Andaman

Havelock day trip from Port Blair that actually works

Andaman By Pragya October 14, 2026 9 min read

A day trip to Havelock Island from Port Blair is possible, but it requires careful planning. You will spend around three to five hours travelling by ferry for the round trip, leaving roughly six to seven hours on the island, depending on the ferry schedule and transfer times.

Is that enough? Yes, if you focus on two main attractions instead of trying to cover everything. This guide explains which ferry to book, the best places to visit, expected costs, and when staying overnight on Havelock Island is a better choice.

Radhanagar Beach in the morning, a top stop on a Havelock day trip from Port Blair

Is a Havelock day trip from Port Blair worth it?

Havelock Island, officially known as Swaraj Dweep, lies approximately 55–70 km from Port Blair by sea, depending on the route. There is no road or bridge connecting the two islands, so you must travel by ferry. The island is famous for its white-sand beaches, turquoise waters and tropical scenery. Radhanagar Beach is its biggest attraction and was named Asia’s best beach by Time magazine in 2004. It is one of the main reasons travellers include Havelock in their Andaman itinerary.

So, is a day trip worth it? It depends on how much time you have and what you want to experience.

A day trip works well if you:

Have only one day available for Havelock Island.
Want to visit a famous beach and enjoy one optional water activity.
Are comfortable starting early and following a fixed schedule.

Consider staying overnight if you:

Want a relaxed beach day and time to enjoy the sunset.
Plan to scuba dive or explore several beaches.
Prefer not to spend most of your day travelling.
Have a flight from Port Blair on the same evening.

If you are unsure which beaches to prioritise, read our complete guide to places to visit on Havelock Island. It will help you choose the attractions that best suit your itinerary.

Which ferry works best for a same-day return?

Private ferries connect Port Blair with Havelock Island, while government ferry services also operate subject to their schedules and availability. Private services generally offer a more convenient option for travellers planning a short visit. The crossing commonly takes around 1.5–2.5 hours each way, depending on the operator, vessel and sailing conditions. Makruzz, Nautika and Green Ocean are among the main private ferry operators.

The table below provides a general comparison. Departure times and journey durations are indicative, not confirmed sailings for your travel date.

Ferry operator	Typical journey time	What to know
Makruzz	Around 1.5–2 hours	Check the available morning and return sailings before booking.
Nautika	Around 1.5–2 hours	Compare departure times and seat categories for your date.
Green Ocean	Around 1.5–2.5 hours	Some services may offer an open-deck experience, depending on the vessel and ticket access.
Government ferry	Varies by sailing	Check the official schedule, booking requirements and availability.

Which ferry should you choose?

For a same-day trip, prioritise the earliest suitable outbound sailing and a confirmed return ferry that leaves enough time for sightseeing and the transfer back to the jetty. Do not select a ferry based on speed alone; the return schedule is equally important. Ferry schedules change seasonally, and a sailing listed for one month may not operate on your travel date. Check the Directorate of Shipping Services portal for government services and the operators’ official websites for current private ferry schedules.

For a detailed comparison, read our guide to private cruise vs government ferry in the Andamans.

Booking tips that can save your day:

Book your outbound and return tickets together whenever possible.
Choose an early departure to maximise your time on the island.
Reach the terminal according to the ferry operator’s reporting instructions.
Carry the same valid photo ID used for booking.
Keep your luggage light so you can move easily between the jetty, local transport and beaches.
Leave a time buffer before your return ferry, especially if you plan to visit Elephant Beach.

A same-day Havelock trip can be rewarding, but the key is to plan around confirmed ferry timings rather than trying to fit too many attractions into a limited number of hours.

Morning ferry from Port Blair to Havelock Island, the first step of a one-day trip

A realistic plan: Elephant Beach plus Radhanagar

Start your Havelock Island day trip between 8:00 AM-9:00 AM, depending on your ferry arrival time. Visit Elephant Beach first for water activities, then head to Radhanagar Beach for a relaxed afternoon by the sea.

After arriving at Havelock jetty, arrange local transport or confirm your boat transfer to Elephant Beach. If a suitable boat is available, the journey usually takes around 20 minutes. Spend approximately two hours enjoying the beach and optional activities such as snorkelling or a glass-bottom boat ride. Activities depend on sea conditions and local safety instructions.

Around late morning, return by boat to the jetty and take a taxi towards Radhanagar Beach. The road journey generally takes around 20–30 minutes, depending on traffic and conditions.

Arrive at Radhanagar Beach around midday. Enjoy lunch before spending time walking along the shoreline, relaxing on the sand and taking photographs. Allow around two hours to experience the beach without rushing.

Plan your return to the jetty according to your confirmed ferry departure. Leave Radhanagar with enough time for the road journey, check-in and boarding formalities.

Important: This itinerary depends on your actual ferry timings. If you arrive on Havelock between 8:00 AM-9:00 AM, visiting both beaches and doing water activities may feel rushed, especially with an afternoon return ferry. Confirm the return sailing first and be prepared to prioritise one beach if time is limited.

Elephant Beach is accessible mainly by boat, although a forest trail may be available depending on local conditions. A return boat transfer may cost around ₹1,000 per person, sometimes including a short snorkelling session. This is only an indicative estimate, so confirm the current fare and inclusions with a local operator.

Radhanagar Beach is approximately 10–12 km from the main jetty by road. It is famous for its white sand, turquoise water and lush green surroundings. For more information, read this Havelock Island overview.

Snorkelling at Elephant Beach, a highlight of a Havelock Island day trip

Plan B: A calmer Havelock day trip from Port Blair with Radhanagar and Kalapathar

Not a water-sports person? Skip the boat trip to Elephant Beach and explore two beautiful beaches at a more relaxed pace. Head to Radhanagar Beach first to enjoy the soft morning light, walk along the white sand and take photographs before the beach gets busier. After spending around two hours at Radhanagar, drive to Kalapathar Beach on the eastern side of Havelock Island. Known for its dark rocks, turquoise water and scenic coastal views, Kalapathar is a good choice for photography and a short, peaceful stop. You can spend around 30–60 minutes here before returning to the jetty.

Our Kalapathar Beach guide covers the beach in more detail. Compared with Elephant Beach, Kalapathar is a better option for travellers who prefer sightseeing and relaxation over water sports.

What a Havelock day trip costs

The cost of a Havelock day trip from Port Blair depends on the ferry class, travel season, local transport and activities you choose. The following are approximate planning estimates per adult, not confirmed quotes.

A return private ferry may cost around ₹2,600–₹6,000. If you choose Elephant Beach, a return boat transfer with a short snorkelling session may start at approximately ₹1,000. Local taxis or shared transport may cost around ₹500–₹1,500, while lunch and drinking water may add another ₹300–₹700.

Based on these estimates, budget approximately ₹3,400–₹8,200 per person for a trip without paid water activities, depending on your transport arrangements. With an Elephant Beach boat transfer, the total may rise to approximately ₹4,400–₹9,200 or more. Actual costs can vary, so confirm prices before booking.

Scuba diving, parasailing and photography packages cost extra. Before paying, ask about the exact price, duration, inclusions and safety equipment.

Ways to keep your trip affordable:

Share a taxi with other travellers where practical.
Choose one paid activity instead of booking several.
Carry a reusable water bottle and refill it where safe drinking water is available.
Book ferry tickets early and compare available seat categories.
Choose beaches based on your interests rather than paying for activities you do not want.

Best time for a Havelock day trip from Port Blair

October to May is generally the most popular period for visiting Havelock Island. Weather conditions are often more favourable for beach sightseeing, although sea conditions can change at any time.

November to February is a busy travel period. Beaches are popular, and ferry tickets and boat activities can sell out, so advance booking is advisable.

March to May can also be suitable for sightseeing and beach visits, but afternoons may be hot and humid. Carry sunscreen, a hat and drinking water.

June to September coincides with the southwest monsoon. Rain and rough seas can affect ferry schedules and water activities. Some activities may be suspended depending on local conditions, making a tightly scheduled same-day trip less predictable.

October can be a good month to plan a visit, but conditions vary from year to year. Always confirm ferry operations and activity availability before travelling.

If you are planning a longer holiday, our Port Blair guide on places to visit before you board your ferry can help you organise the rest of your itinerary.

Mistakes that can ruin your Havelock day trip

Chasing the sunset: Radhanagar Beach is famous for its sunsets, but a same-day return ferry usually means leaving before sunset. Stay overnight if sunset is a priority.
Trying to visit every beach: Elephant Beach, Radhanagar Beach and Kalapathar Beach are spread across the island. Visiting all three can leave you rushing between attractions.
Booking only one ferry leg: Secure your return ticket before travelling, particularly during busy months.
Leaving too little time at the jetty: Return well before your scheduled sailing and follow the operator’s boarding instructions.
Taking a same-day flight from Port Blair: Ferry delays can disrupt your onward journey. Staying overnight in Port Blair before your flight is a safer option.
Ignoring beach safety warnings: Swim only in permitted areas, follow lifeguard instructions and never step on coral or disturb marine life.

Pack light and carry sunscreen, a hat, a reusable water bottle, a power bank, a waterproof pouch, swimwear if needed, a towel and some cash for small purchases.

A successful Havelock day trip is about choosing the right experiences, not covering every attraction. If you prefer a relaxed day, Radhanagar and Kalapathar make a practical combination. If water activities are your priority, consider Elephant Beach instead and allow enough time for boat transfers.

Packing list for a Havelock day trip from Port Blair with sunscreen, hat and waterproof pouch

When to stay a night instead

A day trip shows you the highlights. A night gives you the island.

With one night, you can catch Radhanagar at sunset, snorkel without rushing, and take the later ferry back. You also avoid the 4:30 AM alarm. If you are staying on Neil Island, you can also try our Havelock day trip from Neil Island plan.

If you would rather not juggle ferries, hotels and taxis yourself, see the Andaman holiday plans we put together. They already time ferries and transfers for you.

Frequently asked questions

Can you do Havelock in one day from Port Blair?

Yes. A Havelock day trip from Port Blair works with an early ferry out and an afternoon ferry back. Stick to two main stops.

How long is the ferry from Port Blair to Havelock?

Most private ferries take about 1.5 to 2.5 hours one way. Nautika is usually the quickest.

Which is better for a day trip, Radhanagar or Elephant Beach?

Choose Radhanagar for scenery and calm. Choose Elephant Beach for snorkelling. Doing both works if you start early.

Do I need a permit for Havelock Island?

Indian tourists generally do not need a special permit for the main tourist areas. Rules can change, so confirm before you travel.

Is the day trip safe for kids and older travellers?

Yes, with care. Plan fewer stops, carry water, and skip rough-sea days. Watch children near the water at all times.

Final tip before you book

A good Havelock day trip from Port Blair is built around the ferry, not the beaches. Lock your return seat first. Then pick two stops and leave a one-hour buffer. If the schedule feels too tight, add a night. The island is worth the extra time.