Your Ultimate Guide to Navigating Andaman’s Best Ferries

No journey to the breathtaking archipelago of the Andaman’s can ever truly be complete without embarking on the quintessential island-hopping adventure. At the heart of this unforgettable escapade lies Port Blair, the bustling capital city that serves as your portal to the enchanting islands beyond. Amongst the various transport options at your disposal, ferry rides in Andaman reign supreme, offering you an experience steeped in scenic vistas and the vibrant palette of the marine world.

Suggested Read: Best time to Visit Andaman and How to reach Andaman

In this comprehensive guide, AndamanTourism.org provides detailed information on Andaman ferry services that enable internal transfers in the Andaman Islands, their timings and their departure and arrival points.

Prominent Andaman Ferries for Internal Island Transfers

Explore the Andaman Islands, travelling across the blue seas on some of the top ferries that operate here. Usually, there are two types of ferries for getting around one island from another – 1) Private Ferries and 2) Government Ferries. AndamanTouism.org has provided all the details for various Andaman ferries for Internal Island Transfers.

Green Ocean Ferry

Launched in 2015, the Green Ocean Ferry revolutionised island hopping in the Andaman archipelago by blending speed, comfort, and luxury into one comprehensive maritime package. Known for its superior amenities and streamlined seating arrangements, this ferry quickly became the go-to vessel for discerning travellers seeking a more refined experience. The entire ferry is air-conditioned, ensuring a pleasant trip no matter the weather outside. This vessel is a popular choice when tourists are looking for a ferry from Port Blair to Havelock Island.

Accommodation Classes:

• Royal Class: Exclusively located on the Upper Deck for unmatched views
• Luxury Class: Comfortably situated on the Middle Deck
• Deluxe Class: Efficiently designed seating on the Lower Deck

Features:

• Open Air Cafeteria for breezy snacking
• Fully Air Conditioned interiors for comfortable travel
• Rapid Transit between Islands
• Daily Scheduled Routes for convenience

The Green Ocean fleet proudly boasts two vessels – the Green Ocean 1and the Green Ocean 2. Both Green Ocean 1 and Green Ocean 2 offer distinct features and comfortable seating options, ensuring a delightful sea travel experience for all passengers.

Makruzz

Makruzz, launched in the year 2002, quickly became an indispensable part of the maritime fabric of the Andaman Islands. Primarily serving the sectors of Port Blair, Havelock, and Neil Island, this twin-hull Catamaran vessel boasts the fastest cruising speed in the region at 32 nautical miles, thanks to its dual-engine setup. For optimal safety and traveller comfort, the cruise typically operates at 23-25 nautical miles. The widened twin-hull design ensures stability and safety even during high-speed cruising and inclement weather, making your journey smooth without worrying about unsettling movements. Take this ferry from Neil Island to Port Blair and you should reach your destination within an hour.

Makruzz features three classes for passengers – Premium Class, Deluxe Class, and Royal Class, each offering varying levels of comfort, amenities, and services.

Nautika & Nautika Lite

Regarded as India’s youngest domestic cruise liner, Nautika’s fleet comprises two catamarans: Nautika and Nautika Lite. Launched in 2018 by Sealink India Private Limited, the monohull ferry Nautika Lite soon became an integral part of what is now rebranded as Nautika.

Nautika’s vessel is designed with two fully air-conditioned decks, accommodating over 200 passengers in comfort and style. Its seating is categorised into two classes: Royale and Luxury, spread across the upper and lower twin decks. Offering the epitome of luxury, Nautika guarantees its travellers a lavish cruise experience with top-tier safety standards in the Andaman Islands.

The sister ship, Nautika Lite, was exclusively designed with holidaymakers in mind. It takes the cruising experience up a notch by offering a plethora of entertainment options, including foot-tapping music and delightful culinary experiences. It features two seating classes: Business/Royal and Premium/Luxury, ensuring that comfort is not compromised at any level.

Andaman Ferries Departure and Arrival Schedule

Please refer to the table below for ferry timings of:

• Ferry from Port Blair to Havelock Island
• Ferry from Havelock Island to Port Blair
• Ferry from Port Blair to Neil Island
• Ferry from Neil Island to Port Blair
• Ferry from Havelock Island to Neil Island
• Ferry from Neil Island to Havelock Island

Other Popular ferries which are used for Andaman internal island transfer are:

Coastal Cruise

To cater to the surging demands of the numerous travellers flocking to the Andaman Islands, the Coastal Cruise was launched in 2012. Boasting a cruising speed of 25 knots (45 Km/h), this ferry ensures that your journey across the azure waters remains smooth and pleasant, evoking a sense of serenity and delight that only a tranquil sea voyage can offer.

One of the best features of the Coastal Cruise is its visual treat. One can witness the panoramic windows, it affords a breathtaking view of the infinite seascape and the vibrant nature that the Andaman Islands are famous for. This is one spectacle you won’t want to miss!

• Features Details
• Entertainment Onboard audio-visual facilities
• Seating Capacity 218 seats
• Vessel Size Large enough to accommodate the rush, yet intimate enough to ensure a memorable voyage
• Number of Decks Two (Upper and Lower)
• Class Options Executive, Lounge, Premiere, Coastal
• Services in Each Class Different levels of comfort and services
• Staffing Professional and competent Hospitality Executives present throughout the journey

The tables below provide the schedule for arrivals and departures. Please feel free to book your tickets at a time that best suits your convenience.

Coastal Cruise/Ferry from Port Blair to Neil Island

Coastal Cruise/Ferry from Neil Island to Port Blair

Coastal Cruise/Ferry from Havelock Island to Neil Island

Coastal Cruise/Ferry from Neil Island to Havelock Island

ITT Majestic

The ITT Majestic is, without a doubt, a splendid choice for travellers seeking speed, comfort, and an unparalleled maritime experience while island hopping in the Andamans. Sleek, speedy, and comfortable, the ITT Majestic is a game-changer in the maritime landscape of the Andaman Islands. Launched in 2016, this 33-metre long high-speed vessel was designed with the discerning traveller in mind, boasting 200 seats across different categories and classes.

A trip on the ITT Majestic is more than just a journey between islands; it’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in the vast expanse of the sea around you. Covering distances between 20-33 nautical miles at impressive speeds, the ferry makes rapid transit to nearby islands possible in under 90 minutes.

Key Features of ITT Majestic

• Fully Air-Conditioned
• Comfortable Seating with generous legroom
• Swift Transit
• Option for Pre-booked Meals

Government Ferries in Andaman

Government Ferries in the Andaman Islands, often referred to as the ‘lifeline’ of the region, play a crucial role in the everyday lives of the locals. These cost-effective and subsidised ferries make daily inter-island commuting possible for the island’s residents.

While they are a favoured mode of transport for the inhabitants, tourists are typically advised to consider private ferries for their travels. Private ferries offer a level of cleanliness, maintenance, and comfort that often surpasses that of the government-run counterparts. These vessels offer faster travel times and come equipped with onboard assistance and convenient canteen facilities, ensuring your needs are well catered to during your journey.

Based on our local Andaman tour expertise, AndamanTourism.org suggests booking a private ferry ticket. It is an uncomplicated process, and it generally guarantees a confirmed seat. Prices for private ferry tickets can range from Rs. 1200 to Rs. 2500, depending on the class of travel, which is a worthy trade-off for the comfort and convenience these private services offer.

So, while Government Ferries are indispensable for the locals, exploring the captivating beauty of the Andaman Islands via private ferries could prove to be a more enjoyable and comfortable experience for tourists.