Andaman Islands 10-Day Itinerary: Ferry Times & Island Breakdown

Most travel blogs lump Andaman's islands into generic "island hopping" advice and ignore actual ferry schedules—leaving you stranded or on a boat for longer than you planned. Real ferries between Havelock, Neil, and Long Island run on fixed times with seasonal gaps, and your itinerary lives or dies by understanding which boat leaves when. We've mapped a 10-day plan that works with actual port operations and the Indian budget traveler's reality.

1. Ferry Schedules & Port Logistics: The Backbone of Your Plan

Ferry times are non-negotiable in Andaman. There's no rail network, no road bridge between islands, and private speedboats cost ₹3,000–5,000 per person. State-run and private operators run fixed schedules, but they shift seasonally (monsoon closures June–September), and peak season (November–February) means boats fill up fast.

The three main ferry routes and their operators:

Book ferries at least 2–3 days ahead during peak season; same-day bookings are risky. Port Blair's ferry terminal is chaotic—arrive 90 minutes early for baggage screening and queues. Havelock and Neil have smaller terminals; ferries often delay 15–45 minutes due to tides and fuel transfers.

Plan your island sequence around ferry timings, not the reverse. If you board a 2 PM ferry to Havelock, you lose most of that day to arrival and settling in. Instead, take an early morning ferry (6:30 or 7 AM) to maximize daylight on the island. Use our free AI itinerary generator to sync your activity plans with actual departure times.

2. Port Blair (Days 1–2): Airport, Permits & Acclimatization

Port Blair is the entry point for 95% of Indian travelers. You arrive, collect your baggage, clear Foreigner's Registration (or skip it if on a standard 30-day Indian tourist visa—check the Visa wizard for Indians before departure), and catch a ferry. Most guides tell you to waste a day sightseeing in Port Blair; that's wrong if your flight lands morning or midday.

What to do in Port Blair (if time permits):

1. Cellular Jail National Monument (₹50 entry) — 2–3 hours, essential for historical context.
2. Corbyn's Cove Beach — nearest beach, 8 km, ₹150 auto-rickshaw return.
3. Andaman Water Sports Complex — kayaking, diving lessons (₹2,500–4,500 per activity).
4. Ross Island — ferry from Port Blair jetty (₹150 return), 40-min boat + 1.5-hour walk.
5. Chidiya Tapu — sunset viewpoint, 30 km south, best via rented bike (₹400/day) or taxi (₹1,200 return).

Real schedule: Most flights from Delhi, Mumbai, or Bangalore land between 11 AM and 4 PM. Book an afternoon ferry to Havelock (around 2–3 PM), and use the morning for a quick airport-to-Port Blair update (hotel check-in is usually 2 PM, but many hostels allow early baggage drop). This cuts a full day of idle time. If you have a dawn flight arrival (rare), or overnight stay, then spend one full day in Port Blair: Cellular Jail in the morning (9 AM opening), lunch at one of the harbor-front spots (₹300–600 per meal), and Corbyn's Cove or Chidiya Tapu in the afternoon.

Accommodation in Port Blair ranges from ₹1,200 (dorm hostel) to ₹3,500 (mid-range hotel). Book 1 night maximum. Ferry bookings happen at the terminal (walk-up) or via Andaman Ferries' app/website, but app access from foreign IPs sometimes fails—ask your hotel to book by phone.

3. Havelock Island (Days 2–5): Beaches, Snorkeling & Schedules

Havelock is the tourist hub—pristine beaches, snorkel spots, restaurants, and reliable ferries. It's also where most itineraries get rushed because people don't plan ferry timing. You'll arrive on a midday ferry (say, 2:45 PM after a 2 PM departure from Port Blair). Check-in is 2–4 PM; by 5 PM, you're rested. That's Day 2 written off. Days 3–5 are your active window.

Havelock's five must-do activities and realistic timing:

1. Radhanagar Beach (Beach #7) — 45 min from ferry jetty by shared auto (₹50) or taxi (₹600). White sand, photogenic sunset. Visit 4–5 PM, stay until 7 PM. Zero snorkeling needed here; it's a beach lounge.
2. Kala Pathar Beach (Beach #1) — Black rock formations, best for sunrise (6:30–7:30 AM). 30 min from jetty. Skip the snorkel boats; sunrise itself is the reward. Breakfast at a beachside shack (₹150–300).
3. Snorkeling trip (coral reefs) — Morning boat (8–8:30 AM departure), returns 1–2 PM. Cost: ₹1,200–1,800 per person. Includes lunch and 2 snorkel spots. Book through your hotel or at the jetty (avoid overpriced tour operators in the bazaar). Better deals: join a group of 5+ and negotiate ₹1,000.
4. Elephant's Beach — Speedboat-only beach (20 min from jetty), ₹1,500 per person. Glass-bottom boat optional, helmet diving available. Best for clear water and fewer crowds. Book a day before.
5. Night diving or bioluminescent kayaking — Optional, costs ₹3,500–5,000. Book 2 days ahead. Not essential; skip if budget is tight.

Daily structure on Havelock:

• Day 2 (Arrival): Arrive 2–3 PM, auto to hotel, settle in, dinner at bazaar (₹250–400 per meal).
• Day 3 (Snorkel): Wake 7 AM, quick breakfast, 8 AM snorkel boat, return 1:30 PM, rest 2–4 PM, sunset at Radhanagar 4–7 PM, dinner.
• Day 4 (Beach): Kala Pathar sunrise (6 AM start), breakfast on beach, return by 9 AM, free time or spa/yoga session (₹500–800), evening stroll at Havelock bazaar.
• Day 5 (Flexible): Elephant's Beach morning speedboat, return 12:30 PM, lunch, afternoon ferry to Neil (3 or 4 PM departure) or stay a second night if tired.

Accommodation on Havelock: ₹1,500 (dorm) to ₹4,000 (sea-view room). Food is ₹200–600 per meal (street food ₹100–200). Inter-island ferries (Havelock to Neil) depart 8:30 AM, 2 PM, and sometimes 4 PM. Check the board at the jetty the night before.

Use our trip budget calculator to lock in daily Havelock spend: average ₹3,500–4,500 per day per person (accommodation + food + one activity).

4. Neil Island (Days 5–7): Quieter Vibes & Lagoons

Neil Island is Havelock's calmer cousin. Fewer tourists, fewer boats, but also fewer facilities. Ferries are slower (20–30 min from Havelock), and schedules are tighter. Most travelers skip Neil and regret it; it's the real Andaman.

What Neil Island offers (and ferry timing):

1. Bharatpur Lagoon — Shallow, mangrove-edged, excellent for kayaking (₹600–1,000 per hour). Book with your hotel. Best at sunrise or late afternoon when light is soft.
2. Sitapur Beach — Best sunrise in Andaman (around 5:30–6:15 AM November–February). Walk 5 min from the main bazaar. Locals claim it's the quietest.
3. Laxmanpur Beach — Walk-on beach, 10 min from bazaar. Good for swimming and sunset.
4. Phool Nullah/Howrah Bridge — Limestone caves and natural rock formations, 15 min walk. Entry free, best midday to avoid crowds.
5. Snorkeling near Coral Island — Half-day trip, ₹1,200 per person, boat around 10 AM.

Ferry schedule from Neil:

• Havelock to Neil: 8:30 AM, 2 PM, 4 PM (some days).
• Neil to Long Island: 10 AM (sporadic), 2 PM.
• Neil to Port Blair: 8 AM (twice weekly), 1:30 PM (if direct service runs).

Real schedule on Neil (Days 5–7):

• Day 5 (Arrival): Ferry 2 PM from Havelock, arrive Neil 2:30 PM, settle in, sunset at Laxmanpur 5–6:30 PM.
• Day 6 (Active): Bharatpur kayaking 7–9 AM (₹800), breakfast, Phool Nullah walk 10 AM–12 PM, lunch, Coral Island snorkel 2 PM, return 5 PM, sunset lounge.
• Day 7 (Chill or move): Optional Sitapur sunrise (5:30 AM, 15 min walk), breakfast, packing. Ferry to Long Island 2 PM, or stay another night.

Accommodation on Neil: ₹1,200 (basic room) to ₹3,000 (homestay with meals). No 5-star options; that's the appeal. Food is cheaper than Havelock: ₹150–400 per meal. ATMs exist but fail frequently—withdraw cash in Port Blair or Havelock.

Neil is also where you recalibrate for the reality-check exercise: are you on pace for your return flight? If you flew into Port Blair on Day 1 and must leave on Day 11, you have little slack. A missed ferry costs a hotel night (₹1,500–2,000) or forces a cancellation.

5. Long Island (Days 7–9): Trekking & Tribal Villages

Long Island is the wildcard. It's remote, it has minimal tourism infrastructure, and ferries are infrequent. Most 10-day plans skip it and do a second night on Havelock or Neil instead. But if you want isolation and jungle trekking, Long Island is non-negotiable.

Activities on Long Island:

1. Lalaji Bay Trek — 2–3 hour trek through forest to a beach where locals fish. ₹500–800 per person (guide usually local). Best 7–9 AM or 3–5 PM (cooler). Arrange through your guesthouse.
2. Snorkeling or coral viewing — Not as good as Havelock, but serviceable. ₹800–1,200 per person.
3. Village walk — Long Island has ~1,000 residents. Walking the main road and chatting with locals is free and more authentic than any tour.
4. Overnight camping (if booked in advance) — Some homestays offer jungle camping or beach tents. ₹2,000–3,000 per night, meals included.

Ferry logistics (critical):

Long Island ferries are erratic. There's no daily ferry; routes change seasonally. Most ferries from Neil Island to Long Island depart at 2 PM and take 30 minutes. But they don't run every day. Confirm with your Neil Island hotel the evening before. Return ferries to Havelock (via Neil or direct) are even rarer—sometimes 8 AM, sometimes once a week.

Realistic 10-day plan that includes Long Island:

If you must fit Long Island and return to Port Blair for a Day 11 evening flight, your window is tight. Here's the math:

• Days 1–2: Port Blair (1 night).
• Days 2–5: Havelock (3 nights, includes ferry day).
• Days 5–7: Neil Island (2 nights).
• Days 7–9: Long Island (2 nights).
• Day 9: Ferry back to Neil or Havelock (afternoon arrival).
• Day 10: Havelock or Port Blair, evening return flight prep.

This requires smooth ferries and no delays. One missed ferry pushes your return flight back by ₹10,000–15,000 (rebooking cost). Book all ferries (Neil → Long, Long → Neil, Neil → Havelock, Havelock → Port Blair) at least 4 days ahead. Call the operators directly; WhatsApp is faster than apps.

Accommodation on Long Island: ₹1,000–2,500 per night (very basic homestays). No restaurants; meals are bundled with rooms. Bring cash (no ATM). Bring reef-safe sunscreen and insect repellent (mosquitoes are aggressive at dusk).

6. Return to Port Blair & Departure (Days 9–10)

By Day 9, you're fatigued and ferried out. Plan your return route to Port Blair the night before. Most people reverse-ferry: Long/Neil → Havelock (if stuck) → Port Blair. The direct Neil-to-Port Blair ferry (8 AM, twice weekly) saves a night's hotel cost if it aligns.

Day 9–10 schedule:

• Day 9: Final island (Havelock or Neil), pack mid-afternoon, ferry to Port Blair (4–6 PM departure, arrives 6–8 PM), last-minute harbor stroll or dinner.
• Day 10: Leisurely morning, airport by 3 PM (for 6 PM flight). Use the morning for souvenir shopping at Port Blair bazaar (₹200–800 per item, pearls and shells are authentic; avoid plastic junk). Eat a final seafood lunch (₹400–800). The airport has no ATM and charges commission on card transactions; withdraw cash in Port Blair.

Cost breakdown for a 10-day Andaman trip (per person, November–February):

Budget travelers: ₹45,000–55,000. Mid-range: ₹55,000–70,000. Luxury (few sea-view rooms, spa): ₹70,000+. Use our forex & bargain check tool to lock in inter-island ferry prices and meal costs by season.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance should I book ferries for a 10-day Andaman trip?

Book all inter-island ferries (Havelock–Neil, Neil–Long, Long–Havelock) at least 4–5 days before you travel. The Port Blair–Havelock ferry can be booked 2–3 days ahead, but during November–February peak season, book earlier. Use the Andaman Ferries app or call the operators directly (WhatsApp is fastest). Walk-up bookings at the terminal work for off-season travel (March–May, October) but are unreliable in peak season.

What months have the most reliable ferry schedules?

November to February is peak season with daily ferries and the calmest seas. March to May is warm but still reliable (ferries run, though occasionally delayed by heat haze). June to September is monsoon—ferries are sporadic, heavily discounted, and risky. October is transitional (some ferries, unpredictable weather). Book a 10-day trip between mid-November and mid-February for certainty.

Can I do a 10-day trip without visiting Long Island and still see everything?

Yes. Spend Days 1–2 in Port Blair, Days 2–5 on Havelock, Days 5–8 on Neil Island, and Days 8–10 back on Havelock or Port Blair. This removes ferry risk and allows 2–3 nights per island for real relaxation and multiple activities. Long Island adds logistical complexity; skip it if your flight times are tight or if ferries are unreliable that week.

How much luggage can I take on inter-island ferries?

Inter-island ferries allow 1 carry-on (₹0) and 1 checked bag (₹0). No baggage fees, but space is tight on small boats (40–80 passengers). Keep a day bag (change of clothes, sunscreen, water) with you. Store larger luggage at your hotel on Havelock or Neil while day-tripping; most hotels do this free. Incoming international flights allow 20–23 kg checked; check your airline's baggage policy before flying to Andaman.

Is it cheaper or faster to take a private speedboat instead of ferries between islands?

Private speedboats cost ₹3,000–5,000 per person (vs. ₹200–400 on ferries) and are 5–10 minutes faster. Not worth it unless you're on a group of 6+ trying to catch a tight connection. Government and private ferries are safe and reliable; speedboats are for luxury travelers or emergency rescues. Stick to the ferry schedule and build buffer time (book your return ferry 1 day before your departure flight).

Ready to Lock In Your Itinerary?

A 10-day Andaman trip is doable without stress if you treat ferry schedules as hard constraints, not suggestions. Three islands (Port Blair, Havelock, Neil) are enough for most travelers; Long Island is a bonus for those with flexible return flights. Build your day around early-morning ferries and late-afternoon activities. Choose November–February for reliability. Book accommodation and ferries 4–5 days ahead.

Start your Andaman planning now with a real-time ferry-aware itinerary. Don't guess—sync your activities with actual departure times, track your budget across islands, and hit your return flight without panic. Generate your free AI itinerary →