Quick answer

Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep) in the Andaman Islands is a tropical paradise known for white-sand beaches, clear waters and scuba/snorkeling. Know entry/permit rules, travel logistics, weather windows, safety and local customs before you go.

Visa & entry requirements

• International visitors need a valid Indian visa (check e-Visa options before travel).
• All visitors to the Andaman & Nicobar Islands must obtain an e-permit (Restricted Area Permit) on arrival or online; foreign nationals typically get this automatically on arrival at Port Blair immigration—confirm current process before travel.
• Carry passport, visa and permit copies at all times.

Best time to visit

• Peak season: October to mid-May — dry, pleasant, best for beaches, diving and water sports.
• Monsoon: June to September — heavy rain, many services reduced and ferries sometimes canceled.
• For diving visibility: November to April is best.

Safety tips

• Sun & heat: Use reef-safe sunscreen, wear a hat, sunglasses and stay hydrated.
• Sea safety: Observe flag warnings on beaches; currents can be strong. Swim only where lifeguards are present.
• Wildlife: Don’t touch or feed marine life, corals or stray animals. Follow dive/snorkel operator rules.
• Health: Basic medical facilities on Havelock are limited—carry a small first-aid kit and necessary prescriptions. Travel insurance with medical evacuation is recommended.

Local customs & etiquette

• The islands are conservative compared with many beach destinations—cover up when away from beaches and in villages.
• Remove shoes when entering temples and some local homes.
• Be polite and patient—services may run slower than on the mainland.

Currency & payments

• Indian Rupee (INR) is used. Cash is king on Havelock—ATMs are limited and may run out; carry sufficient cash for your stay.
• Some hotels, dive shops and restaurants accept cards or UPI, but don’t rely on it.

Getting there & around

• Typical route: Fly to Port Blair (Veer Savarkar Airport) then take a government or private ferry to Havelock (Swaraj Dweep). Speed ferries take ~1.5–2.5 hours; government ferries are slower.
• Book ferry tickets in advance during peak season. Ferries can be canceled in bad weather.
• Local transport: Auto-rickshaws, taxis, rented scooters/mopeds and bicycles. Roads are narrow—drive carefully and wear helmets. Fuel stations are limited.

Accommodation & bookings

• Book in advance during October–May, especially for popular beaches (Radhanagar Beach) and dive resorts.
• Choices range from budget guesthouses to mid-range resorts and a few upscale stays.

Activities & permits

• Popular activities: snorkeling, scuba diving, sea walking, kayaking, beach-hopping, trekking (e.g., to Elephant Beach or Kala Pathar viewpoint).
• Diving: Choose PADI/SSI-certified operators; check equipment and safety records.
• Some protected areas or boat trips may require permits—your operator or accommodation can help arrange these.

Must-know practical tips

• Radhanagar Beach: Visit at sunset—one of Asia’s best beaches; expect crowds in peak season.
• Early starts: For diving/snorkeling and quieter beaches, start early in the day.
• Environmental care: Don’t litter; avoid single-use plastics. Coral reefs are fragile—do not stand on or touch corals.
• Connectivity: Mobile and internet coverage can be patchy; plan for offline maps and confirmations.
• Power & supplies: Power cuts can occur; carry portable chargers. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, insect repellent and any specialty toiletries.

Final local insight

Havelock rewards slower travel—spend time at beaches beyond the main spots, talk to local dive operators and respect island rhythms. Plan logistics (ferry, money, bookings) ahead to relax and enjoy the islands’ marine life and sunsets.

Safe travels!