Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep)
Home to Radhanagar Beach — one of the finest beaches in Asia — and the island every Andaman traveler dreams of visiting first.
The Island Every Traveler Dreams Of
Havelock Island is one of the most visited islands in the Andaman Islands. When you think of the Andaman Islands, Havelock Island is the first place most of us want to visit. Radhanagar Beach (Beach No. 7) on Havelock Island is widely celebrated as one of the finest beaches in Asia — renowned for its curved crescent of brilliant white sand, massive old-growth mahua trees, and crystal-clear turquoise waters.
It's a pleasure having you here to read what we have to say about this already very famous and most sought-after destination of the Andamans.
Radhanagar Beach
Located on the western coast of Havelock Island, approximately 11 kilometres from Havelock Jetty
Top Activities
- Swimming & Wading: Gentle waves and a gradual slope make it perfect for a relaxed swim.
- Sunset Photography: The beach faces directly west for uninterrupted sunset views.
- Nature Walks: Walk right to Neil's Cove, a secluded lagoon-like inlet (swimming inside restricted — crocodile sighting warnings).
Key Features
- Safety: Certified lifeguards and floating-rope swim boundaries.
- Facilities: Clean changing rooms, showers, and lockers (~₹10–₹20).
- No Water Sports: Motorized water sports are banned here to preserve the natural tranquility — unlike Elephant Beach.
Elephant Beach — Epicenter of Water Sports
Elephant Beach (officially Swaraj Dweep Beach No. 4) is the undisputed hub for water sports and marine adventure on Havelock Island. Famous for its vibrant, shallow-water coral reefs, powdery white sands, and a unique fallen-tree shoreline, it offers a starkly different, action-packed experience compared to the quiet tranquility of Radhanagar Beach.
What You Can Do
- Sea Walking: Walk the sea floor in an oxygen helmet among live coral and colorful fish
- Parasailing: Fly 300 feet above the ocean for bird's-eye reef views
- Snorkeling & Glass Bottom Boat: See brain corals, staghorn corals, and clownfish without submerging
- Jet Skiing & Banana Boat Rides: High-speed thrills in designated safe-wave zones
How to Reach Elephant Beach
A shared 10-seater speedboat from Havelock Jetty — a scenic 20-minute ride each way. ~₹1,000 per person round-trip, usually including a complimentary snorkeling session.
A 2 km jungle path from near Radhanagar Road — 30–45 minutes through rainforest and mangrove swamp. A mandatory local guide costs ₹500 per group.
Smart tips: No overnight stays are permitted on Elephant Beach — it's strictly a daytime excursion. Public changing rooms, showers, and paid lockers are available. Mobile network is highly unstable and UPI often fails, so carry physical cash.
More Places & Things to Do
Kalapathar Beach
A viewpoint beach easily accessible by road, popular for sunrise and photoshoots. Good for spending 1–2 hours.
Vijaynagar Beach (No. 5)
One of the best beaches on Havelock, also excellent for sunrise walks.
Scuba Diving
Try a Boat Dive instead of a shore dive — beginner diving experiences are available across several dive sites.
Day Kayaking
Kayaking runs for sunrise or sunset views. Night kayaking has been discontinued — only day kayaking is currently allowed.
Romantic Evenings on Havelock
Try a beachside Candle Light Dinner at Havelock — various beachside properties provide candlelit dinners on the sand, with the cost varying by experience and add-ons. Paired with a Radhanagar sunset earlier in the evening, it's one of the most romantic ways to spend a night in the Andamans.
How to Reach Havelock Island
Havelock Island is located about 57 km from Port Blair. The best and most reliable way to reach it is by sea — taking 90 minutes to 2.5 hours depending on the ferry.
Private High-Speed Cruises Highly Recommended
Fast, fully air-conditioned, and the most comfortable way to travel — depart from Haddo Jetty in Port Blair.
Booking tip: Tickets sell out rapidly during peak season (October to May). Book online at least 3–4 weeks in advance.
Ready to Explore Havelock Island?
Let our local experts book your ferries, stay, and Elephant Beach water sports — all in one seamless plan.