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Swaraj Dweep (formerly Havelock Island) is the undisputed crown jewel of the Andaman archipelago. If you have seen a postcard of the Andamans, chances are it was photographed here. With its dense jungle interiors fringed by blindingly white beaches and vibrant coral reefs, it is the ultimate tropical playground.
Whether you are a honeymooner looking for a luxury retreat or an adventurer wanting to strap on a scuba tank, here is your definitive 2026 travel guide to Swaraj Dweep.
🏖️ The Iconic Beaches
1. Radhanagar Beach (Beach No. 7) — The Sunset Masterpiece
Crowned as one of the best beaches in Asia, Radhanagar is a massive stretch of powdery white sand. The water is gentle, making it the safest spot on the island for swimming.
• Pro Tip: Arrive by 4:00 PM. The beach faces due west, offering sunsets that will ruin all other sunsets for you. There are changing rooms and eco-friendly showers available for a nominal fee.
2. Elephant Beach — The Adventure Hub
This beach is reachable either by a 20-minute speedboat ride from the main jetty or a guided 2km jungle trek. The coral reef starts just 10 meters from the shoreline.
• Best For: Snorkeling, Sea Walking, and Parasailing.
• Pro Tip: The beach closes by 3:30 PM, so head there right after breakfast to maximize your time. Water clarity is best during the morning low tide.
3. Kalapathar Beach — The Sunrise Secret
Famous for its striking black rocks resting against pristine sand, Kalapathar is quieter and less crowded than Radhanagar.
• Best For: Early morning visits to catch the sunrise, quiet photography, and reading a book under the shade of the coastal Mahua trees.
🤿 The Underwater Experience
Swaraj Dweep is the scuba diving capital of India. The best part? You do not need to know how to swim to experience it!
• Discover Scuba Diving (For Beginners): Most dive centers will take you to Nemo Reef. It is a shallow, highly protected reef teeming with clownfish (Nemo!), sea turtles, and colorful corals. The experience takes about 2-3 hours and costs around ₹3,500 – ₹4,500.
• Advanced Diving: Certified divers should request boat trips to Dixon's Pinnacle or Johnny's Gorge to spot manta rays, reef sharks, and massive schools of barracuda.
💡 Itinerary & Travel Logistics
• How Many Days? You need an absolute minimum of 2 Nights / 3 Days to do the island justice. If you want a relaxed pace to actually enjoy your resort, stay for 3 to 4 nights.
• How to Arrive: Private luxury ferries (Makruzz, Nautika, Green Ocean) take 90 to 120 minutes from Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair). Always book tickets weeks in advance during the October-May peak season.
• Getting Around: Renting a two-wheeler (approx. ₹500/day) is the cheapest and most fun way to explore. The main road is essentially a single 18km stretch, making it almost impossible to get lost!
Ready to explore the crown jewel of the Andamans? Explore our curated Swaraj Dweep packages or contact us to book your ferry tickets and scuba dives instantly!