Travel Guide: Port Blair To Neil Island

Port Blair and Neil Island are two strikingly different island-towns in the Andaman Islands, separated by water and not connected by roads. This makes ferry services the only way to go from Port Blair to Neil Island. The distance between the two islands is around 37km and can be covered by private or government ferry in 90-120 minutes. Private ferries don't run directly from Port Blair to Neil Island, so you'll have to take a ferry from Port Blair to Havelock and then from Havelock to Neil Island. Government ferries run directly on this route but are extremely hard to book as they're mostly booked months in advance.

Ferry from Port Blair to Neil Island

Port Blair and Neil Island are beautiful island-towns separated by water, with no roads or bridges connecting them. This makes ferry services the only way to travel between the two. The distance between Port Blair and Neil Island is around 56 nautical miles (38 NM from Port Blair to Havelock and 18 NM from Havelock to Neil Island).

The journey can be completed by private or government ferry. It is important to note that private ferries do not run directly from Port Blair to Neil Island. Instead, you must take a ferry from Port Blair to Havelock, and then from Havelock to Neil Island. Government ferries run directly on this route but are often hard to come by as they are usually booked months in advance.

The Port Blair-Havelock-Neil Island-Port Blair circuit is recommended to make the most of your trip. Andaman Ferry services are fast, comfortable and economical.

The total distance of both journeys combined is covered in around 135 minutes (90 minutes from Port Blair to Havelock and 45 minutes from Havelock to Neil Island). The speed of the journey may cause some passengers to feel seasick, so it is important to take precautions.

There are various private ferry operators such as Makruzz, Nautika (previously Sealink), Green Ocean, and ITT Majestic that run in Andaman. Government ferries also cover the distance between Port Blair and Neil Island.

The earliest ferry from Port Blair to Havelock is the Makruzz ferry, which departs at 6 am. From Havelock to Neil Island, the Green Ocean ferry starts at 9:15 am. The last ferry of the day is the Makruzz ferry that runs from Port Blair to Havelock at 2 pm, and the Nautika ferry from Havelock to Neil Island at 2:30 pm.

All private ferries from Port Blair to Neil Island depart from and arrive at Haddo Jetty in Northern Port Blair. Government ferries depart from and arrive at Phoenix Bay jetty.

There are 9 ferries from Port Blair to Havelock, and 7 ferries from Havelock to Neil Island that run daily. This number may vary depending on weather conditions.

Government ferries range between Rs 85-150 per person for islanders and between Rs. 600-830 for non-islanders. Private ferries, ideal for tourists, start at Rs. 800.

Each ferry has its own classes and seating style. All the private ferries are well-equipped with cushioned seats and clean transparent windows. They also have a comfortable and pleasant internal temperature regulation.

Private Ferry Operators

Makruzz

Makruzz has been in service for 15 years, making it the oldest private ferry in the Andamans. It has two decks and four categories of seats: Premium, Premium+, Deluxe, and Royal. Premium and Premium+ seats are available on the lower deck, with Premium+ seats offering a window view. The upper deck accommodates the Deluxe and Royal seats, with the royal class having eight pushback seats in a private cabin.

Nautika

NAUTIKA has been one of the reputed private ferries since 2022. It is new and fast, accommodating 285 passengers with two completely air-conditioned decks. Nautika is furnished with twin upper and lower decks, further classed into Royal and Luxury. It also offers comfortable seating, decent interiors, and entertainment facilities like live music and dance for passengers.

Green Ocean Cruise

Green Ocean Cruise is the only private ferry to offer an open deck. It has 2 vessels: Green Ocean 1 offers seating and a guest movement area, while Green Ocean 2 is a fully air-conditioned ferry with no open deck area. Green Ocean 1 has a total of 316 seats divided into 3 categories: Deluxe, Luxury, and Royal. It also has an open-air cafeteria and an in-built music entertainment system.

ITT Majestic

ITT Majestic is a high-speed, fully air-conditioned catamaran ferry. It has 200 seats divided into two categories: Silver and Majesty. The silver category offers a good view but is a little crowded, while the Majesty category has extra legroom and offers refreshments onboard.

Booking Your Ferry

It is recommended to book private ferries in advance as they can be done online. Government ferries cannot be pre-booked and are only available for purchase 1-3 days before departure. They are primarily for the convenience of local islanders and are highly subsidized for residents.

It is important to arrive at the jetty at least 45 minutes before the scheduled departure time. The boarding gates close 30 minutes before departure.

Ferry types and operators

There are two types of ferries available to travel from Port Blair to Neil Island: private and government. Private ferries do not run directly from Port Blair to Neil Island; you must take a ferry from Port Blair to Havelock and then from Havelock to Neil Island.

Private ferries are recommended over government ferries as they are designed for tourists, are clean, well-organized, and easier to book. They are also faster, more comfortable, and economical. However, they are slightly more expensive than government ferries.

Government ferries are operated by the Directorate of Shipping Services (DSS) and are mainly for local islanders, with tickets highly subsidised for them. They are ideal for those who are looking for a cheaper mode of transportation. However, they are extremely hard to book and are mostly booked months in advance.

Private Ferry Operators

• Makruzz: The oldest private ferry, with two decks and four categories of seats: Premium, Premium+, Deluxe, and Royal.
• Nautika: One of the fastest and most reputed private ferries, accommodating 285 passengers with two air-conditioned decks and two classes: Royal and Luxury.
• Green Ocean: The only private ferry to offer an open deck. Green Ocean 1 has an open-air cafeteria and an in-built music system, while Green Ocean 2 is fully air-conditioned with no open deck.
• ITT Majestic: A high-speed, fully air-conditioned catamaran ferry with two categories of seats: Silver and Majesty.

Government Ferry Operators

Directorate of Shipping Services (DSS): Operates government ferries from Port Blair to Neil Island.

Ferry timings and duration

Ferry timings change a lot, and the usual timings are between 8 am to 12 pm. The ferry for Neil Island leaves from the Haddo Wharf, which is located on the northern end of Port Blair, close to the Foreshore Road and Delanipur. It is recommended to use Google Maps for directions to the Neil Island Ferry, by bus, auto-rickshaw, or on foot.

The total distance from Port Blair to Neil Island is around 56 nautical miles (38 NM from Port Blair to Havelock and 18 NM from Havelock to Neil Island) and can be covered only by ferries. There is no direct road or bridge that connects these islands. The ferry journey from Port Blair to Havelock takes around 90 minutes, and from Havelock to Neil Island, it takes around 45 minutes. The total time taken for the journey is around 135 minutes.

The earliest ferry from Port Blair to Havelock is the Makruzz ferry, which starts at 6 am. From Havelock to Neil Island, the Green Ocean ferry starts at 9:15 am. The last ferry of the day is the Makruzz ferry, which runs from Port Blair to Havelock at 2 pm. From Havelock to Neil Island, the Nautika ferry is the last at 2:30 pm.

The cruise from Port Blair to Neil Island takes around 90-120 minutes to cover the 37 km distance.

There are 9 ferries that run from Port Blair to Havelock on a daily basis, and 7 ferries that run from Havelock to Neil Island every day. Note that this number keeps changing according to the weather conditions.

The Directorate of Shipping Services operates government ferries from Port Blair to Neil Island for the local islanders to allow a cheaper mode of transportation. These ferries may leave from the Haddo Wharf or Phoenix Bay Jetty, depending on the demand. Islanders get tickets at almost 30-50% lower prices than others and are given first preference during ticketing. Therefore, it is recommended to book a private ferry in advance.

Private ferries don't run directly from Port Blair to Neil. You can take a ferry from Port Blair to Havelock and then from Havelock to Neil Island. Government ferries run directly on this route but are extremely hard to book in advance as they are mostly booked months in advance.

Ferry tickets and bookings

There are two types of ferries available for this route: private and government. Private ferries do not run directly from Port Blair to Neil Island. Instead, you must take a ferry from Port Blair to Havelock and then from Havelock to Neil Island.

Government ferries run directly from Port Blair to Neil Island but are extremely hard to book as they are mostly booked months in advance. They are also highly subsidised for locals, so tourists are discouraged from using them.

Private ferries can be booked online or through affiliated tour operators. It is recommended that you book your ferry in advance, especially during the peak season when tickets sell out quickly. You can also opt to explore Havelock Island first and then choose a ferry to Neil Island. This way, you can save money on the whole tour.

The ferry for Neil Island leaves from the Haddo Wharf, which is located on the northern end of Port Blair, close to the Foreshore Road and Delanipur. You can reach the wharf by auto, which can be easily found near Goalghar, Delanipur, Haddo, and Aberdeen Bazaar. You can also take a bus to the nearby Chatham Jetty and walk 1.3 km to the Haddo Wharf, but note that there are no buses or auto rickshaws near the Foreshore Road.

When booking your ferry, you will need to select the route, travel dates, seating class, and check availability. You will then typically receive a call to confirm the booking, followed by a confirmation voucher and tickets sent to your email. You will need to print the ticket and keep it with you.

Upon arrival at the jetty, your ticket will be checked and verified along with your ID proof. You will then go through luggage scanning and screening before boarding the ferry and taking your seat.

The major private ferry operators for this route are Makruzz, Nautika (previously Sealink), Green Ocean, and ITT Majestic. The earliest ferry is the Makruzz ferry, which departs Port Blair at 6 am, and the last ferry is also the Makruzz, which leaves at 2 pm. From Havelock to Neil Island, the Green Ocean ferry starts at 9:15 am, and the last ferry is the Nautika, which departs at 2:30 pm.

The total distance from Port Blair to Neil Island is covered in around 135 minutes (90 minutes from Port Blair to Havelock and 45 minutes from Havelock to Neil Island). The cruises take around 90-120 minutes to reach Neil Island.

Ferry prices for government ferries range from Rs 85-150 for islanders and Rs 600-830 for non-islanders. Private ferries start at Rs 800.

It is important to note that you should arrive at the jetty at least one hour before the scheduled departure time. The boarding usually closes 30 minutes before departure.

Things to do at Neil Island

Neil Island is a beautiful island with white sandy beaches, colourful corals, and a tranquil atmosphere. Here are some of the best things to do when visiting:

Explore the beaches

The beaches of Neil Island are truly remarkable, with their crystal-clear waters, white sands, and dense green forests. The most popular beaches include Laxmanpur Beach, known for its sunsets and natural rock formations; Bharatpur Beach, a hub of water sports activities; and Sitapur Beach, renowned for its sunrise views and calm waters. Ramnagar Beach is another secluded beach perfect for those seeking tranquility and a great spot to witness turtle nesting.

Visit the Natural Rock Formations

One of the most unique attractions on Neil Island is the natural rock formation that resembles the famous Howrah Bridge in Kolkata. This natural wonder is only visible during low tides, so be sure to time your visit accordingly.

Go Scuba Diving

Neil Island is a hub for scuba diving, with rich biodiversity, colourful fishes, and natural coral reefs. It's also one of the best places to spot the Dugong, the island's national animal.

Trek Through the Jungle

For nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers, Neil Island offers trekking opportunities through its thick jungle near Sitapur Beach and shorter paths near Bharatpur and Laxmanpur Beaches. The jungles are home to a variety of animals, insects, and birds, and you can even taste some of the jungle fruits!

Snorkelling

Neil Island offers excellent snorkelling opportunities, especially at Lakshmanpur Beach, which has the largest variety of sea life. Bharatpur Beach is also a great spot, with colourful fish and S-shaped coral reefs.

Cycling and Motorbiking

Exploring the island by bicycle or motorbike is a great option, as the island is quite small and can easily be covered in a day or two. Rentals are readily available, and the affordable prices make it a popular choice for visitors.

Frequently asked questions