Andaman Ferry Booking Guide 2026: Everything You Need to Know Before You Sail

You've booked your flights. You've picked your hotels. And then it hits you — how exactly do I get from island to island in Andaman?

Don't worry. You're not alone. Every year, lakhs of travellers arrive at Port Blair excited to explore Havelock and Neil Island, only to realise they have zero idea how ferry bookings work in Andaman. This guide will fix that — completely, clearly, and with local insider knowledge.

Whether you're a first-timer or a returning Andaman lover, here is everything you need to know about Andaman ferry booking in 2026.

The Golden Rule: Book Your Ferries Before You Land

This is the single most important piece of advice we can give you.

In peak season — October to April — ferries between Port Blair and Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) sell out 2 to 3 weeks in advance. Unlike a hotel room that can always squeeze in an extra guest, a ferry has a fixed number of seats. If you don't have a confirmed ticket, you simply cannot board.

We've seen travellers stranded in Port Blair for 2 extra days waiting for a seat. Don't let that be you.

The 3 Main Ferry Routes in Andaman

The entire tourist circuit in Andaman revolves around 3 key routes connecting the most popular islands.

Route 1 — Port Blair (Sri Vijaya Puram) to Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep)

• Distance: ~54 km
• Journey Time: 1.5 to 2 hours (private fast ferry) | 2.5 to 3 hours (government vessel)
• Frequency: 6–8 private ferry departures daily
• Best Departure Time: 6:00 AM or 8:00 AM — morning seas are calmer and you arrive with the whole day ahead

This is the busiest and most important ferry route in Andaman. About 60% of all inter-island tourists travel on this route. Havelock Island is home to Radhanagar Beach — ranked among Asia's best beaches — and the majority of dive operators, beach resorts, and water sports facilities.

Route 2 — Havelock Island to Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep)

• Distance: ~19 km
• Journey Time: 45 to 60 minutes (private fast ferry)
• Frequency: 4–5 sailings daily
• Local Tip: This route has fewer seats than the Port Blair–Havelock route, so book early

Neil Island is smaller, quieter, and deeply loved by travellers who want unspoiled beaches, fewer crowds, and the famous Natural Bridge rock formation. The short 45-minute hop from Havelock to Neil is one of the most scenic ferry rides in the islands.

Route 3 — Neil Island to Port Blair (Return)

• Distance: ~36 km
• Journey Time: ~2.5 hours
• Note: Some travellers return directly from Havelock to Port Blair instead. Both routes are well-served.

Classic tourist circuit: Port Blair → Havelock → Neil Island → Port Blair. Most 5–7 day Andaman trips follow this loop perfectly.

The 4 Private Ferry Operators You Must Know

1. Makruzz

The premium choice. Makruzz offers the fastest crossing and is known for luxury interiors, comfortable seating across three classes (Premium, Deluxe, Royal), and consistent punctuality. They operate the MV Makruzz and MV Makruzz Gold — twin-hull catamarans that slice through the waves smoothly. Price range: ₹1,150 – ₹3,500 per person depending on class and route.

2. Green Ocean

A popular mid-range option that many locals swear by. Green Ocean is the only private operator offering an open deck — perfect for sunrise crossings and photography lovers. Reliable timings, solid air-conditioning below deck. Price range: ₹950 – ₹2,200 per person.

3. ITT Majestic

Known for competitive pricing and decent comfort. A solid option if Makruzz seats are sold out. Good punctuality record. Price range: ₹950 – ₹2,000 per person.

4. Nautika

The newest entrant in the private ferry space, Nautika has quickly built a loyal following for its clean vessels and smooth on-board experience. Worth booking for the Port Blair–Havelock route. Price range: ₹1,100 – ₹2,500 per person.

Seat Classes Explained — What Are You Actually Paying For?

Most private ferries offer 3 seat classes:

Economy / Premium Class — Standard air-conditioned seating on the main deck. Comfortable, perfectly adequate for a 90-minute crossing. Best value for money.

Deluxe Class — More legroom, quieter cabin section, sometimes includes a small complimentary snack. Good upgrade for families.

Royal / Business Class — Front-facing window seats or upper deck lounge access. Priority boarding, premium seating configuration. Worth it for honeymooners or those who want the best experience.

Pro tip: If you're prone to motion sickness, choose a middle seat on the lower deck. You'll feel the least movement there. Carry Avomine or Stugeron tablets — buy them from any Port Blair pharmacy the evening before your journey.

How to Book Andaman Ferry Tickets — 3 Easy Steps

Booking your Andaman ferry tickets with Adventigo.in takes less than 5 minutes:

Step 1 — Select Your Route & Date

Go to Adventigo.in, enter your "From" location (e.g., Port Blair), your "To" location (e.g., Havelock Island), and your travel date. Hit Search.

Step 2 — Compare Operators & Choose Your Seat Class

You'll see all available ferries from all operators for that route and date — departure times, prices, seat classes, and availability. Compare and pick what suits you.

Step 3 — Confirm & Pay

Enter your passenger details, apply any coupon code, and pay via UPI, card, or net banking. Your e-ticket arrives on WhatsApp and email instantly.

Done. Your ferry is confirmed.

10 Essential Ferry Tips from Local Experts

• Book 2–3 weeks ahead in peak season (November to February). Don't gamble with this.
• Always carry your original government-issued ID — Aadhaar, Passport, or Voter ID. You will be asked to show it at embarkation. No ID = no boarding.
• Reach the jetty 45 minutes before departure. Security check and boarding are done manually; there will be a queue.
• Don't eat a heavy meal right before sailing if you're prone to motion sickness.
• Pack your valuables in a waterproof bag. Spray is common at jetties during boarding.
• Morning departures (6 AM – 10 AM) have the calmest seas. Afternoon crossings can be choppy, especially from February onwards.
• You can carry luggage up to 25 kg on most private ferries. Excess luggage is charged.
• Book return tickets at the same time as your onward tickets — same scarcity rules apply.
• Children below 2 years travel free on most private ferries. Ages 2–12 get a 50% concession.
• Download your e-ticket offline before departing — Havelock jetty has patchy mobile data.

Ferry Schedule Overview (2026 Season)

Port Blair → Havelock: Departures at approximately 6:00 AM, 8:00 AM, 10:45 AM, 1:00 PM, 2:30 PM (varies by operator and day — check real-time availability on Adventigo.in)

Havelock → Neil Island: Departures at approximately 7:30 AM, 12:30 PM, 2:00 PM, 4:30 PM

Neil Island → Port Blair: Departures at approximately 6:30 AM, 2:30 PM

Note: Schedules are subject to change based on weather, sea conditions, and operator updates. Always confirm on the booking platform before travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I book Andaman ferry tickets at the jetty on the day of travel?

In peak season, almost never. Tickets sell out weeks in advance online. In off-season (May–September), walk-in tickets may be available but it's still risky. Always book online in advance.

Q: What if my ferry gets cancelled due to bad weather?

Ferry cancellations due to rough seas are rare in peak season but do happen. If your ferry is cancelled, operators will either reschedule you to the next available sailing or offer a full refund. Keep a day's buffer before any important flight.

Q: Is there a direct ferry from Port Blair to Neil Island?

As of 2026, there is no reliable direct private ferry from Port Blair to Neil Island. The standard route is Port Blair → Havelock, then Havelock → Neil. Total journey: approximately 2.5 hours.

Q: Are meals served on the ferry?

Most private ferries have a small snack kiosk on board selling water, biscuits, chips, and tea. A full meal is not served. Eat before you board or carry your own snacks.

Q: How much luggage can I carry on the ferry?

Standard allowance is 25 kg checked luggage + 5 kg hand baggage per person. Larger items like surfboards or bicycles may require advance arrangement with the operator.

Ready to Book Your Andaman Ferry?

Stop stressing over ferry logistics. Adventigo.in shows you all operators, all routes, real-time availability, and instant confirmation — all in one place. As an authorised booking partner for all major Andaman ferry operators, we guarantee the best prices with zero hidden charges.