Havelock Island, now renamed Swaraj Dweep, located in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, is one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in India. Home to white sand beaches, colourful corals, and eye-locking sunsets, this island can single-handedly surpass all your expectations of nature’s beauty.
Reading ahead, you’ll find a comprehensive guide to these islands. It includes information about the places you do not want to miss while on a trip to Havelock. You’ll also get to know how and when to travel to this island.
Heads up: Airtel and BSNL are widely available networks in Havelock. Reliance Jio is continuously increasing its presence.
About Havelock Island
Havelock Island, now renamed Swaraj Dweep, is an island located in the Bay of Bengal. It is quite popular for its white-sand beaches and colourful corals. A part of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Havelock Island comes under the South Andaman district and is the top tourist destination of these islands. This island is in the league of popular international tourist destinations like the Maldives, Bali, etc.
Havelock Island hosts tourists from all parts of the world. Its Radhanagar beach is blue flag certified and is among the 12 blue flag beaches in India. At Radhanagar beach, you can witness some spectacular sunsets and enjoy some quality time.
The Nemo Reef near Havelock Island is among the crowd’s favourite dive spots. You should definitely book a dive, while on a visit to Havelock Island.
How to reach Havelock Island from Port Blair?
There are 2 ways you can reach Havelock Island: by air and by sea, given that you’re in Port Blair, the capital city of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. You can reach Port Blair by flight or ship. It is well connected with major Indian airports and ports.
How to reach Havelock Island by air?
Yes, there is a helicopter service from Port Blair to Havelock Island, but it should not be your preferred choice. The seats are extremely limited, and this service is typically used by locals in medical emergencies. Also, various government officials on duty travel by air. So it is highly unlikely that you’ll get a seat on the 9-seat aircraft. But you can definitely give it a shot.
How to reach Havelock Island by sea?
The best way to get to Havelock is by sea. There are many private and government ferries operating between Port Blair and Havelock Island. You can book either, but if you’re travelling for leisure, then you must book private cruise tickets as they’re more comfortable than their government counterparts.
Private Ferries to Havelock.
You can book tickets on one of five private cruises operating between Havelock and Port Blair. Their prices vary according to the class of seats you book, and they operate at different intervals during the day. Only the Coral Sea Cruise is operational during the night from Port Blair to Havelock.
Boarding point of private ferries at Port Blair
You will have to board your private ferry from Haddo Jetty, which is around 6 km from Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair. The jetty is usually crowded, so make sure you arrive early, at least an hour before the scheduled departure.
Boarding point of private ferries at Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep)
On your way back from Havelock, you will board your ferry from Havelock Ferry Ghat.
Schedule of private ferries from Port Blair to Havelock.
| S. No. | Ferry | Sector | Departure | Arrival |
| 1 | Makruzz | Port Blair to Havelock | 06:00 am, 08:00 am, 11:15 am, 02:00 pm | 07:30 am, 09:30 am, 12:45 pm, 03:30 pm |
| 2 | Green Ocean | Port Blair to Havelock | 06:40 am, 07:00 am, 01:00 pm, 01:15 pm | 09:00 am, 09:15 am, 03:00 pm, 03:30 pm |
| 3 | Nautika | Port Blair to Havelock | 07:30 am, 12:45 am | 08:45 am, 02:00 pm |
| 4 | Nautika Lite | Port Blair to Havelock | 06:30 am, 11:15 am | 08:45 am, 01:15 pm |
| 5 | ITT Majestic | Port Blair to Havelock | 09:00 am, 03:45 pm | 10:45 am, 05:30 pm |
Schedule of private ferries from Havelock to Port Blair.
| S. No. | Ferry | Sector | Departure | Arrival |
| 1 | Makruzz | Havelock to Port Blair | 08:00 am, 04:00 pm | 09:30 am, 05:30 pm |
| 2 | Green Ocean | Havelock to Port Blair | 09:15 am, 09:45 am, 03:15 pm | 12:45 pm, 12:45 pm, 06:00 pm |
| 3 | Nautika | Havelock to Port Blair | – | – |
| 4 | Nautika Lite | Havelock to Port Blair | 09:00 am, 03:45 pm | 10:45 am, 05:30 pm |
| 5 | ITT Majestic | Havelock to Port Blair | 10:30 am, 03:45 pm | 01:05 pm, 05:45 pm |
Note: Operation of ferries in Andaman & Nicobar Islands is subject to weather conditions.
How to book private ferry tickets to Havelock (Swaraj Dweep)?
You can easily book ferry tickets online. You can either visit the websites of each ferry operator and check for ticket availability, or you can ask us to book a ticket at no additional charge. Either way, it is better to book tickets well in advance.
If you are travelling for leisure, it is usually better to hire a travel agency, as they have good deals on tickets and can give you the best bang for your buck. They will also save you from the hassle of planning and keeping an account of everything so that you can actually enjoy your stay on these pristine islands.
What is the cost of private ferries to Havelock?
A private ferry ticket would cost you anywhere from INR 1000 to INR 3000, depending on the class of seats you book. Private ferries in Andaman have at least two seating classes.
If you’re a local resident (islander), you can enjoy concessional rates on limited seats on private ferries.
Government Ferries to Havelock.
Boarding point of government ferries at Port Blair.
The government ferries leave from Port Blair’s Phoenix Bay Jetty. Vehicles are not allowed inside, so you have to walk inside and clear the mandatory security checks.
Boarding point of government ferries at Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep).
Both private and government ferries use the Havelock Ferry Ghat as their dock. Reach early to avoid the crowd.
Schedule of government ferries to Havelock.
You can find the schedule of government ferries in Andaman on the Andaman administration’s website. The schedule is subject to change based on weather and administrative reasons, even at the last minute.
How to book government ferry tickets to Havelock (Swaraj Dweep)?
The ticket must be purchased in person at one of the STARS (Ship Ticket Advance Reservation System) ticket counters or a CSC (Common Service Center) in Andaman. You can find a list on the DSS (Directorate of Shipping Services) website.
The Stars ticket counters are open Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 12: 30 p.m. They are closed on Sundays and other holidays. You can only book tickets two days in advance.
You can also get an update or a status from the information counter at Pheonix Bay, Port Blair, on the numbers 0319224555, 03192232714, and 18003452714 (toll-free).
Government ferries are more economical compared to private ferries, but they are not as comfortable. Also, these cater to the locals of the islands, and at times it will be difficult for you to get a ticket. Also, it might not be possible for you to be physically present at these ticket counters, as planning a trip to the Andaman Islands should be done in advance. You should have everything booked beforehand and not leave anything for after you reach Port Blair.
Therefore, it is better to get in touch with a travel agent and save yourself the trouble.
What is the cost of government ferries to Havelock?
These tickets cost less when compared to private ferry tickets. They start at INR 770 for non-islanders, compared to INR 105 for islanders.
Which is the best ferry from Port Blair to Havelock?
Among all the ferries listed above, Makruzz is the most comfortable. But if ticket cost is a point of consideration for you, then go for Green Ocean or Sea Link. Both are economical and comfortable as well. Nautika and ITT Majestic are also great options, but their low frequency of operation might not match your journey schedule.
What is the best time to visit Havelock Island?
Year-round. Yes, you can visit Havelock Island whenever you want. You can expect a rush of fellow travellers from October to March. Other months will be less crowded.
Pro tip: Book your flight tickets 6 months in advance, if you want to enjoy cheap airfares. But if you’re visiting the islands in a few days/weeks, then contact a travel agent to get the best prices on air tickets. They book flight tickets in advance and can give you cheap flight tickets that will reduce your overall trip cost significantly.
What is the ideal duration of stay on Havelock Island?
This island can calm your soul and give you memories of a lifetime. 5 nights are more than enough for an enjoyable trip to the Havelock Islands. But if you wish to escape the hustle and bustle of your busy life, then you should consider staying longer.
There are a lot of places to visit and activities to experience in Havelock. You can choose to stay in hotels and resorts with world-class standards and enjoy delicacies not found elsewhere. Enjoy the pleasant weather of these islands and stay for as long as you like.
Places to visit on Havelock Island
a. Radhanagar Beach
Radhanagar beach on Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep) is one of India’s 12 blue flag beaches and has some amazing sunrises and sunsets and is a hotspot for travellers, especially during the evenings.
You will have to pay an entry fee here. This beach is litter-free and has designated changing rooms and toilets. There are lifeguards and no swimming zones on either side of the beach. The only place you can swim is between the two flag posts, beyond which the sea floor gets steep.
There are local eateries before the entrance. You can relish some wholesome local dishes here.
You can reach Radhanagar Beach by road. Board a bus from Havelock Jetty or hire a jeep. If you’re visiting via a travel agency, then they’ll drop you in an air-conditioned car. You can even rent a two-wheeler and drive yourself to the beach.
This beach has a lot of seats where you can relax and enjoy yourself. You can even trek to Neil’s Cove and Broken Tree Beach, located 15 minutes on the right and left sides of the beach, respectively. Just keep walking by the beach, and you will be there in no time.
b. Elephant Beach
The hub of water sports on Havelock Island, Elephant Beach is a favourite among travellers. It hosts the maximum number of water sports and activities available in the Andaman Islands, ranging from sea walk to parasailing. Indulge yourself and enjoy your visit to your heart’s content.
You can reach here either by taking a boat from Havelock jetty or by trekking through the reserved forest. Either way, make sure you have 4 to 5 hours to spend on Elephant Beach.
The trek is 2 kilometres from the above point. You should avoid it in the monsoon season, as it will be slippery and wet. Also, the forest is quite dense, so you don’t want to get lost. But rest assured, it is quite safe for travellers. Make sure to return before 4 p.m., as the beach closes by then. You can even hire a tour guide at the above map location for ease of travel.
Once you reach Elephant Beach, you’ll find a lot of water rides and activities to choose from. All of them are covered in the end section of this blog. Do your research and make the most of your time on this beach.
c. Kala Pathar Beach
A sunrise point, Kala Pathar Beach is for you if you are into relaxing by the ocean. The turquoise and calm water will soothe your soul. You can be at peace and let go of any tiredness from your travel. Some even argue that this is the best beach in Havelock.
There are no water activities here, as the beach is rocky. Swimming is not advised for the same reason. There are no resorts here either.
There is a market at the entrance where you can buy some souvenirs for yourself and your family or friends back home.
On the face of it, this beach might not sound fun, but I’ll let you in on a secret. If you’re a travel enthusiast and ready for a trek, you can visit the Laukik secret beach near Kala Pathar beach. The trek is around 2 km from Satya Resort and if you’re on a two-wheeler, you can easily reach there. But avoid it in the evening or if it rains.
d. Govind Nagar Beach
A sunrise and sunset point, Govind Nagar Beach is usually not as crowded as Radhanagar or Elephant Beach. You can enjoy the tranquilly of the ocean with some privacy. During low tide, the beach is rocky, the same as any other beach in Havelock. However, the water is at its most beautiful during high tides.
The Nemo Reef dive site is near Govind Nagar beach, and you’ll have to board a boat from here if you’re in Havelock for a boat/shore dive. It also hosts other activities, like snorkeling.
The beach has resorts that can arrange a beachside dinner for you. Take a morning walk or an evening stroll on this beach. You can take a lot of pictures and make memories.
e. Vijay Nagar Beach
A veil of coconut trees makes Vijay Nagar Beach look exotic. It is used as a private beach by many resorts. You can book a scuba dive with them. They will also arrange a beachside dinner for you on demand.
This white-sand beach is less crowded. You can watch the sunrise and sunset from this beach, as well as from your room if you stay at one of the nearby resorts. It is quite peaceful, and you can spend quality time here.
f. Inglis Island
A short boat ride away from Havelock is the uninhabited Inglis Island. Visiting this island needs a whole day. You will also have to carry your own food and water, as options here are limited. You’ll be chartering a boat, so choose to travel in a group if you can, but it is not mandatory.
Don’t miss out on the corals on Inglis Island. Scuba dive or snorkel to see the unrealistically colourful corals and fish on this island. Plan accordingly so that your dive shop or your resort can make the arrangements beforehand. You can also trek on this island.
Recommended Hotels & Resorts on Havelock Island
Hotels and resorts in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are to be carefully researched and considered before booking. They range from a couple thousand to thirty thousand and more per night. Each one has unique attributes and can give a whole different perspective to your trip. With a carefully chosen property, you can actually wake up in paradise.
After you have done your research, feel free to book your stay with us.
Luxury Hotels & Resorts on Havelock Island
Havelock Island’s (Swaraj Dweep) luxury hotels and resorts meet international standards. These are few in number, but well worth a visit. Choose one of these if the cost isn’t an issue and you’re on a luxury trip to Havelock.
a. Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Andamans
The brand Taj by TATA needs no introduction. With locations all over the world, it’s no surprise that a Taj resort can be found in Andaman.
With direct access to Radhanagar beach and lavishly curated rooms, Taj Exotica will give you the hospitality you won’t find elsewhere.
Each room is a massive villa in itself. The property has bicycles for you to ride and explore. There are separate playrooms for both kids and adults. With their infinity pool, you do not need to swim at the beach. They have many indoor activities like duck feeding, virtual games, a pool, and table tennis.
The food choices are great. Choose their all-inclusive package for the best experience.
b. Satya Resort, Havelock Island
Another luxury property in the Havelock Islands is the Satya Boutique Resort & Spa. Each of its private villas has a pool and a common area. They look over the forest and will give the privacy and peace that everybody looks for.
Less than a kilometre away is a secret beach. This property is tucked away in the forest, away from any crowd, so much so that the only cellular network you will find is BSNL. Just connect to the resort’s wifi, and you’ll be good to go.
c. Tilar Siro, Andamans – CGH Earth
Tilar Siro is one of the many resorts with beach access in Havelock. You can book rooms with a sea view or a garden view. It has a swimming pool and serves delicious food. They serve fresh seafood and need to be informed beforehand of your food choices. Overall, this environmentally-friendly property will make your stay memorable.
d. Jalakara
Amidst the forest lies another luxury sustainable property, Jalakara. The food, the ambience, and their courteous staff will make your stay pleasant. For your convenience, the beach is close by. This property has tower rooms with a view of the rainforest, a pond, and a private terrace deck with a panoramic view of the island. You will not want to miss the night sky from Andaman.
The resort has a pool and board games. You can also watch the sunset from your room’s deck.
Feel free to book any of the above resorts with us.
Premium Hotels & Resorts on Havelock Island
These premium properties are on par with the 3-star hotels you might find in tier 1 and tier 2 cities. They will give you value for your money. You can enjoy decent luxury at these premium resorts on Havelock Island.
a. Barefoot at Havelock
With private access to Radhanagar Beach, Barefoot is among the most popular and oldest properties in Havelock Islands. It serves delicious seafood and is nestled in the woods. The resort is spread over a decent-sized area, so you might have to walk between your room and the restaurant.
b. Bowfins Resorts
This property with spacious and clean rooms is a short walk from Radhanagar beach. Despite not having a swimming pool, this place reeks of nature with its backyard full of trees.
c. Munjoh Ocean Resort
Excellent hospitality and private beach access make it an obvious choice for travellers. You will feel at home at Munjoh Ocean Resort.
d. Sandyy Wavess Beach Resort
Sandyy Wavess Beach Resort will not disappoint with its delicious food, private beach access, and excellent swimming pool. The Kala Pathar beach will provide you with peace and tranquillity. Enjoy your mornings and evenings at this spectacular resort.
e. Coral Reef Hotel & Resort, Havelock
Spacious rooms, private beach access, and a pool with a bar will make your stay at the Coral Reef Hotel & Resort worthwhile. Enjoy the live evening music with your loved ones.
f. Aparupa Sands Marina Beach Resort
Located close to Havelock Ferry Ghat, this property has rooms with separate balconies, a pool, and private beach access. Their hospitality is commendable and definitely worth a shot.
g. De Foret
De Foret, almost made of wood, is among the prettiest properties here in Havelock. With great service, this resort has an in-house restaurant. Though a little far away from the crowd, De Foret can give you the privacy you need on a trip to a remote island.
h. Jungle Villa Resort & Spa
Located just metres from Havelock Ferry Ghat, Jungle Villa Resort & Spa, with its relaxed ambience, fountain, and music by the pool, can give you good value for money.
i. SeaShell, Havelock
Swimming pool, free jacuzzi, rooms with balconies and bathtubs, evening live music, on-site scuba diving shop This place has all that you need for a visit to Havelock Island.
j. Symphony Palms Beach Resort
A calm, serene resort with cottages overlooking the rocky beach. Mornings amidst greenery will surely make you never want to leave.
k. Aquays Hotels & Resorts, Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island)
Aquays Hotels & Resorts comes with great hospitality and a keen regard for visitors’ palates. The beach nearby will be a treat for your eyes.
l. White Coral Beach Resort
Watch the sunrise at White Coral’s private beach and treat yourself to delicious food. This resort will not disappoint you.
m. Haywizz Havelock Island Resort
At walking distance from Havelock Ferry Ghat, Haywizz Havelock Island resort has rooms with private pools. Mocktails at this resort are definitely a must-try. They can arrange photoshoots and candlelight dinners on demand.
n. Havelock Island Beach Resort
Located on Gobind Nagar Beach, this property will give you breathtaking views. If you’re a party person, you’re in for a ride. There is usually a DJ on the beach during the evenings.
o. Holiday N Holiday Beach Resort
Your stay on this property will be scenic. The rooms in this property have some mesmerising views. Being close to Havelock Jetty you can enjoy the mangroves.
You can book any of the above hotels with us.
Budget Hotels & Resorts on Havelock Island
a. Sundaze Beach Resort
With a private beach, Sundaze Beach Resort is an obvious choice if you’re tight on budget. With complimentary breakfast and delicious food, stargaze while lying on hammocks at this property situated near Havelock Jetty.
b. Havelock Exotic Beach Resort
With well-furnished rooms and cottages, Havelock Exotic Beach Resort lies on the expensive side of the budget category. Nonetheless, a mesmerising view, the private beach, tasty food, and courteous staff will make your stay worthwhile.
c. Sunrise Tourist Complex
As the name suggests, you can enjoy the sunrise from this budget beach resort itself. With a dining facility and airconditioned, neat, clean, and spacious rooms, this property is worth every dime.
d. Honey Moon Beach Resort
A budget property with a private beach, Honey Moon Beach Resort should be your choice if you are really tight on budget. Anyway, the food is good, and you can spend quality time on the beach.
e. Radhakrishna Resort
Among the best value-for-money resorts is the Radhakrishna Resort. They do not leave any stone unturned when it comes to hospitality. You can choose this place for your stay in Havelock without any regret.
f. Green Wood Beach Resort
Located right on Vijaynagar beach, the Green Wood Beach Resort has rooms and cottages for budget travellers. With good food, your stay here will be peaceful.
g. All Season Residency
All Season Residency, like hotels in metropolitan areas, is located near the market. With pretty rooms with bathtubs, this can be your stay in Havelock.
If you wish to stay at any other property not listed above, feel free to book a hotel/resort with us.
Things to do on Havelock Island
Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep) can keep you engaged all day long. You will have to choose when and where to spend your limited time on this island. There are both day and night activities, ranging from underwater diving and recreational kiting activities like parasailing to beachside dining and partying. The following section will help you make an informed decision so that you get the most out of your time.
Top Restaurants in Havelock Island
a. Bonova Cafe and Pub
Located inside SeaShell in Havelock, the Bonova Cafe is a wholesome experience. Bonova Cafe will not disappoint you with its excellent food (both vegetarian and non-vegetarian), music, drinks, and friendly staff. With Top on our dining list, it becomes a must-visit on Havelock Island.
b. Something Different – A Beachside Cafe
Located a little off-road is Something Different: A Beachside Cafe. This place with a unique ambience is usually jam-packed in the evenings. It has delicious food and ample space for you to enjoy. It also has a free pickup and drop facility. If you’re planning to visit this place, then arrive a little early. It has a private beach for you to chill out on.
c. Full Moon Cafe
Located inside Blue Waves Resort by the beach is the peaceful Full Moon Cafe. Try visiting this place during the day to enjoy the beach view. While they don’t serve alcohol, the food is great. Also, the cottages at this resort are cheap and worth considering.
d. Fat Martin
An economical option to satisfy your palate is the Fat Martin located on Vijaynagar Beach 5. The dishes served here are great. Fat Martin definitely has its fans, and you might become one too.
e. Anju Coco Resto
Anju Coco Resto is a spacious dine-out property located on Beach No. 5. Their thali is a must-have. Overall, it is a luxurious restaurant and another must-visit on Havelock Island.
f. Red Snapper
Red Snapper is a popular resto-bar inside The Wild Orchid Resort. With delicious food, a soothing ambience, and a sea view, it is an obvious choice for travellers.
g. B3 Barefoot bayside brasserie
With a seating area facing the bay and hence the stunning view, B3 Barefoot bayside brasserie is an extension of the Barefoot Resort. With great food, it becomes a pit stop for travellers en route to Elephant Beach.
h. Golden Spoon
Among the best places to eat on Havelock Island is the Golden Spoon. They keep fresh crabs and lobsters and cook them on demand. Their unique dishes will leave you wanting more.
i. kathmandu restaurant
Comparatively economical, the Kathmandu restaurant is among the crowd’s favourite seafood restaurants. A no-frills restaurant with Israeli dishes. You won’t regret dining here.
j. Cafe 4
With great ambience comes Cafe 4, a new and modern cafe. With a wide variety of options and games to keep you engaged, Cafe 4 will not disappoint.
k. Famous Seafood Restaurant
With delicious seafood at nominal prices, this restaurant on Vijay Nagar Beach 5 is a great place to savour some seafood. Even with limited items on its menu, this place will leave you wanting for more.
Cruise
a. Barren Island Trip
India’s only active volcano, Barren Island is unique to Havelock. You can charter a cruise for yourself or book a cabin on Coral Sea Cruise to visit Barren Island. This trip will take you at least a day. You can even fish for giant fish if you charter a boat.
b. Game Fishing
Among the most sought-after activities is game fishing. Game fishing enthusiasts from all over the world travel to Havelock Island for fishing expeditions. It will cost a lot less if you’re in a group, but you can definitely book this solo. You will find a booking link on our website.
c. Private Charter
Say goodbye to standing in a line to board a ferry. You can charter a boat for yourself or for your group to and fro between Port Blair, Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep) and Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep). It gives the privacy and luxury you might be looking for when travelling with family or friends.
d. Sunset Cruise
Watching a golden sunset on a cruise with your loved one, trust me, it hardly gets any better. This might also be the perfect moment you propose. Book a sunset cruise and make memories you will cherish forever.
e. Premium Snorkeling
Avoid the crowds and snorkelling limits on the public beach. Try premium snorkelling around Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep) and have an experience of a lifetime.
f. Cruise Photoshoot
Who doesn’t want good pictures on their special day? A photoshoot on a cruise will make your day even more special. With changing room facilities onboard, a cruise photoshoot might just be what you’re looking for.
g. Long Island and South Button Island Trip
It is difficult for some to believe that such places exist. These islands are a treat to the eyes. With pristine beaches and soul-touching peace, a trip to Long Island and South Button Island will be unforgettable.
Water Sports & Activities
a. Scuba Diving
b. Sea Walk
c. Parasailing
d. Kayaking
e. Snorkeling
f. Jetski
g. Glass bottom boat ride
h. Banana Ride
i. Seaplane ride
j. Disco Ride
k. Rocket Ride
l. Sofa Ride
m. Standing Ride
n. Black Eye Ride
o. Andaman Dolphin Ride
Havelock Island stands as a true gem in the Andaman archipelago. From thrilling water sports to peaceful sunsets, the island offers something for every traveler. Immerse yourself in the rich marine life, explore hidden coves, or simply unwind on the white sandy beaches.
Havelock Island captivates with its natural beauty and tranquil ambiance, making it an idyllic getaway for nature enthusiasts and beach lovers alike. With its untouched charm and warm hospitality, Havelock Island promises an unforgettable escape from the ordinary.
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