1. Introduction to Elephant Beach
If you go to Andaman and miss Elephant Beach, then your Andaman trip remains incomplete. This beach is a part of Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep). This beach is famous all over the world for snorkelling and colourful reefs, water sports, white and turquoise water, jungle trail & trekking. This is why more and more tourists visit and make their trip wonderful. The water here is clean and blue-blue, so clean that you can even see fish. This beach is so beautiful that going here without a camera is almost a sin. But one question comes in every tourist’s mind – why is this beach named Elephant Beach? So the simple answer is that earlier, a lot of elephants used to live here, but now they don’t stay here. Yes, some elephants have still been seen near the beach. We will talk more about this later.
2. How to Reach Elephant Beach
How to Reach Elephant Beach
Elephant Beach in Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep) is one of the most popular attractions in the Andaman Islands. If you are planning to visit, there are two exciting ways to reach here – by trekking through the forest or by taking a thrilling speedboat ride. Both options have their own charm. Let’s explore them in detail.
Trekking to Elephant Beach
If you are an adventure lover and enjoy nature, trekking is the perfect way to reach Elephant Beach.
- Starting Point: Forest checkpost
- Trek Distance: 2 km
- Duration: 30–45 minutes
It is best to start your trek between 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM when the weather is cooler and snakes are less active. In the early morning, the beach is also less crowded, giving you a peaceful experience.
Why is a guide necessary?
As per forest department rules, taking a guide is mandatory. The cost of a guide is between 500–800 INR.
- You might lose your way in the jungle without guidance.
- There is a chance of encountering animals like snakes and elephants.
- Two elephants have been spotted here. Don’t worry – their legs are tied with chains. Earlier, there were three, but now only two remain, and they are a little aggressive. Hopefully, their behavior will calm down soon.
Reaching Elephant Beach by Speedboat
For families and those who want a quicker option, speedboats are the best way to reach Elephant Beach.
- Tickets: Available at Havelock Jetty
- Organizers: Local travel agents and resort staff also arrange them
- Price: 950–1200 INR per person (includes boat ride, life jacket, and permit)
- Duration: 15–20 minutes ride
It is recommended to leave between 7:30 AM to 10:00 AM because the beach closes by 3:00 PM. Reaching early gives you enough time to enjoy all the water sports and activities at Elephant Beach.
3.🏖️ Elephant Beach Havelock Island: A Paradise for Nature Lovers
Why Elephant Beach stands out among Havelock’s beaches
The specialty of this place is its clean and blue water, so clean that you can see your face in it – it gives a complete Maldives-like feel. The beach’s white sand is as soft as powder, and around the beach there are coconut and palm trees, while on the water side there is mangrove vegetation that brings you closer to nature. This beach is the best place for making pictures or reels – the pictures here don’t need any editing. Here you can enjoy water sports like jet ski, banana ride, sea walk, and glass bottom boat – snorkelling is perfect for beginners. Because of all these reasons, tourists are able to connect with this place.
4. Elephant Beach Andaman: Best Time to Visit
Visiting at the right time can completely change your experience. Here’s a breakdown of the best seasons when you can enjoy this tropical paradise.
October to May – Ideal Beach Weather
Coming from October to May is the best. The weather remains comfortable, skies are mostly clear, and rainfall is minimal. This time is perfect for:
- Relaxing by the sea
- Trying jet skiing, kayaking, and paddleboarding
- Exploring the beach and its coral reefs
Whether you are traveling solo or with family, during this season you get the perfect combination of sunshine and peace.
December to March – Peak Tourist Season
This is the most popular time among tourists. During this period, you can expect:
- Bright sunny days
- Cool breezes
- Water so calm and clear that snorkeling and diving become an even more amazing experience
During this season, underwater visibility is excellent, making it perfect for exploring marine life.
June to September – Monsoon Season
If you are planning a trip during the monsoon, think again. At this time, there is:
- Heavy rainfall
- Rough sea conditions
- Cancellation of boat trips to Elephant Beach
Water activities become limited, and sometimes entry to the beach is also restricted. This season is not recommended for travelers who want an active beach experience.
October, November, April, May – Shoulder Season
If you want to enjoy good weather without crowds, these months are perfect. Benefits include:
- Pleasant weather
- Fewer tourists
- Lower prices on hotels and tours
This time is best for travelers who prefer a peaceful and relaxed holiday.
👉 Travel Tip: If you want to enjoy Elephant Beach to the fullest, plan your trip between October and May. For snorkeling and diving lovers, December to March is the best season. But if you want uninterrupted fun and underwater adventures, avoid the monsoon months.
5.🐘 Elephant Beach Water Activities
Snorkeling
Snorkeling is a fun activity at Elephant Beach, with ticket prices ranging between ₹1000–₹2500 (depending on the session). Its duration is 15–30 minutes and it is safe for beginners. You also get a guide with it who takes you underwater. Then you see multi-colored fish in front of you and feel like catching them. If you want, you can also get photos and videos taken underwater. With such beautiful views, it’s only right to show them on social media or to your friends.
Scuba Diving
Every person wants to walk, wants to fly, wants to run — but doesn’t want to drown. And you won’t drown either because you are going for scuba diving with full safety, which can cost you ₹3500–₹6000 and has a duration of 30–60 minutes. No swimming skills are required.
Before scuba diving, you are given a form which you should read properly and then proceed. Along with that, through some vendors, you have to give a small test. As soon as you clear the test, your training starts in shallow water, which is not too deep. But during practice, many people feel fear, nervousness, and a lot of questions come to mind — whose answers you only get after going underwater.
Once the practice is complete, you will see a new world — the underwater world — which is very beautiful. After coming back to your own world, you feel really good. Fear, nervousness, good feelings — these are all my feelings that I have shared with you. This is what I felt during scuba diving.
Safety tip: Always dive with a certified instructor because where there is life, there is the world.
Sea Walking
Generally, people wear a helmet while riding a bike, but during sea walk, you might also have to wear a helmet. And through sea walking, you can even walk under the sea, which can cost between ₹700 – ₹1500. The duration is for 10 – 15 minutes. Doing advance booking is the best way.
Safety tip: Life jacket is compulsory. If there are too many waves, avoid it — because fun comes later, safety comes first.
Jet Skiing and Banana Boat Rides
Jet Skiing:
Riding a high-speed sea ride on a motorised water scooter — during this, the water that hits your face gives a feeling of coolness. This is perfect for thrill lovers. Its price is approximately ₹700 – ₹1500 and the duration is 10–15 minutes.
Banana Boat Rides:
If you have gone to Elephant Beach, don’t miss the banana ride. Most of the time, bananas are used for eating, but here banana rides are done — whose shape is like a banana, which is pulled by a speed boat. The price is ₹400–₹800 per person, duration time is 10 minutes. It is best for group adventure.
Safety Tips, Costs, and Best Vendors
During adventure riding, take care of safety, although one person is always with you in the water. You should find out the cost from different vendors — what the facilities are — prices can be more or less for everyone. Some vendors also give discounts. Check all the details and find a good vendor for your trip. One vendor can make your trip memorable or can also ruin it.
Link: full guide Andaman Island
6. 🍟Elephant Beach Cafe and Food Options
Are there any cafes or food stalls?
Cafe is not available on the beach because due to eco-tourism rules, permanent food stalls or cafes are not allowed. But yes, for eating, some things are available there — but they are a bit expensive (but depend on your income).
Fresh Drinks
(Coconut water, water bottles, Coca Cola, Pepsi, Sprite, Fanta, Real, Tropicana etc.)
Light Snacks
(Lays, Bingo, Uncle Chips, Oreo, Hide & Seek Bourbon, Haldiram, salted peanuts)
Popular Items & Prices
The tea here is ₹50, Maggi Cuppa Noodles ₹100 — this price is not fixed, it keeps changing. The fruit chaat here wins the hearts of many people — in it there is a star fruit whose taste is sour, and for this reason, people like it very much.
Local Vibe
After doing all the adventure activities, sitting near the beach and eating spicy bhel puri has a totally different vibe.
7. Things to Carry and Tips for Visitors
🧴 1. Sun Protection Essentials
Sunscreen (SPF 50+, waterproof)
Sunglasses
Hat / Cap
Full-sleeve light clothes ( for UV protection)
👙 2. Beachwear & Swim Gear
Extra pair of clothes
Swimsuit / Swimming costume
Quick dry towel
Flip flops / waterproof sandals
🎒 3. Bag & Waterproof Items
Waterproof backpack / dry bag
Plastic zip-lock bags (for mobiles & electronics)
Rain cover (monsoon me)
🔋 4. Tech & Photography
Mobile phone (full charged)
Power bank
Action camera / GoPro
Waterproof mobile pouch
🥤 5. Food & Water
1–2 water bottles
Energy bars / dry fruits
Packaged snacks (biscuits, chips, namkeen)
💊 6. Basic Health & Safety
Personal medicines
Small first-aid kit
Hand sanitizer
Mosquito repellent cream
📄 7. Documents & Cash
Identity proof (Aadhaar card copy)
Activity tickets (scuba/snorkeling)
₹500–₹1000 cash (for local vendors)
♻ 8. Eco-friendly Items
Reusable water bottle
Cloth bag (plastic avoid karo)
No single-use plastic (strictly prohibited!)
8. Conclusion
If you have come this far and are still thinking whether you should visit Elephant Beach or not, then my personal recommendation is that you must watch the movie Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara once — it might make it easier for you to take the decision.
Life is meant to be lived, and seeing and feeling the beauty of the world is a priceless experience. Going to such places makes a person feel tension-free and live freely.
If you have any questions in mind, then feel free to ask through the comment box or email — I will try my best to help.