Havelock Island

Havelock Island 

Located roughly 70 km northeast of Port Blair, Havelock Island, officially renamed Swaraj Dweep in 2018, is the largest tourist‑friendly island in the Andamans. Renowned for its pristine powder-white beaches, turquoise sea, and vibrant coral reefs, it is Asia’s ultimate beach destination.

Havelock is famous for its iconic beaches—Radhanagar (Beach No. 7), consistently named among Asia’s Best, Elephant Beach with its marine-rich snorkeling sites, and the photogenic Kalapathar Beach with rocky coastlines. The island offers a seamless blend of adventure, romantic getaways, and family relaxation, with modern amenities that respect the island’s serene pace.

Historical, Natural & Cultural Significance

Natural Importance

• Part of the Ritchie's Archipelago, Havelock boasts dense mangroves, evergreen forests, and rich marine biodiversity, including coral reefs, turtles, and tropical fish.
• Radhanagar Beach has earned the prestigious Blue Flag certification, signifying world-class environmental standards.

Cultural Relevance

• Originally named after British officer Havelock, the island was renamed Swaraj Dweep in honor of India’s independence movement in 2018.
• It hosts a melting pot of cultures—Bengali, Tamil, Karen—with local cuisine and village festivals reflecting rich community life.

 How to Reach Havelock Island

1. By Sea (Recommended)

• Private catamarans (Makruzz, Green Ocean, ITT Majestic, Aashi) offer 1.5–2.5 hour crossings from Port Blair’s/Haddo Jetty.
• Government ferries are economical but slower and must be booked in person early.
• Tip: Pre-book private ferries via Discover Andaman’s Ferry Booking.

2. By Air (Helicopter)

• Limited helicopter service via Andaman Civil Aviation links Port Blair and Havelock in ~20 minutes. Seats sell fast, so book early.

3. Local Transport on the Island

• Auto-rickshaws, taxis, bicycles, scooters, and e-bike rentals operate from Swaraj Dweep Jetty—ideal for reaching Havelock’s beaches and main villages.
• Jio and Airtel 4G are available, along with on-island ATMs, cafes, and co-working spaces.

Practical Tips:

• Seasonal access: Ferries and heli-rides may be canceled during monsoon (Jun-Sep).
• Permits: Foreign nationals need a valid Restricted Area Permit (RAP).
• Connectivity: Airtel and Jio offer the strongest networks.

 Things to Do on Havelock Island

1. Radhanagar Beach (Beach No. 7)

• Known for its soft white sand and spectacular sunsets, with Blue Flag eco-certification.
• Great for swimming, beach strolls, and peaceful relaxation.

2. Elephant Beach

• Accessible via speedboat or trek through the verdant jungle. Offers snorkeling, sea walking, and glass-bottom boat rides.

3. Kalapathar Beach

• A scenic, less crowded beach marked by dramatic dark rock formations—perfect at sunrise.

4. Scuba Diving & Snorkeling

• Multiple certified dive centers offer PADI courses, guided dives, and full-day diving packages.

5. Kayaking & Night Kayaking

• Paddle through mangroves or enjoy bioluminescent plankton tours at night.

6. Sea Walking & Parasailing

• Unique experiences at Elephant Beach include walking on the seabed and soaring above the bay.

7. Beach Trekking

• Trails connect beaches—Radhanagar to Kala Pathar to Elephant Beach—through forests and coastal scenery.

8. Photography & Bird Watching

• Ideal sunset vistas, shallow reefs, and wildlife features like kingfishers, herons, and sea turtles.

9. Relaxation & Nights Out

• Enjoy beachfront cafes and resorts like Something Different, Full Moon Café, Bonova, and Red Snapper.

 Best Time to Visit

 Facilities Available

•  Well-maintained restrooms & changing huts at the main beaches
•  Lifeguards are on duty at safe swimming zones
•  Food stalls, cafes & bars along beach roads
•  Rentals: Snorkel kits, scuba gear, kayaks, bikes
•  Paid parking near beaches
•  ATMs, WiFi hotspots, medical clinics, and local markets
•  Luxury/resort stays, eco-guest houses, and budget lodges exist island-wide.

 Important Tips for Visitors

Entry Fees & Permits

• Beaches are free, but camera permits apply for Blue Flag zones.
• Foreign visitors must carry valid RAP.

 Dos

• Use reef-safe sunscreen
• Respect wildlife—don’t feed or disturb
• Snorkel/diving with certified guides
• Take used water bottles with you—beaches enforce plastic-free policy

 Don’ts

• No loud music or drones without permission
• Avoid littering—rangers patrol beaches
• Don’t attempt restricted tribal areas

 What to Carry

• Lightweight clothes, swimwear, sun protection, towel
• Underwater camera, power bank, waterproof bag
• Comfortable footwear for treks and beach walks
• Valid ID, RAP, and ferry/heli confirmations

Consider booking a comprehensive Havelock Island tour or multi-island Andaman packages for a complete holiday

Discover Andaman Holidays Pvt. Ltd.

Phone: 7063955900 / 8001123888
Email: [email protected]

Let Discover Andaman Holidays Pvt Ltd take care of your travel, tours, transfers, and hotel bookings so you can focus on making unforgettable memories.