Andaman Islands 7-Day Itinerary: Ferry Schedule
Most travel blogs lump all Andaman ferries into a generic "island-hopping" section and ignore the real constraint: ferries run on fixed windows, tickets sell out weeks in advance, and misstiming even one crossing can wreck your week. The truth is simpler: you must book ferries before flights, not after—and knowing which islands work together saves you two full days of wasted transit time.
1. Ferry Routes, Timings, and Ticket Availability
The Andaman ferry network has three main operators, and they don't compete on the same routes. Directional ferries run morning and evening; the morning ferry is always faster and reaches before dusk. Evening ferries from Port Blair often depart at 4:30 PM and arrive around 11 PM—useful for salvaging a Port Blair day, but brutal if you haven't eaten.
Book ferries 30–45 days ahead during peak season (December–February). Off-season (May–September), you can book 10–15 days in advance. Here's what each route looks like:
Port Blair to Havelock Island
- Distance: 54 km
- Duration: 50–90 minutes (depending on ferry type)
- Morning ferry: 6:30 AM departure, arrives 7:40 AM (Makruzz catamaran)
- Evening ferry: 4:30 PM departure, arrives 11:00 PM (slower vessel)
- Adult fare: ₹520–₹650 one-way
- Frequency: Daily (both directions)
Port Blair to Neil Island
- Distance: 37 km
- Duration: 45–60 minutes
- Morning ferry: 7:15 AM departure, arrives 8:15 AM
- Evening ferry: 4:30 PM departure, arrives 5:30 PM (seasonal; check availability)
- Adult fare: ₹450–₹550 one-way
- Frequency: 4–5 days per week (not daily)
Havelock to Neil Island
- Distance: 15 km
- Duration: 20–25 minutes
- Departure timings: 11:30 AM, 1:00 PM, 3:30 PM
- Adult fare: ₹200–₹300 one-way
- Frequency: Daily (multiple crossings)
| Route | Duration | Cost (INR) | Best For | Booking Window |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Port Blair → Havelock | 50–90 min | ₹520–₹650 | Coral, beaches, longest stay | 45 days (peak) |
| Port Blair → Neil | 45–60 min | ₹450–₹550 | Budget, quieter vibe | 30 days (peak) |
| Havelock ↔ Neil | 20–25 min | ₹200–₹300 | Quick hop, island-hopping | 7–10 days |
Book via the official Andaman Ferries website (andamanferries.gov.in) or the Coastal Shipping Office in Port Blair. Third-party booking apps (Cleartrip, MakeMyTrip) charge ₹80–₹150 markup per ticket—avoid them. Payment is cash or NEFT at the counter; online bookings require Aadhaar.
Ticket cancellation attracts ₹50–₹100 penalty depending on how close to departure you cancel. Reschedule instead: ferries allow one free date change if you book at the counter in person.
2. The Optimal 7-Day Ferry Sequence
Don't build your itinerary around islands; build it around ferry windows. A poor sequence eats two days in transit; a smart one gives you six full days of activities.
The highest-ROI pattern for seven days (assuming you fly in and out of Port Blair):
Day 1 (Tuesday): Arrive Port Blair morning → explore cellular jail, Corbyn's Cove beach → sleep Port Blair.
Day 2 (Wednesday): 6:30 AM ferry Port Blair → Havelock → check in Radhanagar area → afternoon snorkeling/beach walk → dive briefing.
Day 3–5 (Thursday–Saturday): Havelock — three full days for diving, Kala Pathar, Elephant Beach, Radhanagar sunset. No ferry needed.
Day 6 (Sunday): 11:30 AM ferry Havelock → Neil Island → check in, afternoon Bharatpur Beach/snorkeling.
Day 7 (Monday): Morning at Neil (Laxmanpur Beach sunrise, natural bridge) → 3:30 PM ferry Neil → Port Blair → check in near airport → flight next morning.
Why this sequence works:
- You spend three unbroken days on Havelock (best infrastructure, most activities).
- Neil is a 20-minute hop, so no wasted full day.
- You never backtrack (no return to Port Blair mid-week).
- All ferries are daytime; no midnight arrivals.
- Buffer time to miss one ferry without losing accommodation deposits.
Do not attempt a 4-island route in 7 days. Many blogs tout Port Blair → Havelock → Neil → Ross → Port Blair. You'll spend three full days just ferrying. It's a trap.
3. Seasonal Ferry Disruptions and Weather Rules
Monsoons (May–September) close ferries without warning. The Bay of Bengal swells unpredictably; even if ferries run, you'll be seasick and arriving hours late.
| Month | Ferry Status | Why | Best Option |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dec–Feb | Smooth sailing | Calm sea, full schedule | Optimal window |
| Mar–Apr | Mostly normal | Occasional cancellations | Plan backup day |
| May–Jun | Frequent delays | Early monsoon swell | Reconsider trip |
| Jul–Sep | Unreliable | Peak monsoon, 50% cancellation rate | Risky for itineraries |
| Oct–Nov | Reopening | Recovering weather, scattered delays | Use 8-day buffer |
The Directorate of Shipping issues a daily sailing forecast at 8 AM. Check it at andamans.gov.in or call the Coastal Shipping Office (Port Blair: +91-3192-232134).
Rescue rule: If a ferry cancels and you have a flight out, the ferry operator is not liable. You must reschedule or lose your booking. Buy travel insurance with trip cancellation that covers weather (₹800–₹1200 for Andaman trips). Standard policies don't.
4. Ferry Seasickness, Luggage, and Onboard Reality
Morning ferries are smoother. Evening ferries (especially in March–May) are notoriously rough. Take Avomine (or Dramamine) 30 minutes before boarding if prone to seasickness. Ginger candies and staying topside help too.
Luggage allowance is 15 kg per person. Most travelers pack 10–12 kg and stay under the limit easily. Oversized bags (>80 cm) require separate tickets (₹100–₹150).
Ferries have basic toilets (avoid unless urgent—they're basic). No food onboard except bottled water and chips. Eat before 6:30 AM or bring snacks.
Rules to follow:
- Arrive 60 minutes early (120 during peak season).
- Carry printed ticket or SMS confirmation; no digital passes accepted.
- No liquids over 100 ml (TSA-style).
- Life jackets mandatory; put it on or security won't let you board.
One reality check: ferries are old, crowded, and sometimes smell of fuel. This isn't a cruise. It's a working commuter vessel. Manage expectations.
5. Building a Flexible Backup Plan
Weather, mechanical failures, and overbooking kill even the best itineraries. Here's how to stay resilient:
Before you land in Andaman:
- Check the 7-day sailing forecast for your exact travel dates at the Directorate of Shipping website.
- Book accommodation with free cancellation (most Havelock and Neil resorts offer this if booked 30 days prior).
- Buy a trip reality check policy that refunds if ferries are cancelled for 2+ consecutive days.
Once you're on the ground:
- Prioritize Havelock over Neil (better infrastructure if stranded; more alternative activities).
- Maintain a 1-day buffer (if visiting 7 days, extend to 8 if possible).
- Keep cash (₹10,000 minimum). ATMs on both islands exist but are unreliable.
- Don't book onward travel (flight, train from mainland) within 24 hours of your last ferry.
If a ferry cancels mid-trip:
- You have a right to reschedule free of charge within 7 days (ferries only, not accommodation).
- Compensation is not automatic—lobby at the Coastal Shipping Office counter or lose it.
- Use the trip reality check insurance claim process immediately; don't wait.
6. Pricing Breakdown: A 7-Day Andaman Trip
This is what a realistic budget looks like, including ferries:
| Category | Cost (INR) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Flight (Delhi → Port Blair, return) | ₹8,000–₹14,000 | Book 45 days ahead |
| Ferries (6 segments round-trip) | ₹3,500–₹4,200 | 3 × Port Blair routes + Havelock-Neil |
| Mid-range hotel (7 nights) | ₹12,000–₹18,000 | Mix Port Blair, Havelock, Neil |
| Food (budget ₹500–₹800/day) | ₹3,500–₹5,600 | Street food to mid-range |
| Activities (snorkeling, diving, boat tours) | ₹4,000–₹8,000 | Scuba ₹6,000–₹8,000 per dive |
| Total per person | ₹31,000–₹50,000 | 7 nights, excluding internal flights |
Use the trip budget calculator to model your spend against your savings.
7. Booking Ferries: Step-by-Step
Online (recommended):
- Visit andamanferries.gov.in.
- Select "Book Ticket" → choose departure island, destination, date, passenger count.
- Select sailing (morning preferred) → add passengers' names and Aadhaar numbers.
- Pay via NEFT (bank transfer) or cash at counter.
- Receive SMS confirmation + reference number.
- Carry printout to the ferry terminal 60 minutes early.
At the counter (Port Blair, Havelock, Neil):
- Open 7 AM–4 PM.
- Bring Aadhaar (mandatory).
- Pay cash or card (depending on island office setup).
- Get instant ticket; ferry departs same day if seats available.
Peak-season pro tip: Book outbound (Port Blair → islands) 45 days ahead. Book return ferries 35 days ahead. Offices release return tickets later than outbound.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I book Andaman ferries?
Book 45 days ahead during peak season (December–February) if you want your preferred time slot. Off-season (May–September), 10–15 days suffices. The morning ferry to Havelock from Port Blair sells out first; Neil ferries are less crowded. Book return ferries 1–2 weeks after outbound to lock in dates.
Can I get a refund if a ferry is cancelled due to weather?
No. The ferry operator is not responsible for weather cancellations. You can reschedule to another date free of charge (within 7 days), but you don't get money back. Travel insurance with weather coverage will refund your ferry cost if cancellations exceed 2 consecutive days.
Is the Havelock to Neil ferry comfortable, and does it take long?
Yes, it's comfortable—it's a 20-minute boat ride across calm waters between two nearby islands. The ferry is smaller than Port Blair routes but well-maintained. No seasickness issues on this route. Bring sunscreen and a hat, as there's minimal shade on deck.
What's the cheapest way to visit all three islands (Port Blair, Havelock, Neil) in 7 days?
Stay in Port Blair 1 night, Havelock 3 nights, Neil 2 nights. This minimizes ferries to 4 segments and prioritizes time on the beach. Use a free AI itinerary generator to map exact ferry timings against your activities and accommodation.
Do I need an Aadhaar card to book a ferry ticket, and what if I'm a foreign national?
Indian nationals need Aadhaar (or passport). Foreign nationals can book ferries using a valid passport, but must present it at check-in (photocopy won't work). Some ferries require foreign nationals to register with Port Authority 24 hours in advance; ask at your hotel on arrival.
Ready to stop guessing ferry schedules and start exploring? Your 7-day Andaman plan lives in the details—the 6:30 AM ferry you book now, the three unbroken days on Havelock, the 20-minute hop to Neil. Don't leave these windows to chance.