Places to Visit in Havelock Island
Places to Visit in Havelock Island 2026: Radhanagar Beach, Elephant Beach, Kalapathar, Vijaynagar, Govind Nagar, Neil’s Cove, Lalaji Bay, Nemo Reef, Neil Island, Distances, Timings, Best Time to Visit, and Insider Tips for First-Time Visitors
Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep) is the most popular island in the Andamans, and its best places are spread along two coasts and one main road. On the west coast you have Radhanagar Beach, the island’s famous sunset beach, with the quiet lagoon of Neil’s Cove a short walk away. On the east coast, Vijaynagar and Kalapathar are the places to watch the sunrise. In the northwest, Elephant Beach is the base for snorkeling and water sports, and near the jetty, Govind Nagar and Nemo Reef cover easy beach time and beginner dives.
Most beaches are known by number, counted by distance from the jetty: Beach No. 3 is Govind Nagar, Beach No. 5 is Vijaynagar and Beach No. 7 is Radhanagar. This guide lists the 10 best places to visit in and around Havelock with distances, timings, rates and tips, then covers the best time to visit, how to get around, a sample itinerary, where to stay and safety.
Distances, timings and rates change, so confirm current details with us before you travel, or see our andaman tour packages for plans that cover the main places in Havelock.
Quick Overview: Places to Visit in Havelock at a Glance
| Topic | Quick Facts |
|---|---|
| Island | Havelock (Swaraj Dweep), about 70 km northeast of Port Blair |
| Top places | Radhanagar Beach, Elephant Beach, Kalapathar, Vijaynagar, Govind Nagar, Neil’s Cove |
| Best for sunset | Radhanagar Beach |
| Best for sunrise | Kalapathar and Vijaynagar |
| Best for snorkeling and water sports | Elephant Beach |
| Best for beginner scuba | Nemo Reef and the sites near Govind Nagar |
| Nearby island | Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep), about 45 to 60 minutes by ferry |
| Best time to visit | October to April, with some guides extending it to May |
| Ideal stay | Minimum 2 nights; 3 nights is more comfortable |
| Getting around | Scooter and bike rental, cabs, shared jeeps and buses |
Havelock Island by Area
| Area | Places | Feel |
|---|---|---|
| Jetty and market (Beach Nos. 1 to 3) | Govind Nagar Beach, Nemo Reef, restaurants and shops | Busy and convenient; the island’s social centre |
| East coast | Vijaynagar (Beach No. 5), Kalapathar | Quiet, resort-lined, best for sunrise |
| West coast | Radhanagar (Beach No. 7), Neil’s Cove | Wide beaches, forest, best for sunset |
| Northwest | Elephant Beach | Water sports, snorkeling, no hotels |
Havelock Island: Top Places by Interest
| If You Love… | Don’t Miss |
|---|---|
| Sunsets | Radhanagar Beach |
| Sunrise and photography | Kalapathar, Vijaynagar |
| Snorkeling and water sports | Elephant Beach |
| Beginner scuba diving | Nemo Reef |
| Quiet swimming | Neil’s Cove, Govind Nagar |
| Trekking | Forest trek to Elephant Beach |
| Island hopping | Day trip to Neil Island |
| Couples | Sunrise at Kalapathar, sunset at Radhanagar |
| Families | Radhanagar, Elephant Beach, glass-bottom boat |
Top 10 Places to Visit in Havelock Island
1. Radhanagar Beach (Beach No. 7)
Distance: About 10 to 12 km from the jetty | Cost: Free | Best Time: Late afternoon for sunset | Time Needed: 2 to 3 hours
Radhanagar is Havelock’s most famous beach, a long curve of fine white sand with clear shallow water and forest behind it. It is Blue Flag certified, and TIME magazine has named it among the best beaches in Asia. The beach is open from about 6 AM to 5 PM, swimming is allowed only in the marked zones with lifeguards, and water sports are not allowed.
Insider tips: Arrive by about 3 PM, carry water and cash for lockers, and arrange your return transport before the beach closes at sunset.
2. Elephant Beach
Distance: About 9 km from the jetty | Cost: Boat about ₹1000 round trip (verify); water sports from ₹1000 | Best Time: Morning | Time Needed: Half a day
Elephant Beach, on the northwest coast, is the place for snorkeling and water sports, with a shallow reef close to shore, jet ski, parasailing, banana rides, sea walking, glass-bottom boat rides and kayaking. Reach it by a 20-minute boat ride from the jetty or a forest trek of about 2 km from the Radhanagar road. There are no hotels, so everyone leaves by early afternoon.
Insider tips: Check the tide before you trek, take an early boat, and keep a buffer for the last boat back.
3. Kalapathar Beach
Distance: About 7 km from the jetty, 15 to 20 minutes by road | Cost: Free | Best Time: Sunrise | Time Needed: 1 to 3 hours
Kalapathar has long stretches of white sand scattered with big black rocks, and it is one of the best places on the island to watch the sun rise. The south end of the beach is the quietest. Public restrooms are available, but there are no changing rooms, and you can lounge on wooden chairs under the trees.
Insider tips: Swim with care because of sharp rocks and coral, wear grip sandals, and carry snacks, as shops are few.
4. Vijaynagar Beach (Beach No. 5)
Distance: About 9 km from the jetty, and about 1 km from Kalapathar | Cost: Free | Best Time: Early morning | Time Needed: 2 to 3 hours
Vijaynagar is a quiet, palm-lined beach with soft sand and blue water, and the first beach you reach on the road towards Kalapathar. There are no water sports and no snack stalls on the sand, so it suits a slow morning. You can walk along the shore to Kalapathar.
Insider tips: Carry water and snacks, be careful of sharp coral when swimming, and avoid the strong afternoon sun.
5. Govind Nagar Beach (Beach No. 3)
Distance: Near the jetty and market | Cost: Free | Best Time: Early morning or evening | Time Needed: 1 to 2 hours
Govind Nagar is the social centre of Havelock, close to hotels, restaurants and the market. The water is shallow and calm, and it is the easiest beach to visit on the day you arrive. Nemo Reef and other dive sites are nearby.
Insider tips: Use it for your first evening, check tide times before you walk out on the sand, and combine it with a dinner in the market.
6. Neil’s Cove
Distance: About a 10-minute walk from Radhanagar Beach | Cost: Free | Best Time: Early morning | Time Needed: 1 to 2 hours
Neil’s Cove is a sheltered, lagoon-like cove with clear water and forest around it, a quieter alternative to Radhanagar. You can swim and snorkel near the shore.
Insider tips: Swimming is not allowed at dawn and dusk, and you should follow any warning signs, including those about crocodiles. Do not swim alone.
7. Nemo Reef and Havelock’s Dive Sites
Distance: Near Govind Nagar Beach | Cost: Introductory dive from ₹2500 to ₹3500 | Best Time: October to April | Time Needed: Half a day
Havelock is known as India’s scuba diving capital. Nemo Reef is a shallow, beginner-friendly site with minimal currents, and other well-known sites include The Wall, Aquarium, Lighthouse, Johnny’s Gorge and Dixon’s Pinnacle. Beginners start with a guided introductory dive, while certified divers can book deeper sites.
Insider tips: Book a certified operator a day ahead in peak season (November to February), avoid flying within 24 hours of a dive, and tell the instructor about any medical conditions.
8. Lalaji Bay (for Trekkers)
Distance: About 10 km on foot through forest, per older guidebooks (verify) | Cost: Guide extra | Best Time: Early morning in dry weather | Time Needed: Half a day
Lalaji Bay is a secluded white-sand beach on the east coast, reached by a long jungle trek of around 1.5 hours. It is good for swimming and snorkeling and suits fit travelers who want a quiet, offbeat day.
Insider tips: Go with a guide, start early, carry plenty of water, and avoid the trek in monsoon or after heavy rain.
9. Day Trip to Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep)
Distance: About 18 km by sea, 45 to 60 minutes by ferry | Cost: Day trip from about ₹5000 to ₹6000 | Best Time: October to April | Time Needed: Full day or 1 night
Neil Island is smaller and quieter than Havelock, with Bharatpur Beach for swimming, Sitapur for sunrise, and Laxmanpur for sunset and a natural rock bridge. Private ferries run from about mid-morning to early afternoon (verify the schedule), so a day trip is tight and one night is more comfortable.
Insider tips: Check the return ferry time before you go, carry cash because the island’s only ATM is often not working, and keep a buffer day if you must catch a flight from Port Blair.
10. South Button Island and Barren Island (Further Afield)
Distance: About 2 hours by speedboat to South Button; Barren Island is much further | Cost: Charter boats, high cost (ask us) | Best Time: December to April | Time Needed: Full day
South Button Island is part of a protected national park, where landing is not allowed and snorkeling and diving happen offshore. Barren Island is India’s only active volcano and can be viewed from a boat but not visited on foot. Both need forest or naval permits, run only on charter or special boats, and depend heavily on the weather.
Insider tips: Book well in advance, keep buffer days, carry sun protection and motion-sickness tablets, and ask us before you plan either trip because rules and permits change.
Distances From the Havelock Jetty
| Place | Distance and Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Govind Nagar Beach | Close to the jetty and market | Easy first evening, short strolls |
| Kalapathar Beach | About 7 km, 15 to 20 minutes | Sunrise |
| Vijaynagar Beach | About 9 km, 15 to 20 minutes | Quiet mornings |
| Elephant Beach | About 9 km; 20 minutes by boat, or a 40 to 90 minute trek | Snorkeling, water sports |
| Radhanagar Beach | About 10 to 12 km, 20 to 30 minutes | Sunset, swimming |
| Neil’s Cove | About a 10-minute walk from Radhanagar | Quiet swim |
| Neil Island | About 18 km by sea, 45 to 60 minutes by ferry | Day trip |
Best Time to Visit Havelock Island
The best time to visit is 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 brings rain and rough seas, which can cancel ferries and activities, but hotel prices are lowest then.
| Season | Months (approx.) | What to Expect | Drawbacks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peak season | November to February | Dry weather, calm seas, good visibility | Highest prices; book ferries and hotels early |
| Warm season | March to May | Hot and humid; seas often still good in March and April | Heat; showers can start by May |
| Monsoon | June to September | Rain, rough seas, lush green scenery | Ferry cancellations and limited water sports |
| Transition | October | Settling weather, occasional showers | Unsettled early in the month |
Insider tips: Keep one spare day in case of a ferry cancellation, and book popular activities such as Elephant Beach boats, scuba and night kayaking at least a day ahead in peak season.
How to Reach Havelock and Get Around
By ferry from Port Blair: Most visitors fly into Port Blair and take a ferry to Havelock, about 70 km away. The crossing usually takes 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on the vessel (verify current schedules), and a ticket starts at about ₹1600 per person. Both private and government ferries run, and seats sell out in peak season, so book before you travel.
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). Local transport is less frequent than in Port Blair, so arrange transport in advance in peak season.
Connectivity: Mobile signal is decent near the market and jetty but patchy at secluded beaches, and internet and hotel Wi-Fi are often slow. Carry cash, because card and online payments can be unreliable.
Insider tips: Download offline maps before you head to remote beaches, and carry a valid government photo ID.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 days | Day 1: ferry and check-in; Day 2: Kalapathar sunrise, then Elephant Beach | Day 1: Govind Nagar; Day 2: ferry back | Day 1: Radhanagar sunset |
| 3 days | Day 1: arrive and rest; Day 2: Elephant Beach; Day 3: Vijaynagar sunrise | Day 2: Neil’s Cove; Day 3: Nemo Reef dive | Day 1: Govind Nagar; Day 2: Radhanagar sunset; Day 3: ferry onward |
| 4 days | Add a Neil Island day trip on day 3 | Beaches and sunset at Laxmanpur | Return to Havelock by ferry |
For a full plan with hotels and transfers, see our andaman tour packages for family, honeymoon, scuba and budget trips.
Where to Stay in Havelock Island
Havelock has beach resorts on most of its coastline, from budget guesthouses to luxury villas. Choose the area that matches what you want to see.
| Area | Good For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Jetty and Govind Nagar | Convenience, restaurants, dive centres | Easy for arrival and departure days |
| Vijaynagar and Kalapathar | Sunrise, quiet east-coast stays | Resorts along a calm shoreline |
| Near Radhanagar | Sunset, quiet and luxury stays | Closest to the sunset beach, further from the jetty |
| Level | Typical Rate (per room per night) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | About ₹2000 | Book early in peak season |
| Mid-range | About ₹3500 | Most popular choice |
| Luxury | About ₹8000 | Check meal and transfer inclusions |
Rates are starting figures and rise in peak season.
Safety and Practical Tips for Havelock Island
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Cash | Carry enough cash for transport, food, lockers and small purchases |
| Ferries | Book early, arrive on time and keep a buffer day in case of cancellations |
| Swimming | Swim only in safe areas, follow lifeguard and operator instructions, and avoid swimming alone, as many beaches have no lifeguards |
| Dawn and dusk | Do not swim at dawn or dusk, and follow all warning signs |
| Reef protection | Do not touch, stand on or collect coral or shells |
| Sun and insects | Use sunscreen and a hat; carry repellent because sandflies can bother you on some beaches |
| Transport | Ride carefully and wear a helmet; arrange scooters and cabs in advance in peak season |
| Medical | A government health centre near the market handles basic treatment; carry your own medicines |
| Emergency | Dial 112 for police, fire or ambulance |
Frequently Asked Questions: Places to Visit in Havelock Island
What are the best places to visit in Havelock Island?
The best places are Radhanagar Beach, Elephant Beach, Kalapathar, Vijaynagar, Govind Nagar, Neil’s Cove and Nemo Reef, plus a day trip to Neil Island.
How many days do I need to see Havelock?
Plan at least 2 nights. Three nights lets you see the main beaches, add a dive or snorkeling trip and keep a spare day for weather.
Which place is best for sunset in Havelock?
Radhanagar Beach, where the sun sets over open sea. Arrive by about 3 PM and plan your return transport, because the beach closes at sunset.
Which place is best for sunrise in Havelock?
Kalapathar and Vijaynagar on the east coast. Leave before dawn and carry a torch.
Where can I snorkel in Havelock?
Elephant Beach is the most popular spot, and Neil’s Cove is a quieter option near the shore. Snorkeling starts from about ₹1000.
Is Nemo Reef good for beginners?
Yes. It is a shallow dive site with minimal currents, so it is a common choice for introductory dives. Book a certified operator and tell the instructor about any health conditions.
Is Neil’s Cove safe for swimming?
It is a calm, sheltered cove, but swimming is not allowed at dawn and dusk and you should follow all warning signs, including those about crocodiles. Do not swim alone.
Can I visit Radhanagar and Elephant Beach on the same day?
Yes. Go to Elephant Beach in the morning when the water is calmer, then reach Radhanagar by mid-afternoon for the sunset.
Can I visit Neil Island as a day trip from Havelock?
Yes, because the ferry takes 45 to 60 minutes, but the ferry timetable makes a day trip tight. One night on Neil is more comfortable.
Do I need a permit to visit places in Havelock?
The main beaches need no permit, but carry a valid government photo ID. South Button Island and Barren Island need special permits, so ask us before planning them.
How far is Havelock from Port Blair?
About 70 km. The ferry takes 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on the vessel, and a ticket starts at about ₹1600 per person.
Final Verdict: Places to Visit in Havelock Island
Havelock rewards a short trip. For most travelers the best plan is to stay 2 to 3 nights between October and April, watch the sunrise at Kalapathar, snorkel at Elephant Beach, have a quiet swim at Neil’s Cove, and finish with sunset at Radhanagar. Add a beginner dive at Nemo Reef or a Neil Island day trip if you have time, and always keep a spare day for weather.
Related Reading
- Plan your Havelock trip with 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.
