Havelock Island

Overview

Havelock, officially renamed Swaraj Dweep but still called Havelock by everyone, is the main stop on most Andaman trips. You reach it only by sea, on a 1.5 to 2.5 hour ferry from Port Blair. The island is long and low, with a single main road linking the jetty, the village areas and the beaches. Most people come for Radhanagar Beach (Beach No. 7), reef snorkelling or a first scuba dive at Elephant Beach, and slow evenings in beach-road cafés. October to May is the usual window. Monsoon months (roughly June to September) bring rough seas, ferry disruptions and some closed activities. Indian citizens only need a valid photo ID, but rules can change, so confirm on the official Andaman administration or tourism site before you travel.

Best time to visit

1. ●Jan
2. ●Feb
3. ●Mar
4. ●Apr
5. ◐May
6. ✕Jun
7. ✕Jul
8. ✕Aug
9. ✕Sep
10. ◐Oct
11. ●Nov
12. ●Dec

● best time · ◐ okay · ✕ best avoided (Jun–Sep)

How to reach

• Fly to Port Blair first

  Flights vary widely by season and city; check before you go

  Havelock has no airport, so fly to Port Blair (Sri Vijaya Puram) airport and go to Haddo Jetty, where the ferries leave. Most Indian travellers connect through Chennai, Kolkata or Visakhapatnam. Plan for the morning Havelock ferry, or book a Port Blair night if your flight lands late.

• Private ferry, Port Blair to Havelock

  Approx. ₹1,000–3,600 per person one way, depending on operator and class

  Makruzz, Nautika and Green Ocean run this route, with sailings from early morning to early afternoon. Makruzz and Nautika take about 1.5 hours and Green Ocean about 2 hours 15 minutes. Book ahead in peak season. Sailings change by season and weather, so confirm times on the operator's site.

• Government ferry (budget option)

  Approx. ₹800–1,000 per person one way

  The Directorate of Shipping Services runs a slower, plainer ferry of about 2 to 2.5 hours. It is the cheapest way across. Tickets are usually sold through the official e-ticketing system and counters, often only a few days ahead, so keep your dates flexible. Seats can sell out in peak weeks.

• Seaplane and helicopter

  Check current availability and fares

  Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) is listed among the water aerodromes under the UDAN scheme, and Pawan Hans runs subsidised helicopter links on some Andaman routes. Services and eligibility change, so treat these as extras to check before you go. Don't build your trip around them.

• Getting around the island

  Cabs from about ₹450 for short trips; scooters from about ₹700 / day

  Distances are short. Radhanagar Beach is about 10 to 12 km from the jetty, roughly 20 to 30 minutes. Rent a scooter for flexibility, hire a cab for short hops, or share autos between the village areas. Carry your licence and ID for scooter rentals.

Where to stay

• Budget rooms and hostels

  ₹1,500–4,000 / night (estimate)

  Basic guesthouses and a few backpacker-style stays cluster around the village areas and Govind Nagar. Expect simple rooms, fans or AC, and variable hot water. Book early for December to February, and ask about jetty pickup.

• Mid-range beach resorts and cottages

  ₹4,000–9,000 / night (estimate)

  This is the biggest category, with cottage-style resorts near Govind Nagar and the Radhanagar side. Breakfast is often included. Staying on the Radhanagar side saves travel time for sunset but means fewer food options within walking distance.

• Luxury resorts

  ₹12,000+ / night (estimate)

  A handful of upscale resorts sit on forest or beachfront plots, mostly on the quieter side of the island. They suit couples and short, relaxed trips. Rates jump sharply in peak season.

• How to choose where to stay

  Peak season: December to February

  Pick a base near Govind Nagar if you want cafés and easy walks. Pick the Radhanagar side if the beach and sunsets are your priority. Monsoon visits mean lower rates but a real risk of cancelled boats, so check refund terms.

Things to do

• Radhanagar Beach at sunset or early morning

  Free entry; small parking or locker charges possible

  A wide, forest-backed beach with a Blue Flag certification. Most people arrive around 3 to 4 pm for sunset and the crowd follows. Early mornings are far quieter. Swim only in lifeguarded areas, and note that swimming after sunset is not permitted.

• Snorkelling at Elephant Beach

  Shared boat and snorkel roughly ₹1,200–2,500

  Boats run from the jetty area, and the beach has shallow reefs close to shore. Speedboats usually stop by early afternoon, so go in the morning. Some operators say the beach can be closed during monsoon or by administrative order, so confirm before booking.

• Try a first scuba dive

  Roughly ₹3,500–6,500 per person

  Beginner 'discover scuba' dives need no certification, and reputable shops use PADI or SSI instructors. Ask about group size, instructor ratio and whether photos are included. March to May is often the calmest sea for diving.

• Kalapathar Beach at first light

  Free

  A quieter stretch on the east side with dark rocks and good morning light. It pairs well with a sunrise start before heading to Radhanagar later. Good for photographs.

• Slow café evenings

  Light dinner ₹400–800 per person (estimate)

  After sunset, wander the village roads near Govind Nagar for cafés, small shops and seafood. A scooter helps after dark because the roads are quiet and lightly lit.

Food

• Seafood at beach-road restaurants

  ₹600–1,500 per person (estimate)

  Fresh fish, prawns and crab are the island's strength. Prices vary a lot, so ask for the weight and rate of the catch before ordering. Many places close early outside peak season.

• North Indian and Bengali thalis

  ₹150–400 per meal (estimate)

  Because many visitors and workers have roots in Bengal and the mainland, simple thali meals and fish curry are easy to find at small family restaurants. These are the best-value meals on the island.

• Cafés and bakeries

  ₹300–800 per person (estimate)

  A few cafés serve coffee, smoothies, pancakes and wood-fired pizza for travellers who want something different. Menus change often, so ask your hotel for current favourites.

• Eating tips

  Check before you go

  Carry cash for small eateries, because card machines and UPI can fail when the network drops. Pack water bottles to reduce plastic, since single-use plastic is discouraged.

Safety & permits

Permits & entry

• Indian citizens

  No fee reported for tourist islands

  Indian nationals generally need no special permit for Havelock and the main tourist islands. Carry a valid government photo ID such as Aadhaar, voter ID or passport for hotel check-in and travel. Rules can change, so confirm on the official Andaman and Nicobar administration or tourism site before you go.

• Restricted and tribal areas

  Permission for restricted areas is generally not given for tourism

  The Nicobar group and tribal reserve areas are not open to normal tourism, and reserved forests, sanctuaries and defence areas can need separate permission. Do not try to visit any restricted island or tribal reserve. Confirm what is open on the official site.

• Foreign nationals travelling with you

  Sources disagree on details; verify

  Sources agree that most nationalities currently get a free Restricted Area Permit on arrival at Port Blair, valid about 30 days, but they differ on details such as the exemption end date and which nationalities need prior approval. Foreign guests should check with the Indian mission, FRRO or the official Andaman tourism site.

• Beach and environment rules

  Confirm current rules locally

  Drones need prior permission from local authorities. Drinking alcohol on the beach is prohibited, and plastic restrictions apply. Never collect coral or shells. Rules change, so confirm on the official site and follow local signs.

Places in Havelock Island

Tips & questions

Quick tips, questions and photos from people who've been — or are going.

Reviews & tips