Top 10 Things to do in Havelock Island

Located in the stunning archipelago of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Havelock Island offers a fusion of tranquillity, thrill, and enchantment. This slice of paradise, replete with powdery white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and an array of breathtaking aquatic life, will satiate every kind of travel enthusiast. Here, we are guiding you through the top 10 activities that will make your visit to Havelock Island a memorable one.

1. Discover the Magic Underwater with Scuba Diving

For those who want to dive into the ocean's depths, Havelock Island is truly a paradise. One of the island's main highlights is its fascinating underwater world, teeming with colourful marine life and vibrant coral reefs. The waters surrounding the island offer excellent visibility, allowing you to fully enjoy your sub-aquatic explorations. First-timers can avail of beginner courses while experienced divers can plunge directly into the depths. 

Dive Sites: Havelock Island has some of the best diving sites in India. Among them, Elephant Beach and Nemo Reef are often recommended to both beginners and experienced divers. With its white sand and crystalline waters, Elephant Beach is one of the most popular sites. But what lies beneath the water is even more magical. It is home to a vibrant marine ecosystem, filled with various species of fish, turtles, and a colourful array of soft and hard corals. Whether you are a novice or an expert, you'll be captivated by the underwater spectacle.

Named after the adorable clownfish, Nemo Reef is perfect for those looking for a shallow dive. The reef teems with these friendly little creatures, and you can often spot them nestled among the sea anemones. Beyond Nemo, you can also encounter numerous other species, including parrotfish, butterflyfish, and angelfish. 

Johnny’s George, Mac Point, Dugong Dungeon, and Pilot Reef are also some major diving sites in Havelock Island. 

Underwater Photography: Lastly, do not forget your underwater camera! Underwater photography is an exciting aspect of scuba diving in Havelock. From capturing the stunning coral gardens to the bustling life of the reef ecosystem, these pictures will make for an unforgettable memento of your trip.

2. Trek to Elephant Beach

While Havelock Island is renowned for its pristine beaches and underwater activities, one of its lesser-known yet equally enticing offerings is the trek to Elephant Beach. This short but rewarding journey takes you through a beautiful forest trail, culminating in the breathtaking vista of one of Havelock's most beautiful beaches.

The trek to Elephant Beach begins at Radhanagar Beach and stretches for approximately 2 km which may take you around 30-40 minutes to cover. This route is known for its lush greenery and vibrant wildlife, offering trekkers a chance to be immersed in the pristine natural environment of the Andaman Islands. The trail is a mix of flat terrains and gentle inclines, making it suitable for both seasoned trekkers and beginners. While walking, you'll be engulfed by the enchanting symphony of the forest – the chirping of birds, the rustling of leaves, and the distant sound of the ocean.

3. Try Snorkelling at Elephant Beach

If scuba diving seems a bit daunting, snorkelling is a more relaxed and beginner-friendly alternative. It doesn't require extensive training or heavy equipment. All you need is a snorkel, a mask, and swim fins. A short briefing on how to use the equipment and you're ready to plunge into the captivating underwater world. Elephant Beach is renowned for its shallow waters, making it ideal for snorkelling. Swim among the colourful coral reefs and make friends with schools of exotic fish.

Elephant Beach offers an exciting and safe snorkelling site. The water here is shallow and clear, providing excellent visibility. Once you venture into the water, you'll find yourself immersed in a world full of vivid corals, schools of tropical fish darting in and out, sea cucumbers, starfish, and more.

Several tour operators on Havelock Island offer snorkelling tours to Elephant Beach. These usually include boat rides, equipment, and a guide who ensures your safety and helps identify different marine species.

4. Experience the Thrill of Sea Walking

One of the most exciting and unique activities you can try in Havelock Island is sea walking. As the name suggests, this underwater adventure allows you to literally walk on the seabed. And the best part is, you don't need to be a swimmer or have any diving experience to try it. If you can walk and breathe, you can sea walk! Equipped with a specially designed helmet that is connected to an oxygen source above water, you descend about 15-25 feet underwater.

Sea walking at North Bay Island, close to Havelock, is a must-try activity. It's an excellent opportunity to walk on the ocean floor, interact with aquatic creatures, and witness the incredible sea life, all while breathing normally, just as you would on land!

5. Visit Radhanagar Beach

Acclaimed as 'Asia's Best Beach' by TIME magazine, Radhanagar Beach is a must-visit for any island sojourner. It offers the perfect spot to relax under the Sun or enjoy a leisurely swim. Known for its powdery white sands, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and lush coastal vegetation, Radhanagar Beach, also known as Beach No. 7, is a picture of unspoiled beauty. The beach is wide and well-maintained, offering ample space for everyone to relax and unwind. The clear, calm waters of Radhanagar Beach make it an excellent spot for swimming. The beach is fairly shallow with no sudden drops, allowing both adults and children to enjoy a dip.

If there's one thing you can't miss when you visit Radhanagar Beach, it's the captivating sunset. As the sun starts to descend, the sky transforms into a canvas painted with shades of orange, pink, and purple. Watching the sun slowly dip into the horizon of the Andaman Sea is an experience that will etch into your memory.

6. Kayaking in Mangrove Creeks

For those who love peaceful activities, kayaking through the tranquil mangrove creeks is a must. The mangroves of Havelock Island form an intricate network of creeks that provide an ideal setting for kayaking. This unique ecosystem teems with life and is a haven for several bird species, making it a paradise for nature lovers and bird watchers.

The dense canopy of the mangroves provides a serene, shaded pathway for kayakers, offering an immersive experience of this unique environment.

One of the most magical times to go kayaking in the mangroves is during sunset. As the sun starts to descend, the entire landscape transforms. The setting sun casts an ethereal golden glow, making the experience even more captivating.

7. Set up a Camp in the Forest or Beach:

Havelock Island is a perfect blend of serene beaches and lush forests. The island offers a plethora of activities, and camping is undoubtedly one of the most captivating experiences that allow visitors to connect intimately with its natural beauty. Set up camp on the sandy beaches, spend your day exploring, swimming, or simply unwinding by the azure sea.

At night, witness the breathtaking Havelock Island sunsets, transforming the horizon into an artist's palette. If permitted, you can also light a campfire, creating an enchanting atmosphere with the backdrop of the sea and night sky. 

Forest camping in Havelock Island offers a unique encounter with the island's lush greenery and diverse wildlife. Camping within the woods provides an opportunity to appreciate the quiet, tranquil environment and the chance to spot some of the island's exotic bird species and other wildlife.

8. Explore the Stunning Island close by

While Havelock Island itself is brimming with natural beauty and engaging activities, the islands surrounding it are equally alluring and worth exploring. Just a short boat ride away from Havelock, Neil Island, is a smaller, less commercialised but equally stunning island. Known for its unhurried pace of life and serene beaches like Bharatpur, Laxmanpur and Sitapur, it is the perfect place to unwind.

Once the administrative headquarters of the British, Ross Island is a window to the colonial past. The island is home to numerous old, dilapidated, but fascinating structures. North Bay Island, located closer to Port Blair, is famous for offering a variety of water sports like sea walking, snorkelling, and glass-bottom boat rides. The island's vibrant coral reefs are home to diverse marine life, making it a fantastic place for underwater exploration.

9. Indulge in Seafood

Havelock Island, with its mix of natural beauty and cultural diversity, offers a food scene that is as diverse and delightful as the island itself. Seafood lovers are in for a treat, with fresh catch from the Andaman Sea cooked to perfection in a variety of styles. From upscale restaurants to beachside shacks, there are numerous places serving delicious meals. Vegetarians need not worry, as the island also offers a good selection of Indian and continental vegetarian dishes.

10. Attend a Beach Party

The fun doesn't end when the sun goes down in Havelock Island. In fact, it's just getting started! Beach parties with live music, fire shows, and dance performances bring the island to life at night. Enjoy the energetic vibes and dance the night away!