Radhanagar Beach, Havelock: Sunset Times, Swimming and How to Visit

Radhanagar is the beach that sells the Andamans. It is two kilometres of white sand with rainforest behind it and almost nothing built on it. It faces west, so it is also where the island comes to watch the sun go down.

It is easy to enjoy and easy to get slightly wrong. The official hours, the sunset time and the lifeguard schedule do not line up neatly. In some months the sun sets after the beach is meant to close. This guide gives you the numbers so you can plan around them.

Facts were checked in October 2026. Sunset times in the table are calculated for Havelock's coordinates and are accurate to a few minutes. Local rules change, so confirm the day's arrangement with your hotel or driver.

Radhanagar Beach at a glance

Why Radhanagar is special

The beach is wide, clean and backed by dense forest. The sand is smooth underfoot, and the water stays shallow for a long way out. It is one of the easier places in the islands to swim.

It has also stayed undeveloped. Beyond the facilities near the entrance, there are no hotels or large buildings on the sand. That is why the light at sunset feels so open.

Radhanagar's shoreline curves towards the forest. The far end is quieter than the entrance.

Sunset time, month by month

Radhanagar faces the open Bay of Bengal to the west, so the sun sets over the water in every season. The times below are calculated for Havelock's position on the 15th of each month. The Andamans run on Indian Standard Time, so the sun sets early.

Two things follow from this.

First, sunset comes earlier than most travellers expect. In November and December it is just before 5:00 pm. If you arrive at 4:30 pm hoping for golden hour, you may see only the last few minutes.

Second, the listed 5:00 pm closing time is earlier than sunset for much of the year. In practice the beach stays open for sunset, but swimming and lifeguard cover are tied to daylight. Ask your hotel what is being enforced that week.

Swimming safely

Radhanagar is safe when you follow its rules.

Watch the flags. Currents pick up between May and September, and the lifeguards are there for a reason. Children should be supervised the whole time.

What to do at Radhanagar

Swim, then walk

Swim in the morning or early afternoon, when the lifeguards are on duty. Then walk to the far end of the beach. The crowds thin quickly, and you get long views back along the curve of the sand.

Watch the sunset

Come about two hours before sunset and settle in. The sky usually puts on its best colour in the last 20 minutes. The beach stays busy but feels spacious.

Sunset at Radhanagar. People wade into the shallows to watch the sun go down.

Eat and drink simply

Food stalls near the entrance sell snacks and fresh coconut water. Treat it as a light refreshment stop. For a proper dinner, return to your hotel or one of Havelock's restaurants. Our guide to places to visit in the Andaman Islands lists food options.

Getting there

The road runs about 12 km from the jetty and takes about 20 minutes. Getting to Havelock itself needs a ferry from Port Blair. Ferry times vary by operator and season, so plan your arrival day around them. Our guide to how many days you need in the Andamans explains how to build in slack.

Radhanagar compared with Havelock's other beaches

Havelock has several beaches, and each does one thing best.

If you only have one beach day, spend it at Radhanagar. If you have two, add a sunrise at Kalapathar or a snorkelling trip to Elephant Beach.

Kalapathar, on the east coast, faces the sunrise. It is quieter than Radhanagar.

Who Radhanagar suits

Practical tips

• Arrive early. Two hours before sunset gives you time to swim, walk and watch.

• Bring sun protection. Hat, sunscreen and water.

• Carry out your rubbish. The beach is clean because visitors keep it so.

• Leave shells and coral where they are. Many species are protected, and collecting damages the shoreline.

• Plan the way back. Keep your car waiting, or confirm your transfer, before dusk.

• Do not swim after sunset or outside the nets.

Where it fits in an Andaman trip

Radhanagar is the centre of a Havelock stay. Many travellers spend two nights on the island. If you are still deciding between islands, read Havelock or Neil Island. For the best months across the islands, see the best time to visit the Andamans.

Couples will find more planning detail in our guide to an Andaman honeymoon itinerary. For somewhere to stay close to the beach, Barefoot at Havelock and Taj Exotica Resort and Spa are both on Havelock.

To see Radhanagar in a built route, look at Andaman Beach Escape or the Andaman Honeymoon Escape package.

Frequently asked questions

What are Radhanagar Beach's timings?

The listed hours are around 6:00 am to 5:00 pm, and visitors are not meant to stay after sunset. Lifeguards are on duty from sunrise to sunset.

What time is sunset at Radhanagar Beach?

It ranges from about 4:50 pm in November to about 5:45 pm in July. In the main season, from October to March, plan for sunset between 4:50 and 5:30 pm.

Is there an entry fee?

No. Entry is free.

Is Radhanagar Beach safe for swimming?

Yes, in the calm months from October to May, inside the marked zone and while lifeguards are present. Do not swim outside the nets or after dusk.

How far is Radhanagar Beach from Havelock jetty?

About 12 km, roughly 20 minutes by road.

What is the best time to visit Radhanagar?

October to May for calm seas. For sunset, arrive about two hours before the sun goes down. For swimming, go in the morning or early afternoon.

Can I swim in the monsoon?

It is not recommended. From June to September, currents pick up and swimming is restricted. Many visitors enjoy the beach for walking instead.

Plan your Havelock stay with us

We schedule ferries, transfers and sunset timings so that you are at Radhanagar when the light is right. Explore the Andaman and Nicobar destination page or talk to a trip designer.