Radhanagar Beach Guide
Radhanagar Beach Guide Havelock Island 2026: Best Time to Visit, Sunset Tips, How to Reach, Timings, Facilities, Swimming Safety, Where to Stay Nearby, What to Carry, and Insider Tips for First-Time Visitors
Radhanagar Beach, also called Beach No. 7, is the most famous beach in the Andaman Islands. It lies on the western coast of Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep), about 10 to 12 km from the jetty, and is known for its long stretch of fine white sand, clear shallow water, forest backdrop and sunsets. TIME magazine has named it among the best beaches in Asia, and it holds Blue Flag certification, an international label for clean water, safety and good environmental management.
This guide covers why the beach is famous, how to reach it, timings, the best time of year and day, facilities, swimming safety, what to carry, things to do and where to stay nearby. Radhanagar closes at sunset and has no water sports, so planning your timing matters more here than at most beaches.
Timings, rules and fares can change, so confirm current details with us before you travel, or browse our andaman tour packages for plans that include a Radhanagar sunset.
Quick Overview: Radhanagar Beach at a Glance
| Topic | Quick Facts |
|---|---|
| Location | Western coast of Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep), also called Beach No. 7 |
| Distance from the jetty | About 10 to 12 km, roughly 20 to 30 minutes by road |
| Timings | About 6 AM to 5 PM; visitors must leave at sunset |
| Entry fee | Free |
| Best for | Sunset, swimming in marked zones, long walks |
| Best time to visit | October to April, with some guides extending it to May |
| Best time of day | Late afternoon, arriving by about 3 PM, for sunset |
| Time needed | 2 to 3 hours |
| Swimming | Only in marked zones with lifeguards; never after sunset |
| Water sports | Not allowed at this beach; go to Elephant Beach instead |
| Facilities | Changing rooms, lockers, paid washrooms, stalls near the entrance and parking |
| Certification | Blue Flag, first awarded in 2020 |
Why Radhanagar Beach Is So Famous
Radhanagar earns its reputation from a combination of looks, cleanliness and sunsets that few other Indian beaches match.
- The beach itself: A long, wide curve of fine white sand with clear, shallow water, backed by tall forest rather than buildings.
- International recognition: TIME magazine has named it among the best beaches in Asia, and it appears on most lists of the best beaches in India.
- Blue Flag status: The certification, awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education in Denmark, is based on 33 criteria covering water quality, safety and services, environmental management and environmental education.
- Sunsets: The beach faces west with an open view over the sea, so the sun sets straight into the water.
- Natural setting: The forest behind the beach shelters birds and small wildlife, and the area feels calmer than the busier beaches on the east side.
How to Reach Radhanagar Beach
Most visitors fly into Port Blair and take a ferry to Havelock, which is about 70 km away. The crossing usually takes 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on the vessel (verify current schedules), and a ferry ticket from Port Blair starts at about ₹1600 per person. Havelock has no airport. From the jetty, Radhanagar is about 10 to 12 km away by road.
| Option | Cost | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chauffeured cab | From about ₹2,400 per day | 20 to 30 minutes | Most comfortable for families; self-drive cars are not available on the island |
| Scooter or bike | From about ₹500 per day | About 20 minutes | Good for small groups; avoid it in heavy rain |
| Government bus | About ₹30 (non-AC) to ₹50 (AC) each way (verify) | Up to an hour | Cheapest, but departures are infrequent; the first bus leaves the jetty early in the morning |
| Shared jeep | About ₹50 per person (verify) | 20 to 30 minutes | Runs without a fixed timetable |
Insider tips: Ask your hotel to arrange transport and a return pickup, because the last buses leave around sunset and taxis can be scarce when the beach empties.
Radhanagar Beach Timings and Best Time to Visit
The beach is open daily from about 6 AM to 5 PM, and visitors must leave at sunset for safety reasons. Lifeguards are on duty during opening hours.
Best time of year: October to April is best, when seas are calm and visibility is good. Some guides extend the season to May. In the monsoon, rough seas can restrict swimming and make the road and ferries unreliable.
| Season | Months (approx.) | What to Expect | Drawbacks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peak season | November to February | Dry weather, calm seas, clear water | Busy sunsets; book hotels and ferries early |
| Warm season | March to May | Hot and humid, seas often still good | Strong sun; showers can start by May |
| Monsoon | June to September | Rain, rough seas, lush green forest | Swimming limits, ferry and activity disruption |
| Transition | October | Settling weather, occasional showers | Unsettled early in the month |
Best time of day:
| Time of Day | What It Is Like |
|---|---|
| Early morning | Quiet, soft light, cooler for walks and birdlife |
| Midday | Hot and bright; good for a swim but with little shade |
| Mid-afternoon (about 3 PM) | The ideal time to arrive, get a good spot and swim before the crowd |
| Sunset (about 5 PM in winter) | Busiest and most beautiful; the beach empties soon after |
Facilities at Radhanagar Beach
| Facility | Details |
|---|---|
| Changing rooms and showers | Available near the entrance, with a small charge for some (verify) |
| Washrooms | Available, usually paid |
| Lockers | Available near the beach for a small daily fee (verify) |
| Food and drink | A few stalls and eateries near the entrance, so options are limited |
| Parking | Available near the entrance for cabs and scooters |
| Lifeguards | On duty during opening hours, with marked swimming zones and safety nets |
| Photographers | Local photographers often wait near the entrance and charge for photos |
| Water sports | None, because of the Blue Flag rules |
Radhanagar Beach Sunset Tips
Sunset is the main reason most visitors come, so a little planning makes a big difference.
- Arrive early: Reach the beach by about 3 PM, and no later than about 3:45 PM, so you have time to swim and find a spot before the crowd.
- Pick your spot: The central stretch of the beach gives the widest view. Walk along the shore to find a quieter patch.
- Check the time: In winter the sun sets at about 5 PM, so check the exact time for your date.
- Plan your exit: The beach closes at sunset and everyone leaves together, so book your return cab or scooter pickup in advance.
- Keep a spare evening: Cloud can hide the sunset, so do not leave Radhanagar to your last evening if sunset photos matter to you.
| Time | Plan |
|---|---|
| 2:30 PM | Leave your hotel with a towel, water and a change of clothes |
| 3:00 PM | Arrive, use the lockers and swim in the marked zone |
| 4:30 PM | Walk along the shore and take photos |
| About 5:00 PM | Watch the sunset |
| After sunset | Leave the beach and head back to your hotel |
Swimming Safety at Radhanagar Beach
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Marked zones | Swim only inside the marked areas, where lifeguards are on duty and safety nets are in place |
| After sunset | Do not swim after sunset. The beach closes and currents can be stronger in the dark |
| Distance from shore | Local guides advise staying close to the shore, because waves and currents get rougher further out |
| Children | Keep children at the water’s edge and within arm’s reach |
| Lifeguards | Follow their whistles and instructions, and leave the water when asked |
| Rough weather | Skip swimming in rough seas, heavy rain or when warning flags are up |
| Sun | Use sunscreen and a hat, and drink plenty of water, as shade is limited |
| Valuables | Use the lockers, and do not leave bags unattended on the sand |
| Marine life | Follow any warning signs, since conditions and wildlife warnings can change |
| Emergency | Dial 112 for police, fire or ambulance |
What to Carry to Radhanagar Beach
- Towel, swimwear and a dry change of clothes
- Sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses
- A refillable water bottle (the islands have strict plastic rules, so avoid single-use plastic)
- Snacks, since food stalls are limited
- Cash for lockers, washrooms, transport and photographers
- Insect repellent for sandflies
- A waterproof pouch for your phone and valuables
- A small bag you can leave in a locker
Things to Do at Radhanagar Beach
- Swim and relax: Enjoy the shallow, clear water inside the marked zones.
- Watch the sunset: The main event of the day.
- Walk the shoreline: Take a long walk along the sand, or follow the shore or forest trail towards Neil’s Cove.
- Take photos: The beach is one of the best photography spots on the island, especially in the late afternoon light.
- Watch for birds: The forest behind the beach is home to birds and small wildlife, best seen in the early morning.
- Combine with Elephant Beach: The forest trek to Elephant Beach begins on the road towards Radhanagar, so the two beaches work well on the same day. Plan the trek and tides carefully.
Where to Stay Near Radhanagar Beach
Staying near the beach means a short trip to sunset, but it is further from the jetty and the main market. Staying near the jetty is more convenient for arrival and departure days.
| Level | Typical Rate (per room per night) | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | About ₹2000 | Backpackers, short stays | Book early in peak season |
| Mid-range | About ₹3500 | Families, couples | Most popular choice |
| Luxury | About ₹8000 | Honeymoons, special occasions | Check meal and transfer inclusions |
Rates are starting figures and rise in peak season.
Insider tips: Choose a hotel on the Radhanagar side if sunsets are your priority, ask whether jetty transfers are included, and compare options inside our andaman tour packages, which bundle hotel, meals, taxi and sightseeing.
Frequently Asked Questions: Radhanagar Beach
Where is Radhanagar Beach?
It is on the western coast of Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep), about 10 to 12 km from the jetty. It is also called Beach No. 7.
What are the Radhanagar Beach timings?
The beach is open daily from about 6 AM to 5 PM, and visitors must leave at sunset. Confirm current timings before you go.
Is there an entry fee for Radhanagar Beach?
No, entry is free. Lockers, changing rooms and washrooms may carry a small charge.
What is the best time to visit Radhanagar Beach?
October to April is the best season. On the day, arrive by about 3 PM and stay for the sunset.
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.
Are water sports allowed at Radhanagar Beach?
No. The beach is Blue Flag certified and has no water sports. Go to Elephant Beach for snorkeling, jet ski and parasailing.
How do I reach Radhanagar Beach from the Havelock jetty?
By chauffeured cab (from about ₹2,400 per day), rented scooter (from about ₹500 per day), government bus or shared jeep. The drive takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Can I stay at Radhanagar Beach after sunset?
No. Visitors are asked to leave at sunset for safety reasons, so plan your return transport in advance.
How long should I spend at Radhanagar Beach?
Plan 2 to 3 hours, which is enough for a swim, a walk and the sunset.
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. Check boat timings and tides first.
Final Verdict: Radhanagar Beach
Radhanagar is worth the trip. It is a clean, Blue Flag beach with calm water, a long stretch of white sand and one of the best sunsets in India. Visit between October and April, arrive by about 3 PM, swim only in the marked zones, carry cash and water, and arrange your return transport before the beach closes at sunset.
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.
