Havelock Island tourism is the main reason many travellers choose the Andamans. Officially renamed Swaraj Dweep, but still known to nearly everyone as Havelock, this island is famous for its white-sand beaches, clear turquoise water, coral reefs and some of the best diving and snorkelling in India. It is the island people picture when they imagine an Andaman holiday: palm-fringed shores, quiet forest roads and sunsets over the Bay of Bengal.
Havelock is reached by sea from Port Blair, and most visitors spend two to four nights here. This guide covers the best beaches, the top activities, the right season, how to get there, where to stay, what to eat and how to plan your days. If you would rather have the ferries, hotels and transfers arranged for you, explore our Andaman tour packages, planned by Andaman Emerald Travels, a travel team based in the Andamans.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Ritchie’s Archipelago, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India |
| Official name | Swaraj Dweep (still widely called Havelock Island) |
| Reached from | Port Blair, by ferry |
| Known for | Radhanagar Beach, Elephant Beach, Kalapathar Beach, scuba diving, snorkelling, mangrove kayaking |
| Best season | October to May |
| Ideal stay | 2 to 4 nights |
| Good for | Couples, honeymooners, families, divers, friends and photographers |
Havelock is part of Ritchie’s Archipelago and is one of the larger inhabited islands in the Andamans. Its roads run through green forest and small villages, and the island’s beaches face both east and west, which means you can watch both sunrise and sunset from the shore. The pace of life is slow. Evenings are quiet, the sea is the main attraction and many visitors say Havelock is the part of the trip they wish had been longer.
The island’s reefs are some of the most visited in the archipelago, which makes Havelock a base for first-time divers and snorkellers as well as experienced ones. For a wider look at the region, browse all Andaman destinations on our site.
Radhanagar Beach is the star of Havelock and one of the best-known beaches in India. Its long stretch of soft white sand, shallow turquoise water and backdrop of dense forest has earned it repeated praise in international travel media. The beach is wide enough to stay peaceful even in peak season, and the sunset here is the most popular on the island.
Swimming is usually pleasant, but currents can change, so follow the guidance of lifeguards and flags and avoid swimming far from the shore. Reach the beach in the afternoon, enjoy the water, then stay for the sunset. Late afternoon light makes this the best time for photographs.
Elephant Beach is the go-to spot for water activities. You can reach it by a short boat ride or on a forest trek, depending on conditions. Once there, you can try snorkelling, sea walking and other water sports in clear, shallow water. The beach is also known for its fallen trees along the shore, which make for striking photographs. Reef condition and visibility vary by season and tide, so ask your guide what to expect on the day.
Named for its dark rocks, Kalapathar Beach is quieter and more scenic than crowded. It is a lovely place for a sunrise visit, with the golden light on the rocks and calm water. Many visitors combine it with a stop at a local cafe afterwards. It is a good choice if you want to avoid the busier beaches.
Govind Nagar Beach sits close to the main market area and is easy to reach from most hotels. Vijaynagar Beach on the eastern side is a calm option for a relaxed evening walk. Both are less famous than Radhanagar, but they are convenient, uncrowded and good for casual swims and sunsets.
Paddling through the mangrove creeks is one of Havelock’s most peaceful experiences. Guided kayaking trips take you through the green channels at dawn or dusk, when the wildlife is most active. Some seasons and tides may also offer night kayaking with glowing water, but this depends on conditions, so ask your operator before you plan around it.
| Attraction | Type | Best For | Approx. Time Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Radhanagar Beach | Beach and sunset | Couples, families, photographers | 3 to 4 hours |
| Elephant Beach | Water activities | Snorkellers, families, groups | Half day |
| Kalapathar Beach | Sunrise and scenery | Quiet seekers, photographers | 1 to 2 hours |
| Govind Nagar Beach | Beach and evening walk | Casual visitors | 1 to 2 hours |
| Vijaynagar Beach | Quiet beach | Relaxed evenings | 1 to 2 hours |
| Mangrove kayaking | Nature experience | Nature lovers, couples | 2 to 3 hours |
Timings are approximate and vary with season, crowds and weather.
Havelock is the Andamans’ adventure capital. The calm, clear water and healthy reef make it ideal for beginners as well as experienced divers. Scuba diving is the top activity, with dive schools offering introductory dives for first-timers and certification courses for those who want to go further. Snorkelling is a good alternative for people who prefer to stay near the surface, and the shallow water at Elephant Beach suits it well.
Other popular options include sea walking, kayaking and boat trips. See the full range on our Andaman activities page.
| Activity | Suitable For | Experience Level | Typical Spot |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scuba diving | Adventure lovers, couples, divers | Beginner to advanced | Dive sites around Havelock |
| Snorkelling | Families, couples, beginners | Beginner | Elephant Beach and nearby reefs |
| Sea walking | Non-swimmers, children | Beginner | Elephant Beach |
| Kayaking | Nature lovers, couples | Beginner | Mangrove creeks |
| Sunset watching | Everyone | No experience needed | Radhanagar Beach |
| Sunrise photography | Photographers, early risers | No experience needed | Kalapathar Beach |
Water activities depend on weather, tides and safety conditions. Always follow your instructor’s briefing, wear the life jacket you are given and do not touch or stand on the coral.
The best time to visit Havelock is October to May, when the sea is calmer and ferries and activities run most reliably. Peak season is December to February, so book early. Monsoon months can bring rough seas, ferry delays and limited activities.
| Months | Season | What to Expect | Our Guides |
|---|---|---|---|
| October to November | Post-monsoon | Green island, improving sea conditions and fewer crowds | October, November |
| December to February | Peak season | Best weather, clear water, busiest period, early booking needed | December, January, February |
| March to May | Summer | Warm days, good visibility for diving and snorkelling | March, April, May |
| June to September | Monsoon | Heavy rain, rough seas, possible cancellations, usually lower prices | June, July, August, September |
Havelock has no airport of its own, so everyone travels by sea. Most visitors fly into Port Blair first, then take a ferry to the island. If you are planning from your home city, see our packages from Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata.
| Route | Best For | Things to Note |
|---|---|---|
| Port Blair to Havelock by private ferry | Most travellers; faster and more comfortable | Journey time is usually around 1.5 to 2.5 hours; book early in peak season |
| Port Blair to Havelock by government ferry | Budget-minded, flexible travellers | Slower and with fewer seats; schedules can change |
| Havelock to Neil Island | Continuing your trip | See our Neil Island guide to plan the next stop |
Ferry schedules, timings and fares change with season and weather, so confirm everything before you travel. Carry a valid photo ID, as it is needed for boarding, and keep a buffer day in your plan if you have a flight to catch.
The island is small enough to explore easily. Autos and cabs are the most common options, and many visitors rent scooters. Roads can be quiet at night and signage is limited, so drive carefully. Private transfers are included in all our packages, which saves you from negotiating fares or finding transport after dark.
Stay options range from budget guesthouses to beachside resorts. Staying near Govind Nagar puts you close to restaurants, shops and the main jetty, and it suits first-time visitors and shorter trips. Resorts closer to Radhanagar Beach offer a quiet, nature-focused stay, though they are further from the market. Stays on the eastern side near Vijaynagar are calm and less crowded. Accommodation fills quickly in December and January, so book well in advance.
| Day | Morning | Afternoon | Evening |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive by ferry and check in | Govind Nagar Beach | Relaxed dinner and market walk |
| Day 2 | Elephant Beach activities | Rest or optional scuba session | Radhanagar Beach sunset |
| Day 3 | Kalapathar Beach sunrise | Kayaking or free time | Ferry to Port Blair or Neil Island |
Looking for a ready-made plan? See our 4 nights 5 days, 5 nights 6 days and 6 nights 7 days Andaman packages, which include Havelock.
Havelock’s cafes, beach shacks and small restaurants serve fresh seafood, Indian dishes, continental plates and island-style coconut curries. Many restaurants close early, so plan dinner before 9 pm. For ideas, see our guides to restaurants in Andaman and Andaman food. Menus are often seasonal, and fresh seafood depends on the day’s catch.
Havelock is one of the most romantic places in the Andamans. Beach sunsets, private resorts and candlelight dinners make it a top choice for couples. It is also a popular spot for a pre-wedding shoot in Andaman, with white sand, forest backdrops and golden-hour light. Ask us about a customised romantic plan.
After Havelock, continue exploring with our guides to the best beaches in Andaman and Nicobar and offbeat places in Andaman. Most visitors combine Havelock with Port Blair and Neil Island in a single trip.
Every traveller has different needs, so we offer a package for each of them:
| Traveller Type | Package | What It Offers |
|---|---|---|
| Couples | Andaman honeymoon packages | Romantic stays, beach dinners and private transfers |
| Families | Andaman family packages | Comfortable, child-friendly plans |
| Friends and colleagues | Andaman group packages | Shared planning for large parties |
| Value-focused travellers | Andaman budget packages | Affordable trips that cover the highlights |
| Government employees | Andaman LTC packages | Plans designed for LTC travel |
| Thrill seekers | Andaman adventure packages | Scuba, snorkelling and other water sports |
Not sure which suits you? Contact us on our contact page for a customised itinerary.
Island trips involve flights, ferries, permits, hotels and weather, and it is easy to get one detail wrong. Our local team handles the planning so you can focus on the holiday.
See what travellers say about us on Andaman Emerald Travels on Google, then call +91 9933245630 or send an enquiry for a free quote on your Andaman tour packages.
Yes. It has the Andamans’ best beaches, clear water and the widest range of water activities, so it is a highlight of almost every itinerary.
Two nights cover the main beaches and one major activity. Three to four nights let you add diving, kayaking and a slower pace.
Yes. Havelock Island was officially renamed Swaraj Dweep, but most travellers and travel websites still use the name Havelock.
October to May is the best period for calm seas and reliable ferries. December to February is the busiest time, while June to September is monsoon season.
Fly into Port Blair, then take a ferry to Havelock. There is no airport on the island. Confirm ferry schedules and carry a valid photo ID.
Yes. Dive schools offer introductory dives that do not require prior experience, with a briefing and an instructor beside you throughout. A basic level of health and fitness is required.
It is generally popular for swimming, but currents and conditions can change. Follow lifeguard guidance and avoid swimming in rough weather or far from the shore.
It depends on your travel style. Couples often choose a honeymoon package, families a family package and budget travellers a budget package. Our team can customise any plan.
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