Swaraj Dweep, still fondly called Havelock Island, is the Andamans’ superstar for powdery beaches, coral gardens, and easy island vibes. It sits about 39 km northeast of Port Blair and is blessed with thick rainforest and calm, turquoise water. Here are eight spots you should not miss, with quick planning tips at the end.
1) Radhanagar Beach
Beach No. 7 is the island’s poster child for a reason. The sand is flour soft, the surf is usually gentle, and the sunset puts on a daily show. Radhanagar holds the prestigious Blue Flag eco-label for cleanliness and safety, which keeps standards high on facilities and conservation. Time your visit for late afternoon to catch golden hour.
2) Elephant Beach
Elephant Beach is the place for shallow reef snorkeling, sea-walks, and parasailing. The reef starts close to shore, so beginners get easy coral views. Most travelers reach by speedboat from Havelock jetty. Boat tickets are typically in the 750 to 1,500 INR range for the round trip, and morning departures go first because seas are calmer. Access can change with weather or wildlife advisories, so confirm locally before you go.
3) Kalapathar Beach
Kalapathar is the island’s sunrise theater. The broad sweep of pale sand, framed by dramatic black rocks, turns gleaming gold at first light. It sits on the southeastern edge of the island and doubles as a peaceful walk spot when the day crowds hit other beaches. Start before dawn, then linger for a quiet picnic.
4) Vijaynagar Beach (Beach No. 5)
Long, shallow water and swaying palms make Vijaynagar perfect for slow walks and early morning photos. It is close to Kalapathar, so you can pair both in one outing. Resorts and cafés line parts of the stretch, but you can still find empty space if you keep walking.
5) Govind Nagar Beach and Nemo Reef
Govind Nagar’s calm lagoon is loved by first-time snorkelers and divers because Nemo Reef sits right offshore with gentle conditions and regular clownfish sightings. It is also one of the easiest spots to reach from the jetty, which helps if you are short on time. Book with an instructor and stick to marked zones for coral safety.
6) Mangrove Kayaking and Bioluminescence
Head out on a guided paddle through Havelock’s mangrove creeks in the evening, then slip onto open water after dark to watch bioluminescence sparkle with each stroke. On moonless nights, the glow can be magical. Night kayaking tours operate regularly and are beginner friendly.
7) Lighthouse Area
On the island’s northern side, the Lighthouse area stays quieter than the headline beaches and is an easy pick for a breezy sunset stroll. Beneath the surface, “Lighthouse” is also a popular dive site with a sloping reef and good night-dive conditions for certified divers.
8) The Wall
If you are a certified diver, save a morning for The Wall. This underwater cliff begins around 10 meters and drops to about 40 to 55 meters, attracting octopus, puffers, and macro life along the ledges. Currents vary, so dive with a reputable center that knows the site well.
How to plan it
Ferries connect Port Blair to Swaraj Dweep multiple times a day through private operators like Makruzz, Nautika, ITT Majestic, and Green Ocean, plus government boats. Typical sailing time is about 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on the vessel and sea conditions. Book early in peak months and keep some buffer on arrival and departure days.
Best season and simple tips
Peak travel season runs from October to May when the sea is calmer and visibility is better for water activities. For crowd-free moments, pick early mornings on beaches and late afternoons for sunsets. Always follow local beach flags and guidance, and check daily notices because boat schedules or beach access can change with weather or safety advisories.
