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Last update: 12 Oct 2026
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Havelock Island Summary
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Suited for
India – Quick facts
| Power Grid: |
230 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type C , Type D , Type M
Type C:
   Read about power adapters |
|---|---|
| Currency: |
Indian Rupee (INR) £1 ≈ ₹126.52 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 4/5
Cashless payments are becoming more common in India, especially in urban areas. Credit cards and mobile payment apps like Google Pay, Paytm, and PhonePe are widely accepted in cities.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is appreciated in India but not mandatory. A 10% tip in restaurants is common. Tipping taxi drivers and hotel staff is also customary, typically 10-15% for good service. |
|---|---|
| Public drinking: | Public drinking is not commonly seen in India. Alcohol is typically consumed in licensed bars, restaurants, and hotels. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is prohibited in many indoor public spaces, including restaurants, bars, and public transport stations. |
| Independence Day (15 August) |
A national holiday celebrated with flag hoisting and parades |
|---|---|
| Diwali (October-November) |
The Festival of Lights, celebrated with fireworks and festivities |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Number: 112 |
|---|---|
| Taxi apps: | Ola, Uber |
| Other: | India is a vast and diverse country with a rich cultural heritage, offering a wide range of experiences from ancient temples to modern cities. Prepare for varying infrastructure and safety conditions depending on the region. |
Best times to travel
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
for Havelock Island, India
Southwest monsoon June to September: rough seas, ferries from Port Blair often cancelled, and some dive operators and resorts close
Cyclones possible in the Bay of Bengal April to May and October to December
Peak crowds and highest prices around Christmas and New Year, book months ahead
Don't miss
- 🏖️ Relax and swim at the famous Radhanagar Beach
- 🤿 Snorkel and dive among vibrant coral reefs
- 🛶 Kayak through mangroves for peaceful nature views
- 🪂 Experience thrilling parasailing over turquoise waters
- 🌳 Trek to Elephant Beach through tropical forest trails
You've been here?
Log in to manage your own bucket list! Why travel to Havelock Island?
Havelock Island is a dream destination for beach lovers and underwater enthusiasts alike. The island boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in Asia, including the famous Radhanagar Beach with its powder-white sand creating a stunning contrast against the turquoise waters. The coral reefs surrounding the island are teeming with colorful marine life, making it a haven for snorkelers and divers of all experience levels. Beyond the beaches, you can explore lush mangrove forests through kayaking trips, spot unique wildlife including dolphins, turtles and sometimes even the elusive dugong or simply disconnect from the world and embrace the island's laid-back atmosphere. However, it's worth noting that Havelock is becoming increasingly popular, which means some areas can get crowded during peak season (October to February). The island's infrastructure, while improving, is still developing, so expect occasional power outages and limited internet connectivity. Getting to and from the island is dependent on ferry schedules, which can be disrupted by weather conditions. Medical facilities are basic, so bring any necessary medications. Despite these challenges, the island's natural beauty and rich biodiversity make it well worth the journey for those seeking a slice of paradise.
Knowledge before you go
- Book ferries from Port Blair well in advance.
- Visit Radhanagar Beach at sunset for Asia's best white sands and calm waters.
- Try scuba diving at Nemo Reef or trek to secluded Elephant Beach through mangroves.
- Rent scooters to explore Kalapathar Beach and Vijay Nagar independently; avoid peak monsoon.
How to travel to Havelock Island
The only way to reach Havelock Island is by sea from Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman Islands. Regular ferry services operate between Port Blair and Havelock, taking approximately 90 minutes to 2.5 hours depending on the type of ferry. To get to Port Blair, you'll need to fly into Veer Savarkar International Airport, which has connections to major Indian cities like Chennai, Kolkata and Delhi. It's advisable to book ferry tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist season.
Access summary
- From Port Blair Airport (IXZ): Taxi to jetty, ferry 1.5–3 hours.
- From Port Blair city: Government or private ferries, typically 1.5–3 hours.
- High-speed catamarans (e.g., Makruzz/Green Ocean) cut crossing to about 90 minutes.
Check your route from anywhere
Where to stay in Havelock Island
Havelock Island offers accommodation options ranging from luxury eco-resorts to mid-range hotels and budget-friendly guesthouses. Many resorts are located along the beaches, offering stunning ocean views and direct beach access. Several properties follow sustainable practices to preserve the island's natural beauty. During peak season (October to February), it's essential to book well in advance as the best places fill up quickly.
Hotel recommendations
*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.
Silver Sand Beach Resort - Havelock Island
Sea Shell Havelock
Havelock Island Beach Resort
TSG Blue Resort & Spa
Symphony Palms Beach Resort - Havelock Island and Spa
DOLPHIN BEACH RESORT
Sea Hills Resort - Havelock
Wild Orchid Resort - Havelock Island
Coral Reef Resort & Spa, Havelock
Barefoot At Havelock-Havelock Island
How to get around Havelock Island
Havelock Island is relatively small and easy to navigate. The most common way to get around is by renting a scooter or motorcycle, which gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace. Auto-rickshaws and taxis are also available for hire, especially near the jetty and popular beaches. Some resorts offer bicycle rentals for those who prefer a more eco-friendly option.
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home
We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.
To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.
We can't detect your current location. Please log in and set your current location in the account settings to see a cost comparison.
Exchange rate trend
The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.
Your exchange rate (GBP to INR) is 20% better than in recent years. That means travelling now is considerably cheaper compared to the past.
Safety information overview
General safety
Havelock Island is generally safe for tourists with low crime rates. The main concerns are water safety and natural hazards. Always follow guides' instructions during water activities and be cautious of strong currents. Avoid swimming alone, especially at dusk.
Health & Medical
Medical facilities on Havelock Island are basic, with limited equipment and medications. For serious issues, evacuation to Port Blair or mainland India may be necessary. Bring essential medications, stay hydrated and use sunscreen to prevent heat-related illnesses.
Accessibility
Havelock Island has limited accessibility infrastructure. Sandy beaches and uneven terrain make wheelchair navigation difficult. Most boats and ferries lack proper accessibility features. Some newer resorts offer basic accessible rooms, but call ahead to confirm specific accommodations.
Tap water
Tap water on Havelock Island is not safe for drinking. Rely on bottled water, which is readily available at resorts and shops. Some eco-resorts provide filtered water refill stations to reduce plastic waste.
Packing recommendations for Havelock Island
Log in to add this place to a travel list and get a summary of all recommended items for your whole trip.
📷
Camera
🌞
Sun cream
high SPF
🚰
Reusable water bottle
👕
Light, breathable clothing
🕶️
Sunglasses
🪰
Insect repellent
🩱
Swimwear
🩴
Flip-flops
👟
Water shoes
🤿
Snorkelling gear
though hire is available
🔋
Power bank
🩹
Basic first aid kit
🌞
Reef-safe sun cream
👒
Sun hat
📷
Waterproof camera
🛁
Quick-dry travel towel
📱
Travel eSIM
🔌
Universal travel adaptor
💳
Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
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