazing & slow travel: Minimal light pollution; digital detox.
Accommodation Options
- Havelock:
- Luxury: Taj Exotica, Barefoot at Havelock, Tilar Siro by CGH Earth, premium beachfront resorts.
- Mid-range: SeaShell, Symphony Palms, Silver Sand, boutique stays near Govind Nagar/Vijay Nagar.
- Budget: Guesthouses and cabanas around main market; book early in peak season.
- Amenities: ATMs, clinics, dive shops, rental bikes, beach cafés.
- Long Island:
- Simple stays: Basic guesthouses and eco-huts; limited rooms; pre-book by phone.
- Food: Homestyle kitchens; many stays require pre-ordering meals.
- Amenities: No ATMs, limited card acceptance, patchy mobile data, power cuts possible.
Estimated Costs
- Ferries (one-way):
- Port Blair ↔ Havelock: Govt ₹550–₹1,000; Private ₹1,500–₹3,000 (class-dependent).
- Rangat ↔ Long Island (boat): approx. ₹150–₹500; Charter boats higher.
- Stays (per night, double):
- Havelock: Budget ₹1,500–₹3,000; Mid ₹4,000–₹8,000; Luxury ₹15,000–₹40,000+.
- Long Island: Basic lodges/eco-huts ₹1,500–₹5,000.
- Activities:
- Intro dive in Havelock: ₹3,500–₹6,500; Certified fun dive: ₹3,000–₹5,500 per dive.
- Boat to Elephant Beach (shared): ₹1,000–₹1,500; Kayaking: ₹2,000–₹3,000.
- Boat hires around Long Island (Lalaji/North Passage/Guitar): ₹3,000–₹8,000 depending on distance and group size.
- Local transport:
- Havelock scooter rental: ₹500–₹800/day + fuel; taxis by trip.
- Long Island: Mostly walking; occasional local boats.
Prices are indicative and vary by season, availability, and operator.
Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
- Havelock:
- Food: Fresh fish, prawn, and tuna; popular cafés serve Indian, seafood grills, and global menus.
- Shopping: Beachwear, handicrafts, shell trinkets; small dive and snorkel gear stores.
- Culture: Settler communities from mainland India; easygoing beach-town rhythm with eco-conscious operators.
- Long Island:
- Food: Simple thalis, fish curries; limited menus—expect homestyle meals.
- Shopping: Minimal; carry essentials from Rangat or Port Blair.
- Culture: Quiet settlement life centered around the jetty and village; low-impact, community-led tourism.
Nearby Attractions & Day Trips
- From Havelock:
- Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep): Natural Bridge, Bharatpur Beach.
- Ritchie’s Archipelago dive sites: For advanced divers with local operators.
- Port Blair: Cellular Jail, Chidiya Tapu, museums.
- From Long Island:
- North Passage Island (Merk Bay): Pristine snorkeling beach; forest permissions may apply.
- Guitar Island: Sandbar exploration around low tide.
- Rangat: Yerrata mangrove boardwalk, Amkunj Beach (eco-park).
- Further afield: Baratang’s limestone caves and mud volcano (long day via ATR if basing in Middle Andaman).
Practical Tips & Safety
- Permits: Most tourist zones are permit-free for Indians and foreign nationals; certain forest/boat trips require local permissions. Ask your stay or jetty office.
- Cash & connectivity: ATMs and better 4G on Havelock; Long Island has no ATMs and patchy networks (often BSNL only). Carry cash.
- Sea conditions: Trips to Elephant Beach, Merk Bay, and Guitar Island are weather-dependent. Follow boatmen and forest guards’ advisories.
- Reef safety: Use reef-safe sunscreen, avoid stepping on corals, do not touch marine life.
- Health: Carry basic meds and motion-sickness tablets; Havelock has clinics, Long Island only basic medical aid.
- Respect protected areas: Drones may need permits; plastic minimization is enforced.
Tips by Traveler Type
- Families:
- Choose Havelock for shorter ferry time, lifeguarded beaches, and easy dining.
- Pack floaties, sun-protective clothing, snacks, and insect repellent.
- Honeymooners:
- Havelock offers romantic resorts and sunset strolls at Radhanagar.
- For privacy, add 1–2 nights on Long Island for secluded beaches.
- Friends & Backpackers:
- Havelock for diving certifications and social cafés.
- Long Island for trekking to Lalaji Bay, low-cost stays, and camping-style vibes (only where allowed).
- Packing:
- Dry bag, power bank, cash reserve, reef-safe sunscreen, quick-dry towel, sturdy sandals, light rain layer (shoulder/monsoon).
Suggested Itineraries
- 4 Days (First-timers): Port Blair 1N → Havelock 2N → Port Blair 1N. Focus on Radhanagar, Elephant Beach, one dive/snorkel session.
- 6 Days (Mix of classic & offbeat): Port Blair 1N → Havelock 2–3N → Rangat 1N → Long Island 1–2N.
- 8 Days (Nature-heavy): Port Blair 1N → Havelock 3N (diving) → Rangat 1N → Long Island 2–3N (Lalaji + Merk Bay).
Which One Should You Choose?
- Pick Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) if you want iconic beaches, reliable ferries, many stays and cafés, and the Andamans’ most professional dive scene.
- Pick Long Island if you crave quiet beaches, raw nature, low crowds, and don’t mind basic infrastructure or longer logistics.
- Best of both: Do Havelock first for comfort and activities, then unplug on Long Island for two slow days.
FAQs
Q: Is Long Island or Havelock better for scuba diving?
A: Havelock wins for choice and quality of operators, training, and famous sites like Johnny’s Gorge and Dixon’s Pinnacle. Long Island offers quieter reefs by local boat, best for experienced, self-sufficient travelers.
Q: How many days do I need for each island?
A: Havelock: 2–4 nights for beaches and diving. Long Island: 1–3 nights to cover Lalaji Bay and a North Passage/Guitar Island day trip.
Q: Do I need permits to visit Merk Bay (North Passage) or Elephant Beach?
A: Tourist visits are generally allowed, but boat operators coordinate forest/jetty permissions and timings. Availability depends on weather and conservation advisories.
Q: Are there ATMs and mobile networks on both islands?
A: Havelock has a few ATMs and improving 4G coverage. Long Island has no ATMs and patchy signal (often BSNL). Carry enough cash.
Q: Can I travel to Long Island directly from Port Blair?
A: Occasionally, yes, via limited government ferries. Most travelers go via Rangat and connect by local boat from Yerrata Jetty. Always confirm current schedules.
Conclusion
Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) delivers celebrated beaches, polished hospitality, and world-class diving—a perfect introduction to the Andamans. Long Island rewards patient travelers with near-empty shores, wild mangroves, and a true slow-travel atmosphere. With time, combining both offers the region’s full spectrum—from iconic sunsets at Radhanagar to the hushed beauty of Lalaji Bay.
