Best places to visit in Havelock Island
Best places to visit in Havelock Island
Havelock Island, officially renamed Swaraj Dweep, is the crown jewel of the Andaman archipelago and home to Radhanagar Beach — consistently rated one of the best beaches in Asia for its extraordinary combination of pristine white sand, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and lush forest backdrop. The island offers some of the finest scuba diving and snorkeling in India, with thriving coral gardens, sea turtles, and diverse tropical fish accessible from the shore. Elephant Beach — reachable by boat or a forest trek — and the world-famous Radhanagar sunset are experiences that make Havelock Island a must-visit for anyone seeking India's most spectacular island scenery.
Radhanagar Beach (Beach No. 7)
→Radhanagar Beach is Havelock Island's crown jewel — a pristine 2 km crescent of powder-white sand meeting brilliant turquoise Andaman Sea waters, backed by tropical forest. Ranked among Asia's finest beaches, its sunsets are legendary and the water colour genuinely otherworldly. The definitive Havelock Island sightseeing and beach experience. Entry fee applies after 5 PM; arrive early for shade. Absolutely unmissable on any Andaman itinerary. Closest beach resort hub is Beach No. 7.
Elephant Beach
→Elephant Beach is Havelock Island's premier snorkelling and water sports destination — a vibrant coral reef bay with diverse marine life, accessible by boat or forest trek. Sea-walking, jet-skiing, glass-bottom boat rides, and banana boats make it a top Havelock Island activity destination for all ages. Best visited on morning boat trips before afternoon winds arrive. Coral restoration efforts are ongoing here; entry fee and boat charges apply. Book boat slots at the Havelock jetty the evening before.
Kalapathar Beach
→Kalapathar Beach is Havelock Island's most dramatic and solitary shore — a rugged stretch where black rocks (kala patthar) contrast strikingly with white sand and clear sea water, fringed by dense jungle. Far less visited than Radhanagar, it is a top Havelock Island photography destination ideal for quiet early-morning walks and sunrise views over the Bay of Bengal. Free entry; located 12 km from the jetty. Bring water — there are no stalls here.
Scuba Diving Sites
→Havelock Island is India's premier scuba diving destination — home to world-class dive sites including Lighthouse, Aquarium, Junction, and Barracuda City reefs, with visibility up to 20 metres and abundant marine life. PADI beginner and advanced courses available through certified operators. A top Andaman adventure tourism activity. Best diving season: October to May. Multiple dive centres operate near the jetty; book at least a day in advance. Night dives and liveaboard trips are available for experienced divers.