The Surf Window

Havelock Island

Andaman Islands, India

Beach breakIntermediate

In the Andaman Islands' Ritchie's Archipelago, Havelock Island (now Swaraj Dweep) is India's premier beach destination, and the reefs around Elephant Beach and the outer coast catch Bay of Bengal swells to create reef break in extraordinary tropical waters.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

N
OptimalW (270°)
WindowSSW–NNW (210°–330°)
Size1.5–2.5m at 12–16s

Wind

NE

Light to E under 15 knots

Tide

Mid to high

LowMidHigh

Season

Nov–Apr

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Reef break

Bottom

Coral reef

Shape

Rights and lefts over the outer reef

Length

80–200m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Advanced surfers
  • •Why: Outer reef in a remote island national park, self-reliance essential

Hazards

  • •Coral reef, sharp and shallow in sections
  • •Andaman waters have high saltwater crocodile populations near mangrove areas
  • •Remote, nearest hospital in Port Blair (2 hours by ferry)

Local Tips

  • •Radhanagar Beach (Beach 7) is one of Asia's finest beaches, pristine white sand and clear water
  • •The outer reef requires a boat, hire locally for the full experience
  • •Snorkeling and diving are world-class, the reef is extraordinary

Location

Map showing the location of Havelock Island in Andaman Islands, India

12.0167, 92.9833