Explore Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep)

Swaraj Dweep, still widely known as Havelock, is the most visited island in the Andamans and the base for most beach, scuba and snorkelling trips. Private ferries from Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair) take about 1 hour 30 minutes, and every sailing arrives at the main island jetty.

What to see on Havelock

Radhanagar Beach (Beach No. 7) is the island’s landmark. It was certified Blue Flag in October 2020, among India’s first eight, and has netted swimming zones and lifeguards. It lies about 11 to 12 km from the jetty, roughly 25 to 30 minutes by cab or scooter, and there is no entry fee. Jet skis are not permitted there.

Kalapathar Beach, on the east coast, is lined with black rocks and is best at sunrise. Elephant Beach is reached by speedboat from the jetty in about 20 to 30 minutes, or on a 45 to 60 minute jungle trek from near the Forest office; its shallow reef is used for snorkelling and sea walk, and trees uprooted by the 2004 tsunami still line the shore.

What to do on Havelock

Havelock has the most dive centres and dive sites in the islands, for first-time try dives and certified divers alike. Elephant Beach offers sea walk, snorkelling, semi-submarine, submersible scooter, glass-bottom boat, parasailing, jet ski, jet car and fly-boarding. Private charters leave the jetty for Barren Island, Long Island, sunset island-hopping to Turtle Beach, and full- or half-day game fishing.

Where to eat

Elephant Beach is a reserved forest, so no cooking is allowed there. Stalls sell fruit salad, packed chips, bhel puri, chaat, instant cup noodles and coconut water, with sugarcane juice in season. For a full meal, eat in Havelock before or after the trip.

How many days to spend on Havelock

Two nights is the usual minimum: one day for Radhanagar and Kalapathar, one for Elephant Beach or scuba. Stay three nights or more if you want a dive course, since PADI Open Water takes about four days.

Best time to visit

October to May is the dry season, and November to April is calmest for ferries, snorkelling and diving. Boat trips to Elephant Beach can be suspended by the port authority in rough weather.