Havelock Island- Andaman & Nicobar

 

Havelock Island is one of the largest and most popular islands in Andaman and Nicobar. Spread over a massive area of 113.93 square kilometers, it is situated 57 km north-east of the capital city Port Blair. Havelock Island is a paradise of silky white sand beaches, crystal blue water, rich corals and verdant forests.

There is no dearth of beauty on this little island as the reputed and much-loved Radhanagar and Vijaynagar Beaches are also right on its southern shores. Havelock Island is also a favorite amongst those who want to engage in scuba diving, snorkeling, and deep sea diving.

The island is named after a British General and comprises of Ritchie’s Archipelago and a collection of five villages. Surrounded by the most popular beaches on Andaman, it is among the most popular places to visit on the archipelago.

The pristine shores and the aquamarine waters of the island stretch right across its expenses! Elephant beach and Kalapather beach are two other destinations where the sunrise and sunsets are divine. A long walk along the stretch of the sand is the perfect way to explore the island on your own.

Best Attractions at Havelock Island-

 

1. Radhanagar Beach –

 

Counted among the most beautiful beaches of Asia, Radhanagar Beach or Beach No. 7 is incredibly astounding beach located on the gorgeous Andaman Island. The turquoise blue sea and white sand make this beach a perfect spot to bask in the midst of nature’s bounty. Radhanagar Beach is positioned just 7 kilometers away from Vijaynagar Beach and Dolphin Yatri Niwas and about 12 km from Havelock Island. The lush and verdant trees on the side of the beach offer tourists opportunity to unwind and relish the serenity and nature’s charm. The breathtaking sight of sunset on this beach makes the tourists forget all the woes of life.

2. Elephant Beach –

 

Elephant Beach is an ideal destination for water sports and for leisure tour. You will be in a world apart when on this beach located in Havelock Islands. Its rich coral reef structure and amazing underwater marine life will certainly spellbind you and want you to keep coming back for more. Elephant beach is nevertheless the best place to visit in the Andaman Islands and you will find a lot of Indians and foreign nationals here. This place is ideal for relaxing spending leisure time with food and drinks. Besides, if you feel like doing some fun activities this beach offers water sports like diving, snorkeling, swimming, bird-watching, trekking, and kayaking. Being famous for its coral reefs, sea walking is also actively partaken and the best part is, anybody with a zest for adventure can indulge in this underwater fun.

How to Reach Havelock Island?

 

Havelock Island can be visited through ferry or Sea Plane. Cruise(Makruzz/Coastal Cruise) and Government ferry operate between Port Blair and Havelock Island on a daily basis. All ferry leaves from Phoenix Bay Wharf. Sea Plane operates daily except on Sundays.

Sea Plane – Sea Plane operates at 07:45 Hrs, 09:00 Hrs and 15:00 Hrs. Sunday, Sea Plane services are not available.

Government Ferry Timings – 06:00, 11:00 (via Neil Island) and 1400 – Takes around 2.5 Hrs to reach Havelock. The one via Neil Island takes around 4 Hrs.

Makruzz / Coastal Cruise – High-Speed Cruise, which takes around 90 minutes to reach Havelock Island. Timings 0800 Hrs and 0830 Hrs. During the season (October – March) the sailing of these boats usually doubles.

Adventure Activities on Havelock Island-

 

Beckon the adrenaline junkie in you with the myriad varieties of adventure activities that are available at the Havelock Island for the patrons to indulge in:-

1. Sea Walk:

Sea Walk will give you an experience of an underwater walk, right on the seabed! This activity is available at Elephant Beach in Havelock Island and costs INR 3200.

2. Scuba Diving:

Scuba diving is a very popular activity in the whole of Andaman and is another important one in Havelock as well. In this, you are allowed to dive into the water with the proper breathing and diving gear. You can either opt for beginners or advanced course and can even get lessons beforehand.

3. Snorkeling:

This activity allows you to gaze upon the underwater life with the help of either water goggles or a screen that is attached to the bottom of a boat. Snorkeling is available at Elephant Beach.

4. Kayaking:

No prior experience is necessary for this enjoyable activity that involves sailing through narrow waterways and mangroves to witness the natural beauty of Havelock Island.

5. Trekking:

Trekking is a joyful walking experience which is a combination of hiking and walking activity in which one can enjoy the sceneries, rugged hills & territory, valleys and many more.

 

Best Time to Visit this island?

Despite having their rainy season from May to September, the Andaman Islands experience mild winters and hot summers, making it an almost year-round destination to visit. From October to February, you can enjoy temperatures from 30-35 degree Celsius, the ideal months to enjoy the idyllic beaches and water sports.

How much time you should spend?

We recommend 2 Nights at Havelock Islands. During these 2 Nights and 3 days, you can cover all the major attraction and activities. However, you can extend your stay which is also fine.

Day 01 – Arrival at Havelock Island and Scuba Diving/ Radhanagar Beach Sunset Point
Day 02 – Elephant Beach Trekking/ Boat Ride/Sea Walk and Snorkeling.
Day 03 – Kalapathar Beach/ Radhanagar Beach and Return to Port Blair.