Port Blair to Neil Ferry Timings & Complete Travel Guide (Shaheed Dweep)

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• History & Importance of Neil (Shaheed Dweep)
• Best Time to Visit
• Port Blair to Neil Ferry Timings, Duration & Booking Guide
• How to Reach
• Where to Stay on Neil Island
• Estimated Trip Costs
• Top Things to Do on Neil Island
• Nearby Attractions & Island Hops
• Local Experiences: Food, Shopping & Culture
• Essential Tips for the Route
• Tips by Traveler Type
• FAQs: Port Blair to Neil Ferry
• Conclusion

Introduction

Planning a trip from Port Blair to Neil Island (officially Shaheed Dweep)? This guide brings together up-to-date ferry know-how—typical timings, duration, fares, operators—plus where to stay, what to do, and smart tips for a smooth island hop. Expect calm lagoons, natural rock bridges, and some of the Andamans’ prettiest sunsets once you arrive.

History & Importance of Neil (Shaheed Dweep)

Neil Island was renamed Shaheed Dweep in 2018 to honour India’s freedom struggle. Historically an agricultural island supplying fruits and vegetables to nearby islands, it’s now loved for its slow pace, coral-fringed beaches, and natural rock formations. The vibe is quieter than Havelock (Swaraj Dweep), making it ideal for relaxed beach days and snorkelling.

Best Time to Visit

• October to April: Best weather and sea conditions; peak tourist season is December–February.
• May to September (Monsoon): Fewer crowds; showers and choppy seas can lead to ferry delays/cancellations.
• Tip: For the Natural Bridge, plan your visit around low tide for safe access and best marine life sightings.

Port Blair to Neil Ferry Timings, Duration & Booking Guide

Multiple ferries connect Port Blair to Neil daily in season. Schedules vary by season, weather, and operator—always confirm the latest before travel.

Typical Daily Frequency

• Private catamarans: Usually 1–3 sailings/day (morning to early afternoon) in high season.
• Government ferries (DSS): Often morning and afternoon runs; frequency may reduce in monsoon or low season.

Indicative Departure Windows

• Early morning: 06:00–07:30
• Mid-morning: 10:00–11:30
• Early afternoon: 13:00–14:30

Note: Exact departures change; some days may have fewer/more sailings.

Duration

• Private high-speed ferries: ~60–90 minutes
• Government ferries: ~90–120 minutes

Common Operators

• Private: Makruzz, Green Ocean, Sea Link, ITT Majestic (names subject to change)
• Government: DSS/Directorate of Shipping Services

Departure & Arrival Jetties

• Port Blair: Haddo Wharf or Phoenix Bay Jetty (as per vessel/operator)
• Neil Island: Bharatpur Jetty

Fares (Indicative)

• Government ferry: Approx INR 400–700 per adult (class-dependent)
• Private ferry: Approx INR 950–1,800 per adult (seat/class-dependent)
• Children: Discounted; infants often free on lap (operator rules vary)
• Luggage: Allowances apply; excess/oversize typically INR 100–300 per item

Booking & Check-in

• Private ferries: Book online or via agents; sales open ~2–4 weeks ahead in season.
• Government ferries: Buy at ticket counters in Port Blair; tourists generally book 1–2 days in advance with ID. Lines can be long in peak season.
• Reporting time: Arrive 45–60 minutes before departure with original photo ID and printed/e-tickets.
• Weather advisory: Sailings may be rescheduled or canceled due to sea conditions—keep plans flexible.

Sample Day Plan (Port Blair → Neil)

• Catch a 07:30–10:30 departure; reach by mid-morning.
• Check-in, visit Bharatpur Beach (snorkelling/glass-bottom boat).
• Head to Natural Bridge at low tide with a local guide.
• Finish with sunset at Laxmanpur Beach.
• Stay overnight; depart next morning or continue to Havelock by inter-island ferry.

How to Reach

Step 1: Fly to Port Blair

• Direct/domestic connections from Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Delhi (seasonal/connecting).
• Airport: Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ).

Step 2: Transfer to Jetty

• Airport to Haddo Wharf/Phoenix Bay: 15–30 minutes by taxi/auto, depending on traffic.

Step 3: Ferry to Neil (Shaheed Dweep)

• Choose private or government ferry per timing/budget.
• Arrive at Bharatpur Jetty on Neil; autos and prebooked cabs available.

Inter-Island Links

• Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) ↔ Neil: Frequent sailings; great for triangular itineraries (Port Blair–Neil–Havelock–Port Blair).

Where to Stay on Neil Island

• Bharatpur area: Easy access to water activities and jetty; lively by island standards.
• Laxmanpur: Quieter stays; best sunsets.
• Sitapur/Ramnagar: Peaceful, great for sunrise; fewer eateries nearby.

• Budget (INR 800–1,500): Homestays, simple guesthouses.
• Mid-range (INR 2,000–5,000): Beach cottages, boutique stays.
• Premium (INR 6,000–12,000+): Upscale resorts with larger rooms and gardens; limited inventory—book early in peak season.

Estimated Trip Costs

Per adult, 2 days/1 night on Neil (indicative):

• Ferries (round-trip Port Blair–Neil): INR 800–1,400 (govt) or INR 2,000–3,500 (private)
• Stay: INR 1,000–12,000+/night depending on category and season
• Meals: INR 600–1,200/day (local eateries) or more at resorts
• Local transport: Scooter INR 500–800/day; bicycle INR 150–300/day; autos INR 200–500/ride
• Activities: Glass-bottom boat INR 600–1,000; guided snorkelling INR 1,000–1,800; scuba intro INR 3,500–5,500

Top Things to Do on Neil Island

• Bharatpur Beach: Calm lagoon, snorkelling, glass-bottom boats.
• Laxmanpur Beach: Spectacular sunsets; long, white sands.
• Natural Bridge (Howrah Bridge): Visit at low tide to see tide pools and marine life; wear aqua shoes.
• Sitapur Beach: Gorgeous sunrise point.
• Cycling/Island drives: Quiet roads through farms and coastal stretches.
• Diving/snorkelling: Clear waters; choose licensed operators and respect reef etiquette.
• Stargazing: Low light pollution on clear nights.

Nearby Attractions & Island Hops

• Havelock (Swaraj Dweep): 1–1.5 hrs by ferry; Radhanagar Beach, Elephant Beach, top scuba sites.
• Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island (Ross Island): Half-day trip from Port Blair; colonial ruins and deer.
• North Bay Island: Snorkelling and sea-walks near Port Blair.
• Chidiya Tapu (Port Blair): Sunset viewpoint and nature trails (road access from Port Blair).

Local Experiences: Food, Shopping & Culture

Food

• Seafood thalis, grilled fish, prawn curries; simple veg thalis widely available.
• Coconut water, fresh bananas, local seasonal fruits.
• Most eateries cluster near Neil Kendra/Bharatpur; options thin out late night.

Shopping

• Small markets for souvenirs and handicrafts; avoid buying coral/shell products (illegal to collect/export live or dead corals).

Culture & Etiquette

• Friendly island communities with Bengali, Tamil, Telugu influences; Hindi and Bengali commonly spoken.
• Eco-sensitive zone—carry back trash, avoid single-use plastics, and dress modestly away from beaches.

Essential Tips for the Route

• Book early in peak season: Private ferries can sell out 1–3 weeks ahead.
• Carry ID and printed/e-tickets: Mandatory for boarding.
• Arrive early: Be at the jetty 45–60 minutes in advance.
• Seasickness prep: Sit mid-vessel, keep gaze on horizon; consult a doctor for medication if needed.
• Cash & connectivity: ATMs are limited; carry enough cash. Mobile data can be patchy.
• Power & payments: Occasional power cuts; many small vendors prefer cash.
• Reef-safe choices: Use mineral or reef-safe sunscreen; never step on corals.
• Monsoon flexibility: Build buffer time for weather-related changes.

Tips by Traveler Type

• Families: Pick mid-morning ferries; pack snacks, hats, kid-sized life jackets; choose stays near Bharatpur for easy access.
• Honeymooners: Stay in Laxmanpur for sunsets; consider premium/private ferry class; plan a sunrise at Sitapur and stargazing at night.
• Friends/Backpackers: Rent scooters, travel light, carry a dry bag and snorkel set; aim for early ferries to maximize beach time.

FAQs: Port Blair to Neil Ferry

Q: What are the first and last ferries from Port Blair to Neil?

A: In high season, first sailings can be as early as 06:00–07:30 and last departures around 13:00–14:30. Exact times vary by operator and day—check the latest schedule before you travel.

Q: How long is the ferry ride?

A: Private high-speed ferries take about 60–90 minutes; government ferries usually take 90–120 minutes depending on route and sea conditions.

Q: Which jetty do I use in Port Blair and on Neil?

A: Ferries typically depart Port Blair from Haddo Wharf or Phoenix Bay Jetty (as per operator) and arrive at Bharatpur Jetty on Neil Island.

Q: Can I visit Neil Island on a day trip from Port Blair?

A: Yes, if morning and afternoon return ferries align. However, staying at least one night lets you enjoy the Natural Bridge at low tide, sunset at Laxmanpur, and a relaxed pace.

Q: Can I catch a ferry the same day my flight lands?

A: Often yes if your flight arrives early morning and ferry seats are available. Build buffer time for airport-to-jetty transfer and check-in. If landing after late morning, consider staying in Port Blair and sailing the next day.

Conclusion

The Port Blair to Neil (Shaheed Dweep) ferry is a short, scenic hop that opens the door to serene beaches, coral lagoons, and slow island rhythms. Travel in season for smoother seas, book ferries early in peak months, and plan around low tide to see the Natural Bridge at its best. With thoughtful timing and light packing, your Neil escape will feel effortless.