Amazing Kayaking at Havelock - Day and Night


Mangroves around Swaraj Dweep
If you have never done kayaking at Havelock before, you will learn how easy and fun it can be!
Within minutes you are maneuvering a kayak on your own and discovering the pleasure of kayaking through pristine mangrove forest. To enhance your experience, our certified guide accompanies you on your kayaking trip.
During night kayaking at Havelock, you witness amazing bio-luminescence (on a moonless night) and rejoice in the pleasure of identifying visible constellations (when the sky is clear without clouds).
Highlights
On moonless nights, when it is darker, be mesmerized by the water that glows when disturbed. This phenomenon is caused by the emission of light by a microscopic living organism called phytoplankton.
Mangroves are a group of trees and shrubs that thrive in the coastal inter tidal zone. Learn interesting facts about these trees as you go kayaking amidst pristine Mangroves around Havelock island providing a stunning backdrop to your experience.
Mangroves lit by the soft moonlight provide the perfect backdrop for couples looking for a mix of adventure and fun. Glide gently over water as you kayak alongside the stunning Mangroves that surround the Havelock Island. Also recommended for those who have a fear of darkness.
Identify constellations and stars as your guide shares interesting facts about these stellar companions during your kayaking tour. Best viewed on moonless clear skies.
Night kayaking experience at Havelock varies depending on the phase of the moon. Do check with us in advance when planning your kayaking trip.
Kayaking at Havelock with Captain Hook’s is an experience of a lifetime… don’t go by our word, read about the experience of others and get ready to experience it yourself!
Information
Kayak is a light narrow boat made of Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) plastic. In a kayak, the paddler sits on a low seat with their legs extended in front and propels the kayak using a double-bladed paddle.
We offer following types of kayaks:
- Single seater (for 1 adult)
- Double seater (for 2 adults)
- Triple seater (for 2 adults and 1 child)
Standard accessories on our kayaks:
- Backrest seat
- Paddles
- Life jackets
When kayaking at Havelock with Captain Hook’s, safety takes priority and accordingly:
- All kayaks are tested for leakage/water retention before start of the tour
- Certified kayaking guide trained in life saving techniques accompanies the kayak tour
- Briefing session prior to the tour that includes safety instructions is mandatory
- Each kayaker is tested for the paddling technique before the tour commences
- For those fearful of kayaking, we encourage participation but do not coerce
- Donning of life jacket is mandatory
- Anyone under the influence of alcohol or any illicit or prescription drugs is not permitted
- Anyone with Diabetes, Heart Disease, Epilepsy, Asthma, High Blood Pressure, Pregnancy, Allergic Reactions to Insect Bites or Stings is not allowed to participate unless permitted by his/her physician/healthcare provider
- Overweight individuals (more than 95 Kilograms or 210 pounds) are not permitted
- Infants and children below 5 years are not permitted
- Kayak guide/leader’s discretion to continue or cancel the tour for safety reasons (such as adverse weather condition) is binding on all participants
- All participants are encouraged to pay attention and follow directions of their tour guide for their own safety and safety of others in the group
- Group size is limited to 10 kayakers
- Depending on the group size, 1-3 assistants accompany the guide on the kayak tour
- First aid kit is carried on all kayak tours
- Neon wrist band and headlight are provided for night kayaking as needed
Recommended when kayaking at Havelock
Day Kayaking
- Comfortable quick drying clothing
– Full sleeve shirt/T-shirt
– Pant/Bermuda - Crocs or similar footwear
- Cap/Hat
- Sun-glass
- Sunscreen lotion as high UV index may cause sunburns for those with sensitive skin
- Small towel
Night Kayaking
- Comfortable quick drying clothing
– Full sleeve shirt/T-shirt
– Pant/Bermuda - Crocs or similar footwear
- Small towel
Not Recommended
- Long flowing dress or short skirts
- Leather goods or footwear as they are easily damaged by the salty sea water
- Electronic devices unless water proof
- Backpacks or similar luggage as there is limited space in the kayak
Duration
- Briefing and prepping before the tour starts:
30-45 minutes depending on the group size - Kayak tour: Around 2 hours from shore to shore
Effort required
- Easy to moderate when the sea is calm
- Moderate to high when the sea is windy
Note: If the sea is too windy, kayaking tour is cancelled for safety reasons.
Itinerary
- Kayak guide meets you outside B3 / Dakshin restaurant (near Havelock Jetty where you alight from your Port Blair ferry)
- You are then led to the kayaking departure/arrival point, which is a short walk from the meeting point
- After you have filled the mandatory liability release form, you are prepped (donning of life jacket etc.) for the kayak tour
- Your guide gives a briefing before the tour to familiarize you with kayaking, do’s and dont’s, safety instructions and tips to maximize your experience
- After you are comfortably seated in your kayak on water, the guide checks your paddling skills and guides you with the correct technique
- You start the kayaking tour with your guide leading the way and at least one assistant trailing the group.
- Enjoy your experience and in the process learn about your surroundings with your guide sharing interesting information en route
- Time flies and sadly it is time to return as you complete your tour
Usually kayaking at Havelock is available between September to May every year. It may be available during other months as well.
- The kayak tour time is tide dependent and varies on different days.
- Experiences at night vary depending on the phase of the moon.
Tip: Do check with us in advance when planning your kayaking tour.