Havelock Island Travel Guide

Havelock Island, officially renamed Swaraj Dweep in 2018, is the most popular tourist island in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and one of the finest beach and diving destinations in all of Asia. Located about 57 kilometers northeast of Port Blair, the island is reached by a ferry ride of about two to three hours through the Andaman Sea. Havelock is a relatively small island, about 13 kilometers long and 5 kilometers wide, but it packs in some of the most spectacular natural beauty and marine life you will find anywhere in the Indian Ocean.

The island is most famous for Radhanagar Beach, also known as Beach Number 7, which has consistently been ranked as one of the best beaches in Asia and one of the finest in the world. It is a long, wide, crescent-shaped beach of powdery white sand backed by dense tropical forest, with shallow turquoise waters that are safe for swimming and perfect for watching the sun set over the Andaman Sea. The sunsets at Radhanagar are among the most beautiful in India. Elephant Beach, reached by a short boat ride or a forest trek from the main road, is the best spot on the island for snorkeling and is home to a healthy and colorful coral reef teeming with tropical fish, sea turtles, and other marine life. For certified divers, the waters around Havelock offer world-class dive sites including The Wall, Nemo Reef, Barracuda City, and the legendary Dixon's Pinnacle, known for its encounters with large pelagic fish and exceptional underwater visibility.

Havelock has a growing range of accommodation from basic beach guesthouses to comfortable eco-resorts and has developed a relaxed, barefoot-luxury atmosphere that draws travelers looking for a tropical escape that still feels relatively untouched. This Havelock Island travel guide covers the best time to visit, beaches, diving and snorkeling, how to get there, and travel tips for a perfect Andaman island holiday.

Best time to Visit Havelock Island

Winter and Spring (November to April)

November to April is the best time to visit Havelock Island. The weather is sunny and dry, the sea is calm and clear, and underwater visibility for diving and snorkeling is at its finest, often reaching 20 to 30 meters or more. December to March are the peak months with the most reliable weather and the best sea conditions. February and March are particularly outstanding for diving as visibility is at its maximum and marine life activity is high. The beaches are beautiful and safe for swimming throughout this period. Accommodation fills up very quickly during Christmas, New Year, and February, so early booking is essential.

Shoulder Season (October and May)

October marks the end of the monsoon and the sea begins to calm. May is the last month before the monsoon sets in fully. Both months offer good weather and lower prices than the peak season, though sea conditions can be variable and some dive operators may have reduced schedules.

Monsoon (June to September)

The monsoon brings rough seas, strong winds, and heavy rainfall to the Andaman Islands. Ferry services from Port Blair to Havelock are frequently cancelled or disrupted during this period and most water sports and diving activities are suspended. Travel to Havelock during the monsoon is generally not recommended.