Table of Contents
- Introduction
- History & Importance
- Best Time to Visit
- Top Things to Do
- Travel Vlogging Essentials
- How to Reach Havelock (Swaraj Dweep)
- Where to Stay
- Estimated Costs & Budgets
- Local Experiences: Food, Culture & Shopping
- Nearby Attractions & Island Hops
- Essential Tips & Sustainability
- Advice by Traveler Type
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Havelock Island, officially Swaraj Dweep, is the Andaman archipelago’s poster child: powder-white beaches, teal lagoons, mangrove creeks, and world-class coral reefs. For travel vloggers, it’s a natural studio—sunrise at Kalapathar, cinematic sunsets at Radhanagar, bioluminescent mangroves, and dive sites teeming with life. This guide blends storytelling ideas with practical logistics so you can plan, shoot, and publish a smooth, standout Havelock vlog.
History & Importance
Named after British General Henry Havelock during the colonial era, the island was officially renamed Swaraj Dweep in 2018. Part of Ritchie’s Archipelago, it lies northeast of Port Blair and is renowned for sustainable tourism, pristine beaches, and biodiverse reefs. “Elephant Beach” nods to the days when trained elephants assisted with timber work. Today, conservation takes center stage, with protected marine areas and eco-conscious operators shaping the visitor experience.
Best Time to Visit
- Peak (December–February): Cooler, dry, blue-sky days; busiest and pricier.
- Great Visibility for Diving (February–April): Calmer seas and clearer water.
- Shoulder (October–November, March–May): Fewer crowds; warmer and slightly humid.
- Monsoon (June–September): Heavy rains, choppy seas, some activities suspended; lush greenery and low room rates but limited ferry reliability.
Golden hours for vlogs: Sunrise at Kalapathar; sunset at Radhanagar (Beach No. 7). New moon nights enhance bioluminescence during kayaking.
Top Things to Do
- Radhanagar Beach (Beach No. 7): Often ranked among Asia’s best; soft sand, dramatic sunsets, shorebreak that makes for cinematic slow-mo. Swim only in safe zones.
- Elephant Beach: Snorkeling, sea walking (availability varies), and glass-bottom rides; reach by speedboat or a short forest trek.
- Kalapathar Beach: Black rock formations, sunrise hues, long walkable shorelines—perfect for B-roll and timelapses.
- Scuba Diving: Try sites like Nemo Reef (beginners), The Wall, Lighthouse, and Johnny’s Gorge (advanced). Capture reef scenes with action cams in underwater housings.
- Mangrove Kayaking: Daylight paddles or night bioluminescence tours with certified naturalists.
- Neil’s Cove: A secluded lagoon near Radhanagar; serene pastel tones for drone-like perspectives (observe all drone rules).
- Sunrise/Sunset Cruising: Charter local boats for golden-hour shots over glassy water (check weather and safety).
Travel Vlogging Essentials
Shot List & Story Angles
- Arrival sequence: Port Blair airport → ferry boarding → jetty reveal at Havelock.
- Beach trilogy: Sunrise at Kalapathar, midday color pop at Elephant, sunset silhouettes at Radhanagar.
- Underwater chapter: Reef descent, marine life close-ups, safety buddy checks.
- Mangrove mood: Paddle POVs, nature soundscapes, night bioluminescence sparkles.
- Local flavor: Seafood grill, coconut vendors, eco tips from guides, resort sustainability features.
Gear & Settings
- Cameras: Mirrorless with wide prime/zoom (16–35mm), action cam with dive housing, compact for quick B-roll.
- Filters: ND/PL for harsh midday sun; dome port for half-underwater shots.
- Audio: On-camera shotgun + lav; wind muff essential on beaches.
- Power & Data: 10,000–20,000 mAh power bank, spare batteries, rugged SSDs (2x for backups).
- Settings: 24/25 fps for narrative; 60/120 fps for water action; lock white balance to prevent color shifts over turquoise water.
Connectivity & Backups
- Mobile networks: Airtel, BSNL, and Jio offer 4G in main areas; speeds vary outside town and at remote beaches.
- SIMs: Buy/verify in Port Blair with valid ID; eSIM support limited.
- Wi‑Fi: Patchy; don’t rely on big uploads from cafés—carry content on SSDs and back up nightly.
Drone & Filming Regulations
- Drones (India): Comply with DGCA Digital Sky rules. Nano drones (<250g) have fewer requirements but still must avoid no-fly zones and may require local permissions.
- Andaman specifics: Seek written permission from local authorities/police; avoid flying near Port Blair airport approaches, defense areas, protected forests, and crowded beaches. Many resorts prohibit drones on-premises.
- Underwater filming: Follow dive operator rules; never touch or chase marine life; use reef-safe practices.
3-Day Vlogger-Friendly Flow
- Day 1: Morning ferry → check-in → Kalapathar sunrise B-roll → café lunch → Elephant Beach trek/boat and snorkeling → blue-hour dinner montage.
- Day 2: Early scuba dive (2 tanks) → afternoon recovery and poolside narrations → sunset at Radhanagar → star timelapse if clear.
- Day 3: Mangrove kayaking (preferably bioluminescence at night) → resort sustainability featurette → beach food tasting → packing/recap segment.
How to Reach Havelock (Swaraj Dweep)
- Fly to Port Blair (IXZ): Daily flights from major Indian cities.
- Ferries to Havelock:
- Private catamarans: Makruzz, Green Ocean, Sea Link, ITT; ~1.5–2.5 hours; approx INR 1,500–3,000 one-way.
- Government ferries: Budget-friendly (~INR 500–1,000), fewer seats; book early at counters.
- Tips: Keep passport/ID handy; sit on the left side when departing Port Blair for views; schedules can change with weather.
- Local transport on Havelock: Scooters (INR 400–600/day), auto-rickshaws, taxis (daily 2,000–3,500 depending on distance).
Where to Stay
- Budget (INR 1,000–3,000/night): Simple beach huts and guesthouses around Govind Nagar and Vijay Nagar; fan rooms, occasional Wi‑Fi.
- Mid-range (INR 3,500–8,000/night): Boutique cottages and beachfront stays; A/C, on-site cafés, scooter rental desks.
- Luxury (INR 12,000–35,000+/night): High-end eco-resorts near Radhanagar (e.g., Barefoot at Havelock, Taj Exotica Resort & Spa), curated experiences and private beach access zones.
Vlogger note: Choose stays with reliable power backup, shaded outdoor spaces for talking-head shots, and quiet surroundings to record clean audio.
Estimated Costs & Budgets
- Daily spend (per person):
- Budget: INR 2,000–4,000 (hostel/hut, scooter, local eats).
- Mid-range: INR 5,000–9,000 (comfortable resort, activities).
- Luxury: INR 12,000–25,000+ (premium resort, guided tours).
- Key prices:
- Scooter rental: INR 400–600/day (+ fuel).
- Private ferry: INR 1,500–3,000 one-way; government ferry: INR 500–1,000.
- Intro dive: INR 3,500–6,000; fun dives: INR 4,000–5,500 per dive; PADI Open Water: INR 25,000–35,000.
- Mangrove kayaking: INR 2,000–3,500 per person; bioluminescence tours slightly higher.
- Meals: INR 300–600 at local cafés; INR 800–1,800 at resort restaurants; fresh coconuts INR 40–80.
- Local SIM/data: INR 300–600 for short-term packs (availability/IDs required).
Local Experiences: Food, Culture & Shopping
Food & Drink
- Seafood: Grilled snapper, tuna steaks, lobster (seasonal); ask for fresh catch of the day.
- Cafés & Plates: From Indian thalis to island-style BBQ, wood-fired pizzas, and smoothies.
- Popular spots: Anju Coco, Full Moon Café, Something Different, Bonova (availability can change seasonally).
- Alcohol: Available at licensed shops and resort bars; carry ID.
Culture & Etiquette
- Tourism coexists with fragile ecosystems; modest dress away from beaches is appreciated.
- Respect no-go zones and protected areas; avoid photographing locals without consent.
Shopping
- Pick up wooden handicrafts, spices, local artwork.
- Avoid buying corals, shells, or turtle products—illegal and harmful.
- For wider selection, visit government emporiums like Sagarika in Port Blair before or after Havelock.
Nearby Attractions & Island Hops
- Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep): 1–1.5 hours by ferry; natural bridges, quiet beaches, sunrise/sunset frames.
- Port Blair: Cellular Jail light-and-sound show, Corbyn’s Cove, museums; gateway for flights.
- Ross Island (Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island) & North Bay: Colonial ruins draped in roots; snorkeling and lighthouse views.
- Baratang (day trip from Port Blair): Limestone caves and mangroves—better for extended itineraries.
Essential Tips & Sustainability
- Permits: Standard tourist travel to Havelock is allowed; certain islands/tribal reserves are strictly off-limits.
- Cash & Payments: ATMs exist but can run dry. UPI widely accepted; carry backup cash.
- Health & Safety: Reef-safe sunscreen, hydration salts, motion-sickness tablets for ferries; heed beach flags and local advisories.
- Weather flexibility: Monsoon can disrupt ferries—keep buffers in your schedule.
- Eco practices: No littering, no single-use plastics, don’t touch corals, keep distance from wildlife, keep music volume low on beaches.
- Power: Occasional outages; pack a power bank and multi-plug.
Advice by Traveler Type
Families
- Choose calm-water beaches for kids and resorts with pools/play zones.
- Opt for glass-bottom boats and gentle snorkeling with flotation aids.
- Carry snacks, hats, and quick-dry towels; pre-book larger rooms.
Honeymooners
- Time golden-hour beach walks and private dinners; pick a quieter stretch near Radhanagar.
- Consider a couples’ introductory dive or sunset cruise.
- Request rooms with garden/outdoor showers for aesthetic shoots.
Friends & Backpackers
- Base in Govind Nagar or Vijay Nagar; rent scooters to beach-hop.
- Bundle dives for discounts; split taxi costs for dawn shoots.
- Focus on authentic eateries and night kayaking for unique content.
FAQs
Q: How many days are ideal for Havelock vlogging?
A: Three full days cover sunrise/sunset beaches, a dive day, and mangrove kayaking. Add a fourth day for rest or weather buffers.
Q: Do I need a permit to visit Havelock Island?
A: Tourists can visit without special permits, but certain protected/tribal areas remain off-limits. Carry valid ID; foreigners should keep passport/visa details handy for ferry bookings.
Q: Can I fly a drone on Havelock?
A: Drone use is regulated under DGCA rules. Obtain necessary permissions, avoid no-fly zones, and respect resort/local restrictions. When in doubt, get written approval from local authorities.
Q: Is internet reliable for uploads?
A: 4G works in town and some beaches but fluctuates. Plan to back up to SSDs and upload heavier files after returning to strong Wi‑Fi, typically in Port Blair or back home.
Q: What’s the safest way to film underwater?
A: Use a rated housing, attach a float/line, check O-rings, keep neutral buoyancy, and follow your dive guide. Never touch corals or marine life.
Conclusion
Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) blends cinematic seascapes, thriving reefs, and a relaxed island rhythm, making it a natural fit for travel vlogs. With mindful planning—timed golden hours, responsible filming, flexible ferry buffers, and eco-aware choices—you’ll capture the island’s essence while preserving what makes it special.
