Havelock Island, Andaman & Nicobar: Explore White Sands, Blue Waters & Coral Reefs

Havelock Island – The Tropical Paradise of Andaman & Nicobar

Havelock Island is an ideal destination in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, India to slow down and soak it all in. Famed for its powdery white beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and vibrant coral reefs, Havelock is a tropical paradise that invites you to disconnect from the chaos and reconnect with nature. Whether you're diving into the deep blue to explore vibrant marine life, kayaking through mangroves, watching the sunrise over calm waters, or simply unwinding under swaying palms, Havelock offers the perfect island escape in India.
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The beauty of Havelock Island kept me engrossed during my 10-day trip to the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Upon landing at Port Blair, I was eager to dive and get certified as an Advanced Adventure SCUBA Diver. I had heard great things about the Andaman Sea’s hidden marine life. I planned to dive to my heart’s content in Havelock and explore other islands. However, after a few days, I realized Havelock’s irresistible charm and spent all my days there.
​I could just not keep my eyes away from the myriad shades of blue. I kept gazing through the clear waters, the azure sky, the lush meadows, and the pristine crystal sand.

Havelock Island, Andaman & Nicobar Islands

​If you are not a travel explorer and planning for a trip to Andaman, my personal advice here to you would be to opt for Andaman tour packages from a trusted Andaman travel agency that should have its presence locally in Andaman. Andaman islands are just the perfect destination for happy & newly married couples and if you are planning for your honeymoon in Andamans then you can check out some amazing Andaman Honeymoon Tour Packages.

​The deep dive sites were approximately 1.5 hours away by boat. These boat rides provided ample time for me to make new friends and enjoy the island from a distance.

Scuba Diving - Havelock Island, Andaman & Nicobar Islands

​Just when I would be done with my exhausting diving activities during the day, I would get the entire beach to myself for my “Me Time.” Those were the most splendid evenings I spent here.

Kalapatthar Beach - Havelock Island, Andaman & Nicobar Islands

​I rented a bike and cycled through the island’s interior, enjoying breathtaking views reminiscent of fairy tales.

Nature at Havelock Island, Andaman & Nicobar Islands

Palm trees at Havelock Island, Andaman & Nicobar Islands

Ducks at Havelock Island, Andaman & Nicobar Islands

Forest at Radhanagar beach, Havelock Island, Andaman & Nicobar Islands

​Radhanagar beach, the best and cleanest beach in Asia, is the perfect place to unwind in the evenings. It offers breathtaking views of the sunset.

Sunset at Radhanagar beach, Havelock Island, Andaman & Nicobar Islands

​I was so captivated by the mangroves that I made an extra effort to venture deeper into the inner lands to witness their abundance.

Mangroves at Havelock Island, Andaman & Nicobar Islands

Mangroves at Havelock Island, Andaman & Nicobar Islands

​I celebrated my birthday by diving the entire day and having dinner with my new friends, Christian from Switzerland and Kristina from Bulgaria. We quickly became friends and shared countless jokes over extended dinners. They asked me many questions about India, and I shared details about my country as well. After a few days, Kristina said to me, “We need to find another Indian friend. She doesn’t know how to wrap a saree and eats European food with us!”

​Well, honestly, I did consider visiting Neil Island and Long Island. However, every time I would glance at this charming chicken hut of mine, my thoughts would abruptly shift. I had discovered the most ideal accommodation in the Andaman Islands.

Bamboo hut at Havelock Island, Andaman & Nicobar Islands

​Once the sun sets, the entire island transforms into a place of relaxation and tranquility. I had the privilege of experiencing one of the most memorable evenings on a secluded beach, bathed in the soft glow of the star-studded sky. I savored a bottle of red wine, creating a moment of pure bliss that can only be truly captured by the eyes.

​Flights to Port Blair:

Yes, they are expensive. If you can manage to find some offers during the flight sale in advance, it’s the best option. Flights from November to February are invariably expensive.

​How to reach Havelock Island from Port Blair

Government ferries and private cruises depart from Phoenix Jetty in Port Blair every day. However, booking tickets in advance is mandatory, as there’s a slim chance of securing a spot on the day of departure. On my arrival in Port Blair, I promptly purchased a private cruise ticket for the following morning.

​Best time to visit Andaman Islands

November to February is a great time to visit the Andaman Islands. The skies are clear, and the weather is pleasant. I traveled in mid-November, just before the island gets crowded in December.
Most tourists book packages and stay in Port Blair, making day trips to other islands. Havelock Island is not very popular with tourists, while Neil Island is quieter than Havelock. Long Island is the quietest of all.

​Island Hopping in Andaman Islands

Island hopping in Andaman isn’t as straightforward as it appears. Most islands are restricted, and only government ferries are allowed to a select few. These ferries don’t run every day, making it difficult for backpackers to reach the jetties and secure a ferry. Planning ahead and booking ferries in advance is advisable to avoid any inconvenience. However, the ferry schedule is subject to change, and information is scarce except at the government office, which operates only during government work hours. Since I had already explored various islands through diving, I decided to stick to Havelock Island and avoid unnecessary island hopping. Before my flight back, I did make a visit to the abandoned Ross Island from Port Blair.

​Accommodation in Andaman Islands

In Havelock: I stayed in the chicken hut at Barefoot Scuba Resort, which was just a short walk from the beach. These huts are only available to divers and are really reasonably priced. They’re equipped with a thick mattress covered in a net, just big enough for two people. The hut was the main reason I decided to dive with Barefoot. I couldn’t have found a better place to stay!
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In Port Blair: In Port Blair, I arrived with my backpack, having no prior booking. A friendly auto-driver, recognizing my diving background, offered to assist me in finding suitable accommodation based on my backpacking needs. He recommended Lalaji’s Bay View and helped me secure a basic room at an affordable price. While driving me there, he couldn’t stop praising the rooftop cafe overlooking the sea. I expressed my gratitude a hundredfold after he dropped me off. Lalaji’s Bay View was undoubtedly the best place in Port Blair.

Rooftop cafe at Lalaji's Bay View