Elephant Beach is another must-visit spot on Havelock Island. Apart from its scenic beauty, the beach is famous for its adventurous water sport activities.

On Day 2 of our trip to Havelock Island, we decided to cover Elephant Beach after having a delicious breakfast at our Sea Shell Resort, Havelock. We asked our cab driver to pick us up at 12:00 PM from the resort to catch the ferry heading to the beach.

After a half-hour ocean journey, the moment we arrived, the emerald-colored water and soft white sand instantly grabbed our attention. The beauty of Elephant Beach was enough to make you stay for the next few hours here. However, the disappointing part was that you are only allowed to stay until 3.30 PM during the day. After that, you have to leave the place.

How to Reach

To reach Elephant Beach, you need to first get to Havelock Island via ferry from Port Blair. Once you’re on Havelock , there are a few ways to get to the beach.

What we chose to reach Elephant Beach was a ferry. And yes, this is the most popular and convenient option, with regular Ferry operating from Havelock. The ride takes about 30 minutes and offers lovely views of the surrounding waters.

If you’re a fitness freak, you can also trek through the forest trail from Radhanagar Beach. The trek is about 2 km and takes around 45 minutes to an hour. But keep in mind that the trekking path is quite slippery due to backwater-filled digs, so make sure to wear proper shoes before trekking.

Boating is also an economical and easiest option. You can choose a short boat ride from Havelock. Local operators offer regular trips that take about 20 to 30 minutes.

Things to Do at Elephant Beach

When the journey is so beautiful, how incredible a beach can be! That’s exactly how I was imagining Elephant Beach while I was on the ferry. Upon reaching, the beach greeted us with a plethora of adventure sports and water activities, all at a single point.

As you walk on the shore, you will see people relaxing and sunbathing, along with plates of chaat and fruit salad being sold behind the beach by locals.

If you, too, like me, fantasize about exploring the underwater treasures of nature, colorful fishes, and other vibrant oceanic species with your own eyes, this is a must-visit beach in Havelock. Here are the incredible things you can experience at Elephant Beach:

Snorkeling

Elephant Beach is quite famous for its vibrant coral reefs and colorful marine life. Snorkeling here is one of the must-do activities, offering a feast for the eyes. Putting on my snorkeling gear was the first thing I did after landing on the beach. Even before going into the water, I was thrilled just to see the marine life’s visibility from the surface.
After going in, the view was even more beautiful than I imagined—a haven for marine life, with schools of colorful fish swimming gracefully around me. It felt like stepping into another world, surrounded by vibrant corals and curious creatures. It was truly a soul-soothing experience that overwhelmed me.

Sea Walking

From my personal experience, Elephant Beach is a dreamy spot for tourists who have a phobia of scuba diving. Sea walking allows you to walk on the sea floor while wearing a helmet with a transparent visor fitted around your neck. The activity is nothing less than an adventure, where you can interact with fish in the dense coral forests under the sea.

It is a lifetime experience that keeps you dry and allows you to breathe normally. You can walk freely in the sea among the marine life for around 30-35 minutes. Tour operators near Elephant Beach charge around 3,500 INR per person for sea walk.

Glass Bottom Boat Ride

Not a swimmer? No problem. Glass bottom boat ride is one elephant beach activities that you will get nowhere in India. At elephant beach you can see the underwater world from the comfort of a glass-bottom boat without even getting wet. I tried the glass-bottom boat ride at Elephant Beach, and it was magical! In this ride, a boat with a clear glass bottom lets you watch vibrant fish and coral reefs, feeling truly connected to the mesmerizing underwater world.

Jet Skiing

Want to ride something thrilling? You can probably try this! I didn’t have the guts to give it a go, but I really admire those who do. It is a 10-minute fun and adventurous water activity where a touring instructor guides you from the back seat. There’s no need to book this in advance, as tickets are readily available. It’s a totally safe ride that doesn’t require any professional training, so even beginners can try it. It’s super fun and an absolute must-try for adventure lovers at Elephant Beach for an amazing experience!

Relax on the Beach

If adventure isn’t your thing, soak in the sun and let the serene vibes take over. A good book and the sound of the waves are all you need. Although the beach can be a bit crowded due to the range of water activities offered here, a walk along the seashore reveals several peaceful spots to sit comfortably and enjoy the jaw-dropping views. Whether you have no interest in water activities or simply want to detach yourself from the chaos of city life, the ocean view here is all you need to feel rejuvenated.

Photography

The lush greenery, azure waters, and mesmerizing sunsets make Elephant Beach a photographer’s dream.
Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or someone who loves lounging by the sea, Elephant Beach offers the best of both worlds.

Essential Tips on visiting Elephant Beach, Havelock Island

• Pack the Essentials: Don’t forget to carry sunscreen, a water bottle, an umbrella or raincoat, and sunglasses to stay protected and comfortable.
• Watch Your Step: The beach has some steep coral reefs, so be cautious while stepping into the water, especially near the shore.
• Arrive Early: For the best experience with water activities, try to reach early in the morning when the water is calm, and visibility is excellent.
• Carry Snacks: Small stalls on the beach offer fruit plates, bhelpuri, and coconut water, but it’s a good idea to bring some snacks with you.
• Book in Advance: To avoid any hassle, consider pre-booking water activities at the starting point where you board the ferry to Elephant Beach.
• Not for Beginner Scuba Divers: The beach is better suited for experienced scuba divers due to its unique underwater terrain. Although scuba at elephant beach is not a good idea.