Offbeat Things to Do in Havelock Island

It took me a while to figure out something worth writing about Havelock Island. Over the course of three different trips, I ended up spending over 3 months on the Island and fell in love with its laid back vibe. Having spent so much time on Havelock, a post detailing my time here was definitely in order but I also knew I did not want to populate the Internet with yet another post about the same 6 things to do in Havelock Island that virtually everyone online writes about. Call it my plain and simple passion for finding offbeat spots in overly done tourist places, I decided to spill out my secrets on some of the rawest experiences I had here and without a lot of thought, this list of offbeat things to do in Havelock Island was born.

Before we proceed, I’d definitely like to give a disclaimer. Though most websites almost always talk about just a few odd things that can be done here, each of these is beautiful in its own right (apart from a few like Elephant Beach which is crowded AF and I’d skip them in a heartbeat). However, I also always feel that there has to be much more than what meets the eye. It is impossible that tourists can only enjoy a set number of things in a place as wonderfully diverse as Havelock – it has beaches, it has forests, it has hillocks, and just a wide range of adventure sports to try. So taking from the three months (and counting) I’ve spent here so far… let’s dive right into this guide to offbeat things to do in Havelock Island!

🏝️Visiting Havelock Island? Here are a few quick links at a glance:
✈️Book Flights: Skyscanner for cheapest deals
🛌Book Hotels: Booking and Expedia for best deals
🤳Best Tours: GetYourGuide, and Viator
🩺Global Travel Insurance: SafetyWing
🧴Sunscreen: Thank You Farmer (Reef Safe), Foxtale (SPF 70)

Read all other posts from the Andaman Islands here!

Where to Stay in Havelock Island –

TSG Blue Resort

Sure, we’re here to talk about offbeat things to do in Havelock but none of these things you’ll be able to do until you have a place to stay in Havelock sorted. So, first things first let me introduce you to one of the best resorts on Havelock Island – the TSG Blue Resort. TSG is one of the oldest resort groups on the Andaman Islands. They have two properties in Port Blair and one on Neil Island as well – about which I have written in detail in my Neil Island travel guide. But, I digress.

The TSG Blue Resort is located within a walking distance from Radhanagar Beach. Granted, it is a little off the route from the hustle-bustle of Havelock is at (aka the Govindnagar/ Vijaynagar area), but I feel that is the entire point. The Radhanagar area is known for its seclusion, its peace and quiet, and for housing only a select few resorts on the Island and TSG Blue fits right in. With Areca Nut and Coconut Palms lining up the entire property, the resort may be called Blue, but it is Green as far as the eye can see. Oh, and Brown! The wooden cottages at TSG Blue are the perfect place to sip your early morning tea in peace while you watch birds forage for food from one tree to the other. Each cottage comes with a spacious porch which makes the ideal setting for some quiet time before an entire day’s worth of explorations begin! But it suffices to say that there is plenty of Blue in the resort as well. Take the swimming pool, for example, which – in my humble opinion – is absolutely the perfect way to start your morning. When I was here, I’d wake up and jump right in to get in a few laps before launching myself into the massive breakfast spread they had ready each day. Water therapy for the winners, amirite!? Staying at TSG Blue might as well be one of the top offbeat things to do in itself!

Considering the fact that it only takes 5 minutes to walk to get to Radhanagar Beach from TSG Blue Resort, my next stop of the day would be the obvious choice – head to one of India’s Blue Flag Beaches for some more water therapy – this time in saltwater. As you read further into this guide of offbeat things to do in Havelock, you will realise the sheer number of things one can do just at Radhanagar Beach (simply because it is just that MASSIVE). So it only made sense for me to wake up and walk to this beauty from TSG Blue Resort. But if you’re looking to head elsewhere, there is a scooter rental shop right across the street from the Resort so you don’t have to worry about that bit as well. When I say the location at TSG Blue is perfect, and that it is hands down one of the best places to stay on Havelock Island, I bloody well mean it!

Offbeat Things to do in Havelock Island

Go Kayaking Amidst Mangroves

Kayaking is one of the most exhilarating offbeat things to do in Havelock. Even if you are here for a short period, make sure to book your Kayaking Mangrove Adventure at Havelock. This experience includes kayaks and life jackets and before you venture out, a training session is provided by experts. (Spoiler alert: kayaking is not as difficult as it may sometimes seem). Through this tour, not only do you get be amidst the mangrove forests, but you also learn the importance of these jungles in our ecosystem. There are endemic birds in this area that you get to spot, identify and learn about through professional kayakers and naturalists!

You might also want to look into this Night Kayaking Tour that takes mangrove kayaking in Havelock to a whole other level!

Look for Turtles and Stingrays at Radhanagar Beach

No, you do not need to go scuba diving to spot stingrays and turtles on the Andaman Islands. Shocked? I was too when I found out about this possibility but I quickly realized the importance of snorkelling to explore marine life. Sure, it doesn’t get you to the depths but snorkelling is definitely a great way to explore the underwater world from shallower depths. Snorkelling still remains one of my favourite water activities in Havelock and is definitely also one of the best offbeat things to do in Havelock.

At Radhanagar, there is a coral reef called the Middle Reef which is known for a wide variety of fish populations. Just before the Middle Reef is a patch of seagrass where turtles often come to feed during high tide. You’d have to really go into the water away from the shore for almost a kilometre to reach this spot. While snorkelling by Radhanagar Beach, you also have the possibility of spotting the resident stingrays here including bluespotted ribbontail ray and porcupine ray. Apart from stingrays and turtles, I’ve also seen jellyfish, lobsters, sea urchins, starfish, humphead parrotfish and so many other different species of fish here. It’s definitely one of the best snorkelling spots in Havelock Island, and my top choice for offbeat things to do in Havelock!

The best way to find these gems off Radhanagar Beach is to book a snorkelling session with Lacadives. Their shop is located just about a kilometre from TSG Blue and they have skilled guides who know the exact spots to look for these beautiful species.

Follow the Forest Trails Parallel to Radhanagar Beach

Radhanagar Beach is definitely one of the most beautiful beaches in all of India. But it is not just its white sand and azure blue waters which make it so. Along the beach, is a mesmerising forest that is often overlooked by many but is an experience in itself. The forest has a walking trail going through it and every now and then the overgrown bushes open into a stunning view of the ocean. The forest has tall pedauk (Andaman redwood) trees and is home to short-crested bay island forest lizards, hermit crabs and several other creatures. This forest is a nature lover’s delight.

If you’re looking for a guided tour through this forest, check out this excellent Nature Trail with Historian and Naturalist Tour where the expert guide tells you more about the various species of flora and fauna and how they evolved on the island. It’s definitely one of the best offbeat things to do in Havelock during your stay at TSG Blue!

Swim at Neil’s Cove – the Far End of Radhanagar Beach

I can’t help that most of my favourite offbeat things to do in Havelock start with Radhanagar Beach! Not only is the beach such an attraction – its proximity to TSG Blue made me spend all my time here, and all for good reason – there’s enough to explore around this one beach itself so it’s worth a third mention! This time as you enter Radhanagar, walk all the way to the very right end of the beach until you reach a small semi-circular patch of the beach. This is Neil’s Cove and is a great spot to swim, catch a sunset and relax away from the crowds – one of the most idyllic water activities in Havelock!

Go Stargazing at the Beach

One of the best offbeat things to do in Havelock certainly has to be its endless opportunities to go stargazing. Watching the milkway galaxy form over the dark, endless ocean is a thrill in itself!

Do the Forest Hike to Turtle Beach

The moment you step into Havelock, you will be assaulted with posters of Elephant Beach everywhere you go. There will be tour operators offering boat rides to Elephant Beach and everyone will be talking about planning a visit here. But proceed with caution: Elephant Beach is to the Andaman Islands what Baga Beach is to Goa. The number of people who come here on a daily is obnoxious. There are banana boat rides, jet ski, sea walk, snorkelling and other water activities in Havelock available here but trust, none of these are worth spending time on a crowded, dirty, noisy beach.

Here is the better alternative, fitting to this list of offbeat things to do in Havelock: Follow the forest trail leading to Elephant Beach and once you reach here, continue walking to your left until you’ve left the crowd way behind, past a patch of rocky corals. Now you have arrived at Turtle Beach which has a much better marine and coral life where you can independently go snorkelling, or just relax and be a proper beach bum!

Cycle to Kalapathar

Kalapathar Beach is famously known as the sunrise beach through all Havelock travel guides you will come across on the internet. But I sincerely believe that Kalapathar has a different charm to it, that goes well beyond its beach. The best way to experience this is on a cycle – so you have the time to patiently take things in, instead of whizzing past on a motor vehicle. You can rent a cycle from either Ayan Travels opposite Green Imperial cafe, or from the shop right beside Kathmandu Cafe for INR 200/ day (yes, Havelock is expensive!)

The further you go towards Kalapathar, the more the world will seem to be changing. Concrete buildings will slowly give in to traditionally built bamboo houses with thatched roofs where the villagers stay and further beyond that, houses will cease to exist and there will be a thick forest on one side and the ocean on the other. It is one of the most beautiful offbeat things to do in Havelock, an experience you must not miss!

There are other cycling routes in Havelock as well that are equally enjoyable – cutting through forests and villages, giving you a very different glimpse of life at Havelock. This Hinterland Cycling Tour in Havelock rents out cycles and takes you through some offbeat locations with an experienced guide!

Hike to Mitha Pani

This trekking in Havelock can be clubbed on your cycling trip to Kalapathar. There’s no marking for where this hike begins, so it’s hard to describe – it’s best to ask a local for the right directions. It’s a very short hike (15 minutes or so) from the main road that goes into the jungle where a freshwater source is. Though the source remains mostly dried up, the hike and the forest in itself is an experience worth having. And in case it’s been raining while you’re there, then this could turn into a little waterfall-slash-natural shower experience as well! Don’t forget to add this to your list of offbeat things to do in Havelock.

The best way to access this beautiful area is to go on this guided Ancient Lava Stream Trek which not only takes you on the hike, but also explains the history behind the geology and topography of this area!

Walk Amidst the Forest to Secret Beach

Yet another thing you can do while in the Kalapathar area is to hike to Secret Beach. However, technically this is not trekking in Havelock per se, just a flat walk through the forest for about 2 kilometres. The jungle trail is mesmerising in itself but the beach will blow your mind away. There’s not a single soul for miles at a stretch. The waters around Secret Beach have some fantastic shallow reefs – perfect for snorkelling and practising life as a professional beach bum. This is one of the best must-do offbeat things to do in Havelock!

Take a Boat Ride to Chaar Nariyal

Chaar Nariyal is a beautiful mangrove area in the reserve forests around Havelock. This is one of the most incredible offbeat things to do in Havelock – though slightly challenging to make happen. Since this falls under the reserve area, access isn’t easy for tourists. Your best bet is to find a local fisherman who’d be willing to take you for a boat ride through this mesmerising area. It sounds a little tricky – but definitely one of the worthwhile water activities in Havelock.

Go Tide Pooling

Tide pooling is an activity where you go look at marine life thriving in intertidal pools during low tide It’s one of the best offbeat things to do in Havelock. Intertidal pools are essentially water left behind during low tides which get collected between exposed corals and rocks. These natural pools are often home to a variety of marine life including shrimps, baby octopus, jellyfish, sea cucumbers, nudibranchs, sea snakes, lobsters, tropical fish and a lot more. The best way to experience this would be to go on a Marine Trail hosted by an expert and knowledgeable naturalist who can identify marine animals easily and tell you more about them.

Take a Day Trip to Barren Island – India’s Only Active Volcano

In case you missed the memo – India’s only ACTIVE volcano is located in the Andaman Islands, just a 2-hour boat ride away from Havelock! If you’re looking for an out-of-this-world experience that you can have nowhere else in all of South Asia, you have to book this adventure. Granted, it’s a bit pricey but I’d scream “TAKE ALL MY MONEY” if someone told me I could snorkel under an active volcano as smoke billows from its crater! In my four months on Havelock, I’ve been to Barren Island thrice. Some of the most incredible species my buddies and I have spotted while snorkelling at Barren Island include banded sea kraits, needlefish and manta rays – something you almost can’t find anywhere else around Havelock and Neil Island even while scuba diving! It is definitely the most offbeat things to do in Havelock – one you must not miss out on!

Aqua Creed is a reliable, welcoming and knowledgeable speedboat adventure operator who knows their way around the Andamans very well. I wouldn’t think twice before booking with them! What’s even better – they do trips to a number of other islands around Havelock including Long Island, Henry Lawrence Island, Button Islands and more. Your offbeat things to do in Havelock are sorted with Aqua Creed!

Take Freediving Lessons

I’m pretty sure you already know all about the scuba diving scene in Havelock – most people come here especially for this, after all. But how many of you have heard about freediving? It’s an exhilarating practice of diving on a single breath – without the support of an air cylinder. I know it sounds scary but with the right training, freediving can be a very liberating experience to have and is hands down one of the best water activities in Havelock.

Scubalov and DIVE India are the only schools offering freediving lessons. I’d recommend Scubalov in a heartbeat because Shubham Pandey, the freediving instructor at Scubalov is a dear friend and an incredibly patient instructor – someone I can vouch for wholeheartedly.

Experience Biolumenescent Planktons

Bioluminescence is a phenomenon that takes place due to certain species of plankton that glow due to kinetic energy. This glow can be seen at the night near new moon days, colouring the ocean different shades of green and blue! I first saw bioluminescence in Gokarna. The moment you move the water with your hands up a little, it lights up – like fireflies in the ocean! It’s a magical thing to experience which you can see on a casual stroll along any of the beaches in Havelock. Another thing to keep an eye out for is the night kayaking in Havelock where the ocean lights up as the kayak cuts through the water. Night kayaking in Havelock has been paused for a couple of years but you never know when they might resume – so good to inquire about on your next holiday!

Another great way of experiencing bioluminescence in Havelock is by going on a Night Mangroves Kayaking Experience. This exhilarating adventure will take you through the mangrove forests at night while the seas beneath you are shimmering with bioluminescent planktons and the sky above shimmering with stars!

Watch the Sunrise With Swiftlets at Havelock Jetty

And finally – I’d fully suggest ditching Kalapathar for the sunrise and coming to the jetty instead. You can see the edible nest swiftlets – the same ones that make their nests with hardened saliva on islands near Diglipur – going about their business. It’s such a treat to watch the jetty come back to life during sunrise. Within hours the usual jam-packed action of the jetty is back in full swing so savouring those few silent moments during sunrise is an experience worth having. This is truly one of the most memorable offbeat things to do in Havelock.

In addition, you can also grab some piping hot delicious idli and vada from Maddi Anna’s shop after sunrise!

Have the Most Incredible Breakfast of your Life at Taj Resort

While staying at Taj, Havelock might be way over a lot of people’s (including myself) budget, you can experience breakfast like nobody’s business here without burning a (serious) hole in your pocket. Their daily breakfast buffet is open to non-guests as well and goes on from 7 am to 10 am. Walk-ins are okay, but it’s best to call the resort in advance to let them know. The breakfast here costs 2000 INR per person + taxes. The all-you-can-eat menu has a lot of things on offer – from piping hot idlis, vadas and dosas, to freshly made pancakes and waffles. Then there’s the cold-cut meats, cheeses, different types of bread, croissants and danishes, muffins, tea cakes, smoothies, milkshakes, muesli, cereal..you get the gist, right? Trust me, this is the best 2000 bucks you’ll spend, making it one of the best things to do in Havelock!

How to Reach Havelock Island

You can reach Havelock from Port Blair or Neil Island on a ferry. From both places, it takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to reach Havelock. You have the option of choosing between government ferries and private ferries. I’d be writing a detailed comparison between the two options very soon, so keep your eyes peeled (and hit that subscribe button!) However, in line with this offbeat things to do in Havelock post, I’d recommend trying your luck with a helicopter ride from Port Blair to Havelock. It’s a bit of a hassle to book (and a bit pricey as well) but worth an experience for sure!

Best Time to Visit Havelock Island

The best time to visit Havelock Island is from January to May. Most posts on the Internet will tell you otherwise – usually from October to March. But as someone who spent 4 months travelling through the Andaman Islands and living in Havelock for a good chunk, trust me when I say this – the cyclone season on the Islands only ends by late December. So in case you want incessant, unpredictable rains, the best is to plan your trip from January onwards. And if you’re someone looking to dive a lot and experience the ocean at its finest, the months of March through May are the best in terms of visibility. Think clean, glassy seas with visibility up to sometimes 20 meters!

Offbeat Things to Do in Havelock Island – Frequently Asked Questions

What is special in Havelock Island?

Havelock is known mostly for its scuba diving but if you have learned anything from this “offbeat things to do in Havelock” post – let it be the fact that there’s a whole lot here waiting for you to explore!

How do I spend a day on Havelock Island?

As someone who spent 3 months living on Havelock, I could never in my right mind recommend a single day itinerary to anyone. There’s so much to do and see here – taking your time through things is the only way to go! Trust this offbeat things to do in Havelock.

Is Havelock worth visiting?

YES. Havelock is worth every penny and second you spend – and I think this offbeat things to do in Havelock guide says that enough. From pristine forests to fantastic cafes, beautiful beaches and a host of ocean sports to choose from, you must visit Havelock and visit it properly!

Which is better Havelock or Neil Island?

Both Neil and Havelock are beautiful in their own rights. While Havelock has a bit more bustle to it with a bigger market, more stay and food options – Neil is much calmer and more peaceful. Both are great diving spots as well – Neil is known for its shallow dive sites while Havelock is unmatchable for its deeper diving sites. So it would be unfair to compare the two! This offbeat things to do in Havelock guide will recommend you spend enough time on both and make that decision for yourself!

How do you get around Havelock?

The easiest way to get around in Havelock is on a scooter. Usually, the prices are 500 INR/ a day. But if you rent for 4 or more days, you might be able to score a better deal. There are also auto rickshaws available all through the island. However, my personal tip for this list of offbeat things to do in Havelock Island is this: I rented a cycle on a monthly basis while I was living in Havelock. It’s cheap, convenient and a lot of fun and I recommend you try it out as well! So if you’re wondering about how to travel in Havelock Island, I will suggest renting a bicycle for sure!

Which is the most beautiful beach of Havelock Island of Andaman?

I think I’ve said it plenty of times in this guide to offbeat things to do in Havelock – Radhanagar might just be the most stunning beach I’ve seen in the country – not just Havelock!

How far is Havelock from Port Blair?

The distance between Havelock and Port Blair is about 40 kilometres. It takes 1.5 to 2 hours to cover this journey by ferry.

Where is Swaraj Dweep island?

Swaraj Dweep is the new name for Havelock Island – they are one and the same thing!

Offbeat Things to Do in Havelock – Final Words

I have to say – when I set my mind to write a list of offbeat things to do in Havelock, I wasn’t sure how many I’d be able to come up with. Granted I spent a couple of months here exploring some of the most beautiful parts this island has on offer, but it isn’t until you sit down to reminisce and recount all your experiences, do you realize how many beautiful memories you’ve made. This is exactly why I’ve always been a strong advocate of slow travel. Instead of quickly checking things off a preset to-do list, allow yourself the time to find hidden trails yourself, make friends who’d recommend or take you to the best, untouched parts of the place that only locals know about. After all, what even is the point of travelling if you don’t end up having unique experiences, and only chase the Instagram-famous spots everywhere? Next time, don’t forget to give these offbeat things to do in Havelock a go!

We love transparency! My stay in Havelock was sponsored by TSG Group of Resorts but I promise my views are all one hundred percent genuine – and cannot be bought!

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