Thinking about indulging in water activities at Havelock means thinking of going towards Elephant beach. The Elephant beach offers more than just amazing views and natural sceneries, you can take part in various water sports activities or relax or just laze around.
Elephant Beach is one of the most distinctive beaches in the Andaman Islands. This stunning beach is situated in Havelock Island and it is the most visited beach in the Andaman Archipelago. Once upon a time, there were elephants on the islands they were spotted roaming around on the shores of the beach that is how the beach got its name. There was an elephant training camp close by back then but now there are no elephants that can be seen around the beach.
Surrounded by coconut and palm trees and sugary white sands the blue water beach attracts tourists in large numbers annually. Elephant Beach at Havelock Island is a neat and serene area with amazing views. The emerald green trees shed plenty of shadows where you can get shelter from the sun, you will find uprooted trees lying on the shore, these are the remains of the tsunami that hit the island in 2004. The beach is very famous for the variety of untouched corals and a rich marine life with diverse species. The coral reefs of this beach start about a meter or two. A little deep into the sea you can spot vibrant corals and schools of colorful fish swimming around elegantly, must admit it is an amazing view!
How the trip to Elephant Beach is conducted and Is snorkeling complimentary at Elephant beach Havelock Island?
Customers who have booked their trip are attended at the hotel and brought to the Havelock Island jetty from where boats to Elephant beach departs. The boat is ready by the time you reach Elephant beach and then you board the boat to Elephant beach. Experience Andamans team helps you throughout the process. The boat then reaches Elephant beach where you can sit, relax, and swim. Snorkeling at Elephant beach can be availed by paying extra on the spot. Usually, the ticket contains your ride to the beach and return. Water activities to be done at Elephant beach can be pre-booked as per customers' convenience.
Elephant beach offers a variety of water sports and activities to you. If you are an adventure junkie then beef up and get ready to get into the amazing waters of this beach and peep through to see the amazing marine life hidden here. The various activities that can be done here are Sea Walking, Snorkeling, Glass Bottom Boat Ride, and Jet Ski ride. Please note Scuba Diving is not done at Elephant beach for beginners.
All these activities can be availed at the beach, you will be provided with all the essentials that are required for the particular sport you are indulging in. If you want a thrilling experience of the underwater marvel then you should try snorkeling and sea walking. You will get to explore the beautiful corals and the colorful fish and other aquatic creatures of the sea around you.
If you are not a fan of going underwater then you can go for the glass-bottom boat ride, Jet Ski or Banana Boat rides. Snorkeling used to Elephant Beach. However, currently, Snorkeling is no more complimentary at the beach as per the Boat Association’s Rules and Regulations. But you can purchase a session of snorkeling on reaching the island at reasonable pricing.
If you are someone who just wants to swim and bask in the sun you can just lie down on the shore after a swim or two and get soaked in some Vitamin D. Few shacks that sell snacks and refreshments, you can stop by and purchase something to eat or drink while you leisurely spend time on the beach. If you have come with your family then you can plan a wonderful seaside picnic and have a good time at the beach. Elephant Beach is also a great place for some amazing photography, carry your camera kit and capture your happy moments and the stunning views of nature. There are eco-friendly changing rooms and washroom facilities available at the beach for the tourists; you can use these facilities during your visit.
The best time to visit Elephant Beach is between September to May. Sometime between June and August the Elephant beach gets closed by administrative orders so that the island can revive and flourish itself away from human activity. This helps the island maintain itself in its purest and natural form. Cooperate with nature, if unknowingly your travel falls between the periods when this island is closed (we don’t have any fixed date for that though- the closure depends on administrative orders), don’t worry! Our island experts will make sure you have visited a coral beach somewhere else in the Andamans so that you are not left alone not seeing the rich corals of Andaman.
The best alternative (when allowed by administration) would be the nearby Lighthouse beach which is a replica of Elephant Beach. It is just 15-20 minutes away from the Havelock harbor and has a good collection of corals to serve you with. When Elephant Beach is closed the boats can be used to take you to the Light House Beach, wherein you can enjoy snorkeling and other fun rides that are made available thereby the activity providers.
