Things to Do in Havelock Island
Things to Do in Havelock Island 2026-27: Best Beaches, Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Elephant Beach, Radhanagar Beach, Water Sports, Where to Stay, Costs in INR, Day Trip to Neil Island, and Insider Tips for First-Time Visitors
Havelock Island, officially renamed Swaraj Dweep in 2018, is the main tourism hub of the Andaman Islands and sits about 70 km northeast of Port Blair. It combines long white-sand beaches, warm clear water and coral reefs, and it is widely regarded as India’s best scuba diving destination. Whether you want a quiet sunset, a first dive or a day of water sports, most of it is on this one island.
Havelock is easy to plan because its highlights are spread along a few beaches and one main road. Most beaches are known by number, counted by distance from the jetty, so Radhanagar Beach is also called Beach No. 7. Elephant Beach, on the northwest coast, is the favourite for snorkeling and water sports and can be reached by boat or by a forest walk of about 1.8 km (roughly 40 minutes).
This guide covers the 12 best things to do in Havelock, the best time to visit, how to reach the island and get around, where to stay and eat, what a trip costs, sample itineraries and practical safety tips. Ferry timings, activity prices and opening hours change, so confirm current details with us before you book, or browse our andaman tour packages for ready plans.
Quick Overview: Havelock Island at a Glance
| Topic | Quick Facts |
|---|---|
| Official name | Swaraj Dweep (formerly Havelock Island), renamed in 2018 |
| Location | Ritchie’s Archipelago, about 70 km northeast of Port Blair |
| How to reach | Ferry from Port Blair; most visitors fly into Port Blair first |
| Languages | Hindi, English and Bengali |
| Climate | Warm all year; average summer temperature about 30°C, winter about 23°C |
| Best time to visit | October to April is the usual advice; some guides extend it to May |
| Ideal stay | Minimum 2 nights; 3 nights is more comfortable |
| Top beaches | Radhanagar (Beach No. 7), Elephant Beach, Kalapathar, Beach No. 5 |
| Top underwater experiences | Scuba diving at sites such as Nemo Reef and Barracuda City; snorkeling at Elephant Beach |
| Getting around | Scooter and bike rental, cabs, shared jeeps and public buses |
| Money | Carry enough cash; card acceptance can be patchy |
Havelock Island: Top Highlights by Interest
| If You Love… | Don’t Miss |
|---|---|
| Beaches and sunsets | Radhanagar Beach, Beach No. 5, sunrise at Kalapathar |
| Underwater worlds | Scuba diving, snorkeling, sea walking |
| Thrills | Jet ski, parasailing, banana ride, seakart |
| Easy, relaxed sightseeing | Glass-bottom boat, semi-submarine ride |
| Nature and wildlife | Kayaking, dolphin watching, bird watching |
| Couples | Sunrise at Kalapathar, sunset at Radhanagar |
| Families | Elephant Beach, glass-bottom boat, semi-submarine ride |
| Food | Fresh seafood and island dishes with Indian, Thai, Sri Lankan and Burmese influences |
Best Time to Visit Havelock Island
The best time to visit Havelock is from October to April, when seas are calmer, the water is clearer and ferries and water sports run most reliably. The monsoon months bring rain and rougher seas, which can cancel ferries and activities, but hotel prices are lowest then.
| Season | Months (approx.) | What to Expect | Best For | Drawbacks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peak season | November to February | Dry weather, calm seas, good visibility | Beaches, diving, all water sports | Highest prices; book ferries and hotels early |
| Warm season | March to May | Hot and humid; seas often still good in March and April | Diving, snorkeling, fewer crowds | Heat; showers can start by May |
| Monsoon | June to September | Rain, rough seas, possible ferry and activity disruption | Lowest prices, lush green scenery | Cancellations; limited water sports |
| Transition | October | Settling weather, occasional showers | Fewer crowds before peak season | Unsettled conditions early in the month |
Insider tips: Always keep one spare day in your plan in case a ferry is cancelled, and book Havelock early for December and New Year.
How to Reach Havelock Island and Get Around
By ferry from Port Blair: Most visitors fly or sail into Port Blair and take a ferry to Havelock, which is about 70 km away. The crossing usually takes between 1.5 and 2.5 hours depending on the vessel (verify current schedules). Both private and government ferries run, and seats sell out in peak season, so book before you travel. Carry a valid government photo ID for ferry tickets.
From other islands: Ferries also link Havelock with nearby islands such as Neil Island (now Shaheed Dweep), which makes a Havelock and Neil trip easy to combine.
Getting around: Local transport on the island is simple. Scooters and bikes start from about ₹600 per day, cabs from about ₹2,000, and budget travelers can use shared jeeps and public buses (verify current rates). In peak season, arrange your transport in advance because availability can be limited.
Insider tips: Collect your luggage and confirm your hotel pickup before leaving the jetty, carry cash for local transport, and plan beach visits around sunrise and sunset when the light is best.
Top 12 Things to Do in Havelock Island
1. Radhanagar Beach (Beach No. 7)
Cost: Free | Best Time: Late afternoon for sunset | Time Needed: 2 to 3 hours
Radhanagar is Havelock’s most famous beach and is often named among the best beaches in Asia. It is a wide curve of fine white sand with clear, shallow water and forest behind it. It is the classic place to end a day, as the sun sets straight over the sea.
Insider tips: Arrive about two hours before sunset to get a good spot, swim only where it is safe and follow lifeguard instructions, and carry water because food stalls are limited.
2. Elephant Beach
Cost: Boat or walk, plus water sports from ₹1000 | Best Time: Morning | Time Needed: Half a day
Elephant Beach, on the northwest coast, is the island’s main spot for snorkeling and water sports. You can reach it by boat or on a walk of about 1.8 km through forest, which takes around 40 minutes. Once there you can snorkel, try parasailing, ride a jet ski or go kayaking.
Insider tips: Go in the morning when the water is calmer, wear water shoes for the walk, and check tide timing, since visibility and access depend on it.
3. Scuba Diving
Cost: From ₹2500 | Best Time: October to April | Time Needed: Half a day
Havelock is widely regarded as India’s best scuba destination. Dive sites such as Nemo Reef and Barracuda City are among the best known. Beginners usually start with a guided introductory dive with an instructor, while certified divers can book deeper dives. Confirm what is included, including equipment, photos and transfers.
Insider tips: Book a certified operator, avoid flying within 24 hours of a dive, and tell the instructor about any medical conditions.
4. Snorkeling
Cost: From ₹1000 | Best Time: October to April | Time Needed: 2 to 3 hours
Snorkeling is the easiest way to see coral and reef fish, and it needs no training. Elephant Beach is the most popular spot. Life jackets are usually provided for people who are not confident swimmers.
Insider tips: Do not touch or stand on coral, use reef-safe sunscreen, and wear a rash guard to protect your back from the sun.
5. Sunrise at Kalapathar Beach
Cost: Free | Best Time: Sunrise | Time Needed: 1 to 2 hours
Kalapathar is a stretch of pale sand with clear turquoise water on the east coast and a favourite place to watch the sun come up. It is quieter than Radhanagar, so it suits couples and photographers.
Insider tips: Leave early, as you may need to walk a short way, and carry a torch for the path before light.
6. Beach No. 5
Cost: Free | Best Time: Morning or late afternoon | Time Needed: 1 to 2 hours
Beach No. 5 has the classic tropical look, with cream-coloured sand, shady patches and calm sea. It is a good choice for a slower day away from the busiest spots.
Insider tips: Sandflies can bother you on some beaches, so carry insect repellent, and bring your own snacks and water.
7. Sea Walking
Cost: From ₹3500 | Best Time: October to April | Time Needed: About 1 to 2 hours including briefing
Sea walking lets you walk on the sea floor wearing a helmet that supplies air, so you can see fish and coral without swimming or diving. It suits families, older travelers and anyone nervous about scuba.
Insider tips: Wear a swimsuit, avoid it if you have ear or sinus problems, and listen carefully to the safety briefing.
8. Glass-Bottom Boat and Semi-Submarine Ride
Cost: From ₹1000 | Best Time: Clear, calm days | Time Needed: 1 to 2 hours
These rides show the reef through glass without getting in the water, which makes them ideal for children, grandparents and non-swimmers.
Insider tips: Book early in the day for the best visibility, and check weather before you go, as rides can be cancelled in rough seas.
9. Jet Ski, Parasailing and Group Water Sports
Cost: From ₹1000-2500 per ride | Best Time: Morning | Time Needed: 1 to 3 hours
For a thrill, you can try a jet ski, parasailing, a banana ride, a sofa ride or a seakart. Group rides such as banana and sofa rides are cheaper per person and fun with friends.
Insider tips: Ask about weight and age limits, bundle several activities into one package to save money, and keep phones in waterproof pouches.
10. Kayaking
Cost: From ₹1500-3500 | Best Time: Early morning | Time Needed: 1 to 2 hours
Kayaking gives you a quiet, close look at the shoreline and calm water away from the motorboat areas. It suits beginners and couples.
Insider tips: Wear a hat and sunscreen, and go early before the wind picks up.
11. Dolphin and Bird Watching
Cost: From ₹2500-8000 | Best Time: Early morning | Time Needed: 2 to 3 hours
Boat outings can include a chance to see dolphins, and birdwatchers can look for coastal and forest birds. Sightings depend on season, tide and luck, so treat them as a bonus, not a guarantee.
Insider tips: Bring binoculars, stay quiet on the boat and keep a respectful distance from wildlife.
12. Day Trip to Neil Island
Cost: Ferry from ₹5000-6000 | Best Time: October to April | Time Needed: Full day or 1 night
Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep) is a smaller, quieter island reached by ferry from Havelock. Many travelers combine the two islands in one trip. If you have a spare day, it adds calmer beaches and a slower pace.
Insider tips: Check the return ferry time before you go, and keep a buffer day if you must catch a flight from Port Blair.
Havelock Island or Neil Island?
Havelock has the most developed tourism of any Andaman island, with the widest choice of hotels, activities and restaurants. Neil is smaller and quieter. Most travelers do both, with more nights on Havelock.
| Topic | Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) | Neil (Shaheed Dweep) |
|---|---|---|
| Feel | Busier, more developed | Smaller, slower, quieter |
| Activities | Widest range, including scuba and water sports | Fewer options, more relaxed |
| Stays | Budget resorts to luxury cottages | Fewer, simpler options |
| Suggested time | 2 to 3 nights | 1 night or a day trip |
| Best for | First-timers, divers, couples, families | Travelers who want calm and fewer crowds |
Insider tips: If you have only three or four days in the islands, spend most of them on Havelock. Our andaman tour packages combine Port Blair, Havelock and Neil in one itinerary.
Where to Stay in Havelock Island
Havelock has the best tourist infrastructure of any Andaman island, from budget beach resorts and homestays to eco cottages and premium resorts. Many properties are close to the beaches, so guests can hear the waves from their rooms.
| Level | Typical Stay | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | Guesthouses, homestays, simple resorts | Backpackers, short stays | Book early in peak season |
| Mid-range | Beach resorts and cottages | Families, couples | Most popular choice |
| Luxury | Premium resorts and villas | Honeymoons, special occasions | Check meal and transfer inclusions |
Insider tips: Choose a hotel near the beach you plan to visit most, ask whether airport and jetty transfers are included, and book Havelock rooms before your ferry tickets.
Where to Eat in Havelock Island
Havelock’s food reflects the island’s settlement history, with Indian, Thai, Sri Lankan and Burmese influences. Fresh seafood is the highlight, and most resorts also serve Indian and continental dishes.
- Seafood: Grilled fish, prawns and crab are widely available. Ask for the day’s catch and agree prices before ordering.
- Resort restaurants: Reliable for families, and often include breakfast and dinner in packages.
- Beach shacks and cafes: Casual meals and cold drinks near the main beaches.
- Vegetarian options: Available at most restaurants, but confirm that dishes are cooked separately if it matters to you.
Insider tips: Carry cash, as small places may not take cards, book dinner early in peak season, and carry snacks for beach days because stalls are limited.
How Much Does a Havelock Island Trip Cost?
Your total depends mainly on your hotel, your ferry class and how many activities you book. The table lists what to budget for.
| Cost Item | What to Budget | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ferry (Port Blair to Havelock, per person) | ₹1600 | Varies by operator and class |
| Hotel (per room per night) | Budget ₹2000; mid-range ₹3500; luxury ₹8000 | Peak season costs more |
| Meals (per person per day) | ₹2000 | Resort meal plans reduce this |
| Scooter or bike rental (per day) | From about ₹500 | Verify current rate |
| Cab (per day) | From about ₹2,400 | Verify current rate |
| Scuba diving | From ₹2500-3500 | Confirm inclusions |
| Snorkeling, sea walk, boat rides | ₹1000-3500 each | Bundle to save |
Insider tips: Book one of our andaman tour packages to bundle hotel, meals, taxi and sightseeing, avoid peak weeks (late December) if you are on a budget, and keep a cash reserve for small purchases.
Sample Havelock Island Itineraries
Ferry timings decide how much time you have on arrival and departure days, so adjust these plans to your schedule.
| Plan | Morning | Afternoon | Evening |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 day (day trip) | Early ferry from Port Blair | Elephant Beach snorkeling | Radhanagar sunset, then return ferry if timings allow |
| 2 days | Day 1: ferry and check-in; Day 2: Kalapathar sunrise | Day 1: Elephant Beach water sports; Day 2: scuba or snorkeling | Day 1: Radhanagar sunset; Day 2: ferry back |
| 3 days | Day 1: arrive and rest; Day 2: Elephant Beach; Day 3: Kalapathar sunrise | Day 2: scuba or sea walk; Day 3: Beach No. 5 | Day 1: Radhanagar sunset; Day 2: local dinner; Day 3: ferry to Neil or Port Blair |
For a full plan with hotels and transfers, see our andaman tour packages for family, honeymoon, scuba and budget trips.
Safety and Practical Tips for Havelock Island
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Cash | Carry enough cash for local transport, food and small purchases; card and online payments can be unreliable |
| Ferries | Book early, arrive at the jetty on time and keep a buffer day in case of cancellations |
| ID | Carry a valid government photo ID for ferry tickets and hotel check-in |
| Swimming | Swim only in safe areas, follow lifeguard and operator instructions, and avoid swimming alone |
| Sun | Use sunscreen, a hat and plenty of water; the sun is strong even on cloudy days |
| Reef protection | Do not touch, stand on or collect coral or shells |
| Insects | Carry repellent; sandflies can be a nuisance on some beaches |
| Transport | Arrange scooters, cabs and tours in advance in peak season; ride carefully and wear a helmet |
| Medical | Carry basic medicines and any prescriptions; check with a doctor before scuba or sea walking if you have health conditions |
| Emergency | Dial 112 for police, fire or ambulance |
Frequently Asked Questions: Things to Do in Havelock Island
How many days do I need in Havelock Island?
Plan at least 2 nights. Three nights is more comfortable and lets you add scuba or snorkeling, a sunrise at Kalapathar and a sunset at Radhanagar without rushing.
Is Havelock Island worth visiting?
Yes. It has the Andamans’ best beaches, the widest choice of activities and the best hotel and restaurant options, which is why it is the centrepiece of most Andaman trips.
What is the best time to visit Havelock Island?
October to April is the usual advice, with November to February the most popular. Seas are calmer and activities run more reliably. The monsoon brings rain and possible ferry cancellations.
Which is the best beach in Havelock?
Radhanagar (Beach No. 7) is the most famous and best for sunset. Elephant Beach is best for snorkeling and water sports, and Kalapathar is best for sunrise.
Can non-swimmers try scuba diving or snorkeling?
Many operators take non-swimmers on guided introductory dives and provide life jackets for snorkeling. Confirm the rules with the operator and tell them about any medical conditions before you book.
How do I reach Elephant Beach?
You can go by boat, or walk about 1.8 km through forest, which takes roughly 40 minutes. Boat transfers are easier with children and in hot weather.
How do I reach Havelock from Port Blair?
By ferry. The distance is about 70 km and the crossing usually takes 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on the vessel. Book early in peak season and check current timings with us.
Should I carry cash in Havelock?
Yes. Card and online payments can be unreliable on the island, so carry enough cash for transport, food and small purchases.
Final Verdict: Things to Do in Havelock Island
Havelock is the easiest Andaman island to enjoy, with something for every kind of traveler. For most people the best plan is to visit between October and April, stay 2 to 3 nights, watch sunset at Radhanagar, snorkel or dive at Elephant Beach, and add a sunrise at Kalapathar. Book your ferry and hotel early, keep a spare day for weather, carry cash and protect the reef.
Related Reading
- Compare Havelock and Neil plans in our andaman tour packages
Plan your Havelock trip with Andaman Sea Hawk Tours and Travels. We are based in Port Blair and can book your hotel, ferry, transfers and activities in one package, with a 50-50 payment plan. Call +91-9476061422 or +91-9933200646, WhatsApp us, or email seahawkairtravels@gmail.com.
