TBD · Ritchie's Archipelago
Havelock Island Travel Guide — Budget Andaman Escape
Best months
Per-day budget
₹2,400–8,200/day
Getting there
Havelock Island, now officially called Swaraj Dweep, is the most popular island in the Andaman archipelago. It has the white sand beaches, turquoise water and coral reefs that rival those of Thailand and Indonesia, at lower prices for most activities. Radhanagar Beach, regularly ranked among Asia's best, is the main draw — a long arc of white sand backed by forest, with water so clear you can see the sand ripples at chest depth. The island is also one of the cheapest places in the world to get PADI scuba-certified, with open water courses costing roughly half of what they do in Goa or Southeast Asia. The vibe on Havelock is beach-casual — bicycles and scooters on sandy roads, beachside shacks serving fresh seafood, and very little nightlife beyond bonfires.
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Why go
Radhanagar Beach is the centrepiece — a 2 km stretch of white sand with clear, shallow water perfect for swimming. Kalapathar Beach, at the southern end of the island, is quieter and has a rocky shoreline. Elephant Beach, accessible by boat from the jetty, has excellent snorkelling right off the beach with coral and fish visible a few metres from shore. The island has a small set of cafes and restaurants near the jetty and along the main road. The pace is slow and the main activity is moving between beaches and hammocks. For a memorable extra, book a bioluminescence kayaking trip on a new-moon night — the water glows with plankton as you paddle.
Scuba diving is the adventure highlight of Havelock. Several dive shops near the jetty offer PADI Open Water courses for ₹15,000-20,000 — a fraction of what you would pay in Goa, Thailand or Australia. Discover Scuba Diving (introductory dives for beginners who are not ready for a full course) costs ₹4,000-6,000. The dive sites around Havelock — Lighthouse, Aquarium and The Wall — have healthy coral, sea turtles, rays and diverse reef fish. Snorkelling at Elephant Beach is the budget alternative at ₹1,500-3,000 including boat transfers. Kayaking through the mangroves and sea kayaking along the coast are other options.
How to reach
All visits to Havelock start at Port Blair. Flights from Delhi to Port Blair cost ₹7,000-12,000 and take about 3 hours. From Chennai and Kolkata, flights are cheaper. Compare current fares across airlines before booking. From Port Blair's Phoenix Bay jetty, government ferries to Havelock take 2-3 hours and cost ₹300-500. The private catamarans (Makruzz and Green Ocean) take 1.5 hours but cost ₹1,500-2,500. The government ferry is the budget choice but tickets sell out — book at the ferry counter at least a day in advance. Once on Havelock, the jetty area is the transport hub — bicycles and scooters are available for rent near the jetty.
What a day costs
| Dorm bed / beach hut | ₹500–1,200 |
| Food (seafood / thali) | ₹200–500 |
| Bicycle / scooter rental | ₹200–500 |
| Snorkelling / diving | ₹1,500–6,000 |
When to go
November to May is the best period. The weather is sunny, the seas are calm, and the water visibility for diving and snorkelling is at its best. December to February is peak tourist season — book accommodation and ferry tickets in advance. March to May is warmer but the island is less crowded. June to October is monsoon — the sea can be rough, government ferries are sometimes cancelled, and many dive shops shut down. October and November are the shoulder months — risky for weather but rewarding if you get a clear window. For bioluminescence kayaking, the new-moon nights between December and April offer the best conditions.
Suggested itinerary
Day 1: Arrive and Radhanagar Sunset
Take the morning government ferry from Port Blair to Havelock. Check into a hostel or beach hut near the jetty area or Radhanagar. Spend the afternoon at Radhanagar Beach — it is a 15-minute auto ride or a longer bicycle ride from the jetty. Stay for sunset.
Day 2: Snorkelling and Kayaking
Take a boat to Elephant Beach for snorkelling (₹1,500-3,000 including transfers). The coral and fish are visible a few metres from the shore. Return to the jetty area by afternoon. Rent a bicycle and visit Kalapathar Beach. Book a bioluminescence kayaking session for the evening if it is a new-moon night.
Day 3: Scuba or Relax and Depart
If you are diving, the morning is the best slot. A Discover Scuba dive takes about 3 hours including briefing and the dive itself. Otherwise, spend the morning at Radhanagar or Kalapathar Beach. Take an afternoon ferry back to Port Blair.
Student hacks
- ▸Government ferries from Port Blair to Havelock cost ₹300-500 — book at the Phoenix Bay ferry counter a day in advance. Private catamarans cost 5x more.
- ▸Rent a bicycle (₹200/day) or scooter (₹400-500/day) to get around — auto fares between beaches add up quickly.
- ▸The PADI Open Water course costs ₹15,000-20,000 on Havelock — compare prices across the 3-4 dive shops near the jetty.
- ▸ATMs on Havelock are unreliable — carry enough cash from Port Blair for the full island stay.
- ▸Visit Radhanagar Beach at sunrise — the crowds arrive after 10 AM and the morning light on the white sand is worth the early start.
Safety & permits
Indian nationals do not need any permit to visit Havelock Island or any of the Andaman Islands that are open to tourism. The island is very safe. The main safety concern is the sea — currents at certain beaches can be strong. Swim only in designated areas at Radhanagar and Kalapathar. Elephant Beach has a shallow reef that is safe for snorkelling but watch for boat traffic. Dive shops on the island are well regulated. ATMs are limited on Havelock — there is one near the jetty that often runs out of cash. Carry sufficient cash from Port Blair. Mobile network (BSNL and Airtel) works on most of the island.
FAQs
How do I reach Havelock Island?
Fly from Delhi or Chennai to Port Blair. From Port Blair, take a government ferry (₹300-500, 2-3 hours) or a private catamaran (₹1,500-2,500, 1.5 hours) to Havelock.
What is the cheapest way to get from Port Blair to Havelock?
The government ferry at ₹300-500 is the cheapest. It leaves once or twice a day. Tickets are sold at the Phoenix Bay jetty counter. Book at least one day in advance.
Is Havelock good for scuba diving?
Yes. Havelock is one of the cheapest places in the world for PADI certification. The dive sites have healthy coral and diverse marine life. The best season is November to May.
What is bioluminescence kayaking?
It is a night kayaking experience where the water glows with bioluminescent plankton when disturbed. Best on new-moon nights. Available through operators near the jetty.
Is Havelock safe for solo travellers?
Yes. The island is very safe and sees many solo travellers. The island is small and the main areas are well populated. Rent a bicycle for independent exploration.
How many days do I need on Havelock?
Three nights and four days is ideal — one day for arrival and Radhanagar, one day for Elephant Beach, and one day for diving or Kalapathar.