Elephant Beach at Havelock Island is one of the most distinctive beaches in the Andaman Islands. This is a stunning beach famous for its water activity. Elephant beach is also 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.
Elephant beach can be reached by boat or by Trek at Havelock Island. Both the ways to reach Elephant beach are different. The boat ride starts at Havelock Island jetty and the trekking point starts close to the Radhanagar beach. Most of the travelers visit this place in a boat, however, those looking forward to a trek follow the route via Trek.
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.
Elephant beach is very famous for the variety of untouched corals and 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 To Reach Elephant Beach From Havelock Island
The Elephant beach can be reached in two ways, one way is by taking a boat from the Havelock Island jetty to the beach and the other is by a trek. Most people prefer a boat ride to Elephant beach.
Elephant Beach By Boat From Havelock Jetty
You can take a fiber boat from the Havelock dock to reach Elephant Beach which takes you just 20-30 minutes.
Daily hundreds of travelers move towards Elephant Beach to embark on the most memorable coral island trips. The boats are frequently available at certain time slots. This trip is difficult to be booked on the spot because the permits and boats are pre-booked one day in advance.
Besides, the slots may get missed. Make sure you have pre-planned to visit this place and get your boat tickets reserved in advance. Please note that on any given day only a limited number of boats can travel to Elephant Beach.
Elephant By Trekking Through the Jungle
You can ditch the boats and take the trekking trail to reach Elephant Beach. The path of woods is a beautiful one with lots of trees, birds, insects, and reptiles too. People hardly opt for the trekking trail and go for the boat rides most of the time.
The walk to the beach is an amazing feeling for trekking enthusiasts as you reach the shore; the view of the beach from between the trees is a stunning one. However, the trek option is not suggested if you are traveling with kids or elderly people who face difficulty in walking as the trekking trail is not very smooth for them.
Important Note:
If you go by trek, the return has to be by trek only. So make sure you plan to trek only if you are comfortable doing so for both ways.
How the trip to Elephant Beach is conducted?
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.
Post the tour you return back via the same route to reach the jetty at Havelock Island. Upon reaching Havelock Jetty our team attends you and drops you to the hotel.
Activities available at Elephant Beach Havelock Island
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.
Snorkeling
Basic snorkeling is provided when you visit Elephant beach. However, if you wish to explore more of the reef at Elephant beach then you can pay extra and indulge in a snorkeling experience. Snorkeling is considered one of the best and popular activities for which many tourists come to visit the place. The reef at Elephant beach is very good and you can get the most of your time when you are this place. Please note that kids less than 8 years are not allowed to do snorkeling at Elephant beach. Only with the assistance of a guide, you can snorkel at Elephant beach.
Sea Walk - Walk on the Sea Bed
Sea walking is a unique activity in the Andaman Islands and this activity is available at Elephant beach. Sea walk is the first of its kind in India and you can get this done at Havelock Island. Only at Elephant beach, you can do Sea Walking in Havelock. Photo graphs are given as complimentary during your trip. The corals are vibrant and make the place attractive; the population of fish is good at this part of the reef.
Glass Bottom Boat Ride, a new way to explore the underwater of the sea
Glass bottom boat rides are a new word for those people who never go to Andaman. This ride is perfect for those people who cannot swim and always avoid getting wet. To explain its name, you must know that a thick glass fits at the bottom of the boat that helps see the beauty of the coral, fishes and other marine creatures dwelling under the sea. This boat sails in the shallow waters near the beach, where biodiversity is abundant. It is a great activity that you can enjoy with your friends and family. You can get the ticket for a boat ride on the right side of the beach.
Jet Skiing, another great name of adventure
Jet Skiing is an activity that provides both enjoyment and adventure. These rides are easily available at the beach side. The cost of the ride varies based upon the time you will be on the Jetski. Good activity for adventure lovers. The ticket is available at a kiosk setup near the beach.
Parasailing, make you enthralled
Parasailing is another activity that also makes you enthralled that only Elephant Beach can provide you. Parasailing is a lovely activity available at Havelock Island and the experience is amazing and unique. If you have done Parasailing in other parts of India then the experience here will be of the next level.
Banana Boats help to enjoy the boat ride with friends and family
The banana boat ride is another great experience of this beach that is well suited to your families or groups, as the boats' seating is designed to fit everyone ideally. The boats are taken to you into the deeper of the seas where you will be able to enjoy the cold splashes of water and waves. We all know that the number of waves in the deep sea is much higher, making your experience exhilarating. So you need to negotiate a rate by which you can make the price low.
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 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 tourists; you can use these facilities during your visit.
Best Time to Visit Elephant Beach
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.
Are there any accommodation options at Elephant Beach?
At Elephant beach there are no options to stay. This beach opens during the day and closes at sunset. Please make sure you are on time to visit this beach.
