Andaman Islands 10-Day Plan: Ferry Schedule Breakdown
Most travel blogs treat Andaman ferries as afterthoughts—just "take a boat between islands"—but ferry timing and availability directly control whether you'll spend 8 hours island-hopping or relaxing at a beach. Getting the actual 2025 schedules, knowing which inter-island routes run daily versus twice-weekly, and planning ferry buffers is what separates a smooth Andaman trip from a frustrated one. This breakdown walks you through real ferry times, island priorities, and a day-by-day 10-day itinerary that works with logistics, not against them.
1. Why Ferry Timing Wins or Breaks Your Andaman Trip
Andaman ferries are not luxury cruises. They're high-speed catamarans, government-run vessels, and slow cargo boats that connect Port Blair to Havelock, Neil, Long Island, and the Ritchie Street islands. If you've booked a 3-night Havelock stay but the ferry to Neil only runs twice a week, you'll either waste a travel day or skip Neil entirely.
The main ferry operator is Andaman & Nicobar Islands Shipping Service (ANICS). Private operators (InterIsland, Makruzz) also run peak-season routes. Peak season (November–March) has near-daily ferries to Havelock and Neil; off-season (May–September) cuts frequencies by 40–60%, and monsoon (June–September) occasionally cancels routes without notice.
Here's what matters: ferry bookings open 30 days in advance, they sell out on weekends, and manual confirmation at the port takes 45 minutes. Every route has a 30–45-minute buffer built into my 10-day plan below. Check the Andaman Ferries official schedule one week before travel and again three days out.
2. Inter-Island Ferry Routes & 2025 Schedule Summary
There are seven primary ferry routes. Not all run daily.
| Route | Operator | Frequency (Peak Nov–Mar) | Duration | Cost (One-Way, Adult) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Port Blair ↔ Havelock | ANICS, Makruzz | Daily (2–3 sailings) | 45–60 min | ₹480–650 (ANICS); ₹850–1200 (private) |
| Port Blair ↔ Neil | ANICS | 4× weekly (Tue, Thu, Sat, Sun) | 60–90 min | ₹380–480 |
| Port Blair ↔ Long Island | ANICS | 2× weekly (Mon, Fri) | 90 min | ₹400–500 |
| Havelock ↔ Neil | Private boats | 2–3× weekly (seasonal) | 45 min | ₹600–800 |
| Port Blair ↔ Car Nicobar | ANICS | 1× weekly (Thu, Mon alternating) | 6 hours | ₹1200–1600 |
| Port Blair ↔ Diglipur (North Andaman) | ANICS | 3× weekly (Wed, Fri, Sun) | 3–4 hours | ₹950–1200 |
| Port Blair ↔ Rangat | ANICS | 2× weekly (Mon, Thu) | 2.5 hours | ₹650–800 |
Key August–October notes: ANICS runs 50% fewer sailings. Private ferries (Makruzz, InterIsland) often cease operations entirely June–September. Always assume a 3-day weather buffer in monsoon months. Neil's Tuesday–Thursday sailings sometimes move to Thursday–Saturday mid-season.
Booking reality: ANICS tickets go online at 11:30 AM IST, 30 days before departure. Makruzz books via app (instant confirmation, 2–3 days out). Havelock–Neil private boats require in-person booking at Havelock ferry terminal or via guesthouses. Build a 48-hour scramble buffer into your itinerary if you miss a ferry.
3. Island-by-Island Highlights & Time Allocation
Port Blair (2–3 nights)
This is your entry point and visa-stamping hub. Port Blair itself is not a beach destination—it's an administrative port town with power cuts, noise, and monsoon rains. However, it holds three essential stops: Cellular Jail National Monument (3–4 hours, ₹30 entry, sound-and-light show at 7 PM), Anthropological Museum (90 minutes, ₹20), and Corbyn's Cove Beach (30 minutes, mediocre but free). Viper Island (boat trip from port, ₹500–800 group, 3 hours) is a colonial-era ruin with decent snorkeling.
Allocation: Arrive Day 1 afternoon. Visit Cellular Jail Day 2 morning and evening show. Day 3, snorkel Viper Island and catch ferry to Havelock evening (ferry departs 16:30 or 17:30).
Havelock (3–4 nights)
Havelock is Andaman's primary beach island and the only place where foreign tourists cluster visibly. Beach #5 (Radhanagar Beach) is Instagram-famous—white sand, 200-meter strip, free entry, 500m walk from the main road. Beach #3 (Kalapathar) has a rocky shelf, snorkeling access, and fewer crowds. Scuba diving (PADI certification dives: ₹12,000–15,000 per dive) is world-class; beginner dives at Elephant Beach (boat + snorkel: ₹1,200–1,800 per person) are cheaper alternatives.
Snorkeling jetties dot the island—rent a kayak (₹600–800, 4 hours) or book a group boat (₹1,200–1,500, 5 hours). The island has decent restaurants (₹400–800 per meal) and homestays (₹2,500–4,500 double). Ferry to Neil runs 2–3× weekly from Havelock jetty, not the main port (confusing for first-timers).
Allocation: Days 3–6 (overnight ferry arrival Day 3, depart morning Day 7 to Neil). Activities: Beach #5 morning, Kalapathar snorkel afternoon Day 4; full-day boat snorkel or scuba Day 5; relax/local hike Day 6.
Neil (2–3 nights)
Neil Island has fewer tourists and softer sand than Havelock. Bharatpur Beach (main beach, northwest side) is sheltered and safe. Sitapur Beach (east, sunset side) is rockier but photogenic. Laxmanpur Beach (south, near pier) is functional but crowded. A bicycle (rental: ₹100–150/day) covers the island in 2 hours—highly recommended.
Scuba is available but less organized; snorkeling is self-guided or via small local boatmen (₹800–1,200, 3 hours). Restaurants and homestays are fewer and cheaper (₹1,800–3,500 double; ₹250–500 per meal). Many visitors skip Neil because ferries run only 4× weekly—but if your ferry schedule aligns, it's a slower, more authentic escape.
Allocation: Days 7–9 (arrive morning Day 7 via ferry from Havelock, depart afternoon Day 9 back to Port Blair). Activities: Bicycle tour + all three beaches Day 7; snorkel/kayak Day 8; Sitapur sunset + relax Day 9.
Long Island (1–2 nights, optional)
Long Island is a 90-minute ferry from Port Blair and rarely appears on tourist itineraries. It has one small resort, one homestay, thick jungle, and pristine snorkeling. Ferries run Monday and Friday only, making it a logistics wildcard. Recommended only if you have flexible dates or want extreme quietness. Cost: ₹400–500 ferry, ₹2,000–3,500 stay, ₹300–600 meals.
Diglipur & North Andaman (1–2 nights, optional)
Diglipur lies 3–4 hours north and is the gateway to Kalipur Beach and limestone caves. It's barely touristed, has fewer restaurants, and requires independent travel (rented scooter, ₹400–500/day). Skip unless you have 12+ days or love off-beat exploration.
4. A Realistic 10-Day Itinerary (Port Blair → Havelock → Neil → Port Blair)
Day 1: Arrive Port Blair
Flight lands Port Blair afternoon (most flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad depart 6–8 AM, arrive 12–1 PM). Take a taxi (₹400–600) from airport to hotel near Port Blair jetty (Downtown area, 5 km away). Check into hotel. Rest, eat dinner near hotel (₹300–500), confirm your Havelock ferry for Day 3 (online booking or next morning at 10 AM). Pro tip: Book ferry the moment it opens 30 days ahead; don't assume seats are available Day-of.
Day 2: Port Blair Full Day
Morning: Visit Cellular Jail National Monument (open 9 AM–5 PM). Book the 7 PM sound-and-light show ticket while there (₹50 extra). Lunch at a port-side restaurant (₹350–500). Afternoon: Anthropological Museum or Corbyn's Cove Beach (30 minutes of beach lounging, zero pressure). Evening: Sound-and-light show, then dinner.
Ferry booking status: Confirm Havelock ferry tomorrow (check ANICS site one last time, arrive port 60 minutes early).
Day 3: Port Blair → Havelock
Morning: Snorkel Viper Island (book tour at hotel Day 2; depart 8 AM, return 11:30 AM, ₹500–800). Quick lunch. 3 PM: Arrive port with ticket, two IDs, boarding pass (security is stricter post-COVID). Ferry departs 4:30 PM or 5 PM, arrives Havelock 5:30–6 PM. Check into Havelock guesthouse, light dinner, early sleep.
Day 4: Havelock - Beaches & Snorkel
Morning: Beach #5 (Radhanagar) – 2-hour swim and breakfast at the nearby shack (₹200–300 for toast, fruit). Afternoon: Kalapathar Beach snorkel (arrive 2 PM, 2-hour snorkel, ₹1,200–1,500 via local boatmen or guesthouse). Sunset walk on Beach #3. Dinner at a mid-range restaurant (₹400–600).
Day 5: Havelock - Full-Day Boat Snorkel or Scuba
Book a full-day snorkeling or scuba trip the evening before (₹2,000–3,000 per person for snorkel, ₹12,000–15,000 for scuba). Depart 8 AM, return 3 PM. Lunch is included. Afternoon: Rest and wander Havelock main bazaar, shop for souvenirs. Dinner again (₹400–600).
Day 6: Havelock - Relax or DIY Kayak
No organized tours today. Rent a kayak (₹600–800, 4 hours) or hire a scooter (₹300–400) to explore island roads and smaller beaches. Eat casual; nap in afternoon heat. Confirm Neil ferry tomorrow (if booking via Havelock jetty guesthouse, confirm afternoon today).
Day 7: Havelock → Neil
Morning ferry (check schedule; usually 7 AM or 9 AM). Depart Havelock jetty 60 minutes early (small jetty, tight boarding). Arrive Neil ~8–9:30 AM. Check in, rent bicycle (₹100–150/day). Spend afternoon cycling Bharatpur + Laxmanpur beaches. Dinner casual (₹250–400).
Day 8: Neil - Snorkel & Sunset
Morning: Self-guided snorkel off Bharatpur Beach or hire a boatman (₹800–1,200, 3 hours, includes Kalipur area reef). Afternoon: Bicycle to Sitapur Beach, relax. Evening: Sunset watch at Sitapur. Dinner.
Day 9: Neil - Relax & Return Ferry
Morning: Slow beach walk or shop at tiny Neil market. Afternoon ferry back to Port Blair (check exact time; usually 2 PM or 3 PM departure). Arrive Port Blair 4–5 PM. Check into Port Blair hotel near airport. Light dinner.
Day 10: Depart Port Blair
Morning flight home (most evening flights depart 5–7 PM, so morning is free). Visit one last attraction (Chatham Saw Mill, ₹100, 45 minutes, if interested) or rest. Lunch, taxi to airport 3.5 hours before flight. Depart.
5. Money Breakdown: 10-Day Andaman Trip for Two People
Assumes mid-range comfort (guesthouse/homestay, local boats, one scuba dive optional).
| Item | Cost per Person (₹) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Flight (Delhi/Mumbai/Bangalore → Port Blair, return) | 12,000–18,000 | Best prices Oct–Nov, Mar–Apr; Jan–Feb peak prices |
| Ferries (Port Blair–Havelock–Neil–Port Blair, round-trip) | 3,200–4,500 | ANICS only; 2 inter-island ferries included |
| Accommodation (9 nights: Port Blair 2, Havelock 4, Neil 3) | 20,000–27,000 | ₹2,200–3,500/night, homestay/guesthouse |
| Meals (9 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 9 dinners) | 13,500–18,000 | ₹500–700/meal, mix of shacks and restaurants |
| Snorkel/boat tours (Viper Island, Havelock boats, Neil snorkel) | 8,000–12,000 | Includes group snorkel ₹1,500–2,000/person × 4–6 days |
| Scuba diving (optional, 1 beginner dive) | 12,000–15,000 | Upgrade if interested; skip to save |
| Entrance fees (Cellular Jail, Anthropology Museum, beaches) | 1,200–1,500 | ₹30–50 per site |
| Scooter/bicycle rentals, taxis | 4,500–6,000 | ₹300–400/day scooter; ₹100–150/day bike |
| TOTAL per person | ₹74,400–102,000 | Roughly $890–1,220 USD |
| TOTAL for two people | ₹148,800–204,000 | Family of 4: ₹297,600–408,000 |
Use the Trip budget calculator to adjust for your group size and upgrade choices (five-star resorts bump the total by ₹50,000–80,000 per person).
6. Pre-Trip Logistics & Visa/Forex Setup
Visa: Indian passport holders don't need a visa for Andaman—it's Union Territory, India. Foreigners (including OCI/PIO Indian-origin travelers) need either a standard Indian tourist visa or an e-visa (₹1,000–2,000 via official e-visa site). Check the Visa wizard for Indians if you're traveling with non-Indian partners or have residency confusion.
Forex & ATMs: Andaman has working ATMs in Port Blair (HDFC, ICICI, State Bank) and Havelock (one HDFC). Withdraw ₹15,000–20,000 in Port Blair Day 1; Neil has no ATM. USD/EUR exchange is poor on islands—exchange before flying. See Forex & bargain check for real rates.
Permits: No special permits needed for Havelock or Neil. Long Island and remote islands (Car Nicobar, Great Nicobar) require a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) from Port Blair Foreigners' Regional Registration Office (FRRO). Processing takes 2–3 days. Skip these islands on a 10-day trip unless you book a tour operator (they handle permits).
Real Ferry Booking Path:
- 30 days before departure: Log into AndamanFerries.gov.in at 11:30 AM IST. Book Port Blair–Havelock ferry (Day 3). Then book return Havelock–Port Blair (Day 9) in same session.
- 21 days before: Book Havelock–Neil ferry (if running that week; check schedule for your dates).
- 7 days before: Re-check ANICS schedule for weather cancellations. If cancelled, pivot to private operators (Makruzz app, InterIsland website) or adjust itinerary.
- 2 days before: Confirm all ferries online. Arrive port 60 minutes early.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much luggage can I bring on Andaman ferries?
Most ferries (ANICS, Makruzz) allow one checked bag (20–30 kg) and one daypack free. Scuba gear and sports equipment (snorkel sets, fins) don't count if packed separately. Oversized luggage (surfboards, big camera cases) may incur ₹500–1,000 charges. Always confirm with the operator when booking.
What's the best month to visit Andaman, and when are ferries most reliable?
November to February is peak season: ferries run daily, weather is calm, and visibility for snorkeling is excellent (15–25m). January–February prices spike 30–40%. March–April is shoulder season with good deals and still-reliable ferries. May–September is monsoon and off-season; ferries run 40–60% less frequently, prices drop 20–30%, but rain and sea swells are common. Avoid June–July entirely.
Can I get seasick on Andaman ferries, and is medication available?
The Port Blair–Havelock route (45–60 min, 45 km) has moderate swell; many passengers experience mild queasiness. Neil ferries (90 min) are rougher. Dramamine (₹150–300, available at Port Blair chemists) helps; take 30 minutes before boarding. Ginger tablets and wrist acupressure bands also work. Ferries have open decks (fresh air helps), and motion is usually worse below deck—sit topside if possible.
Do I need to book Havelock–Neil ferries in advance, or can I book on arrival?
Havelock–Neil ferries (private operators, 2–3× weekly) usually require same-week or next-day booking—not 30 days out. Book via your Havelock guesthouse (they coordinate with boatmen) on Day 4 or 5 after arrival. Cancellations are common in off-season; confirm 48 hours before departure. Having flexible travel dates (Day 7–8 for Neil) gives you backup options.
How do I handle money on islands if they have limited ATMs?
Withdraw ₹20,000–25,000 from an ATM in Port Blair Day 1 (HDFC, ICICI, State Bank). Havelock has one HDFC ATM (accessible during banking hours, 10 AM–4 PM). Neil has no ATM. Bring a backup card and ask your guesthouse if they accept card payments for room + meals (most do via UPI or Paytm). Scuba operators and large tour companies accept cards; small boatmen want cash.
Your Andaman 10-day plan is set—now move from reading to booking. Call your airline. Lock your ferries 30 days out. Check the Trip reality check to stress-test your dates against ferry schedules one final time.
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