In the Andamans you hop between the islands by boat, mainly from Port Blair to Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) and Neil (Shaheed Dweep).
There are two kinds of ferry: the government ferry, which is cheaper and booked through the official shipping service, and the private ferries, which are faster and pricier and booked on their own sites. You should book ahead in the busy season, because seats sell out. Foreign visitors follow the island permit rules as well.
The two kinds of ferry, in plain words
- The government ferry is run by the Andaman administration. It costs less, but it has fewer sailings and books up, and the timings can change.
- The private ferries, such as the well known fast catamarans, are quicker and more comfortable, and they cost more. You book them on their own websites.
Both take you between Port Blair, Havelock and Neil, the main tourist islands.
The government ferry
The government ferry is the budget way to island hop. You book it through the official government shipping service for the Andamans, either online on the official portal or at the ferry counter in Port Blair. Seats are limited and the popular sailings fill fast, so book as early as you can. Reach the jetty in good time, because boarding and security take a while.
The private ferries
The private fast ferries are the easy, comfortable choice, with assigned seats and a fixed schedule. You book them on their own official websites ahead of your trip. They cost more than the government ferry, but they save time and stress, especially on a short holiday.
How to book, step by step
Decide your island route and dates first. For the government ferry, book on the official government shipping portal or at the Port Blair counter, early. For a private ferry, book on its own official website. Carry a printout or a clear phone copy of every ticket, and your original identity, because staff check them at the jetty. Reach the jetty well before departure.
Which to pick
- Choose the government ferry if you want to save money and you can book early and stay flexible on timings.
- Choose a private ferry if you want speed, comfort and a fixed schedule, and you do not mind paying more.
- On a short trip, many travellers use a private ferry one way and the government ferry the other, to balance cost and time.
Season, so you plan ahead
The Andamans are busiest in the winter and around the holidays, from about October to May, when ferries fill fast, so book well ahead. The monsoon, from about June to September, brings rougher seas, and sailings can be cancelled in bad weather, so keep your plans loose then. Whatever the season, book the popular sailings early.
Common mistakes to avoid
- The biggest mistake is leaving the ferry to the last minute in the busy season, when it is full. The next is reaching the jetty late, because boarding and security take time. Do not rely only on a phone copy, because a printout is safer. Do not plan tight island hops in the monsoon, when weather can cancel a sailing.
Questions people ask
How do I get between the Andaman islands?
By ferry, mainly from Port Blair to Havelock and Neil, on either a government ferry or a private ferry.
Where do I book the government ferry?
On the official government shipping portal for the Andamans, or at the Port Blair counter.
Are private ferries better?
They are faster and more comfortable, with a fixed schedule, but they cost more. The government ferry is cheaper.
Do I need to book ahead?
Yes, especially from about October to May, when ferries fill fast.
Do foreigners need anything extra?
Foreigners follow the Andaman island permit rules as well as booking the ferry.