Neil Island, also known as Shaheed Dweep, is a prominent island in the Andaman Sea and is a part of the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago. It is secluded; it is serene; it is unique; and it is enthralling in its natural beauty. This picturesque island is widely known for its serene beaches, crystal-clear waters and relaxed atmosphere, offering a tranquil escape for travellers seeking a peaceful vacation.
Suggested Read: Snorkelling in Andaman and Places to visit in Andaman
Its beaches are superbly unique in the natural charm and entice people from far and near. Travellers and tourists who visit Andaman and land at the Veer Savarkar Airport in Port Blair, never seem to complete their Andaman beach vacation without paying a visit to Neil Island.
Neil Island’s beaches are among the most exotic beaches. For example, Bharatpur Beach is famous for its alluring white sandy and sunny beaches and crystal clear blue waters, ideal for swimming and various water sports like snorkelling and glass-bottom boat rides. Laxmanpur Beach is famous for its stunning sunset views and long stretches of white sand, making it a perfect spot for long, solo, peaceful evening strolls. Sitapur Beach is often called the Sunrise Beach, for its golden sunrises that gives a great start to a beautiful day of beach vacation. It offers breath-taking views of the sunrise and a tranquil atmosphere.
No trip to Andaman and Nicobar archipelago is complete without a visit to Neil Island. Neil Island is one of the premium islands of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and you can reach Neil Island via a combination of flights and ferries.
You can also check our Andaman Holiday Packages
First Step to Reach Port Blair
Neil Island By Air
As the very first step you need to fly from the mainland to Veer Savarkar International Airport. Booking of the flight would be to Port Blair, the capital city of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Several domestic airlines operate flights to Port Blair from major Indian cities like Chennai, Kolkata, Delhi and others.
Neil Island By Sea
Ship services to Neil Island are available. Limited ship services operate from the major metropolitans such as Chennai, Kolkata, and Vishakhapatnam to Port Blair. But waterway or travel by ship is not usually chosen because this mode of transportation involves a journey spanning several days and might not be the most convenient for travellers.
Second Step is from Port Blair to Neil Island
By Ferry
The distance from Port Blair to Neil Island is about 54 kilometres and takes about three hours to move from one island to the other.
The first and the most preferred choice of travel from Port Blair to Neil Island is to travel via private ferries. Makruzz, Green Ocean, and other private ferry operators offer regular services between Port Blair and Neil Island. These ferries provide a faster and more comfortable journey compared to government ferries.
Journey by government-operated ferries is the second option. Directorate of Shipping Services operates regular ferries between Port Blair and Neil Island. These ferries take a bit longer in transporting passengers and are equipped with fewer amenities. They are not generally the first choice of travellers but they are available as an alternative.
Booking and reservations of ferry services
Advanced booking of ferry services is advisable, especially during peak tourist seasons, to secure a seat on the desired ferry.
Airport to Port Blair Jetty Transfer
From Veer Savarkar Airport of Port Blair you can avail taxis. Pre-arranged transfers are available from the airport to the Port Blair jetty from where the ferries depart for Neil Island. Even the hotels where your booking has been done and also your travel agent can arrange smooth transfers from the airport to the jetty.
Tips and checks for hassle-free transfer to Neil Island
- Check weather conditions and forecasts before you plan your Neil Island visit because ferry services might be affected by adverse weather conditions, especially during the monsoon season. That might play spoilsport for your itinerary. And since it is an Island, it can be approached only via ferries. So the conditions of the sea is important to determine its approachability.
- Travel as light as possible since a vacation to Andaman and Nicobar means island hopping. Frequent hotel changes will be smoother and easier and also less time consuming if you travel light. But do remember to pack the essentials for the journey, including water, snacks, sunscreen, and any necessary medications, as the ferry ride can take a few hours.
- Ferry schedules also need to confirm after making reservations in advance. Keep time between two transfers in case the booking or reservations are connected. Plan your travel according to the ferry timings to ensure a smooth journey from Port Blair to Neil Island and not to lose out on vacation time in securing transfers between islands.
