Port Blair to Havelock Ferry: The Real Guide for 2026

So you’ve landed at our little airport in Port Blair. Welcome! The sea air is thick, the palm trees are swaying, and the first question on everyone’s mind is always the same: “How do we get to Havelock?”

Havelock, or Swaraj Dweep as we call it now, is where you’ll find those postcard-perfect beaches like Radhanagar. And the only way to get there from Port Blair is by sea. It’s a rite of passage for every visitor. But navigating the ferry system can feel a bit confusing at first. Don’t you worry. We’ve made this trip hundreds of times, and we’re here to break it all down for you, nice and simple.

Government vs. Private Ferries

You basically have two choices for your sea journey: the government-run ferries or the private catamarans. They both cross the same stretch of water, but the experience is quite different.

Government Ferries: These are the workhorses of the islands, connecting our communities. They are significantly cheaper, which is a big plus if you're travelling on a tight budget. The journey is a bit slower, usually taking around 2 to 2.5 hours. On the downside, the booking process is the biggest headache. You typically have to go in person to the Directorate of Shipping Services (DSS) counter in Port Blair, stand in a queue, and hope there are tickets left after locals get their share. They have very limited online booking, and seats sell out fast. The boats are basic—no air conditioning, just sea breeze and simple seating. It’s an authentic local experience, for sure!

Private Ferries: These are the popular choice for most visitors, and for good reason. They are fast, modern catamarans that zip across to Havelock in about 90 minutes. They are fully air-conditioned, with comfortable seats, clean washrooms, and often a small snack counter. You can usually choose between different classes, like premium or deluxe, which might offer better views or more spacious seating. The best part? You can book them easily online, months in advance, through various travel portals. They cost quite a bit more than the government boats, but the convenience, speed, and comfort are often worth it, especially if you’re on a short vacation.

Booking Your Ferry Tickets

Here’s a piece of advice we give everyone: book your ferry tickets before you book your flights. Seriously. This is especially true if you are visiting during the peak season, from December to February. Ferries are the biggest bottleneck in the Andamans, and they sell out weeks, sometimes months, in advance.

For private ferries, the process is straightforward. A quick search online will show you several authorized booking agents and the ferry operators' own websites. You can compare prices and timings and book with a credit card. You’ll get an e-ticket, and you’re all set. It’s the easiest, most stress-free option.

If you decide to try your luck with the government ferry, get ready for an adventure. Head to the DSS ticket counter near Haddo Wharf in Port Blair. Go early, and be prepared to wait. I tried this once when I was younger just to save a few bucks and ended up spending half a day in line only to be told the boat was full. It’s not the most relaxing way to start a holiday.

What to Expect on Ferry Day

The journey itself is beautiful. Once you leave the Port Blair harbour, you’re greeted by the endless blue of the Andaman Sea. On a clear day, you can see smaller islands passing by.

Make sure to arrive at the jetty (usually Haddo Wharf for tourists) at least one hour before your departure time. You’ll need to show your ticket and ID to get a boarding pass. Your larger luggage will be checked in, so keep your essentials like water, snacks, a book, and any seasickness medicine in a small day bag with you.

If you’re on a private ferry, you’ll be assigned a seat in the A/C cabin. The large windows offer great views. Some ferries have a small open deck area they might open for a short while during the journey, which is great for photos. If you tend to get seasick, it’s a good idea to take a tablet about an hour before you board; while the catamarans are very stable, the sea can get choppy.

Once you arrive at Havelock Jetty, you’ll find auto-rickshaws and taxis waiting to take you to your hotel or resort. Take a deep breath—you’ve officially made it to paradise.

FAQs

Q: How much does the ferry from Port Blair to Havelock cost? A: It varies a lot. A government ferry ticket might cost you a few hundred rupees. Private ferries are much more expensive, typically ranging from ₹1500 to ₹3000 per person one-way, depending on the season and the class of seat you choose.

Q: How long is the ferry ride to Havelock? A: The fast private catamarans usually take about 90 minutes. The slower government ferries can take up to 2.5 hours, sometimes longer depending on the sea conditions and the specific vessel.

Q: Can I get a ferry the same day my flight lands in Port Blair? A: It’s possible, but can be risky. Most ferries to Havelock depart in the morning and early afternoon (usually between 7:00 AM and 2:00 PM). If your flight lands before 11:00 AM, you might make an afternoon ferry. We always suggest leaving a buffer of at least 3-4 hours between your flight landing and the ferry departure to account for luggage collection and travel to the jetty.

Q: Do I really need to book ferry tickets in advance? A: Yes, 100% yes! We can’t stress this enough. During tourist season (October to May), tickets sell out weeks, if not months, ahead. To avoid disappointment and frantic last-minute planning, book your tickets online as soon as your travel dates are fixed.