Asia's best beaches and finest diving
Havelock Island — officially known as Swaraj Dweep — is the crown jewel of the Andaman archipelago and the single most visited destination in the islands. Home to Radhanagar Beach, consistently ranked among Asia’s best beaches, Havelock offers a rare combination of world-class natural beauty, excellent diving, and a well-developed but not overcrowded tourism infrastructure.
Havelock is reached by ferry from Port Blair — either government ferries (₹500–600, 2.5 hours) or premium private ferries like Makruzz and Green Ocean (₹1,200–1,800, 90 minutes). The premium ferries are worth it for the comfort and reliability.
Radhanagar Beach (Beach No. 7): The showstopper. Pristine white sand, turquoise water, and stunning sunsets. Arrive by 4 PM for the golden hour.
Elephant Beach: Accessible by a short speedboat ride or 45-minute trek. The best snorkelling on the island — healthy coral gardens and abundant fish life.
Kalapathar Beach: Named for its distinctive black rocks against white sand. Quieter than Radhanagar — perfect for sunrise walks.
October to May. The monsoon (June–September) brings rough seas and limited ferry services.