The short answer
Beach No. 3: what visitors should know first
Yes, if you want to snorkel in a clear reef environment without crowds. The beach is smaller, rockier and less developed than Radhanagar, which is why it remains quieter.
Useful facts
Beach No. 3 facts at a glance
- Location
- Eastern coast, between Elephant Beach and Kalapathar
- Type
- Landmark
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Best time
- October to April; early morning for calmest conditions
Why it matters
Why Beach No. 3 is worth your time
The numbered beaches on Havelock (Beach No. 1, 3, 5 and 7) represent the official tourism naming convention, with Radhanagar being the renamed Beach No. 7. Beach No. 3 remains little-known because there is no major resort or organized tour infrastructure pointing visitors there. For those who seek out the quieter coastline, it offers authentic, undeveloped reef snorkelling. The numbered system is a legacy of earlier island surveys and administrative designations; these official names persist in local use even as tourism has renamed some beaches for marketing appeal. Finding Beach No. 3 rewards you with a richer, more personal discovery experience.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Beach No. 3 is accessed via a small path that is not prominently marked. Most visitors find it by exploring or by asking locals. The reward is a rocky cove with excellent snorkelling, rocky habitats that attract fish, and a sense of discovery. The path winds through local vegetation and opens onto a compact cove framed by rocks on both sides.
The beach is best for snorkelling and exploring rather than sunbathing. Entry into the water via the rocks is the main activity. Carry reef shoes, water and snacks. The journey feels like a local's secret, which it largely is. If you are with a local guide, they will know the best entry points and the safest path.
Plan with confidence
Small decisions that make the visit easier.
- Ask locals for directions; it is not signposted
- Wear reef shoes for the rocky entry
- Bring water and snacks
- Go early for calm seas
- A local guide makes the visit more rewarding
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Eastern coast, between Elephant Beach and Kalapathar
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Best time
- October to April; early morning for calmest conditions
- Walking level
- Moderate
- Senior comfort
- The beach has rocks and uneven footing. Entry into the water requires careful navigation. Older visitors should take time and wear protective footwear.
- Tickets and access
- No entry fee or facilities. This is a little-developed beach with minimal infrastructure.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Beach No. 3
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
The beach has rocks and uneven footing. Entry into the water requires careful navigation. Older visitors should take time and wear protective footwear.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
Is Beach No. 3 worth finding?
If you enjoy snorkelling and do not mind a less-developed setting, yes. It offers excellent reef snorkelling with fewer people.
How do I find it?
Ask at your resort or in a local village. It is accessed via a small path; it is not signposted.
What is the snorkelling like?
Excellent. The rocks and reef structure attract a variety of fish and offer good visibility, usually 7–10 metres.
Are there any facilities?
No. This is an undeveloped beach. Bring everything you need.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.