Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep): Complete Travel Guide

🚢 By Ferry (Most Common)

• Ferries operate from Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair) to Havelock (Swaraj Dweep)

• Travel time: 1.5 to 2.5 hours (private / government ferries)

• Private ferries (Makruzz, Green Ocean, Nautika) are faster and more comfortable

• Government ferries are cheaper but slower

• Advance booking is highly recommended during peak season

✈️ By Helicopter (Limited)

• Helicopter services operate occasionally between Port Blair and Havelock

• Subject to weather and availability

• Seats are limited and mostly prioritized for island residents

• Rare for tourists — not reliable to plan around

Decide your travel window

Book for November–February for the calmest seas and best diving visibility. March–May works too, with warmer weather. Avoid June–September — monsoon disrupts ferry schedules regularly.

Book your ferry early

Havelock has no airport — you reach it only by sea from Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair). Private AC ferries (Makruzz, Green Ocean, Nautika) take 1.5–2 hours; government ferries take up to 3 hours. Book online 1–2 weeks ahead in peak season (Dec–Jan), when seats sell out fast.

Sort permits (foreign nationals only)

Indian citizens need no permit. Foreign nationals use the same Restricted Area Permit (RAP) issued on arrival in the Andamans — no separate permit needed for Havelock.

Pick your stay duration

2–3 days covers Radhanagar Beach, Elephant Beach, and one water activity. Divers wanting to complete a certification course should plan for 4–5 days.

Plan your must-do activities in advance

• Snorkeling/water sports at Elephant Beach — book through your resort or a local operator on arrival

• Scuba diving — book with a certified dive center ahead of time, especially for courses (PADI/SSI)

• Night kayaking — only available around new moon nights (Nov–Feb) for the bioluminescence; check exact dates before booking

Consider island-hopping

If combining with Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep), direct ferries run between the two — no need to route back through Sri Vijaya Puram. A common circuit is Sri Vijaya Puram → Havelock → Neil → Sri Vijaya Puram.

Budget for the trip

• Budget: ₹3,500–5,500/day (guesthouses, shared ferries, local food)

• Mid-range: ₹6,000–10,000/day (3-star resorts, private ferries, one dive/snorkel session)

• Luxury: ₹12,000+/day (beachfront resorts, private transfers, multiple dives)

Pack right

Reef-safe sunscreen, swimwear, light cottons, a dry bag for water activities, and cash — ATMs are limited to a couple of spots near the main market.

Permits:

Indian nationals need no permit. Foreign nationals travel on the same Restricted Area Permit (RAP) issued on arrival in Sri Vijaya Puram — no separate permit needed for Havelock.

Best time to visit:

November to February for the calmest seas, best diving visibility, and pleasant weather. March–May is warmer but still good for water activities. Avoid the monsoon (June–September) — ferries get cancelled frequently.

Minimum stay:

2–3 days is the practical minimum to see Radhanagar, Elephant Beach, and fit in at least one water activity.

Cash and connectivity:

ATMs are limited to a couple of spots near the market — carry sufficient cash. Airtel, Jio, Vodafone, and BSNL all work, but coverage is patchy in resort areas away from the main town.

Alcohol:

Available at select resorts and shacks, though not as widely sold as on the mainland — check with your resort.

Book ferries and diving early:

In peak season (Dec–Jan), ferry seats and popular dive slots sell out days in advance.

Connecting from other islands

Direct ferries also run between Havelock and Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep), roughly 1–1.5 hours, making island-hopping easy without routing back through Sri Vijaya Puram each time.

Getting Around the Island

Auto-rickshaws, taxis, and rented scooters/bikes are the main way to get around. Most beaches and dive centers are a short ride from the main jetty.