Table of Contents
- Introduction
- History & Importance
- Best Time to Visit
- How to Reach
- Top Things to Do
- Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
- Accommodation Options
- Estimated Costs
- Nearby Attractions
- Tips for Different Travelers
- Practical Tips
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Havelock Island—officially Swaraj Dweep—is the Andamans’ poster child for sugar-white sands, neon-blue lagoons, and soft-coral reefs. If TikTok clips of palm swings at sunset and glow-in-the-dark bioluminescence have caught your eye, this guide turns those dreamy snippets into a practical plan. From Radhanagar’s award-winning beach to beginner-friendly dives and mangrove kayaking, here’s how to experience Havelock fully and responsibly.
History & Importance
Named after British General Sir Henry Havelock, the island was officially renamed Swaraj Dweep in 2018. Today, most travelers still say “Havelock.” Tourism is the primary livelihood, driven by scuba diving, snorkeling, and beach stays. The island is famous for Radhanagar Beach (Beach No. 7), often listed among Asia’s best, and for sheltered reefs ideal for first-time divers. Conservation is key here: collecting shells/corals is prohibited, and single-use plastics face restrictions.
Best Time to Visit
- Peak season (Nov–Apr): Calm seas, clear water, most water sports in full swing; sunsets are spectacular.
- Shoulder (May–Jun): Warmer, occasional showers; fewer crowds; visibility can dip.
- Monsoon (late May/Jun–Sep): Heavy rain and rough seas possible; some ferries/activities may be suspended; lush landscapes.
- For bioluminescence kayaking: Often better on darker nights (new moon) with calm weather—availability varies by operator and conditions.
How to Reach
Flights to Port Blair (IXZ)
- Direct flights from major Indian cities (Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad). Flight time ~2–3.5 hours depending on origin.
Ferry from Port Blair to Havelock
- Duration: ~1.5–2.5 hours depending on vessel.
- Private ferries: Makruzz, Nautika, Green Ocean (approx INR 1,200–2,500 one-way/adult; book in advance).
- Government ferry: Cheaper (approx INR 400–900), limited seats and fixed schedules; buy at counters in Port Blair.
Local Transport on Havelock
- Scooter rental: INR 400–700/day (+ fuel). Best flexibility.
- Auto rickshaws and taxis: Readily available; arrange return trips to beaches.
- Distances: Jetty–Radhanagar ~10 km; Jetty–Kalapathar ~12 km; Jetty–Elephant Beach boat jetty ~10–15 min by road + boat.
Top Things to Do
1) Beaches
- Radhanagar Beach (Beach No. 7): Iconic sunsets, powdery sand, gentle surf. Facilities include lifeguards, washrooms. No water sports here—come to relax and swim in designated zones.
- Elephant Beach: Reach by speedboat (10–20 min) or a forest trail (~2 km, 20–30 min; check tide/timing). Water sports hub.
- Kalapathar Beach: Black rock outcrops and calm morning light; best for sunrise strolls and photos.
2) Scuba Diving
- For beginners: Discover Scuba Diving at Nemo Reef or similar sheltered sites; depth ~6–12 m.
- For certified divers: Sites like Lighthouse, Aquarium, and The Wall (conditions permitting).
- Typical costs: Beginners INR 3,500–6,500 per person (training + dive + photos/video in many packages). Certified dives ~INR 3,800–7,500 per dive depending on gear/boat.
- Tip: Book early in peak months; choose operators with small groups and proper safety briefings.
3) Snorkeling & Water Sports at Elephant Beach
- Snorkeling, sea walk, jet ski, sofa/banana rides—prices vary; expect INR 700–1,500 for basic rides, INR 1,500–3,000 for guided snorkeling/sea-walks.
- Best visibility in morning before crowds and wind pick up.
4) Mangrove & Bioluminescence Kayaking
- Day and night kayak tours with trained naturalists; learn about mangrove ecology.
- Bioluminescence sightings depend on algae concentration and moon phase.
- Typical cost: INR 2,000–3,000 per person for 2–2.5 hours.
5) Nature Walks & Cycling
- Short forest trails near Radhanagar; casual cycling between Govind Nagar and Kalapathar.
- Wear reef-safe sunscreen and insect repellent; respect marked paths.
6) Sunset & Sunrise Rituals
- Sunset: Radhanagar Beach—arrive 60–90 minutes early to enjoy changing light.
- Sunrise: Kalapathar—serene, with soft colors and fewer people.
Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
Food
- Fresh seafood (grilled fish, prawns, lobster when in season). Vegetarian curries and island-style thalis widely available.
- Cafés in Govind Nagar and around Beach No. 5 serve wood-fired pizza, smoothies, and island bakes.
- Try coconut water, tender coconut pudding, and simple beach shack meals.
Shopping
- Govind Nagar Market: Beachwear, hats, light cottons, basic snorkel gear.
- Avoid buying shells/coral—illegal to collect or trade.
Culture & Responsible Travel
- Andaman culture blends influences from mainland India and local communities; respect privacy and local customs.
- Plastic reduction is enforced; carry refillable bottles and cloth bags.
Accommodation Options
- Budget (INR 1,200–3,000/night): Guesthouses and simple cottages near Govind Nagar/Beach No. 5; fan/AC rooms with basic amenities.
- Mid-range (INR 3,500–8,000/night): Boutique resorts and beachside cottages; on-site cafés, dive desks, and scooter rentals.
- Luxury (INR 9,000–25,000+/night): Premium beachfront villas with pools/spas; private beach access where available.
Tip: Book well ahead for Dec–Feb. Confirm generator backup, Wi‑Fi strength, and beach access if those matter to you.
Estimated Costs
- Daily budget (per person, excluding flights):
- Budget: INR 3,000–5,000 (shared room, scooter, basic meals, 1 activity every other day)
- Mid-range: INR 6,000–10,000 (private room, a couple of activities, café dining)
- Luxury: INR 15,000+ (resort, private transfers, multiple activities)
- Sample 4D/3N for two (mid-range):
- Ferries: INR 6,000–10,000
- Stay: INR 18,000–28,000
- Activities: INR 8,000–18,000
- Local transport + food: INR 10,000–16,000
- Total: ~INR 42,000–72,000 (plus flights)
Nearby Attractions
- Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep): Quieter island with natural rock bridge and tranquil beaches; ~1 hr ferry from Havelock.
- Port Blair Day Trips:
- Cellular Jail (light & sound show)
- Ross Island/Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep ruins and deer
- North Bay for snorkeling/semi-sub tours
- Advanced Adventures: Long Island or Barren Island (scenic overflights/expeditions offered by select operators; weather dependent).
Tips for Different Travelers
Families
- Choose resorts with shallow beachfront and on-site dining; Radhanagar is great for supervised swims.
- Carry snacks, hats, kid-safe reef-friendly sunscreen, and light rain jackets.
- Prebook morning activities; plan midday rest to avoid heat.
Honeymooners
- Time a sunset at Radhanagar and a sunrise at Kalapathar; book a bioluminescence kayak on a dark night.
- Pick cottages with privacy; request special dinners well in advance in peak season.
Friends & Backpackers
- Scooter-share to cut costs; mix beach days with a beginner dive and a night kayak.
- Look for happy-hour cafés; consider hostels/guesthouses near Govind Nagar.
Practical Tips
- Permits: Indian citizens don’t need permits for Havelock. Foreign nationals require a Restricted Area Permit (usually issued on arrival at Port Blair; check latest rules).
- Cash & Connectivity: ATMs are limited (SBI and a few others). Carry sufficient cash; UPI/cards work but data can be patchy. Jio/Airtel 4G has improved but isn’t island-wide.
- Safety: Swim only in designated zones. Watch for jellyfish in warmer months—wear a rash guard. Avoid mangrove creeks for swimming.
- Environment: No littering; don’t touch corals; avoid sunscreens with oxybenzone—use reef-safe alternatives.
- Drones: Regulated; obtain permissions if required. Respect no-fly zones and privacy.
- Power & Water: Expect occasional outages; many resorts have generators. Conserve freshwater.
- Alcohol: Available at licensed shops/bars; drink responsibly, especially before water activities.
FAQs
Q: Is Havelock the same as Swaraj Dweep?
A: Yes. Havelock Island was officially renamed Swaraj Dweep in 2018, though most travelers still use “Havelock.”
Q: What’s the best beach for sunset and sunrise?
A: Sunset is best at Radhanagar Beach. For sunrise, head to Kalapathar Beach.
Q: Can non-swimmers try scuba diving in Havelock?
A: Yes. Discover Scuba Diving programs are designed for beginners, including non-swimmers, with close instructor supervision and shallow depths.
Q: Do I need to book ferries in advance?
A: In peak season (Nov–Apr), absolutely. Private ferries sell out quickly; government ferries have limited seats and fixed counters.
Q: Are there ATMs and reliable mobile networks?
A: There are a few ATMs, but they can run out of cash. Jio/Airtel 4G has improved yet remains spotty in some areas—carry cash and download tickets offline.
Conclusion
Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) pairs world-class beaches with accessible reef adventures, laid-back cafés, and mangrove-laced backwaters. Visit between November and April for calmer seas, plan ferries and stays ahead, and balance headline sights—Radhanagar sunsets, Elephant Beach snorkeling, beginner dives—with quiet moments at sunrise and along forested trails. Travel light, tread gently, and the island will reward you with its clearest blues.
