How to Reach Havelock Island

Wondering How to Reach Havelock Island?

Havelock Island, also known as Swaraj Dweep, is a tropical paradise in the Andaman Islands, renowned for its long stretches of pristine beaches, and lush green forests. Create memories with your loved ones while exploring and enjoying the island’s beautiful beaches.

Arriving in Port Blair: Your Gateway to Havelock Island

To Visit Havelock Island, your journey begins with a flight into Port Blair, the capital city of the South Andaman administrative district, Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair is well-connected to major cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, and Bangalore. Multiple airlines operate direct flights, making it convenient for travelers. For a unique experience, You can even visit Andaman and Nicobar Islands via the sea route, traveling by cruise ship from Chennai, Vizag, or Kolkata, making sea travel an adventurous option. However, we don’t recommend traveling by ship, as it takes up 3 to 4 days of your vacation—time that could be better spent enjoying experiences. Private cruises like Cordelia sometimes set sail to Andaman, so check accordingly for a better private cruise trip with plenty of facilities.

Flight Arrival: Once you land at Port Blair Airport, you’ll need to head to the Port Blair Jetty to catch a ferry to Havelock Island.

Tip: Arrive a day early and explore Ross Island, Cellular Jail, and Museums before your ferry ride from Port Blair to Havelock Island or Neil Island.

How to Reach Havelock Island – Modes of Transportation

By Private Ferry

One of the most convinient way to travel from Port Blair to Havelock Island is via private ferries. Operators like Makruzz (MV, Pearl, Gold), Green Ocean 1, Green Ocean 2, Nautika and Nautika Lite offer a comfortable ferry ride that lasts around 90 minutes. These ferries are well-equipped with air-conditioned seating, entertainment, and food services.

Essential Ferry Information

1. Distance: The distance between Port Blair and Havelock Island is 38 NM and can be covered only by ferries. No road or bridge connecting these two tourist destinations. Hence, you have to take the ferry. Both private and government ferries are available.

2. Time Taken: The total distance is covered in around 90 minutes. Because of a speedy journey, some people feel seasick so make sure to take precautions for a stress-free journey.

3. First Ferry: The earliest ferry to Havelock Island is the Makruzz ferry which starts at 6 am in Port Blair and reaches Havelock Island at 8 am, making it ideal for those visiting Havelock Island.

4. Last Ferry: The last ferry of the day is the Makruzz ferry which starts at 2 pm and reaches by 4 pm.

5. Boarding/Departure Jetty: All private ferry to Havelock Island depart from Haddo Jetty in Port Blair.

6. Arrival Jetty: All private ferries arrive at Haddo Jetty in Port Blair.

7. Number of Ferries daily: 9 ferries run on a daily basis. Note that this number keeps changing according to the weather conditions and so.

8. Price of Ferry Ticket: Ideal for tourists, ticket price starts at Rs. 800 in monsoon season and goes upto Rs. 1200 during peak seasons.

9. Ferry Seating: Each ferry has its own classes and seating style. All private ferries are equipped with cushioned seats, clean windows for great views, and comfortable internal temperature regulation.

10. Booking Process and Discounts: When you book your ferry with Go2Andaman, you’ll get hassle free instant confirmation on boat tickets along with various discount coupons for water sports activities and experiences.

Tip: To ensure a worry free experience, book ferry tickets well in advance to secure your seats, especially during peak tourist seasons, as they may fill up quickly.

By Government Ferry

For budget travelers, government ferries are a great option to reach Havelock Island. These government ferry services are more affordable but take longer around 2 to 2.5 hours. Government ferries operate from Phoenix Bay Jetty in Port Blair to the Havelock Jetty, providing basic facilities, including seating and services for passengers.

Cost: Ferry tickets range from ₹300 to ₹900. While tickets can be bought at the Directorate of shipping services counter in Phoenix Bay Port Blair Jetty, it’s recommended to purchase them a day in advance.

Ferry Schedules: It’s crucial to check ferry timings in advance, scheduled departure time may change due to weather conditions.

Note: These ferry services are not ideal for travellers, as they are primarily designed for local transportation and often result in long queues at ticket counters for a few hours. Additionally, there’s a possibility that you may not be able to secure tickets.

By Helicopter

You can fly to Havelock Island, Neil Island and other Islands via helicopter, with Pawan Hans operating the service. The 20-minute to half hours flight offers stunning aerial views of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, including Ritchie’s Archipelago. 

While the service is operational, bookings must be made through the Directorate of Civil Aviation (near Island Festival Ground). The process can be complex, making it challenging for tourists to secure tickets. Currently, it is mainly reserved for VVIPs and emergency purposes, but if you’re lucky, you might snag a seat!

Getting Around

Getting around Havelock Island is easy, with narrow, straight roads and helpful locals. The pristine beaches and villages are numbered, making navigation easy. Plus, Google Maps works for most locations, so you don’t have to worry about getting lost.

The best way to explore Havelock Island is by renting a scooter, giving you the freedom to cruise the island at your own pace for just about INR 500 to 600 a day. With the cool breeze in your face, you can discover hidden gems and off-the-beaten paths, all while searching for your perfect chill-out spot!

Note:  Auto-rickshaws are available and typically cost between INR 100 and 200, depending on your destination. You can negotiate with drivers for trips to Radhanagar Beach for around INR 500, but be aware that prices might increase during peak seasons. Public buses are available from time to time.

Where to Stay on Havelock Island

Once you reach, Havelock Island awaits with world-famous and best beaches like Radhanagar Beach, Elephant Beach, Vijaynagar Beach, and Kalapathar Beach. Visitors can enjoy luxurious stays at resorts like Havelock Island Beach Resort, Seashell Resort, and Wild Orchid Resort, offering access to scenic beauty and stunning white sandy beaches. For a romantic candlelight dinner, most hotels and beach resorts near Radhanagar Beach arrange unforgettable experiences by the pristine white sands.

For budget travelers, there are plenty of options, including hostels and affordable hotels. The Classic Hostel is a fantastic choice for backpackers looking for a cozy and social atmosphere.

Explore Havelock Island’s Underwater World

To truly explore Havelock Island’s stunning natural beauty, you’ll have to dive into its crystal clear waters. Don’t miss the chance to explore the world underwater, as Havelock Island is the scuba diving capital of India with top dive spots and a hub for scuba diving, snorkelling, and other water sports. 

Experience swimming amongst coral reefs, a variety of fish, turtles, and manta rays, it’s a dive of a lifetime! Brace yourself for stunning underwater views filled with colorful and vibrant marine life. If you are not a water baby, glass-bottom boat rides offer a fantastic view of vibrant coral reefs and underwater marine life, all in just one island experience.

Ready to experience the beauty of Havelock Island? Book your ferry tickets today and start your adventure!