Port Blair to Havelock Ferry Guide 2026 (By a Local): Timings, Prices, and How to Choose the Best Cruise

If you're planning an Andaman trip, the most important journey you'll take is the ferry from Port Blair to Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep). This single route decides whether your holiday starts with stress or with sea views and excitement. As a local from Port Blair who has done this route more times than I can count, here is a complete 2026 guide in simple, practical language.

How far is Havelock from Port Blair and how long is the ferry?

The distance from Port Blair to Havelock is roughly 70 km by sea. Depending on the ferry and sea conditions, the journey takes between 60 and 150 minutes. Fast private catamarans like Nautika and Makruzz usually take on the lower end of that range, while larger or slower ferries can take longer.

Types of ferries on this route

You'll find two broad categories of ferries:

• Private ferries – Examples include Nautika, Makruzz, Green Ocean, and ITT Majestic. They focus on comfort, air‑conditioned seating, fixed seat numbers, cleaner toilets, and better onboard service.
• Government ferries – Run by the Directorate of Shipping Services. They are cheaper but slower, often busier, and tickets are harder to secure in peak season.

If you're on a honeymoon, traveling with kids, or coming to Andaman for the first time, I strongly suggest a private ferry one way at least—it sets the tone for the whole trip.

Timings and frequency (2026 overview)

In 2026, you typically have morning and afternoon departures from Port Blair to Havelock, with more frequency in the peak season (November–April).

• Morning ferries usually leave between 6:00–9:30 AM, great for those who want to reach, check in, and still hit the beach by afternoon.
• Afternoon ferries run roughly 11:30 AM–2:30 PM, which suits people arriving on late‑morning flights or those who prefer a relaxed start.

Always check the latest schedule near your travel dates; timings can shift due to season, maintenance, or weather.

Ticket prices: what should you expect?

Private ferry prices generally start around ₹1,350 for basic/silver seats and go up to around ₹3,200 for business or premium classes, depending on the operator and season. Government ferries are cheaper but harder for outsiders to book directly and less predictable for tight itineraries.

A good rule: for a 5–7 day Andaman trip, spending a bit more on a comfortable, air‑conditioned seat is worth it—you spend enough time on the sea that comfort matters.

How to choose the right ferry for you

Here's a simple decision framework:

• Tight schedule / flight connection the same day? Pick an earlier private ferry with a buffer of at least 4–5 hours between ferry arrival and your flight departure.
• Budget backpacker? Government ferry or the most basic seat class on a private ferry is fine. Just book early and be flexible with timings.
• Honeymoon / family with kids / elderly parents? Choose a private ferry with comfortable seating, good air‑conditioning, and reliable departure times.
• Prone to seasickness? Morning ferries usually see slightly calmer seas, and sitting in the middle section of the ship helps reduce motion.

When to book your tickets

For peak season (November to April), book your ferry tickets 2–3 weeks in advance if possible. Last‑minute tickets often mean odd timings, scattered seats, or even missing the ferry entirely on some dates.

In shoulder or off‑season months, you can be more flexible, but remember that sudden weather changes can still affect schedules.

Local tips to avoid common mistakes

• Don't book your hotel in Havelock before confirming your ferry seat—ferry capacity is more constrained than hotel capacity.
• Always keep printed or digital copies of tickets and ID cards handy at the jetty.
• Plan your first day in Havelock light. Reach, check in, have lunch, and save big ticket activities like scuba for the next morning when you're rested.

If you want a fully local‑built booking experience, AndamanBazaar is designed to help you compare ferries, lock seats, and combine them with hotels and experiences in one place, with real human support from the islands.