Havelock Island — India's finest beach
Turquoise water, powder sand and world-class diving
Island paradise · Best Nov–Apr
Verified by editor · 12 Jun 2026
Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep) is regularly ranked among Asia's best beaches, its Radhanagar Beach a stretch of white sand and impossibly clear turquoise water. Far from the mainland in the Andaman Sea, it's India's premier destination for a quiet, indulgent beach honeymoon and some of the country's best diving.
Travel scores
Who it's for
Calm, clear water suits family swimming, though the remote island location means more travel time.
Consistently rated India's top honeymoon beach — secluded resorts, sunset beaches and diving for two.
Safe and increasingly popular solo, especially among divers, though it leans toward couples travel.
Flights and inter-island transfers make this one of India's pricier destinations to reach.
Resorts are comfortable, though boat transfers and sandy beach access require reasonable mobility.
Best time to visit
November to April is the dry season — calm seas, clear underwater visibility and the best diving conditions. Avoid the monsoon (May–September), when seas are rough, some resorts close and inter-island ferries can be cancelled.
Major attractions
- Radhanagar Beach — Repeatedly rated one of Asia's best beaches — powder-white sand and turquoise water.
- Elephant Beach — A snorkelling and diving hotspot with a vibrant coral reef, reached by boat or a jungle trail.
- Scuba diving & PADI courses — World-class diving with high visibility, coral gardens and marine life, suited to all levels.
- Kalapathar Beach — A quieter, boulder-lined beach popular for sunrise and photography.
- Radhanagar sunset viewpoint — One of the most photographed sunsets in India, best enjoyed with a beachside dinner.
Suggested 3-day itinerary
- 1
Radhanagar Beach
Arrive by ferry from Port Blair, settle into a beach resort, and catch sunset at Radhanagar.
- 2
Diving & Elephant Beach
A snorkelling or diving trip to Elephant Beach's coral reef.
- 3
Slow island day
A relaxed day at Kalapathar Beach or a spa treatment before heading back to Port Blair.
Food & drink
Fresh seafood dominates — grilled fish, prawns and lobster at beach shacks and resort restaurants, alongside standard Indian and continental menus given the island's growing tourism scene.
Shopping
Limited to resort shops and small markets selling shell crafts, beachwear and souvenirs — Havelock is about the beach, not shopping.
Local etiquette & customs
Havelock is relaxed and beach-resort-oriented, though nearby indigenous tribal areas of the Andamans are strictly off-limits to tourists and protected by law.
- Never attempt to visit or photograph the protected tribal reserves elsewhere in the Andamans — this is illegal.
- Respect marine life and coral reefs while snorkelling or diving — don't touch or stand on coral.
- Dress is casual and beach-appropriate; swimwear is fine on the beaches.
Festivals & events
A Port Blair-based festival of culture, food and music celebrating the Andaman Islands.
Getting there & around
Fly into Port Blair (well connected from major Indian cities), then take a government or private ferry (~2–3 hours) to Havelock. The island itself is small — scooters, autos and taxis cover the main beaches.
Good to know
- Book inter-island ferries from Port Blair in advance, especially in peak season.
- Flights to Port Blair can be pricey — book early for better fares.
- Try at least one scuba dive, even as a beginner — visibility here is exceptional.
- Resorts range widely in price — Havelock can flex from mid-range to luxury.
Packing list
Practical info
What it costs
A mid-budget couple typically spends ₹3,400–6,000/day; flights to Port Blair are a separate, often significant cost.
Budget-level estimate for two sharing; excludes long-distance travel to reach Havelock Island.
Safety & essentials
Low crime and a well-established resort tourism scene.
Some beaches have currents — swim at designated safe spots, especially with children.
Never attempt to visit restricted tribal reserves elsewhere in the Andamans — this is both illegal and dangerous.
Frequently asked
Is Havelock good for a honeymoon?
Yes — it's widely regarded as India's top honeymoon beach destination, with secluded resorts and stunning beaches.
How do you get to Havelock Island?
Fly into Port Blair, then take a ferry (about 2–3 hours) to Havelock — there's no direct flight to the island itself.
Do you need diving experience to snorkel or dive here?
No — beginner-friendly snorkelling spots and PADI courses for first-time divers are widely available.
