Beach on Havelock Island, Andaman
Home/Travel Guides/Havelock Island
Island guide
Swaraj Dweep

Havelock Island Guide: Beaches, Diving and How to Plan It Right

Everything you need for Havelock in one place: which beaches are worth it, how the ferries work, where to stay, and the local advice that saves you time on the island.

EA
Eternal Andamans Travel Desk
Local travel planners, Port Blair
Published 16 Sep 2026
Updated 16 Sep 2026
10 min
read

Havelock in a nutshell

Best forCouplesFamiliesFirst-time diversBeach lovers
Official name
Swaraj Dweep
From Port Blair
1.5 to 3 hrs by ferry
Ideal stay
2 to 3 nights
Ferry tickets
Book early in peak season
Famous for
Radhanagar Beach
Top activity
Scuba and snorkelling
Getting around
Scooter, cab or cycle
Money
Few ATMs, carry cash
Best time to visit
October to May
December to February is most comfortable. Expect rough seas in the monsoon.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best weather
Good, warmer or some showers
Monsoon, rough seas
Photo gallery
Tap a photo or use your arrow keys
Havelock's white sand beaches
1 / 6
Havelock's white sand beaches
Havelock's white sand beachesClear, shallow water along the coastSnorkelling over the reefTry scuba diving with an instructorIsland days in the AndamansSlow evenings by the sea
Planning Havelock with someone? Share this guide
Key takeaways
  • Give Havelock at least 2 nights; 3 if you want to dive
  • Book private ferry seats early in peak season
  • Radhanagar for sunset, Elephant Beach for snorkelling, Kalapathar for sunrise
  • Carry cash and download tickets before leaving Port Blair
  • Swim only where lifeguards and flags say it is safe
01Why Havelock1 min read

Why Havelock is on almost every Andaman trip

Havelock, officially Swaraj Dweep, is the island most people picture when they think of the Andamans: long white beaches, clear water and thick forest right behind the sand.

It is also the easiest island to enjoy. There are stays for every budget, plenty of cafes, and most of the dive schools in the Andamans. Yet it still feels relaxed once you step away from the jetty area.

02Getting there1 min read

Getting to Havelock by ferry

There is no airport or bridge, so everyone arrives by sea from Port Blair, or from Neil if you are island hopping. You have two kinds of ferry to choose from.

Private ferries

Most popular
  • Faster, usually around 1.5 to 2 hours
  • Air-conditioned seating
  • Book ahead in peak season

Government ferries

Budget
  • Cheaper, but slower at around 2.5 to 3 hours
  • Basic seating
  • Seats can sell out quickly
Local tip

Plan your hotel check-in around the ferry, not the other way round. Morning sailings give you a full first afternoon on the island.

03Best beaches2 min read

The best beaches on Havelock

Havelock's beaches are numbered as well as named, which is handy when talking to drivers. These are the ones worth your time.

1

Radhanagar Beach

Beach No. 7 · West coast

A wide curve of fine sand backed by tall trees, and often ranked among the best beaches in Asia. Come in the late afternoon and stay for sunset.

SunsetFamiliesPhotography
2

Elephant Beach

Reached by boat or forest trail

Shallow reef close to shore makes this the easy spot for snorkelling, sea walking and other water activities.

SnorkellingWater sportsHalf day
3

Kalapathar Beach

East coast

Named after its black rocks, with turquoise water and a quiet road running alongside. One of the best places for sunrise.

SunriseQuiet
4

Vijaynagar Beach

Beach No. 5 · East coast

A calm stretch lined with resorts, good for slow mornings and long walks when the tide is out.

CouplesLow tide walks
Clear shallow water on Havelock Island
Clear, shallow water on Havelock's east coast. Photo: Eternal Andamans
04Things to do1 min read

Things to do beyond the beach

Mix one or two water activities with lazy time. Havelock is best enjoyed without an overpacked schedule.

Underwater

Try scuba diving

Beginner try dives with an instructor are common, and no prior experience is needed.

Easy

Snorkel the reefs

Elephant Beach is the simplest option, with gear and guides available on site.

Nature

Kayak the mangroves

Guided kayak trips paddle through calm mangrove creeks, some timed for sunrise.

Slow down

Cafe hop by scooter

Rent a scooter or cycle and explore the island's small cafes and quiet roads.

“On Havelock, the ferry sets the pace. Plan around it and the island takes care of the rest.”
Eternal Andamans Travel Desk
05Where to stay1 min read

Where to stay on Havelock

The island is small, but where you stay changes how your days feel.

Near the jetty
Beaches No. 1 to 3

Most convenient for ferries, with more cafes, shops and budget stays close by.

Vijaynagar
Beach No. 5

Calmer, with many beachfront resorts. A good middle ground for couples and families.

Radhanagar side
Beach No. 7

Quietest and closest to the famous beach, with fewer places to eat nearby.

Want stays and ferries sorted together?
We match hotels to your ferry timings.
Plan my Havelock trip
062-day plan1 min read

A simple 2-day Havelock plan

A relaxed plan that works for most first-time visitors. Swap days around your ferry times.

Day 1

Arrive and catch the sunset

  • Morning ferry from Port Blair and hotel check-in
  • Lunch and a slow afternoon
  • Late afternoon at Radhanagar Beach for sunset
Day 2

Reefs and quiet beaches

  • Morning boat to Elephant Beach for snorkelling
  • Afternoon rest or a cafe run by scooter
  • Optional evening at Kalapathar or Vijaynagar
Day 3, optional

Dive, then move on

  • Early try dive or kayak trip
  • Ferry onward to Neil Island or back to Port Blair
07Safety and tips1 min read

Safety and local tips

  • ATMs are few and can run out of cash, so carry enough from Port Blair
  • Mobile data works but can be slow; download tickets and maps in advance
  • Use reef-safe sunscreen and never stand on or touch coral
  • Carry your driving licence if you plan to rent a scooter
  • Reach the jetty early, as check-in closes before departure
Swim safely

Sea conditions change. Swim only in marked areas, follow lifeguard flags and instructions, and avoid swimming at dusk or after dark.

08FAQs2 min read

Havelock FAQs

Is Havelock the same as Swaraj Dweep?+
Yes. Havelock Island was officially renamed Swaraj Dweep in 2018, but most people, ferries and hotels still use both names.
How many days do I need on Havelock?+
Two nights covers the main beaches and one water activity. Stay three nights if you want to dive or simply slow down.
Can non-swimmers try snorkelling or scuba?+
Usually yes. Beginner try dives are run with an instructor, and snorkelling guides provide life jackets. Operators may ask about your health before you go in.
Do I need a permit to visit Havelock?+
Indian citizens do not need a permit. Foreign nationals should check the current entry rules for the Andaman Islands before travelling.
When is the best time to visit Havelock?+
October to May, with December to February usually the most comfortable. The monsoon from June to September brings rough seas and possible ferry cancellations.
EA
Written by
Eternal Andamans Travel Desk

A Port Blair based team planning Andaman trips since 2015. We update this guide when ferries, rules or prices change.

More from this author
Published 16 Sep 2026 · Last updated 16 Sep 2026
Photo gallery
Tap a photo or use your arrow keys
Havelock's white sand beaches
1 / 6
Havelock's white sand beaches
Havelock's white sand beachesClear, shallow water along the coastSnorkelling over the reefTry scuba diving with an instructorIsland days in the AndamansSlow evenings by the sea
Planning Havelock with someone? Share this guide
Key takeaways
  • Give Havelock at least 2 nights; 3 if you want to dive
  • Book private ferry seats early in peak season
  • Radhanagar for sunset, Elephant Beach for snorkelling, Kalapathar for sunrise
  • Carry cash and download tickets before leaving Port Blair
  • Swim only where lifeguards and flags say it is safe

Why Havelock is on almost every Andaman trip

Havelock, officially Swaraj Dweep, is the island most people picture when they think of the Andamans: long white beaches, clear water and thick forest right behind the sand.

It is also the easiest island to enjoy. There are stays for every budget, plenty of cafes, and most of the dive schools in the Andamans. Yet it still feels relaxed once you step away from the jetty area.

Getting to Havelock by ferry

There is no airport or bridge, so everyone arrives by sea from Port Blair, or from Neil if you are island hopping. You have two kinds of ferry to choose from.

Private ferries

Most popular
  • Faster, usually around 1.5 to 2 hours
  • Air-conditioned seating
  • Book ahead in peak season

Government ferries

Budget
  • Cheaper, but slower at around 2.5 to 3 hours
  • Basic seating
  • Seats can sell out quickly
Local tip

Plan your hotel check-in around the ferry, not the other way round. Morning sailings give you a full first afternoon on the island.

The best beaches on Havelock

Havelock's beaches are numbered as well as named, which is handy when talking to drivers. These are the ones worth your time.

1

Radhanagar Beach

Beach No. 7 · West coast

A wide curve of fine sand backed by tall trees, and often ranked among the best beaches in Asia. Come in the late afternoon and stay for sunset.

SunsetFamiliesPhotography
2

Elephant Beach

Reached by boat or forest trail

Shallow reef close to shore makes this the easy spot for snorkelling, sea walking and other water activities.

SnorkellingWater sportsHalf day
3

Kalapathar Beach

East coast

Named after its black rocks, with turquoise water and a quiet road running alongside. One of the best places for sunrise.

SunriseQuiet
4

Vijaynagar Beach

Beach No. 5 · East coast

A calm stretch lined with resorts, good for slow mornings and long walks when the tide is out.

CouplesLow tide walks
Clear shallow water on Havelock Island
Clear, shallow water on Havelock's east coast. Photo: Eternal Andamans

Things to do beyond the beach

Mix one or two water activities with lazy time. Havelock is best enjoyed without an overpacked schedule.

Underwater

Try scuba diving

Beginner try dives with an instructor are common, and no prior experience is needed.

Easy

Snorkel the reefs

Elephant Beach is the simplest option, with gear and guides available on site.

Nature

Kayak the mangroves

Guided kayak trips paddle through calm mangrove creeks, some timed for sunrise.

Slow down

Cafe hop by scooter

Rent a scooter or cycle and explore the island's small cafes and quiet roads.

“On Havelock, the ferry sets the pace. Plan around it and the island takes care of the rest.”
Eternal Andamans Travel Desk

Where to stay on Havelock

The island is small, but where you stay changes how your days feel.

Near the jetty
Beaches No. 1 to 3

Most convenient for ferries, with more cafes, shops and budget stays close by.

Vijaynagar
Beach No. 5

Calmer, with many beachfront resorts. A good middle ground for couples and families.

Radhanagar side
Beach No. 7

Quietest and closest to the famous beach, with fewer places to eat nearby.

Want stays and ferries sorted together?
We match hotels to your ferry timings.
Plan my Havelock trip

A simple 2-day Havelock plan

A relaxed plan that works for most first-time visitors. Swap days around your ferry times.

Day 1

Arrive and catch the sunset

  • Morning ferry from Port Blair and hotel check-in
  • Lunch and a slow afternoon
  • Late afternoon at Radhanagar Beach for sunset
Day 2

Reefs and quiet beaches

  • Morning boat to Elephant Beach for snorkelling
  • Afternoon rest or a cafe run by scooter
  • Optional evening at Kalapathar or Vijaynagar
Day 3, optional

Dive, then move on

  • Early try dive or kayak trip
  • Ferry onward to Neil Island or back to Port Blair

Safety and local tips

  • ATMs are few and can run out of cash, so carry enough from Port Blair
  • Mobile data works but can be slow; download tickets and maps in advance
  • Use reef-safe sunscreen and never stand on or touch coral
  • Carry your driving licence if you plan to rent a scooter
  • Reach the jetty early, as check-in closes before departure
Swim safely

Sea conditions change. Swim only in marked areas, follow lifeguard flags and instructions, and avoid swimming at dusk or after dark.

Havelock FAQs

Is Havelock the same as Swaraj Dweep?+
Yes. Havelock Island was officially renamed Swaraj Dweep in 2018, but most people, ferries and hotels still use both names.
How many days do I need on Havelock?+
Two nights covers the main beaches and one water activity. Stay three nights if you want to dive or simply slow down.
Can non-swimmers try snorkelling or scuba?+
Usually yes. Beginner try dives are run with an instructor, and snorkelling guides provide life jackets. Operators may ask about your health before you go in.
Do I need a permit to visit Havelock?+
Indian citizens do not need a permit. Foreign nationals should check the current entry rules for the Andaman Islands before travelling.
When is the best time to visit Havelock?+
October to May, with December to February usually the most comfortable. The monsoon from June to September brings rough seas and possible ferry cancellations.
EA
Written by
Eternal Andamans Travel Desk

A Port Blair based team planning Andaman trips since 2015. We update this guide when ferries, rules or prices change.

More from this author
Published 16 Sep 2026 · Last updated 16 Sep 2026
01Now readingWhy Havelock
Plan with locals

Let us plan your Havelock days for you

Tell us your dates. We line up ferries, a stay in the right part of the island and the activities you actually want.

Ferry timings and hotels matched
No advance needed to get a quote
A local team reachable during your trip
Get a Havelock plan
Takes under a minute to fill in.
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
We usually reply the same day
Eternal Andamans
We are a local operator, not a booking site. Send your dates and we will tell you what actually works, including the parts that make us less money.
Asked most often
Best months to visit
Nov to Apr
Minimum trip worth taking
6 nights
Book ferries how far ahead
2 to 3 weeks
Office
Port Blair, South Andaman
Walk in and talk to us. We are on the island, not in a call centre.
Email
contact@eternalandamans.com
Send dates and group size and we will do the rest.
B2b / CORPORATE INQUIRIES
b2b@eternalandamans.com
B2B Agent Portal SIGNUP/LOGIN
Eternal Andamans
Based in Port Blair since 2015. We own our dive and kayak centres and employ our own guides, so nothing you book gets handed to a third party.
Tripadvisor Travellers Choice 2026
Travellers' Choice, 2022–2026
Five consecutive years on Tripadvisor
ETERNAL ANDAMANS
© 2015–2026 Eternal Andamans.Tour operator & Nicobar Islands.
Call Button