One of the Andaman and Nicobar islands' lesser-known yet beautiful spots is the magnificent lagoon - Neil's Cove in Havelock Island. Located in the western coast of Havelock Island, lies India’s most iconic place to visit. The lagoon is formed of enclosed coral reefs and lush green vegetation and is barely a ten minutes trek towards the north of the Radhanagar beach.
Neil's Cove is a clear and secluded sight that may sometimes give you a chance to see the wild side of the sea. What you see first is the contrast - beautiful volcanic rocks formed a natural barrier against the sea, with glassy clean water. It is a beautiful destination for Photography and Videography, bloggers can and must-visit if they are looking to take some rare shots of the wild marine species.
Wondering, how a gem like Neil’s Cove was built and became the Best Lagoon in Havelock? Well, Neil’s Cove wasn’t built by humans, yes you heard it right. Neil’s Cove is an exception - formed by a bunch of geological and marine processes. The dark volcanic rocks and waves created a calm spot for travelers to enjoy.
The Andaman Seas are known for their rich biodiversity and marine life, and Neil's Cove is definitely one of them. This calm lagoon is a safe haven for marine life. The area naturally at times attracts green and hawksbill sea turtles, especially during certain months.
It’s not just the sea that’s alive here but the dense tropical vegetation around Neil’s Cove is bunched with birds and insects. The forest here is rich with almonds, pandanus, coconut palms, and ferns of the beautiful Andamans. Early in the morning, travelers might spot white-bellied sea eagles’ flying overhead, making it perfect for Sightseeing.
Neil’s Island offers quite a beautiful experience - that photographers, swimmers and nature lovers might not want to miss! Here’s a list of things to do in Neil’s Cove you can go for
Do you know what makes Neil Cove iconic? The calm, clear waters surrounded by volcanic rocks that form a natural essence. The water here makes it perfect for a refreshing dip and one of the top things to do in Neil’s Cove among the Beaches in Havelock.
It is indeed a wonderful spot to explore marine life. As you snorkel, you will find creatures like parrotfish, clownfish, butterflyfish, tiny crabs, sea cucumbers, and beautiful rock pools surrounded with colorful coral reefs beneath. Snorkeling here can definitely be a good option, even for beginners as the water is calm and clear on most days.
Neil’s Cove is nothing but a whole paradise for photographers. The mixture of dark volcanic rocks, clear water, and white sand create striking mixes. The sunrise and sunset here at Neil’s Cove makes it one of the most photogenic spots in the Andamans.
While Radhanagar Beach draws crowds for sunset, Neil’s Cove offers a peaceful, private view. The rocks, golden rays and sand frame the horizon beautifully, to get a perfect and peaceful view.
A narrow forest path starts from the northern end of Radhanagar Beach and leads to Neil’s Cove combining the road with Andaman almond and palm trees. This short nature and scenic walk, nearly about 10–15 minutes, is an experience in itself. You can also spot birds like white-bellied sea eagles, drongos, and kingfishers, while walking your way down, ideal for Sightseeing.
Neil's Cove is a perfect spot to have a picnic, can be early in the morning or later in the afternoon. You are suggested to carry reusable containers, and take your trash back as there are no bins or food stalls nearby. Keeping the cove clean is part of respecting its natural charm and maintaining the beauty of Beaches in Havelock.
Since the cove is located on the shores and by the forest, it’s a home for wildlife. Arriving early and staying quiet can give you the chance to watch charming birds like - Andaman drongo, emerald dove, white-headed starling, and kingfisher. Hermit crabs are also seen here. Getting binoculars is a must if you are looking forward to beautiful bird sightseeing as it is a hidden paradise for Sightseeing, and Photography and Videography.
Trying some deep breathing and light yoga in the early morning essence would be ideal for you to start your day and be refreshed throughout the trip. The sounds of the waves and the rustling leaves of the forest can absolutely be therapeutic, if you want to feel the most of the cove. Travelers often describe Neil's Cove as a place to relax and rejuvenate , as it is far from loud noise and crowds, one of the most serene among Beaches in Havelock.
Artists and writers often find inspiration here. The cove’s textures including rock, water, rays, make it a natural canvas. Carrying a sketchpad, a camera, or a journal, and spend time observing can give you the perfect moment for you to show your creativity and also a perfect moment for Photography and Videography.
Though most beaches in the Andamans close at sunset, some travelers who are residing nearby may witness the night sky over Neil’s Cove. The stars in the night sky are brilliantly shining. If you are lucky enough, you can spot the Milky Way and shooting stars, which makes it an even more magical sight, ideal for Sightseeing.
In general, the ideal season to visit Neil’s Cove is between October to March. During this season, the weather is nearly clear with calm seas and excellent visibility for snorkelling, Photography and Videography and other things to do in Neil’s Cove. Swimming, Snorkelling, Photography, Sunset Watching, Beach Walks and Forest Exploration are the ideal activities, one can do at Neil’s Cove.
Once you reach the Andaman Islands, it is easy to reach if you plan the journey right. Here’s what you can do:
After reaching to Port Blair (Andaman’s Capital)
You can reach Radhanangar Beach from Havelock Jetty
Followed by a Walk to Neil’s Cove from Radhanagar Beach
Visiting early morning or late afternoon is ideal for the best light and mild tide scenes - one of the gem among Beaches in Havelock.
To make the most of your visit - keep the following points in mind:
Carry water and essentials but no plastic as there are no food stalls or shops nearby
Swim only in safe conditions, when the sea is calm and tides are low or mild
Low tides are the best time to snorkel
Take back everything you are carrying to maintain the rich bio-diversity
Respect the marine life and forest creatures by not touching it or harming it
Neil's Cove is another fascinating attraction of Havelock Island and a rarely known spot of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. When you get out of the water, walk to the beach's right end and look for a spot called "Neil's Cove" – hippie backpacker paradise and perfect for watching the sunset. It must make your visit exceptional, especially if you have time.
If you keep walking north along Radhanagar Beach in Havelock Island for about 1 kilometre, you turn around a rocky corner and get to a smaller Neil's Cove Lagoon. In some ways, it's even more beautiful; it's small and perfect around the Beaches in Havelock.
Visitors can easily spot unique rock formations across its surroundings, created by millions of years of erosion.
The water is shallow, deep and transparent, making it an ideal venue for snorkeling.
People can see beautiful and colourful fish from outside the water swimming around their natural habitat.
Saltwater crocodiles sometimes frequent this lagoon, due to which swimming is prohibited here at dawn and dusk.
For an animal enthusiast, the probability of spotting marine life in its natural habit is another reason to visit this lagoon for Sightseeing.
With its gorgeous teal 'lagoon', Neil's Cove is one of the best Beaches in Havelock and a gem of sheltered sand and crystalline water. If you're looking for a secluded but idyllic getaway, this is the place for you. With its gorgeous vistas, stunning sea and an array of water sports, Havelock island is the perfect place for you and your loved ones. Neil's cove has little inlets and lagoons for you to float about in and visitors can also opt for diving and snorkelling at Neil's cove, though the water is very shallow.
In short, reaching Neil’s Cove is relatively easy but the journey itself is what makes it unique. From the ferry ride across the Andaman Sea to the quiet walk along the white sands of the cove, every moment feels magical. Until and unless, you reach the cove, you won’t understand why it is often called "Havelock's hidden lagoon" and is found around one of the best Beaches at Havelock - the Radhanagar Beach. So, what’s keeping you away from booking tickets to Andaman? Let’s get you on a journey where everything is - peaceful, pristine, and perfectly wild.
A ten-minute walk down Radhanagar Beach will take you to Neil’s Cove in Havelock Island (officially known as Swaraj Dweep now). A beautiful cove with freshwater streams, Neil Cove offers a mesmerizing swim in the crystal blue waters. It is one of the best spots for snorkeling across the island, but you should be extremely careful while trying your hand at it as salt-water crocodiles have been spotted here in the past. The natural splendor of this hidden gem is sure to leave you awestruck.
Neil’s Cove in Havelock Island is a magical place! Its beauty is something that is rare to be found anywhere else. It is a hidden gem of the island and is still a lesser-known place. So when you are going to the popular Radhanagar Beach, you can include this lagoon in your travel plan as it is there itself. Some of the best resorts and hotels nearby Neil’s Cove are as follows:
Just fifteen minute down the popular Radhanagar Beach in Havelock Island will take you to Neil’s Cove. It is a beautiful cove with freshwater streams where you can swim in the crystal-clear azure waters. Adrenaline junkies and nature lovers can also go for snorkeling here. Your underwater experience while doing snorkeling will boost all your senses and open your eyes to a whole new magical world! That’s why we would suggest you to visit this cove and go for your first experience as soon as you can. If you are already on a beach holiday, then snorkeling can add some extra adventure to your vacation.
The magnificence of Neil’s Cove cannot be put in words. You yourself have to go there in order to cherish its beauty to the fullest. Neil’s Cove has a beautiful teal lagoon and is gem of crystalline water and sheltered sand. However, no one is allowed to swim at dusk and dawn. Warnings regarding crocodiles are true and you should take them seriously.
Photographers will be offered with innumerable opportunities of capturing the best photographs. One must-do thing here includes looking at the gorgeous sunsets while lazing on the soft sands. You are not going to forget this mesmerizing experience ever! It is definitely a cherished destination for photographers and bloggers.
Reaching there is quite simple. Very close to the gorgeous Radhanagar Beach, Neil’s Cove is a lovely lagoon situated in Havelock Island. First, you need to reach Radhanagar Beach via a cab, auto, or rented 2-wheeler. Once you are there, you need to walk towards the northern side for nearly fifteen minutes. You will see a splendid lagoon which is Neil’s Cove where the reef curves. No boards or directions are available en route. Thus, you can ask the guard at the entrance of the beach for directions to be absolutely sure.
Neil’s Cove in Havelock Island is everything that you dreamed of while planning a trip to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The cove has little inlets and lagoons where you can enjoy floating, shallow diving, and snorkeling. And if you just want to live the good life, then simply lie on the beach. A number of colorful fishes can be seen from the outside and this is ideal for all the non-water babies who don’t want to get inside the warm waters. There will be warning signs for crocodiles if you swim further into the inlets. Pay attention and use your wisdom.
Whether you are travelling alone, with your partner, or entire family, this water activity is something that most of people would agree to do. This adventurous activity stands out from the rest owing to the magic and ecstasy it offers to the divers throughout. However, you should be careful at all times as crocodiles have been spotted there in the past. The place is not crowded and thus, you can enjoy being at the cove even more. It has all the seclusion and privacy that you are looking for.
It is like an exotic spot that is home to silky white sands and cobalt waters. A pristine lagoon that is small in size and perfect half-moon crescent of white powdery sand, Neil’s Cove offers unmatched natural beauty. It is one of the best kept secrets in Havelock Island. You will see lush greenery here, canopy of tall and dense tropical rain forest amidst melodious voices of colorful endemic birds. You can witness a diverse array of marine life and colorful crabs on the corals at this tranquil place. It would be absolutely fascinating to look at the waves crashing on the rocks and jumping high into the air.
Swaraj Dweep experiences tropical climate and thus, travelling to this island in winter season is highly recommended. The months from November to February are the best for visiting Neil’s Cove. The water is warm and the weather is pleasant during these months. The entire island is at its best at this time.
