Table of Contents
- Introduction
- History and Importance
- Best Time to Visit
- Top Things to Do in Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep)
- Nearby Attractions
- How to Reach Havelock Island
- Accommodation Options
- Estimated Trip Costs
- Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
- Tips for Visiting Havelock Island
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Havelock Island, officially known as Swaraj Dweep, is the shimmering jewel of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Famous for its sugar-white beaches, turquoise lagoons, and living coral reefs, it’s a tropical escape where time slows down and every day ends with a pastel sunset. Whether you’re here to tick off bucket-list dives, kayak through bioluminescent mangroves, or laze on Asia’s best beaches, this guide covers the very best things to do in Havelock Island—and how to plan your trip right.
History and Importance
Once named after British General Henry Havelock, the island was officially renamed Swaraj Dweep in 2018, echoing India’s freedom movement and the idea of self-governance (“Swaraj”). Over the past two decades, Havelock has become the face of Andaman’s eco-tourism, celebrated for Radhanagar Beach (Beach No. 7)—often ranked among Asia’s best—and its biodiverse reefs that attract divers from across the world.
Tourism here balances pristine nature with small-island life: rustic beachside villages, coconut groves, and calm, reef-protected waters ideal for beginners and families.
Best Time to Visit
- Peak Season (November to April): Clear waters, calm seas, best visibility for diving/snorkeling. Ideal for beach days and boat trips.
- Shoulder Season (May, October): Fewer crowds, occasional showers; good deals on stays.
- Monsoon (June to September): Heavy rains and choppy seas; some water activities and ferries may be disrupted.
For divers, January to April typically offers the best underwater visibility.
Top Things to Do in Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep)
1) Radhanagar Beach (Beach No. 7)
- Silky white sand, gentle waves, and sunsets that glow tangerine.
- Great for swimming (within flagged zones) and relaxed beach walks.
- Facilities: Lifeguards, restrooms; limited snacks near parking.
2) Elephant Beach: Snorkeling and Water Sports
- Reach via speedboat from Swaraj Dweep Jetty or by a forest trail (trek access may be regulated; confirm locally).
- Try reef snorkeling, sea-walk, parasailing, jet-ski, or glass-bottom boat rides.
- Tip: Visit early for calmer water and fewer crowds.
3) Scuba Diving
- Intro dives for beginners and fun dives for certified divers.
- Popular sites: Dixon’s Pinnacle, Johnny’s Gorge, The Wall, Nemo Reef.
- Choose reputable PADI/SSI centers; morning dives have better visibility and calmer seas.
4) Bioluminescence Kayaking
- Night kayaking in mangrove creeks reveals glowing plankton on dark, moonless nights.
- Go with licensed guides; wear life jackets and avoid touching mangroves.
5) Sunrise at Kalapathar Beach
- Black rock outcrops, soft sand, and serene sunrise views.
- Good for quiet photography and tide-pooling at low tide (watch your step on rocks).
6) Beach-Hopping by Scooter
- Explore Govind Nagar (Beaches 1–3), Vijay Nagar (Beach No. 5), and hidden sandy stretches.
- Carry a dry bag and reef-safe sunscreen; roads are mostly flat and scenic.
7) Game Fishing and Boat Excursions
- Half-day or full-day charters target tuna, mahi-mahi, trevally.
- Catch-and-release encouraged; confirm inclusions (gear, permits, snacks).
8) Sea Walk and Glass-Bottom Boat
- Sea walk platforms near Elephant Beach let non-swimmers observe marine life safely.
- Glass-bottom rides suit families with kids and those who prefer to stay dry.
9) Nature Walks and Birding
- Early mornings reveal kingfishers, herons, and coastal birds along lagoons and paddy edges.
- Ask resorts about short guided nature walks.
10) Wellness and Slow Living
- Beachside yoga sessions, hammocks, and long reads by the sea.
- Many stays offer spa therapies using coconut and Ayurvedic oils.
Nearby Attractions
- Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep) (1–1.5 hours by ferry): Natural Bridge, Bharatpur Beach for snorkeling, Laxmanpur sunset point.
- Port Blair (2–3 hours by ferry): Cellular Jail light-and-sound show, Corbyn’s Cove, Chidiya Tapu sunset, local museums.
- Barren Island (Advanced/Charter): India’s active volcano; specialty day trips by charter only, weather and permits dependent.
How to Reach Havelock Island
- By Air to Port Blair (IXZ): Direct flights from major Indian cities like Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Delhi (seasonal schedules vary).
- Ferry to Havelock (Swaraj Dweep):
- Private ferries: ~1.5–2.5 hours; comfortable seating, online booking available.
- Government ferries: Budget-friendly; tickets released close to travel date at counters; book early in peak season.
- Helicopter: Limited inter-island services prioritize residents/medical needs; not reliable for tourists.
Tip: Keep at least 3–4 hours buffer between flight arrival and ferry departure in Port Blair. Ferry schedules can change due to weather and sea conditions.
Accommodation Options
- Luxury (₹18,000–45,000+ per night): High-end beach resorts near Radhanagar and Vijay Nagar; private beach access, pools, spas.
- Mid-Range (₹6,000–18,000 per night): Cottage-style stays close to Govind Nagar/Vijay Nagar beaches; in-house cafes and dive desks.
- Budget (₹1,800–6,000 per night): Guesthouses and homestays, often around the market and Beach No. 3; fan/cozy AC rooms.
Book early for December–February and around long weekends. Confirm generator backup, Wi‑Fi policy, and beach access before booking.
Estimated Trip Costs
- Local transport: Scooter rental ₹500–800/day; auto-rickshaws for short hops ₹150–400; private cabs costlier.
- Food: Casual cafes ₹300–700 per meal; seafood grills ₹800–1,800+ for fresh catch; resort dining higher.
- Activities:
- Intro scuba dive: ₹3,500–6,500
- Certified fun dive (per dive): ₹3,000–5,000
- PADI Open Water course: ₹18,000–28,000
- Sea walk: ₹3,500–4,500
- Glass-bottom boat: ₹500–1,200
- Bioluminescence kayaking: ₹2,000–3,000
- Ferries: Port Blair ↔ Havelock one-way ₹800–1,800+ depending on class/operator.
3-day indicative budgets (per person, excluding flights):
- Backpacker: ₹10,000–18,000
- Comfort: ₹20,000–40,000
- Luxury: ₹55,000+ (can vary widely with resort choice)
Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
Food to Try
- Grilled lobster, tuna steaks, butter-garlic prawns.
- Island-style fish curry with steamed rice or paratha.
- Coconut water, fresh lime soda, and tropical fruit smoothies.
- Vegetarian staples: dal, seasonal veggies, South Indian breakfasts.
Most restaurants close by 9–10 pm. Some resorts serve alcohol; a government liquor shop operates near the market.
Shopping
- Pick up handicrafts, jute bags, coconut shell art, and eco-friendly souvenirs from local markets.
- Do not buy or collect shells, corals, or turtle products (strictly illegal under wildlife laws).
Culture and Etiquette
- Swaraj Dweep is relaxed and community-driven; dress modestly away from the beach.
- Plastic is discouraged; carry a refillable bottle and avoid littering.
- Respect lifeguard flags and marine life; never touch corals or feed fish.
Tips for Visiting Havelock Island
General Essentials
- Carry reef-safe sunscreen, quick-dry clothes, aqua shoes, hat, sunglasses, and a dry bag.
- Cash is useful; ATMs exist but can run out. UPI/cards may fail with patchy network.
- Mobile data can be inconsistent; 4G is available but not guaranteed everywhere.
- Book ferries and top stays in advance during peak season.
- No drones without permits; avoid restricted/tribal areas entirely.
Safety
- Swim only in designated zones; obey lifeguards and flags.
- Avoid night swimming and venturing into dense mangroves without a guide.
- Choose certified dive/kayak operators; disclose medical conditions.
For Families
- Pick calm beaches (Radhanagar, Beach No. 5) and glass-bottom rides for kids.
- Pack snacks and basic meds; pharmacies are limited.
- Family rooms near Govind Nagar offer easy access to cafes and transport.
For Honeymooners
- Stay near Radhanagar or Vijay Nagar for privacy and romantic sunsets.
- Plan a bioluminescence kayak night and a private seafood dinner.
- Schedule couple spa sessions on a post-activity rest day.
For Friends and Backpackers
- Rent scooters to beach-hop and chase sunrise/sunsets on a budget.
- Pick hostels/guesthouses near the market for social vibes.
- Bundle dives for better value; consider a certification course.
FAQs
Q: How many days are enough for Havelock Island?
A: Three days cover the highlights—Radhanagar Beach, Elephant Beach activities, and one day of diving or kayaking. Add a day if you want a certification dive course or more downtime.
Q: Do Indians or foreigners need permits to visit?
A: Indian citizens do not need a permit for Havelock (Swaraj Dweep). Foreign nationals typically require a Restricted Area Permit (RAP), usually issued on arrival at Port Blair airport; policies can change, so check the latest government advisory before travel.
Q: Is Havelock safe for solo travelers?
A: Yes, it’s considered safe and friendly. Use standard precautions, avoid isolated areas after dark, and book activities with licensed operators.
Q: Can I rent a scooter without a license?
A: A valid driving license is required, and helmets are mandatory. Drive on the left, and avoid riding after dark due to low street lighting in stretches.
Q: How reliable is the internet?
A: 4G exists but can be patchy. Expect slow speeds and occasional outages; download maps and tickets offline.
Conclusion
Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep) blends calm lagoons, award-winning beaches, and thriving coral reefs with a slow, small-island rhythm. Time your visit between November and April, base yourself near the beaches you love, and plan a mix of snorkel or dive days with unhurried sunsets. With responsible practices and a flexible itinerary, you’ll experience the best of Andaman’s signature island—above and below the waterline.
