Table of Contents
- Introduction: Port Blair to Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) Ferry
- Route Overview & Importance
- Port Blair to Havelock Ferry Timings
- Ticket Booking & Estimated Costs
- How to Reach the Jetties
- Best Time to Travel This Route
- Top Things to Do in Havelock After You Arrive
- Nearby Attractions & Island Hops
- Accommodation Options in Havelock
- Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
- Travel Tips
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction: Port Blair to Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) Ferry
The sea crossing from Port Blair to Havelock Island (officially Swaraj Dweep) is the Andamans’ most popular journey—your gateway to Radhanagar Beach, vibrant reefs, and a laid-back island vibe. This guide brings together current ferry timing patterns, operator options, costs, booking tips, and on-the-ground logistics so you can plan a smooth, reliable transfer and make the most of your time on the islands.
Route Overview & Importance
Covering roughly 57 km across the Andaman Sea, this route connects the capital Port Blair with Havelock’s beaches and dive sites. Fast catamarans make the crossing in about 1.5–2 hours, while government ferries take longer but cost less. Sailings are frequent in the main season and scale down during monsoon months.
- Distance: ~57 km by sea
- Duration: ~1.5–2 hours (private fast ferries); ~2.5–3 hours (government ferries)
- Main ports: Port Blair (Haddo Wharf/Phoenix Bay terminals), Havelock Jetty (Govind Nagar)
Port Blair to Havelock Ferry Timings
Note: Exact timings vary by operator, season, sea conditions, and regulatory notices. Always confirm 24–48 hours before sailing.
Typical Daily Schedule
Common departure windows observed across seasons (indicative):
- Early Morning: 06:00–06:45 (mostly Government DSS; slower, budget-friendly)
- Morning Peak: 07:30–09:00 (Private fast ferries like Makruzz/Nautika/Green Ocean)
- Mid-Morning: 10:30–11:30 (Private; handy for same-day flight arrivals before 09:00)
- Early Afternoon: 13:00–14:30 (Private/Government, fewer seats on busy days)
- Last Sailings: 14:30–15:30 (limited; evening departures are rare due to daylight and operations)
Return Havelock → Port Blair (indicative): 09:00–10:00, 13:00–14:00, 15:00–16:00.
Buffer plan: If you have a flight from Port Blair, avoid same-day last ferries. Aim to be back in Port Blair at least one evening before your flight, especially in monsoon.
Seasonality & Weather Disruptions
- Oct–May: Peak season, more daily sailings and better sea conditions.
- Jun–Sep (Monsoon): Reduced frequency, higher chance of delays/cancellations. Keep flexible dates.
- Strong wind advisories: Schedules can change same-day for safety.
Check-in & Boarding Guidelines
- Reporting time: Private ferries 45–60 minutes prior; Government DSS 60–90 minutes prior.
- ID required: Indian Govt-issued photo ID or passport for all passengers; carry printed or e-ticket with PNR.
- Security: X-ray screening for bags; avoid restricted items (fuel, pressurized cans, sharp tools).
- Baggage: Standard allowances apply and vary by operator; excess/oversize may incur fees.
Operators & Seat Classes
- Private fast ferries: Makruzz, Green Ocean, Nautika (air-conditioned catamarans; assigned seats).
- Government (DSS): Basic seating; slower but economical; limited online presence.
- Classes (vary by operator): Premium, Deluxe/Executive, Royal/VIP. Differences include seat pitch, deck position, and lounge access.
Ticket Booking & Estimated Costs
Prices fluctuate by season and class. The ranges below help you budget; verify current fares before purchase.
Government Ferry (DSS)
- Indicative one-way fares: ~INR 300–800 per adult depending on class/category.
- Booking: Primarily at ticket counters in Port Blair; seats may open a few days in advance.
- Pros: Cheapest option; scenic open-deck experience on some vessels.
- Cons: Slower; seats may be limited for tourists; queues and less predictable schedules.
Private Catamarans (Makruzz, Green Ocean, Nautika)
- Indicative one-way fares:
- Premium/Economy: ~INR 1,500–2,300
- Deluxe/Executive: ~INR 2,200–3,000
- Royal/VIP: ~INR 2,800–3,800
- Booking: Official websites, trusted OTAs, or local agents; open 30–90 days out in high season.
- Pros: Faster, air-conditioned, multiple daily options, assigned seating.
- Cons: Higher cost; peak-season sellouts; change fees may apply.
Rescheduling, Cancellation & ID Rules
- Name/ID must match the ticket; carry the same ID at boarding.
- Change/cancel policies vary by operator and class; penalties apply closer to departure.
- Weather cancellations: Operators usually rebook you on the next available sailing or refund as per policy.
How to Reach the Jetties
Port Blair Jetty Info
- Terminals: Haddo Wharf and Phoenix Bay handle inter-island traffic; check your ticket for the exact pier and reporting gate.
- From airport (Veer Savarkar International): ~15–25 minutes by taxi depending on traffic.
- Local transit: Prepaid taxis, app cabs (limited), auto rickshaws. Allow extra buffer for security checks.
Havelock Jetty Info
- Arrival: Govind Nagar (Havelock/Swaraj Dweep) Jetty, central for Beach No. 1 area.
- Connectivity: Autos, taxis, and resort pickups are available at the exit gate.
Last-Mile Transport
- Port Blair: INR 200–500 by auto/taxi to the jetty from most town hotels (indicative).
- Havelock: Shared jeeps/autos for budget travel; hotel transfers commonly INR 200–800 depending on distance.
Best Time to Travel This Route
- Best months: October to May (clear seas, more departures).
- Shoulder: September and June (watch forecasts; flexible plans help).
- Monsoon: July–August (possible choppy seas and cancellations; carry seasickness medication if prone).
Top Things to Do in Havelock After You Arrive
- Radhanagar Beach (Beach No. 7): Legendary sunsets and long powdery sands.
- Elephant Beach: Snorkeling, sea-walks, and beginner-friendly coral gardens.
- Diving & Courses: Multiple PADI/SSI centers; great for first-timers and certified divers.
- Kayaking & Bioluminescence: Night paddles on select moonless nights.
- Beach-Hopping: Vijaynagar (No. 5) and Kalapathar for quiet mornings.
Nearby Attractions & Island Hops
- Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep): Natural Bridge, Bharatpur Beach; short ferry from Havelock.
- Ross Island (Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island): Colonial ruins and deer; day trip from Port Blair.
- North Bay: Snorkeling and glass-bottom boat trips from Port Blair.
Accommodation Options in Havelock
- Budget: Hostels and cottages near Beach No. 5; INR 800–2,000 per night.
- Mid-range: Beachfront resorts and boutique stays; INR 3,000–8,000 per night.
- Luxury: High-end villas/resorts with private beachfront; INR 12,000–35,000+ per night.
Book well ahead for Dec–Feb and major holidays.
Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
- Food: Fresh seafood thalis, grilled fish, island curries; also vegetarian-friendly cafes and bakeries.
- Cafes: Beachside shacks for breakfasts and sunset mocktails; service can be leisurely—embrace island time.
- Shopping: Small markets for spices, local art, and handicrafts. Avoid buying coral or shells to protect reefs.
- Culture: A blend of Bengali, South Indian, and settler communities; warm island hospitality.
- Connectivity: Mobile data is improving (Airtel/Jio/BSNL) but can be patchy—download maps and tickets offline.
Travel Tips
Packing & Safety
- Essentials: Government ID/passport, printed e-tickets, sunscreen (reef-safe), hat, light rain jacket (monsoon).
- Health: Seasickness tablets if prone; refillable water bottle (plastic restrictions apply in parts of Andaman).
- Cash: ATMs exist but can run out; carry enough cash for autos/smaller eateries.
- Environment: No littering; avoid single-use plastics; do not touch coral or marine life.
Tips by Traveler Type
- Families: Choose morning ferries to avoid heat and afternoon chop; carry snacks, baby wipes, and light blankets.
- Honeymooners: Book premium/upper-deck seats for calmer rides and views; plan a sunset at Radhanagar.
- Friends/Groups: Reserve seats together early; consider chartered taxis or scooters for island-hopping within Havelock.
FAQs
Q: How long does the Port Blair to Havelock ferry take?
A: Private fast ferries typically take about 1.5–2 hours, while government ferries take around 2.5–3 hours depending on sea conditions and vessel type.
Q: What is the earliest and latest ferry from Port Blair to Havelock?
A: The earliest sailings are often around 06:00–06:45 (government). The latest departures are generally around 14:30–15:30; evening sailings are uncommon. Always confirm your specific date.
Q: Can I book government ferry tickets online?
A: Online options are limited and subject to change. Most travelers buy DSS tickets at counters in Port Blair with valid ID. Private ferry tickets are widely available online.
Q: How much does the ferry cost?
A: Government ferries are roughly INR 300–800 one-way. Private ferries range about INR 1,500–3,800 depending on class, season, and operator.
Q: Is it safe to plan a same-day ferry after my flight lands?
A: If your flight arrives before 08:30–09:00, you may catch a mid-morning ferry. However, flight delays are common—an overnight in Port Blair before heading to Havelock is safer, especially in monsoon.
Conclusion
The Port Blair to Havelock ferry is a well-trodden, scenic route with frequent sailings in peak season and reliable fast-catamaran options. Plan around morning departures, book seats early in high season, keep buffers for weather and flights, and carry essential IDs. With timings, costs, and logistics clear, your arrival in Havelock sets you up for reef adventures, soulful beaches, and unhurried island days.
