Elephant Beach is the water sports capital of Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep). A short boat ride or a muddy jungle trek from the main road brings you to a crescent of pale sand with shallow turquoise water, fallen trees along the shore and a coral reef just metres from the beach. It is the place to try snorkelling for the first time, walk on the seabed, ride a banana boat or simply swim and relax. For most visitors, it is the activity highlight of a Havelock stay.
Elephant Beach lies on the north-western side of the island, away from the hotels, so it feels a little wild and a little remote. This guide covers what to do, the two ways to reach it, what to bring, the best time to visit and how to plan your day. If you would rather have the boat, activities and timing arranged for you, explore our Andaman tour packages, planned by Andaman Emerald Travels, a travel team based in the Andamans.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | North-western coast of Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep), no hotels on the beach |
| Reached by | Boat from Havelock jetty (about 15 to 20 minutes) or a forest trek (about 1.8 to 2.5 km) |
| Known for | Snorkelling, sea walking, water sports, shallow reef, fallen trees |
| Suggested time | 2 to 3 hours, or up to a half day with several activities |
| Best time of day | Morning, when the water is calmest and the beach is quieter |
| Best season | October to May |
| Facilities | Activity counters, changing rooms, toilets and lockers (basic); no stays |
| Best for | Snorkellers, families with older children, couples, groups, first-time water sports fans |
The beach gets its name from the elephants that were once used to haul logs along the forest trail behind it. Today the trail is used by walkers, and the beach is a hub for water activities. The sand is soft and pale, the water stays shallow for some distance and the reef begins close to shore, which is what makes it so popular with beginners.
The beach is busy in peak season, especially in the morning when the boats arrive, so it is not a place for total solitude. For a quieter experience, go as early as you can or choose a different time of day. For quieter beaches on the same island, see Radhanagar Beach and Kalapathar Beach.
Snorkelling is the main attraction. The reef sits close to the shore in shallow water, so you can see coral and tropical fish without going far. Equipment and life jackets are provided, and a guide stays with you. Reef condition and visibility vary with the season, the tide and the weather, so ask your guide what to expect on the day. Never stand on or touch the coral.
Sea walking lets you walk along the seabed wearing a helmet that supplies air, with no need to swim. It suits non-swimmers and older children, and an instructor stays with you throughout. It is one of the most popular activities on the beach.
Some operators offer short introductory scuba dives here, though Havelock has better dive sites elsewhere. If you are an experienced diver, ask about other reefs around the island.
For more thrill, the beach offers jet skiing, banana boat rides and parasailing. Availability depends on the season, weather and operators, and some activities may be paused when the sea is rough. Always follow the safety briefing and wear the life jacket.
A glass-bottom boat is an easy way to see the reef without getting wet. Swimming is possible in calm conditions in designated areas, but keep close to shore and follow the instructions of the staff.
The fallen trees along the sand make popular photo spots, and the turquoise water against white sand is beautiful in the morning light. Bring a waterproof pouch for your phone, as spray and waves are common.
| Activity | Suitable For | Experience Level | Approx. Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snorkelling | Families, couples, beginners | Beginner | 30 to 60 minutes |
| Sea walking | Non-swimmers, children | No swimming needed | About 20 to 30 minutes in the water |
| Introductory scuba | Adventure lovers | Beginner (with instructor) | Around 1 hour with briefing |
| Jet skiing | Friends, couples, thrill seekers | Beginner | 10 to 15 minutes |
| Banana boat ride | Groups, families | Beginner | 10 to 15 minutes |
| Parasailing | Thrill seekers | Beginner | 10 to 15 minutes |
| Glass-bottom boat | Families, seniors, young children | No experience needed | 20 to 30 minutes |
Availability, prices and timings vary with season, weather and operators. Please confirm before planning around a specific activity.
There are two ways to reach the beach, and the choice depends on your energy, the weather and the time you have.
| Option | What It Involves | Best For | Things to Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boat from Havelock jetty | A speedboat or small boat ride of about 15 to 20 minutes | Most visitors; easiest and quickest | Boats run in set slots in the morning and early afternoon; depends on sea conditions |
| Jungle trek | A walk of roughly 1.8 to 2.5 km (30 to 40 minutes) along a muddy forest trail, starting from the road near Radhanagar Beach | Fit walkers who enjoy nature | The trail can be slippery; a guide is advised; sometimes closed after rain |
Because the boat is the most popular route, it is wise to book it ahead in peak season. Some boat tickets include a short snorkelling session, but prices and inclusions change, so confirm before you go. If you are on one of our packages, we arrange the boat, the activities and the transfer. See our guide to all Andaman activities for more options.
The best time to visit is October to May, when the sea is calm, visibility is good and activities run reliably. Go in the morning for calmer water and smaller crowds. Monsoon months bring heavy rain and rough seas, which can stop boats and suspend water sports.
| Months | Season | What to Expect | Our Guides |
|---|---|---|---|
| October to November | Post-monsoon | Seas settling; activities restarting | October, November |
| December to February | Peak season | Clearest water and busiest beach; book early | December, January, February |
| March to May | Summer | Warm, bright days; start early | March, April, May |
| June to September | Monsoon | Rough seas; boats and activities often cancelled | June, July, August, September |
| Time | Plan |
|---|---|
| Early morning | Check in at the Havelock jetty and take the first boat |
| Morning | Snorkelling and sea walking while the water is calm |
| Late morning | Optional thrill activity, then beach time and a snack |
| Midday | Boat back to the jetty |
| Afternoon | Rest at your hotel, then Radhanagar Beach for sunset |
Looking for a ready-made plan that includes Elephant Beach? See our 4 nights 5 days and 5 nights 6 days Andaman packages, which include Havelock. You can also browse all Andaman destinations on our site.
There are no hotels on Elephant Beach, so most visitors stay elsewhere on Havelock and visit as a half-day trip. If you plan to take the trek, a stay near Radhanagar Beach is convenient, since the trail starts nearby. Rooms fill quickly in December and January, so book early.
Havelock and Elephant Beach activities are part of many of our packages. Every traveller has different needs, so we offer a package for each:
| Traveller Type | Package | What It Offers |
|---|---|---|
| Couples | Andaman honeymoon packages | Romantic stays, beach time 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 | Snorkelling, diving and other water sports |
Not sure which suits you? Reach out through our contact page for a customised itinerary.
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.
It is named after the elephants once used to haul logs along the forest trail behind the beach.
Take a boat from the Havelock jetty, which takes about 15 to 20 minutes, or trek roughly 1.8 to 2.5 km through the forest from the road near Radhanagar Beach.
Yes. It is the main snorkelling beach on Havelock, with a shallow reef near the shore. Conditions vary by season and tide.
Yes. Sea walking and glass-bottom boat rides suit non-swimmers, and snorkelling is done with a life jacket and a guide.
October to May. Go in the morning for calmer water and smaller crowds.
Plan 2 to 3 hours. Allow up to a half day if you try several activities.
Children usually enjoy it, especially with a life jacket and an adult. Seniors with limited mobility may find the trek difficult, but the boat route is easier.
Any package that includes Havelock can include it. Couples often choose a honeymoon package, families a family package and adventure lovers an adventure package. Our team can customise any plan.
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