Kayaking in Havelock Island: Prices, Best Spots & How to Book (2026)
Havelock Island — officially renamed Swaraj Dweep, though almost nobody uses that name — has become the kayaking hub of the Andaman Islands, and for good reason. It’s one of the few places in India where you can paddle through bioluminescent waters, explore ancient mangrove ecosystems, and watch the sunrise from the middle of the ocean, all within the same 24-hour window.
This guide covers all of it — real prices for 2026, the best spots that are actually operational, the different types of tours available, and exactly how to book. We’ve been running Turtle Kayaking from Havelock for over five years and have guided more than 5,000 paddlers.
Why Havelock Island Is the Best Place for Kayaking in Andaman
- Sheltered mangrove channels. Naturally protected from ocean swells — calm, flat water safe for complete beginners and families.
- Bioluminescence. Havelock’s waters around Vijaynagar Beach have some of the highest concentrations of bioluminescent dinoflagellates in the region.
- Variety of tours. Five distinct experiences: mangrove eco kayaking, bioluminescence night kayaking, sunrise kayaking, sunset kayaking, and regular night kayaking.
- Established operators with safety standards. Licensed guides, imported kayaks, safety boats — the infrastructure is mature.
- Stunning natural setting. Rated as one of Asia’s best beaches, surrounded by some of the clearest waters in India.
Best Kayaking Spots in Havelock Island
Havelock Jetty to Mangrove Channel
The main kayaking route. You launch from near Govind Nagar jetty and paddle into a winding mangrove channel. The mangroves form a dense canopy overhead, and the water is clear enough to see fish, crabs, and root systems beneath you.
Vijaynagar Beach (Beach No. 5)
The bioluminescence hotspot. Vijaynagar faces the mangrove creek with virtually no artificial lighting, making it ideal for night tours. The shallow, protected waters have naturally high plankton concentrations.
Near Lighthouse Area
Some operators extend the mangrove route toward the lighthouse direction — more time on the water, denser mangroves, and richer birdlife including white-bellied sea eagles, kingfishers, and herons.
A Note About Elephant Beach
Organized kayaking tours from Elephant Beach have been restricted in recent years. The jetty-side mangrove route offers a far richer kayaking experience anyway.
Types of Kayaking Tours in Havelock
Mangrove Eco Kayaking (Day Tour)
The daytime classic. Morning tours (7:00–9:00 AM) are best for wildlife — mudskippers, fiddler crabs, and kingfishers. Duration: about 2–2.5 hours. No experience needed.
Bioluminescence Night Kayaking
Havelock’s signature experience. Best visibility during New Moon periods. Check the Bioluminescence Calendar to find rated dates. Tours run 1.5–2 hours.
Sunrise Kayaking
The hidden gem. Tour starts at 3:30 AM. First bioluminescence in the pre-dawn darkness, then a stunning Andaman sunrise from the water. Duration: 2–2.5 hours.
Sunset Kayaking
The golden-hour tour. Head out around 4:30 PM as the sky shifts from blue to orange. Relaxed, romantic, and perfect for photography. Duration: about 1.5 hours.
Night Kayaking (Non-Bio Dates)
Even around full moon, night kayaking offers incredible star-gazing — zero light pollution, the Milky Way clearly visible. LED markers and expert guides keep everyone safe.
Kayaking in Havelock: Price Per Person (2026)
| Tour Type | Market Range | Turtle Kayaking |
|---|---|---|
| Bioluminescence Night Kayaking | ₹2,500–₹4,000 | ₹3,800 |
| Night Kayaking (Standard) | ₹2,000–₹3,800 | ₹3,800 |
| Mangrove Eco Kayaking | ₹1,500–₹3,800 | ₹2,500 |
| Sunrise Kayaking | ₹3,800–₹3,800 | ₹3,800 |
| Sunset Kayaking | ₹1,500–₹3,800 | ₹2,500 |
What Should Be Included in the Price
- Premium imported sit-on-top kayaks
- ISO-certified life jacket
- Certified expert guide
- Motorized safety boat (critical for night tours)
- Dry bag for valuables
- Hotel pickup and drop
- Safety briefing and paddle tutorial
- Refreshments
At Turtle Kayaking, all of the above are included in every tour. Some budget operators quote lower but charge separately for safety equipment or transportation.
Havelock vs. Neil Island for Kayaking
Choose Havelock if: you want the widest range of options, the most experienced operators, and the best bioluminescence visibility.
Choose Neil if: you want a quieter, less touristy atmosphere with beautiful beaches and less light pollution.
Our recommendation: Do your main kayaking tours in Havelock (3–4 days), then visit Neil for 2–3 days to enjoy its beaches and relaxed pace.
How to Book Kayaking in Havelock
- Check the bioluminescence calendar. Look for dates rated “Excellent” or “Very Good” — within 5 days of each New Moon.
- Book flights and ferry. Flights to Port Blair (IXZ), then a 2-hour ferry to Havelock. Book the ferry in advance during peak season.
- Contact your operator. WhatsApp us at +91 94760 35727. Confirm date, tour type, guests, and pickup location.
- Get confirmation. We recommend booking 2–3 days ahead during peak season.
Pro Tip: Book directly with the operator — not through aggregator websites that charge commission markups.
What to Expect on Your First Kayaking Tour
- Pickup: Guide picks you up from your hotel. Sunrise: 3:30 AM. Day tours: 6:30–7:00 AM. Sunset: 4:00–4:30 PM.
- Briefing: 10-minute briefing on paddle technique, basic strokes, and safety. Life jacket fitting.
- Launch: Walk into shallows and sit on the kayak. Wide, stable sit-on-top design — easy to get on and off.
- The paddle: Gentle pace through mangrove tunnels, with stops for wildlife and scenery.
- Return: Back to jetty, return gear, hotel drop. Total 2.5–3.5 hours including transport.
Best Time for Kayaking in Havelock
- November to February: Peak season. Best weather, calmest seas, highest bioluminescence visibility. Book ahead.
- March to May: Good season. Warmer, fewer tourists, bioluminescence still visible.
- June to September: Monsoon. Most operations shut down. Not recommended.
- October: Transition month. Often rewarding for early-season bookings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of kayaking in Havelock per person?
₹1,500 to ₹4,000 depending on tour type and operator. Our most popular bioluminescence tour is ₹3,800 per person, fully inclusive.
Is kayaking in Havelock worth it?
Absolutely. It’s consistently rated as one of the top activities in Havelock and one of the most unique experiences in India.
Is 2 days enough for Havelock Island?
Two days gives you one kayaking tour plus other highlights. For two different kayaking experiences, we recommend 3 days. Four days allows a truly relaxed pace.
Do I need swimming skills for kayaking?
No. All guests wear certified life jackets. The kayaks are extremely stable, and a safety boat accompanies every group.
Is Andaman cheap or expensive for kayaking?
Very affordable compared to Thailand, Bali, or Australia. A premium bioluminescence tour that costs $80–$120 elsewhere runs about ₹3,800 (~$40) in Havelock.
Is it better to stay in Port Blair or Havelock?
For kayaking, Havelock — no contest. Most travellers spend 1 night in Port Blair on arrival, then 3–4 nights in Havelock.
Ready to Kayak in Havelock?
Kayaking in Havelock Island is one of those experiences that sounds too good to be true until you’re actually on the water. The glowing ocean, the silent mangroves, the Andaman sunrise reflected on still water — it’s real, accessible to beginners, and more affordable than you’d expect.
- Check our Bioluminescence Calendar
- Book via WhatsApp: +91 94760 35727
- Visit turtlekayaking.com
See you on the water.
