Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep): Flights, Ferries & Stay 2026 — the complete guide for Indian travellers
By Priya Nair (Priya Nair covers India's beach destinations — Andaman, Lakshadweep, Goa, Kerala — with a focus on the practical bits: which gateway airport, which ferry connects to which island, the permits, the scuba seasons, the budget math.) · Published · 14 min read
To reach Havelock Island (officially Swaraj Dweep), fly to Port Blair's Veer Savarkar International Airport and then take a ferry — either the government vessel or the faster Makruzz/Green Ocean private catamaran. The ferry crossing takes roughly 1.5–2.5 hours depending on the service. No extra permit is needed beyond your standard Andaman visit beyond checking in with local registrations. Here is everything you need to plan your trip in 2026.
TL;DR — Havelock Island in 60 seconds
Havelock Island, renamed Swaraj Dweep in 2018, is the most popular island in the Andaman archipelago for good reason: it has Radhanagar Beach — consistently ranked among Asia's best — plus world-class scuba diving at Elephant Beach. The route in 2026 is: fly to Port Blair (IXZ) → ferry to Havelock. No separate permit is needed for Indian nationals; you simply land in Port Blair and board the ferry. Private catamaran services cut the crossing to under 90 minutes. Budget roughly ₹2,500–3,500 per person for a round-trip catamaran ticket as of 2026 — check current prices before booking as they change seasonally.
Which flights go to Port Blair and how much do they cost?
Port Blair's Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ) is the only air entry point for the Andaman Islands. Direct flights operate from:
- Chennai (MAA): shortest route, roughly 2 hours; IndiGo, Air India and SpiceJet all operate this sector
- Kolkata (CCU): around 2 hours; IndiGo, Air India Express and SpiceJet serve this route regularly
- Delhi (DEL): around 3.5–4 hours; usually has a stop or requires a connection via Chennai or Kolkata on most carriers
- Hyderabad (HYD), Bengaluru (BLR), Mumbai (BOM): typically connect via Chennai or Kolkata
As a rough guide for 2026, one-way economy fares on direct routes range from around ₹3,500 during lean shoulder months (May–June monsoon, September) to ₹12,000–18,000 during peak season (December–January and April holidays). Book at least 60–90 days ahead for peak season — Port Blair is a slot-controlled airport and seats fill fast. Use FlightGPT's flight search to compare live fares across carriers.
Which city to fly from? Chennai is almost always the cheapest and most frequent gateway — IndiGo alone operates multiple daily flights. If you are based in Mumbai or Delhi, watch for sale fares that appear 6–8 weeks before travel; these can bring the price down to ₹5,000–7,000 one-way. Kolkata is the second best gateway, especially useful if you are flying out of eastern India. Bengaluru fares typically run ₹500–2,000 higher than Chennai on average because of the connecting stop. Fees and features change — verify on the official site before you rely on them.
How do I get from Port Blair to Havelock by ferry?
The ferry journey from Port Blair's Phoenix Bay Jetty to Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) Jetty is the centrepiece of any Andaman itinerary. You have two main options in 2026:
| Service | Duration | Approx. fare (one-way) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Makruzz (private catamaran) | ~90 min | ₹1,000–1,400 | Most popular; 4–5 departures/day; book online in advance |
| Green Ocean / Nautika (private catamaran) | ~90–110 min | ₹800–1,200 | Similar comfort; slightly fewer departures |
| Government ferry (AAPDB) | ~2–2.5 hours | ₹200–450 | Basic seating; slower but very affordable; fewer departures |
Book private catamaran seats online at least 3–7 days ahead in peak season (Oct–May) — they sell out. The government ferry is walk-up friendly but significantly slower and can be rough in choppy seas. If you're prone to seasickness, take the morning private catamaran when seas are calmest, and carry a motion-sickness tablet (cinnarizine or dimenhydrinate are commonly available at Port Blair pharmacies).
Important planning note: your flight arrival time in Port Blair must leave enough gap before the last ferry departure (typically by 4–5 pm). Flying in on an afternoon flight and expecting to catch the evening ferry to Havelock the same day is risky. Consider an overnight stay in Port Blair on arrival day. The Port Blair waterfront area (Aberdeen Bazaar) has several decent guesthouses and hotels in the ₹1,800–4,500 per night range — a one-night buffer here is worth it rather than rushing the ferry.
If your Port Blair layover is longer than one night, the Cellular Jail National Memorial (the famous 'Kala Pani' prison from the colonial era) and the evening light-and-sound show there are worth several hours. The Ross Island ruins — now officially called Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island — are also a half-day trip from Phoenix Bay Jetty before you head to Havelock.
Do Indian travellers need any permit for Havelock?
Indian nationals do not need a special permit to visit Havelock or most of the popular Andaman Islands. The old Restricted Area Permit (RAP) requirement for Indian citizens was removed for most of the Andamans. When you land at Port Blair airport, you simply clear the arrival hall — there is no permit counter for Indian passport holders visiting Havelock or Neil Island.
However, some tribal reserve areas and certain remote islands in the Andamans remain restricted. Do not attempt to visit North Sentinel Island or other tribal reserve islands — this is both legally prohibited and dangerous. Your resort or tour operator on Havelock will advise if any specific excursion requires prior permission from the Andaman administration.
Foreign nationals have different RAP rules — but if you are an Indian citizen planning a Havelock trip, you can proceed directly without any permit paperwork. One practical formality: when you check into your accommodation on Havelock, the property will ask for your Aadhaar card or another government-issued ID for their mandatory guest register — carry a physical copy or have digital access.
What are the best beaches on Havelock Island?
Havelock has several distinct beaches, each with a different character:
- Radhanagar Beach (Beach No. 7): consistently voted one of Asia's best beaches. Long crescent of white sand, clear water, dramatic sunset views. No water sports permitted here to protect the environment — it is purely a swimming and sunbathing beach. The nearest resorts are around a 15–20 minute auto-rickshaw ride from the jetty. Beach No. 7 is about 12 km from the Havelock Jetty — auto-rickshaws charge roughly ₹200–350 for the journey, or rent a bicycle from near the jetty for ₹150–300 per day if you are comfortable on hilly roads.
- Elephant Beach: the top snorkelling and scuba destination on the island. Reach it by a 25–30 minute boat ride from the jetty (typically ₹300–500 per person one-way) or a 45-minute hike through forest. Coral reefs, sea turtles and diverse marine life. PADI-certified dive centres operate here. The morning boat is the best time — visibility is clearest before noon.
- Kalapathar Beach: narrow beach framed by distinctive black rocks; beautiful at sunrise. Not suitable for swimming but a great photography spot. About 3 km from the jetty — easily reached by bicycle.
- Vijaynagar Beach (Beach No. 5): calmer, less crowded; good for families. Several resorts and guesthouses are nearby. The beach road here also has a few small seafood shacks that serve fresh catch in the evenings.
A popular Havelock day plan: sunrise at Kalapathar → mid-morning snorkelling at Elephant Beach → sunset at Radhanagar. Auto-rickshaws can be hired for a full-island circuit for around ₹1,000–1,500 per vehicle for the day.
How much does a scuba dive cost at Havelock, and which centres are reputable?
Scuba diving is one of the primary reasons people visit Havelock, and the island has several PADI-certified dive centres with a range of experience levels and price points. Approximate prices in 2026:
- Discover Scuba Diving (try-dive, no certification required): typically around ₹4,000–6,000 for a two-tank shallow dive. Suitable for first-timers. Includes briefing and supervised underwater experience.
- Open Water PADI certification course: usually ₹25,000–40,000 for the full 4-day course including pool sessions and open water dives. Prices vary by centre and whether course materials are included.
- Fun dives for certified divers: around ₹2,000–3,500 per dive for experienced divers; most centres offer multi-dive packages that reduce the per-dive cost.
Some of the longest-established dive operations on the island are Barefoot Scuba (at the Barefoot at Havelock resort), Dive India, and Andaman Bubbles. All three operate PADI-certified instruction and have good safety records. Book your dive in advance during October–February peak season as slots fill up, especially for try-dives. The dive site conditions around Havelock — Wall Street, Lighthouse, Aquarium — offer visibility of 15–25 metres in season. Fees and features change — verify on the official site before you rely on them.
When is the best time to visit Havelock and dive?
The Andaman Islands sit in a tropical climate with a monsoon season from roughly mid-May to September. Visibility and conditions vary significantly:
- October to April (peak season): best underwater visibility (15–25 metres), calm seas, reliable ferry schedules. December to January is the busiest — book everything well in advance and expect higher prices.
- February to April: arguably the sweet spot — good visibility, slightly lower crowds than December–January, and water temperatures around 27–29°C. Good for both diving and snorkelling.
- May to September (monsoon): Havelock remains accessible but ferry schedules can be disrupted. Dive visibility drops. Some resorts close or run skeleton operations. Rates are at their lowest — adventurous travellers can get excellent deals.
The recommended scuba training season is November through March for the clearest water. Whale shark sightings around the Andamans are possible from January to April. Manta rays are occasionally seen near Lighthouse dive site from December through February. If underwater photography is your goal, plan for January or February when the visibility is consistently at its peak.
Where should I stay on Havelock Island?
Accommodation on Havelock spans a wide range — from basic beach huts to upscale eco-resorts:
- Budget (under ₹2,500/night): guesthouses and beach huts clustered around the jetty area and Vijaynagar Beach. Basic but perfectly functional — most include breakfast and have attached bathrooms. Govindnagar and the jetty bazaar area have clusters of these guesthouses.
- Mid-range (₹2,500–5,000/night): comfortable resorts at Radhanagar and Vijaynagar with air-conditioning, in-house restaurants and sometimes a pool. Good options for most travellers. Symphony Palms, Pristine Beach Resort and The Emerald Gecko are popular names in this bracket.
- Luxury (₹10,000+/night): Barefoot at Havelock is the island's most celebrated resort, with eco-cottages on the beach, an excellent scuba operation, and fine dining. Taj Exotica (nearby) is another premium choice. Munjoh Ocean Resort at Radhanagar is a newer, well-regarded option with sea views.
Book your stay well ahead for the October–January season — quality rooms sell out months in advance on some properties. Most mid-range and luxury resorts require a 50% advance at the time of booking during peak season; check cancellation policies carefully before paying. Use FlightGPT's Destinations panel to explore Andaman options. You may also find our guides to Neil Island and Lakshadweep & Agatti useful for planning a longer island-hopping itinerary.
Bottom line
Havelock Island remains the crown jewel of the Indian Andamans in 2026. The logistics are straightforward — fly to Port Blair, book your private catamaran ferry in advance, and you're there in under 2 hours. The key mistakes to avoid: arriving in Port Blair too late to catch the ferry the same day, underestimating how fast peak-season accommodation sells out, and skipping Elephant Beach (the snorkelling is exceptional). Fees and features change — verify on the official site before you rely on them.
Explore more island destinations on FlightGPT →Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Havelock Island from the mainland of India?
Fly to Port Blair (IXZ) from Chennai, Kolkata, Delhi, Bengaluru or Hyderabad, then take a private catamaran (Makruzz or Green Ocean, ~90 minutes) or government ferry (~2–2.5 hours) from Phoenix Bay Jetty in Port Blair to Havelock Jetty.
Do Indians need a permit for Havelock Island?
No. Indian nationals do not require any special permit to visit Havelock (Swaraj Dweep). You simply fly into Port Blair and board the ferry — no permit paperwork is needed.
How long is the ferry ride from Port Blair to Havelock?
The private catamaran services (Makruzz, Green Ocean) take around 90 minutes. The government AAPDB ferry takes approximately 2 to 2.5 hours.
What is the best time to visit Havelock Island?
October to April is the peak and best season — calm seas, good diving visibility, reliable ferries. February to April offers the best balance of conditions and slightly lower crowds. The monsoon season (May–September) brings disruptions but much lower prices.
How much does a Makruzz ferry ticket cost from Port Blair to Havelock?
As of 2026, Makruzz one-way fares are typically around ₹1,000–1,400. Prices vary by seat class and season. Book online in advance for peak season as seats fill quickly.
Is Radhanagar Beach worth the hype?
Yes. Radhanagar Beach (Beach No. 7) is genuinely one of India's finest beaches — a wide arc of white sand with clear water and spectacular sunsets. It is protected from water sports to preserve its environment, making it a pure swimming and relaxation beach.
How much does a scuba dive cost on Havelock Island?
A try-dive (Discover Scuba Diving, no certification needed) costs roughly ₹4,000–6,000. Fun dives for certified divers are around ₹2,000–3,500 per dive. A full PADI Open Water certification course typically runs ₹25,000–40,000 over four days.