Best Beaches in Havelock Island
Best Beaches in Havelock Island 2026: Radhanagar Beach, Elephant Beach, Kalapathar, Beach No. 5, Sunrise and Sunset Spots, Swimming Safety, How to Get There, Best Time to Visit, and Insider Tips for First-Time Visitors
Havelock Island, officially Swaraj Dweep, has the best beaches in the Andamans. Radhanagar is a wide, Blue Flag-certified sweep of white sand known for its sunsets, Elephant Beach is the island’s snorkeling and water sports base, and Kalapathar and Vijaynagar on the east coast are quiet places to watch the sun rise. Each is best at something different, so the right beach depends on what you want from your day.
Most beaches on the island are known by number, counted by distance from the jetty. Govind Nagar is Beach No. 3, Vijaynagar is Beach No. 5 and Radhanagar is Beach No. 7. Kalapathar continues along the same shoreline as Beach No. 5. Elephant Beach sits apart on the northwest coast and is reached by boat or a forest trek.
This guide compares the five main beaches, then covers each one in detail, the best places for sunrise and sunset, swimming safety, how to get around and the best time to go. Timings, boat fares and rules can change, so confirm current details with us before you travel, or see our andaman tour packages for ready plans that include the main beaches.
Quick Overview: Havelock Island Beaches at a Glance
| Topic | Quick Facts |
|---|---|
| Island | Havelock (Swaraj Dweep), about 70 km northeast of Port Blair |
| Beaches covered | Radhanagar (No. 7), Elephant Beach, Kalapathar, Vijaynagar (No. 5), Govind Nagar (No. 3) |
| Best for sunset | Radhanagar Beach |
| Best for sunrise | Kalapathar and Vijaynagar |
| Best for snorkeling and water sports | Elephant Beach |
| Best for swimming | Radhanagar, in the marked and lifeguarded zones |
| Entry fees | Free at most beaches; boat rides to Elephant Beach and activities cost extra (verify) |
| Best time to visit | October to April, with some guides extending it to May |
| Ideal stay | 2 to 3 nights on Havelock |
| Getting around | Scooter and bike rental, cabs, shared jeeps and buses |
Havelock Beaches Compared
| Beach | Best For | Swimming | Water Sports | Crowds | Best Time of Day | How to Reach |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Radhanagar (No. 7) | Sunset, swimming, long walks | Yes, in marked zones with lifeguards | Not allowed (Blue Flag beach) | Busy around sunset | Late afternoon | About 15 to 20 minutes by road from the jetty |
| Elephant Beach | Snorkeling, coral, water sports | Yes, with life jackets on guided trips | Yes (jet ski, parasailing, banana ride and more) | Busy from morning | Morning | About 20 minutes by boat from the jetty, or a forest trek |
| Kalapathar | Sunrise, photography, quiet walks | With care, because of rocks | No | Quiet | Sunrise | About 15 to 20 minutes by road from the jetty |
| Vijaynagar (No. 5) | Quiet mornings, sunrise, resort stays | Calm, but swim with care | No | Quiet to moderate | Early morning | By road; cab, scooter or local bus |
| Govind Nagar (No. 3) | Easy first evening, short strolls | Shallow, calm water | Limited | Moderate | Early morning or evening | Close to the jetty |
The 5 Best Beaches in Havelock Island, in Detail
Prices below are starting rates and can change by season, so confirm current rates with us before you book.
1. Radhanagar Beach (Beach No. 7)
Cost: Free | Best Time: Late afternoon, about 3 PM until sunset | Time Needed: 2 to 3 hours
Radhanagar is Havelock’s most famous beach. It is a long, wide curve of fine white sand backed by forest, with clear water that stays shallow near the shore. It holds Blue Flag certification, an international label for clean water, safety and good environmental management, and TIME magazine has named it among the best beaches in Asia. The beach is open from morning until sunset, and visitors are asked to leave once the sun goes down.
Swimming is allowed in the marked zones, where lifeguards are on duty and safety nets are in place. Because of the Blue Flag rules, water sports are not allowed here. Changing rooms, lockers and paid washrooms are available, and a few stalls sit near the entrance.
Insider tips: Reach the beach by about 3 PM to enjoy the water before the sunset crowd arrives, stay inside the marked swimming zone, and carry a towel, sunscreen and water. Avoid carrying plastic, as the islands have strict plastic rules.
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 best beach for snorkeling. Coral grows close to the shore in shallow water, so you can see reef fish without going far from the sand. It is also the island’s water sports base, with options such as jet ski, banana boat rides and parasailing, and it has changing rooms, lockers and bathrooms.
There are two ways to get there. The easy way is a boat from the jetty, which takes about 20 minutes. The alternative is a forest trek of roughly 2 km from the Radhanagar side, which can take 40 to 90 minutes and turns muddy after rain. Access is difficult at high tide, so check the tide before you plan. If you trek in, you usually have to trek back.
Insider tips: Take an early boat, since the first departures start around mid-morning and the last return is usually in the early afternoon (confirm with your operator). Wear water shoes for the trek, apply reef-safe sunscreen, and do not stand on or touch coral.
3. Kalapathar Beach
Cost: Free | Best Time: Sunrise | Time Needed: 1 to 3 hours
Kalapathar is a quiet stretch of pale sand on the southeast coast, named for the dark rocks along the shore. The black rocks against turquoise water make it a favourite for sunrise and photography. It continues the same shoreline as Beach No. 5, and you can walk between the two along the sand. It is about 15 to 20 minutes by road from the jetty.
Facilities are basic, with a few vendors selling coconut water and snacks. The water is clear, but rocks and coral near the shore mean you should swim with care.
Insider tips: Leave before dawn to see the sun rise, carry snacks and water because shops are few, and wear sandals with grip for the rocks.
4. Vijaynagar Beach (Beach No. 5)
Cost: Free | Best Time: Early morning | Time Needed: 2 to 3 hours
Vijaynagar, on the east coast, is quieter than Radhanagar and suits travelers who want a slow morning. Its long shoreline of soft sand is lined with beach resorts and restaurants, and the sunrise here is one of the best on the island. The waves are gentle, and a walk along the sand of about 1 km takes you to Kalapathar.
Insider tips: Avoid the afternoon, when the sun is strong, and plan to be back for breakfast at your hotel after a sunrise visit. Cabs, scooters and local buses all reach the beach.
5. Govind Nagar Beach (Beach No. 3)
Cost: Free | Best Time: Early morning or evening | Time Needed: 1 to 2 hours
Govind Nagar is close to the jetty and the market area, which makes it the easiest beach to visit on the day you arrive. The water is shallow and calm, the coastline has several beach resorts, and it works well for a short stroll when you do not have time for a longer trip.
Insider tips: Use it as your first evening beach after check-in, check tide times before you walk out on the sand, and keep Radhanagar and Elephant Beach for the following days.
Which Havelock Beach Is Right for You?
| If You Want… | Go To |
|---|---|
| Sunset and swimming | Radhanagar Beach |
| Snorkeling and coral | Elephant Beach |
| Sunrise photos | Kalapathar or Vijaynagar |
| Quiet resort mornings | Vijaynagar Beach |
| An easy first evening near the jetty | Govind Nagar Beach |
| Families with children | Radhanagar (lifeguards and marked zones) or Elephant Beach (life jackets on guided trips) |
| Couples | Sunrise at Kalapathar and sunset at Radhanagar |
| Non-swimmers | Elephant Beach on a guided trip with a life jacket |
Best Sunrise and Sunset Spots in Havelock
Havelock’s west-facing beaches suit sunset and its east-facing beaches suit sunrise, so you can see both on the same day if you plan your route.
| Spot | Best For | Why Go | Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Radhanagar Beach | Sunset | Wide, open view over the sea with no buildings in the way | Arrive 30 to 40 minutes before sunset and leave when the beach closes |
| Kalapathar Beach | Sunrise | Black rocks and turquoise water in early light | Leave before dawn and carry a torch |
| Vijaynagar Beach | Sunrise | Golden light along a long, quiet shoreline | Stay nearby so you can walk down from your resort |
| Govind Nagar Beach | Early morning or evening stroll | Close to the jetty, with calm shallow water | Good on arrival day when time is short |
Insider tips: In winter the sun sets at about 5 PM, so check the exact time for your date and reach Radhanagar early. Cloud can hide the sunrise on some mornings, so keep a second morning free if sunrise photos matter to you.
Swimming Safety at Havelock’s Beaches
Havelock’s beaches are generally calm, but safe swimming still depends on where you enter the water and what the conditions are that day.
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Swim in marked zones | At Radhanagar, swim only inside the marked areas where lifeguards are on duty and safety nets are in place |
| After sunset | Do not swim after sunset. Radhanagar closes at sunset and currents can be stronger in the dark |
| Going deeper | Local guides advise staying close to the shore, because waves and currents get rougher further out |
| Rocks and coral | Kalapathar and parts of Elephant Beach have rocks and coral near the shore. Wear water shoes and do not stand on or touch coral |
| Children | Keep children at the water’s edge and within arm’s reach |
| Snorkeling | Wear the life jacket provided, even if you swim well, and follow your guide’s instructions |
| Tides | Check tide times, especially for Elephant Beach, where access and water depth change with the tide |
| Weather and signs | Follow warning signs and lifeguard instructions on the day, and skip swimming in rough or rainy weather |
| Sun and insects | Use sunscreen and a hat, and carry repellent because sandflies can bother you on some beaches |
| Valuables | Use the lockers where available, and do not leave bags unattended on the sand |
Best Time to Visit Havelock’s Beaches
The best months for beaches are October to April, when seas are calmer, the water is clearer and boats and water sports run reliably. Some guides extend the season to May. The monsoon months bring rain and rougher seas, which can close beaches to swimming and cancel boats to Elephant Beach.
| Time of Day | Best Beach | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Sunrise | Kalapathar or Vijaynagar | Soft light, few people |
| Morning | Elephant Beach | Calmer water, better visibility, boats from mid-morning |
| Midday | Rest at your hotel | The sun is strong and the beaches are hot |
| Late afternoon | Radhanagar | Swimming in marked zones, then sunset |
Insider tips: Always keep one spare day in case weather or tides change your plan, and book Havelock early for December and New Year.
How to Get Around Between the Beaches
Most visitors reach Havelock by ferry from Port Blair and then use road transport on the island. Scooters and bikes start from about ₹500 per day, cabs from about ₹2,400, 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. Elephant Beach needs a boat from the jetty or a forest trek, so plan that trip separately.
Insider tips: Carry cash for transport and boat tickets, and check the last boat and bus times before you head out.
Where to Stay Near the Beaches
Havelock has beach resorts on most of its coastline, so choose the area that matches the beach you care about most.
| Area | Good For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Near Radhanagar | Sunset, luxury and quiet stays | Closest to the best sunset beach, but further from the jetty |
| Govind Nagar and the jetty area | Convenience, markets, restaurants | Easy for arrival and departure days |
| Vijaynagar and Kalapathar | Sunrise, relaxed east-coast stays | Resorts along a quieter shoreline |
Insider tips: Ask whether jetty transfers are included, and compare options inside our andaman tour packages, which bundle hotel, meals, taxi and sightseeing.
Frequently Asked Questions: Best Beaches in Havelock Island
Which is the best beach in Havelock Island?
Radhanagar (Beach No. 7) is the best all-round beach and the best for sunset. Elephant Beach is best for snorkeling and water sports, and Kalapathar is best for sunrise.
Is Radhanagar Beach safe for swimming?
Yes, inside the marked swimming zones, where lifeguards are on duty and safety nets are in place. Do not swim after sunset, and follow lifeguard instructions on the day.
Is there an entry fee for Radhanagar Beach?
No, entry to the beach is free (verify current rules). Lockers, changing rooms and washrooms may carry a small charge.
Are water sports allowed at Radhanagar Beach?
No. Water sports are not allowed at this Blue Flag beach. Go to Elephant Beach for jet ski, parasailing, banana rides and snorkeling.
How do I reach Elephant Beach?
By boat from the Havelock jetty, which takes about 20 minutes, or on a forest trek of roughly 2 km from the Radhanagar side. The trek turns muddy after rain, and high tide can block access, so check the tide first.
Which Havelock beach is best for sunrise?
Kalapathar and Vijaynagar, both on the east coast. Kalapathar has black rocks and turquoise water, while Vijaynagar is quieter and lined with resorts.
Which beach is best for families with children?
Radhanagar, because of its lifeguards and marked swimming zones, and Elephant Beach on a guided trip with life jackets. Take care at Kalapathar, where rocks and coral are close to the shore.
How many beaches can I see in two days?
Three comfortably: Kalapathar at sunrise on day 2, Elephant Beach in the morning, and Radhanagar for sunset. Add Govind Nagar for a short walk on your arrival evening.
Final Verdict: Best Beaches in Havelock Island
If you have time for only one beach, make it Radhanagar at sunset. If you have two days, add Elephant Beach in the morning for snorkeling and Kalapathar at sunrise for the quiet side of the island. Visit between October and April, check tide and boat timings, swim only in marked zones, and protect the coral.
Related Reading
- Compare Havelock and Neil plans in our andaman tour packages
Plan your Havelock beach trip with Andaman Sea Hawk Tours and Travels. We are based in Port Blair and can book your hotel, 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.
