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Havelock Island Andaman, officially known as Swaraj Dweep, is one of the most visited islands in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Located about 70 km from Port Blair (Sri Vijaya Puram), it is known for Radhanagar Beach, Elephant Beach, Kalapathar Beach, coral reefs and scuba diving.
The island is connected to Port Blair by government and private ferries and is a major destination for beaches, water sports and marine activities. Travellers can also choose Andaman tour packages that include accommodation, ferry transfers, local transport and sightseeing.
This guide covers how to reach Havelock Island, the best beaches, scuba diving, accommodation options, the best time to visit and essential travel information.
Quick Answer
Havelock Island Andaman (Swaraj Dweep) is located about 70 km from Port Blair and can be reached by booking ferries. The ferry journey usually takes 1.5–2.5 hours.
The main attractions are Radhanagar Beach, Elephant Beach, Kalapathar Beach and Vijaynagar Beach. Havelock Island is also one of the best places for scuba diving in Andaman and snorkelling.
The best time to visit Havelock Island is October to May, and most travellers spend 2–3 days exploring the beaches and water activities.
How to Reach Havelock Island Andaman
Havelock Island Andaman can be reached from Port Blair (Sri Vijaya Puram) by government and private ferries. Ferry travel is the primary mode of transport between Port Blair and Havelock Island.
Government Ferry
Government ferries operate from Phoenix Bay Jetty in Port Blair and connect Port Blair with Havelock Island and Neil Island. Tickets are limited and should be booked in advance during the tourist season.
Private Ferry
Private ferry operators provide faster and more frequent services between Port Blair and Havelock Island. The journey usually takes 1.5–2.5 hours, depending on the ferry service and sea conditions.
For travellers planning to visit multiple islands, ferry booking in Andaman should be arranged in advance, especially between Port Blair, Havelock Island and Neil Island.
Best Beaches in Havelock Island Andaman
Havelock Island is known for Radhanagar Beach, Elephant Beach, Kalapathar Beach and Vijaynagar Beach. These beaches are located in different parts of the island and are known for white sand, clear water, coral reefs and sunset views.
Radhanagar Beach
Radhanagar Beach is located on the western coast of Havelock Island and is the island’s most famous beach. It is known for its white sand, clear water and sunset views, and is consistently ranked among the best beaches in the Andaman Islands.
Elephant Beach
Elephant Beach is one of the main locations for snorkelling, scuba diving, sea walking and other water sports. The beach is known for its coral reefs and shallow marine areas, and can be reached by boat from Havelock Jetty or by a trekking route through the forest.
Kalapathar Beach
Kalapathar Beach is located on the eastern side of Havelock Island and is known for its long shoreline, clear water and black rock formations. It is less crowded than Radhanagar Beach and is popular for photography and short beach visits.
Vijaynagar Beach
Vijaynagar Beach, also known as Beach No. 5, is a long stretch of coastline on the eastern side of Havelock Island. The beach is lined with trees and is suitable for walking, swimming and staying at nearby beach resorts.
Things to Do in Havelock Island Andaman
Havelock Island is one of the main centres for water sports and marine activities in Andaman. The most popular activities are scuba diving, snorkelling, sea walking, kayaking and glass-bottom boat rides.
Scuba Diving
Scuba diving in Havelock Island is available for both beginners and certified divers. Popular dive sites include Aquarium, Lighthouse, Mac Point and Barracuda City, and most dive centres offer introductory dives and certification courses.
Snorkelling
Snorkelling is popular at Elephant Beach and selected reef areas around Havelock Island, where visitors can observe coral reefs and reef fish in shallow water.
Sea Walking
Sea walking allows visitors to experience marine life and coral formations without prior diving experience and is one of the most popular underwater activities in Havelock Island.
Kayaking
Kayaking is available in the mangrove areas and coastal waters around Havelock Island, particularly during the morning and evening.
Glass-Bottom Boat Ride
Glass-bottom boat rides are available near Elephant Beach and provide views of coral reefs and marine life without entering the water.
Parasailing
Parasailing is available seasonally at selected beaches and offers aerial views of the coastline and surrounding waters.
Other Water Sports
Havelock Island also offers banana boat rides, speed boat rides, jet skiing and other short-duration water sports at selected beaches and activity zones. These activities are popular among families, groups and travellers looking for quick adventure experiences.
Trekking
The Elephant Beach trekking route passes through tropical forest and connects the road access point to the beach. The trek is a popular alternative to the boat route and usually takes 30–45 minutes, depending on trail conditions.
Water Sports Prices in Havelock Island Andaman
Water sports prices in Havelock Island vary depending on the operator, season and activity duration. The following table shows the approximate price range for the most popular activities.
| Activity | Approximate Price |
|---|---|
| Scuba Diving (DSD) | ₹3,500–₹6,000 |
| Snorkelling | ₹1,000–₹2,500 |
| Sea Walking | ₹3,500–₹4,500 |
| Parasailing | ₹3,000–₹4,500 |
| Kayaking | ₹2,000–₹3,500 |
| Speed Boat Ride | ₹800–₹2,000 |
Recommended Resorts in Havelock Island Andaman
Havelock Island offers accommodation across luxury, premium and mid-range categories. The following resorts are among the most popular options for beach access, location and overall facilities.
| Resort | Category | Area |
|---|---|---|
| Taj Exotica Resort & Spa | Luxury | Radhanagar Beach |
| Barefoot at Havelock | Luxury | Radhanagar Beach |
| Seashell Havelock | Premium | Govind Nagar |
| SilverSand Beach Resort | Premium | Vijaynagar Beach |
| Coral Reef Resort | Premium | Govind Nagar |
| Symphony Palms Beach Resort | Mid-range | Vijaynagar Beach |
| Havelock Island Beach Resort | Mid-range | Govind Nagar |
| Munjoh Ocean Resort | Premium | Govind Nagar |
| El Dorado Beach Resort | Mid-range | Vijaynagar Beach |
| The Kingdom | Mid-range | Govind Nagar |
Travellers planning scuba diving and water sports usually prefer Govind Nagar or Vijaynagar Beach, while Radhanagar Beach is ideal for beach stays and sunset views.
Best Time to Visit Havelock Island Andaman
The best time to visit Havelock Island Andaman is October to May, when weather conditions are generally suitable for beach visits, ferry travel and water sports.
| Season | Months | Travel Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Peak tourist season | October to May | Best weather and water activities |
| Winter season | November to February | Pleasant weather and clear skies |
| Summer season | March to May | Warm weather and good beach conditions |
| Monsoon season | June to September | Frequent rainfall and occasional ferry disruptions |
For scuba diving and snorkelling, the most favourable period is November to April, when underwater visibility is usually at its best.
Suggested 2–3 Day Havelock Island Itinerary
A 2–3 day itinerary is usually enough to cover the main beaches and activities in Havelock Island Andaman.
| Day | Suggested Plan |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive from Port Blair, visit Radhanagar Beach, watch the sunset |
| Day 2 | Visit Elephant Beach, enjoy snorkelling, sea walking or scuba diving |
| Day 3 | Visit Kalapathar Beach and Vijaynagar Beach, explore local cafés and depart for Port Blair or Neil Island |
This itinerary covers the island’s main attractions without requiring additional inter-island travel during the stay in Havelock Island.
Essential Travel Tips for Havelock Island Andaman
A few practical tips can make a Havelock Island Andaman trip more convenient and help avoid ferry and activity-related delays.
- Book ferry tickets in advance, especially during the peak season.
- Carry a valid government-issued photo ID for ferry boarding and hotel check-in.
- Keep a buffer day before your return flight if travelling between islands.
- Wear light clothing, and carry sunscreen, sunglasses and a reusable water bottle.
- Book scuba diving and water sports activities in advance during the tourist season.
- Avoid touching coral reefs and marine life during snorkelling or diving.
- Follow lifeguard instructions and safety signs before entering the water.
- Mobile connectivity is generally available, but network quality may vary in some areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I reach Havelock Island from Port Blair?
You can reach Havelock Island Andaman by government or private ferry from Port Blair (Sri Vijaya Puram). The journey usually takes 1.5–2.5 hours.
What is the best time to visit Havelock Island?
The best time to visit Havelock Island is October to May, when weather conditions are generally suitable for beaches, ferry travel and water sports.
How many days are enough for Havelock Island?
Most travellers spend 2–3 days in Havelock Island to visit Radhanagar Beach, Elephant Beach, Kalapathar Beach and Vijaynagar Beach and enjoy water activities.
Which is the best beach in Havelock Island?
Radhanagar Beach is the most famous beach in Havelock Island and is known for its white sand, clear water and sunset views.
Is Elephant Beach worth visiting?
Yes. Elephant Beach is one of the best places for snorkelling, scuba diving, sea walking and other water sports in Havelock Island.
Is scuba diving available in Havelock Island?
Yes. Scuba diving in Havelock Island is available for both beginners and certified divers, with popular dive sites including Aquarium, Lighthouse, Mac Point and Barracuda City.
What is the cost of scuba diving in Havelock Island?
Introductory scuba diving usually costs ₹3,500–₹6,000 per person, depending on the dive centre and package.
Can non-swimmers do scuba diving in Havelock Island?
Yes. Non-swimmers can participate in Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) programmes under the supervision of certified instructors.
Which area is best to stay in Havelock Island?
Govind Nagar and Vijaynagar Beach are the most convenient areas for accommodation because they provide easy access to Havelock Jetty, dive centres and major beaches.
Are ferry tickets to Havelock Island available daily?
Yes. Government and private ferries operate daily between Port Blair and Havelock Island, although schedules may vary depending on weather and operational conditions.
Conclusion
Havelock Island Andaman (Swaraj Dweep) is one of the most important beach and water sports destinations in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. With attractions such as Radhanagar Beach, Elephant Beach, Kalapathar Beach and Vijaynagar Beach, the island offers a combination of beaches, marine activities and scuba diving.
For the best experience, plan your visit between October and May, book ferry tickets and water sports activities in advance, and spend 2–3 days exploring the island. A well-planned itinerary allows enough time to cover the major beaches, adventure activities and nearby attractions comfortably.
