Things to Do in Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep): Beaches, Diving & Sunsets

Watch sunset at Radhanagar

Radhanagar beach, on the west coast, is a long crescent of white sand backed by tall trees. The water is calm and clear for much of the season, and the sunset draws everyone on the island. Lifeguards are on duty during the day; heed flags and avoid swimming after dark.

The beach gets crowded in the late afternoon in peak season. For quieter moments, go in the morning, or walk towards the northern end where a small path leads to Neil's Cove, a sheltered corner with clear water.

Best time

Afternoon and sunset

Good for

Everyone

Snorkel at Elephant beach

Elephant beach, reached by boat from the jetty or by a trek of about 2 km through forest, has shallow coral close to shore. Snorkelling, sea walking, glass-bottom boats and jet skis are offered.

Best time

Morning

Good for

Families, first-time snorkellers

Watch sunrise at Kalapathar

Kalapathar, on the east coast, is a quiet beach with black rocks, turquoise water and a road running alongside. It is the best spot on the island for sunrise.

Best time

Sunrise

Relax on Vijaynagar beach

Vijaynagar (Beach No. 5), on the east coast, is lined with resorts and mahua trees. At low tide the sea retreats far out, and it is a peaceful place for walks.

Do a try dive

Many dive schools offer a try dive (discover scuba) for non-divers, with a short briefing and a shallow dive with an instructor. No swimming ability is strictly required at some schools, but you should be comfortable in water. Choose a reputable operator affiliated with an international agency.

Time needed

Half a day

Good for

Beginners

Get certified or fun dive

Havelock is one of the best places in India to learn to dive, with courses of three to four days. Certified divers can explore sites such as the Wall, Dixon's Pinnacle, Aquarium and Johnny's Gorge, with coral, reef fish, turtles, rays and sometimes sharks.

Best time

November to April

Good for

Divers

Kayak for bioluminescence

Guided night kayaking trips through the mangrove creeks on dark nights, around the new moon, reveal bioluminescent plankton glowing with every paddle stroke. Daytime mangrove kayaking is also offered.

Best time

Moonless nights

Good for

Couples, adventurous families

Try game fishing or a snorkelling boat trip

Boat trips go to snorkelling spots around the island, and some operators offer game fishing trips further out. Check licences and safety equipment.

Walk the forest trail

The trail from the main road to Elephant beach passes through forest with huge trees and birdsong. It can be muddy after rain; go with a guide and wear good shoes.

Eat at cafés and seafood shacks

Havelock's villages along the main road have cafés, bakeries and seafood restaurants, many run by settlers from Bengal and elsewhere. Try grilled fish, crab and Bengali fish curry.

Good for

Food lovers

Take a day trip to Neil Island

Neil (Shaheed Dweep) is about an hour away by ferry, with a natural rock bridge and quiet beaches. Many travellers stay a night there after Havelock.

Things to do in Neil Island

October to December

Seas calm after the monsoon, the island is green and diving season begins. December is busy and expensive.

January to April

The best time for diving and snorkelling, with clear water and calm seas.

May to September

Monsoon rain and rough seas; ferries are sometimes cancelled and many dive schools slow down or close.

What are the best things to do on Havelock Island?

Watch sunset at Radhanagar, snorkel at Elephant beach, scuba dive, see sunrise at Kalapathar, relax at Vijaynagar and kayak for bioluminescence.

Can non-swimmers scuba dive on Havelock?

Many schools offer try dives for non-swimmers with close instructor support, but being comfortable in water is important. Check with the operator.

How many days are enough for Havelock?

Two to four nights.

Is Havelock now called Swaraj Dweep?

Yes. It was renamed Swaraj Dweep in 2018, though Havelock is still widely used.

When is bioluminescence visible on Havelock?

On dark nights around the new moon, especially in the dry season. Guided kayak trips through the mangroves offer the best chance.