Overview
South Button Island is a small, uninhabited island north-east of Havelock, and the whole island is a national park, notified in 1987. No ferry goes there, and we do not go ashore. We take you by speedboat from our dive centre in Govind Nagar (Beach No. 3) to snorkel the protected reef around it. A seat costs ₹10,000 per person, inclusive of GST, and pickup and drop within 3 km of our dive centre are part of the price.
The trip takes 4 hours, with about 75 minutes on the speedboat each way. We anchor in the sheltered northern lagoon. Snorkeling in South Button Island is the main part of the trip: 60 to 90 minutes in 2–6 m of clear water, over staghorn and table corals. A certified guide stays in the water with you, and non-swimmers wear a life vest. Certified divers can add South Button scuba diving on the wall, and Open Water divers stay within 18 m.
Itinerary
- Day 1
South Button Island
- Pickup from the Havelock hotel.
- Transfer to the jetty and safety briefing.
- Board the private speedboat.
- Cruise approximately 75 minutes to South Button.
- Anchor in the sheltered lagoon.
- Gear fitting and in-water safety briefing.
- Guided snorkelling for approximately 60–90 minutes.
- Return to the boat for refreshments.
- Optional second snorkelling session if conditions and time allow.
- Cruise back to Havelock and hotel drop.
Difficulty and fitness
Basic fitness for boat travel and water activity.
- Regular walking and basic water confidence are sufficient.
What to bring
Wear swimwear under your clothes and carry a towel, dry clothes, sun protection and a light windproof layer. Keep your photo ID and required permit fee ready. If you experience seasickness, prepare suitable medication before the boat journey.
Essentials
- Swimwear
- Towel and dry clothes
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Sunhat
- Light windproof layer
- Valid photo ID
- Cash for permit fee
Getting there
Hotel pickup in Havelock followed by transfer to the departure jetty.
Reach Havelock Island/Swaraj Dweep by scheduled ferry or permitted marine transport. The operator provides hotel pickup in Havelock and transfers guests to the departure jetty. The final boat journey to South Button takes approximately 75 minutes in suitable conditions.
Trip details
Included
- Return private speedboat
- Havelock hotel pickup/drop
- Snorkelling equipment
- Life vest
- In-water guide
- Refreshments
- GoPro photos/video
- Safety equipment
- Permit assistance
Not included
- Forest Department permit fee
- GST
- Personal expenses
- Optional scuba diving
- Items not listed under inclusions
Before you book
- A Forest Department permit is mandatory.
- The permit fee is separate from the standard fare.
- The trip involves approximately 75 minutes of speedboat travel each way.
- The standard activity is snorkelling; scuba diving is an optional activity for appropriately certified divers.
- The operator does not take guests ashore on the island.
- Mobile connectivity may be unavailable during the trip.
- Trip timing depends on weather, tide and sea conditions.
Safety notes
- Follow all instructions from the captain and in-water guide.
- Wear the provided life vest as instructed.
- Stay within the designated snorkelling area.
- Do not touch, remove or stand on coral.
- Do not collect marine life, shells or other natural material.
- Sea conditions can change during the journey.
- The captain may cancel or modify the trip when conditions are unsafe.
Participant requirements
Name, age, contact number, group size and relevant medical information.
Your operator
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