Table of Contents
- Introduction
- History and Importance
- Best Time to Visit
- Top Things to Do
- Nearby Attractions
- Practical Travel Information
- Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
- Tips for Scuba Diving in Havelock
- Traveler-Specific Advice
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Dreaming of turquoise waters, thriving coral reefs, and effortless island vibes? Scuba diving in Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep), Andaman and Nicobar Islands, is India’s quintessential tropical dive experience. Expect warm seas, calm bays for beginners, and legendary advanced sites where pelagics and pristine reefs steal the show. Whether you’re taking your first breath underwater or ticking off bucket-list dives, Havelock blends easy logistics with world-class marine life.
History and Importance
Part of Ritchie’s Archipelago, Havelock was renamed Swaraj Dweep in 2018. Post-2004 tsunami reef recovery and sustained conservation have made it India’s most famous dive hub. It’s home to training-friendly fringing reefs and deeper pinnacles that attract schooling trevally, barracuda, rays, turtles, and occasional reef sharks. The island’s dive community pioneered standards for safety and marine stewardship in the Andaman Sea, turning Havelock into a gateway for Indian ocean discovery.
Best Time to Visit
- Peak diving window: October to May (best visibility and calm seas).
- Sweet spot: January to April for stable weather and 15–30 m visibility.
- Sea temperature: ~26–29°C year-round (3 mm shorty or skins usually sufficient).
- Monsoon/rough seas: Late May to September; ferries can be disrupted and visibility reduces.
Top Things to Do
1) For First-Timers and Non-Swimmers
- Discover Scuba Diving (DSD): 1-day program with a briefing, shallow practice, and a guided dive to ~6–12 m. Age 10+.
- Shore vs. boat dives: Calm bays like Beach No. 2/Nemo Reef and Aquarium are ideal starter sites.
- Snorkeling upgrades: Try Elephant Beach reef for clear, shallow coral gardens.
2) Certifications and Courses
- PADI/SSI Open Water Diver: 3–4 days; learn skills in protected water and complete 4 open-water dives.
- Advanced Adventurer/Advanced Open Water: 2–3 days; includes deep, navigation, and electives like night or buoyancy.
- Specialties: Peak Performance Buoyancy, Nitrox, Night, Underwater Photography.
3) Fun Dives for Certified Divers
- Lighthouse (night dive): Macro life, hunting lionfish, and nocturnal critters.
- Aquarium & Pilot Reef: Sloping reefs with hard corals and colorful reef fish.
- Seduction Point & The Wall: Stronger currents, dense fish action, and dramatic topography.
- Johnny’s Gorge (advanced): Schooling barracuda, trevally, rays, and occasional reef sharks; usually boat-only.
- Mac Point: Chance encounters with turtles and stingrays.
4) Complementary Water Experiences
- Kayaking in mangroves: Seasonal bioluminescence on clear, moonless nights.
- Stand-up paddling and sunset cruises: Gentle lagoons near Beach No. 5.
Nearby Attractions
- Radhanagar Beach (Beach No. 7): Powder-white sand, dramatic sunsets.
- Elephant Beach: Snorkeling hotspot; reach by boat or forest trail (check trail status).
- Kalapathar Beach: Quiet sunrise spot with black rock outcrops.
- Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep) day trip: For Minerva Ledge and additional snorkeling.
Practical Travel Information
How to Reach
- Fly: Land at Port Blair (Veer Savarkar International Airport).
- Ferry to Havelock (Swaraj Dweep): Government ferries and private catamarans connect Port Blair to Havelock in ~1.5–2.5 hours. Pre-book in high season; carry a print/ID.
- Inter-island: Ferries also link Havelock with Neil Island.
- Luggage & schedules: Allow buffer time; sailings may be weather-dependent.
Accommodation Options
- Budget (INR 1,200–3,000/night): Hostels and basic beach huts around Govind Nagar/Beach No. 3.
- Mid-range (INR 4,000–9,000/night): Cottages and boutique resorts near Vijayanagar/Beach No. 5.
- Luxury (INR 12,000–35,000+/night): High-end resorts near Radhanagar and secluded stretches.
- Diver stays: Many dive centers offer packages bundling dives and accommodation.
Estimated Costs
- Discover Scuba Diving (intro): INR 3,500–6,500 per person (shore); boat-based INR 5,500–7,500.
- Fun dives (certified): INR 3,500–5,500 per dive; discounts for multi-dive packages.
- Open Water course: ~INR 25,000–35,000; Advanced: ~INR 22,000–30,000.
- Ferry tickets: INR 500–3,000 one-way (class/operator dependent).
- Scooter rental: INR 500–800/day; fuel extra.
- Meals: INR 300–800 per person per meal; seafood platters cost more.
Getting Around
- Scooters and bicycles: Easiest way to explore; wear helmets and carry a DL.
- Auto-rickshaws/taxis: Available near the jetty and main markets; negotiate or request meter.
- Roads: Mostly single-lane; watch for speed bumps and pedestrians.
Permits & Entry Rules
- ID: Carry government ID/passport. Foreign travelers must have valid visa; most tourist areas of Havelock are open.
- Protected areas: Tribal reserves are strictly off-limits. Follow local advisories.
- Drones: Require prior permissions; check DGCA and local rules.
- Environment: Single-use plastic is restricted; do not collect/buy shells, corals, or marine life.
Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
Food & Drink
- Fresh seafood: Grilled fish, prawns, and coconut-based curries.
- Vegetarian-friendly: Island-style thalis, tropical fruit bowls, and South Indian staples.
- Hydration: Choose sealed water; refill at safe stations where available.
Shopping
- Market No. 3 & jetty area: Handicrafts, island wear, and souvenirs.
- Eco note: Avoid coral/shell products—collection and trade are illegal.
Culture & Etiquette
- Beachwear is for beaches: Dress modestly in villages and markets.
- Island pace: Service can be unhurried; plan extra time.
- Connectivity: Network/data can be patchy; download tickets and maps offline.
Tips for Scuba Diving in Havelock
- Choose a reputable dive shop: Look for certifications (PADI/SSI), safety briefings, oxygen kits, and small group ratios.
- Health & safety: Equalize early and often; stay hydrated; disclose medical conditions honestly.
- No-fly time: Leave 18–24 hours between your last dive and flight/ferry crossings that involve altitude.
- Sun & skin care: Use reef-safe sunscreen, long-sleeve rash guards, and a hat for surface intervals.
- Seasickness: Consider non-drowsy meds before boat dives if you’re prone to motion sickness.
- Gear: Well-maintained rental gear is common; bring your own mask/computer if you prefer fit and familiarity.
- Cash & cards: Carry enough cash; ATMs and card connectivity can be unreliable.
- Leave no trace: Don’t touch corals or chase marine life; perfect your buoyancy.
Traveler-Specific Advice
For Families
- Age limits: DSD is 10+; younger kids can snorkel in shallow, calm bays.
- Calm season: Jan–Apr generally offers gentler seas for first-timers.
- Stay close: Pick accommodations near your dive center to minimize transfers.
For Honeymooners
- Private dives: Opt for smaller boats or private guides for relaxed pacing.
- Golden hours: Pair morning dives with sunset at Radhanagar Beach.
- Photos: Request an underwater photo/video add-on to capture your first bubbles.
For Friends/Groups
- Bundle up: Multi-dive packages are cost-effective; plan 2–3 days of diving.
- Try a night dive: Lighthouse or similar sites showcase a different ecosystem after dark.
- Mix it up: Add bioluminescent kayaking or a Neil Island day trip between dive days.
FAQs
Q: Is Havelock Island good for beginner divers?
A: Yes. Protected reefs like Nemo Reef and Aquarium offer gentle conditions, making Havelock one of India’s best places to try Discover Scuba or complete an Open Water course.
Q: Can non-swimmers do scuba in Havelock?
A: Non-swimmers can participate in beginner programs (DSD) with an instructor. Swimming is not mandatory for DSD but is required for full certifications.
Q: How many days should I plan for diving?
A: For an intro dive, set aside 1 day. For Open Water certification, plan 3–4 days. Certified divers should plan at least 2–3 days to sample multiple sites and account for weather.
Q: What visibility and temperatures can I expect?
A: Water is typically 26–29°C with 10–30 m visibility, peaking Jan–Apr. Conditions vary by winds, tides, and recent weather.
Q: Is underwater photography allowed? Can I bring a GoPro?
A: Yes, most operators allow action cameras. Secure it with a lanyard, maintain buoyancy control, and always prioritize safety and reef protection.
Conclusion
Havelock Island pairs easy-access tropical reefs with serious diving credibility. Gentle starter sites, respected training centers, and advanced pinnacles create a spectrum of experiences in clear, warm waters. Add laid-back beaches, simple logistics, and respectful conservation, and you have a balanced island dive holiday that delivers from first splash to final logbook entry.
