Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep)
An island known for its mangrove creeks and, after dark, naturally occurring bioluminescence.
Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep), Andaman and Nicobar Islands
View Activities Destinations
Where we paddle in the Andamans
Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep). Here is what the creeks are actually like, and an honest note on the islands where we do not operate.
Where to go kayaking in Andaman
We run all our kayaking from Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep). Below is what the paddling is actually like here, plus an honest note on the other islands people ask about, where we do not operate.
Kayaking in Havelock (Swaraj Dweep)
Havelock has the creek system we know best. The channels are wide enough to paddle comfortably and sheltered enough that conditions stay workable on most days, and the bird life along the banks is consistently good: kingfishers, herons, and sea eagles overhead. It is also where the bioluminescence appears, which is why the night trip runs here.
- Havelock Mangrove Kayaking: ₹3,500 per adult, ₹1,200 per child, 2 hours, 7:00 AM and 4:00 PM
- Bioluminescent Night Kayaking: ₹3,500 per person, 1.5 hours, 7:30 PM, minimum age 10
Getting to Havelock
Havelock is reached by ferry, roughly 90 minutes to two hours depending on the boat. Book the ferry before you book the paddle, not the other way round, because ferries sell out in season and get cancelled in rough weather, and we would rather you did not lose both.
We do not run hotel pickup. Meeting points are confirmed with your booking, and a taxi or rented scooter is the usual way there. Arrive 15 minutes before a daytime departure and 20 minutes before the night paddle, because the briefing happens on land and we cannot compress it.
What about kayaking on Neil Island?
Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep) does have paddleable water, and visitors do kayak there, usually arranged locally through operators based on the island. We do not run trips on Neil Island, so we are not the people to book that with, and we would rather say so than take a booking we cannot honour. If Neil is already on your itinerary, you can paddle with us while you are on Havelock. Our guide to kayaking across the Andaman islands explains the route.
What about snorkeling in Andaman?
Snorkeling is the other thing people ask us about, and again, we do not run snorkeling trips. They are easy to arrange at Elephant Beach on Havelock and at Bharatpur on Neil, and plenty of visitors do both in the same trip. The two activities pair well: snorkeling shows you the reef, kayaking shows you the mangrove that feeds it. We compare them in snorkeling or kayaking in Andaman. Different water, different day, usually a different operator.
Locations
One island, two very different paddles
Havelock’s creeks are sheltered, quiet and rich in bird life by day. After dark the same channels become the setting for our bioluminescent night trip, which is the only place we run it.
Our kayaking location
Havelock Island: mangrove kayaking at ₹3,500 per adult, and bioluminescent night kayaking at ₹3,500 per person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do we meet for the tour?
All trips meet at Havelock Jetty on Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep). The meeting point is also in your booking confirmation email. Please arrive 15 minutes before a daytime departure and 20 minutes before the night paddle, because the safety briefing happens on land.
What is the best time of day to kayak in Havelock?
The 7:00 AM departure has the calmest water and the most bird activity, with herons and kingfishers working the creek edges early. The 4:00 PM departure trades some of that for warmer light and, on a good day, a sunset on the paddle back. Tides shift the exact timing slightly, so we confirm your departure when you book.
Do you offer snorkeling in Andaman?
No, we only run kayaking. Snorkeling in Andaman is easy to arrange separately at Elephant Beach on Havelock and Bharatpur on Neil Island. The two pair well on a trip: snorkeling shows you the reef, kayaking shows you the mangrove nursery that feeds it.
Do you run kayaking trips in Port Blair?
Not at the moment. All our trips run on Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep). Our office address is in Haddo, but tours do not depart from Port Blair.
Is the kayaking in open sea or sheltered water?
Sheltered water. All our trips stay inside Havelock's mangrove creeks rather than going out into open sea, which keeps the water calmer and suits beginners.
Where can you go kayaking in Andaman?
We run all our kayaking on Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep). Both trips paddle through sheltered mangrove creeks rather than open sea, and the night trip runs in the same creek system after dark.
Can you go kayaking in Neil Island?
Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep) does have paddleable water and visitors kayak there through operators based on the island, but we do not run trips on Neil Island. All our kayaking is on Havelock, so if Neil is on your itinerary you can paddle with us while you are on Havelock instead.
How do you get to Havelock for kayaking?
Havelock Island is reached by ferry, roughly 90 minutes to two hours depending on the boat. Book the ferry before booking the paddle, not the other way round, because ferries sell out in season and get cancelled in rough weather.
Is hotel pickup included?
No, we do not run hotel pickup. Plan a taxi or a rented scooter to Havelock Jetty, and allow time to arrive 15 minutes before a daytime departure or 20 minutes before the night paddle.
Ready to explore?
Book a kayaking adventure at one of our Andaman locations.