Havelock Island, also known as Swaraj Dweep, is one of the loveliest islands in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The word ‘Havelock’ means paradise and true to its name, this tropical destination is nothing short of a paradise. It’s known for its picture-perfect beaches, vibrant coral reefs, crystal-clear waters, spectacular sunsets and scuba-diving. So, if you are a beach lover, honeymooner, or an adventure seeker, this beautiful destination is an essential stop on your Andaman Islands holiday.
Table of Contents
Quick Overview Of Havelock Island
Official Name: Swaraj Dweep
Location: 41 km from Port Blair in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India
Total Area: 92.2 sq km
Famous For: White sandy beaches, crystal-clear water, and scuba diving.
Best Time To Visit: October to May
Ideal Duration: 2 to 3 days
Nearest Airport: Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ), Port Blair
How To Reach: Government Ferries (3 hrs), Private Ferries (2 hrs), Speed Boat (90 minutes) Helicopter Services (15-20 minutes) from Port Blair. Check service availability before planning.
Recommended For: Beach lovers, scuba divers, adventure seekers, families, honeymooners and solo travellers.
Top Places To Visit In Havelock Island
The best places to visit in Havelock Island, include Radhanagar Beach, Kalapathar Beach, Elephant Beach, Vijaynagar Beach, Govind Nagar Beach, scuba-diving sites and mangrove forest. Complete details of the same is listed below:
1. Radhanagar Beach – Most Popular One For Sunset Views
White sand with clear blue water and lush green surroundings makes Radhanagar Beach one of the most popular and gorgeous beaches in Havelock Island. Its blue sky transforms into shades of orange, purple and pink during sunset, hence make sure you are on time to catch the beautiful sunset views.
Distance From Havelock Jetty: 12 km
Things To Do: Sunbathing, watching the spellbinding sunset, enjoy leisurely walks, relax beneath the tropical trees and capture the beautiful landscape.
Facilities: Toilets, showers, changing rooms, lockers.
Best Time To Visit: Late afternoon (4:00pm to 6:00pm)
2. Kalapathar Beach – For A Peaceful Coastal Escape
Unlike other beaches, Kalapathar Beach is less crowded and has a quieter atmosphere. The beach gets its name from the distinctive dark rocks along the long stretches of white sandy beaches. Swimming may be unsafe during monsoons but the scenic landscape and peaceful vibe make Kalapathar Beach a perfect place for a peaceful coastal escape.
Distance From Havelock Jetty: 8 km
Things To Do: Sit back and watch the waves, catch a sunrise, enjoy the natural beauty, go on peaceful walks and nature photography.
Facilities: Public toilets without changing rooms, wooden chairs and hammock between trees.
Best Time To Visit: Early Morning (6:00am to 8:00am)
3. Elephant Beach – Paradise For Water Enthusiast
To experience the colourful marine life and to get the thrill of aquatic adventures, Elephant Beach is one of the best places to visit in Havelock Island. The shallow reef areas offer plenty of water-based experiences for travellers seeking adventure. Since the Elephant Beach is located in a secluded area the entire journey to reach the beach in itself is breathtaking.
Distance From Havelock Jetty: 9 km
Things To Do: Snorkelling, Scuba diving, Jet skiing, banana boat rides, glass-bottom boat rides and Sea walking.
Facilities: Toilets, changing rooms, lifeguards, lockers and small stalls.
Best Time To Visit: 9:00am to 3:00pm
4. Vijaynagar Beach – Best For Couples
Vijaynagar Beach, also known as Beach No. 5, is one of the best places to visit in Havelock Island for couples. The beach is particularly appealing to honeymooners because of its laid-back island atmosphere. It’s a great place to relax and have some quiet moments with your loved ones.
Distance From Havelock Jetty: 9 km
Things To Do: Leisurely beach walks, admire the coastal scenery, sunbathe and photography.
Facilities: Toilets without changing rooms, wooden swings and hammocks.
Best Time To Visit: Early Morning or late afternoon
5. Neil’s Cove – A Hidden Gem
Neil’s Cove is a beautiful cove which is just a ten-minute walk from the popular Radhanagar Beach. Not many people go to the place due to access restrictions. However, once you are there it’s coastal landscape with rocky formations, lush surroundings and clear water will open your eyes to a whole new world.
Distance From Havelock Jetty: 13 km
Things To Do: Explore scenic corners, photography and birdwatching.
Facilities: None of its own
Best Time To Visit: Early Morning (7:00am to 9:00am)
6. Govind Nagar Beach – Convenient Place For Diving And Sightseeing
People opt for Govind Nagar Beach as many hotels and resorts are located here. It also happens to be Havelock Island’s main hub for scuba diving. From resorts to restaurants, from diving centres to diverse marine life, everything is easily accessible here. Undoubtedly, Govind Nagar Beach is one of the top havelock sightseeing places.
Distance From Havelock Jetty: 3 km
Things To Do: Diving, leisurely strolls, exploring nearby cafés and seeing diverse marine life.
Facilities: Scuba Diving Centers, toilets, sun loungers, and garden seating areas.
Best Time To Visit: Morning/Evening
7. Mangrove Forest – Havelock’s Green Waterways
Apart from the open sea and sandy beaches, Havelock Island also has natural marvels to offer to its visitors. One such gorgeous place is the Mangroves, a natural waterway that winds through brackish waters and swamps. Roots from the dense canopy of trees spread unevenly creating a distinctive coastal ecosystem. Exploring these environments as you paddle through tranquil channels is one of the best things to do in Havelock Island.
Distance From Havelock Jetty: 9 km
Things To Do: Guided kayaking tour, birdwatching, night paddling and walking tours.
Best Time To Visit: Early Morning (4:30am to 6:00am)
8. Experience Island Life – Local Exploration
Beyond the main tourist and natural attractions, beachfront resorts, cafés, villages and markets are also a very important part of the Havelock Island experience. Start by choosing an accommodation near the beaches with great sea views and peaceful settings. Indulge in water activities and sample some fresh local food from cafés and roadside eateries. Moving around on your own and interacting with the locals will help understand the practical side of island life. Finally end the trip by shopping for locally made souvenirs from small shops, they really do help in strengthening the local communities.
Scuba Diving Sites In Havelock Island
Havelock Island is one of the best-known destinations for scuba diving, so good that it is called as the scuba diving capital of India. The perfect weather, visibility, diverse marine life, famous scuba diving sites and experienced instructors make diving one of the most memorable experiences on the island. Some Of The Best Dive Sites:
| DIVING SITE | LEVEL | BEST KNOWN FOR |
| Nemo Reef | Beginner | Shallow and calm, spotting of clownfish and parrotfish. |
| Aquarium | Beginner | Shallow reef, spotting of different kinds of fishes. |
| Turtle Bay | Beginner to intermediate | Shallow and deeper reef, vibrant coral ecosystems |
| Lighthouse | Beginner to intermediate | Night diving |
| Barracuda City | Intermediate | Spotting of reef fish and turtles. |
| The Wall | Intermediate | Dramatic reef and soft corals. |
| Johnny’s Gorge | Advanced | Deep-water dive site, soft corals, natural channels |
| Dixon’s Pinnacle | Advanced | Deep-sea scuba diving sites, stunning coral formations. |
Suggested 3-Day Havelock Island Itinerary
Day 1:
Morning — Arrival and check-in
Afternoon — Head to Radhanagar & Vijaynagar Beach
Evening— Catch a breathtaking sunset along with dinner.
Day 2:
Morning — Scuba Diving at Nemo Reef
Afternoon — seafood lunch and visit to Kalapathar Beach
Evening— Mangrove Kayaking night tour
Day 3:
Morning — Head to Elephant Beach for water activities.
Afternoon — Govind Nagar Beach
Evening— Shopping and beach front dinner.
Suggested Reads: 5 Pristine Beaches In India With Crystal Clear Water
Conclusion
Havelock Island is a paradise for beach lovers, honeymooners and families because of its scenic landscapes, relaxed atmosphere and peaceful vibes. And for thrill seekers, its exciting marine adventures like scuba-diving and snorkelling make it a destination to come back for more. So, if you are planning to travel as a couple, family, or solo, the many beautiful places to visit in Havelock Island will not disappoint. Do share your experience with us in the comment box below.
FAQs
Havelock Island is a 92.2 sq km island located in the Bay of Bengal within the Andaman and Nicobar Islands union territory of India.
The best time to visit Havelock Island is generally between October to March. The weather during these months is great for beach visits, water activities and sightseeing. April to May is also a great time to visit but the weather can get warmer during these months.
There are no roads, bridges, or airports connecting the two islands. The only way to reach Havelock Island (officially Swaraj Dweep) is by sea. Fly to the nearest airport (Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ) in Port Blair) and from there take a 15-20-minute taxi, auto-rickshaw, or bus to the jetty. From the jetty there are many government and private run ferries that depart to Havelock Island which would take about 2-3 hours to reach. Click Here to book your ferry.
With different modes of transportations like taxis, rental scooters, auto rickshaws, shared jeep and government buses, getting around Havelock Island is quite easy.
Choice of resorts vary from person to person. Couples may prefer a private resort, adventure enthusiasts may find it practical to stay near water activities, for families with kids, transport, comfortable rooms, and easy access to restaurants are top priorities. There are stays available for different travellers with different price ranges. Rates start from INR 1000 a night for a low-budget stay to INR 3000 for mid-budget stays and luxurious stays start from INR 25,000 for a night.
Scuba diving, kayaking, jet skiing, parasailing, boat rides, candlelight dinner and shopping are other important things to do in Havelock Island besides visiting the beaches.
With over 20 recognized dive sites, Havelock Island is widely considered the premier and best destination for scuba diving and snorkeling in India.
3 Nights / 4 Days is enough time to cover all major attractions and to indulge in water activities in Havelock Island.