Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) Travel Guide: Beaches, Reefs and Ferries

The island's beaches are spread along its roads from the jetty, except Elephant Beach, which you reach by boat or on foot through the forest. Distances and times below are the Andaman tourism department's.

Radhanagar Beach

In October 2020 Radhanagar received the Blue Flag, the international eco-label for beaches, as one of eight Indian beaches certified at the same time. The tourism department describes powdery white sand, calm water and netted swimming zones where the depth increases gradually, and jet skis are not permitted, to keep the beach peaceful. Food stalls are scarce, so bring water and snacks, and be on the sand by about 4 pm if you want the sunset. Taxis, autos and rented scooters run from the jetty.

Elephant Beach

On Havelock's northern shore, Elephant Beach is the place for snorkelling and sea walking, with reefs visible even from the shore. There are two ways to get there: a speedboat from the Swaraj Dweep jetty, 20 to 30 minutes across 8 to 9 km of water, or a walk of 45 to 60 minutes on a shaded forest trail from Shyam Nagar village, for which you need sturdy shoes and water.

Vijaynagar Beach (Beach No. 5)

Vijaynagar, also called Beach No. 5, lies on the eastern coast, 7 to 8 km from the jetty, about 15 to 20 minutes by road. It is quieter than the busier beaches, with clear shallow water for an easy swim, and it faces the sunrise, so come early, between about 6 and 9 am, for the best light. Registered operators run snorkelling and diving trips from this side of the island too.

Kalapathar Beach

Kalapathar means "black stone", and the tourism department describes a dark, rocky shoreline set against blue water, away from the crowded spots. It also mentions an uphill path of about 20 minutes to a viewpoint over the sea. The roads are paved but winding, so ride slowly if you take a scooter.

Nemo Reef, Barracuda City and the dive sites

The tourism department names Elephant Beach, Nemo Reef and Barracuda City among Havelock's dive sites, and its list of registered scuba operators has more on this island than anywhere else in the Andamans, most of them running boat dives. Introductory dives are allowed from the age of 10, and no permit is needed beyond the usual documents for the islands. Our Andaman scuba diving experience is built around these dive centres: an introductory dive with an instructor for beginners, Open Water and other courses that run over several days, and reef dives for certified divers, arranged with a local operator.

The tourism department's beach advice is worth reading before your first swim. Find out from the tourist information centre, local tour operators or Forest Department staff where it is safe to swim or dive, read the warning boards, and ask a lifeguard, where there is one, about currents, tides and visibility. Swim with a companion, watch children closely, and stay out of the water after dark, after drinking or with an open wound. On boats, keep your arms and legs inside; in the water, take off shiny jewellery and keep away from shoals of fish. If a jellyfish stings you, treat it with vinegar or an ice pack and do not rub it; wear sturdy sandals and avoid stepping on rocks or coral, because of stonefish; keep clear of sea snakes; and if you see a saltwater crocodile, get ashore and alert the authorities.