Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Port Blair–Little Andaman Ferry: Overview
- Booking Options (Online, Counter, Agent)
- Step-by-Step: How to Book Your Ferry
- Schedules, Duration, and Frequency
- Fares, Classes, and Seat Types
- Boarding, Check-in, and Luggage
- Permits and Documents
- Best Time to Sail
- Safety and Seasickness Tips
- Onboard Experience and Facilities
- Alternatives to the Ferry
- How to Reach Port Blair
- Where to Stay (Port Blair & Little Andaman)
- Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
- Top Places in the Andaman Region (Context)
- Tourist Circuits Including Little Andaman
- Activities on Little Andaman
- Festivals and Events
- Suggested Itineraries
- Budget Tips
- Tips for Families, Honeymooners, and Friends
- Nearby Attractions in Little Andaman
- Estimated Costs Summary
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Planning to reach Little Andaman (Hut Bay) from Port Blair? This guide explains exactly how to book government ferries, what to expect onboard, the best time to sail, and smart tips to travel comfortably and safely. You’ll also find quick regional context, local experiences, and practical budget insights to make the most of your island hop.
Port Blair–Little Andaman Ferry: Overview
Little Andaman is connected to Port Blair primarily by government-operated inter-island passenger ships (commonly called ferries). Sailings typically run a few times per week, often overnight, between Port Blair (Haddo Wharf or Phoenix Bay Jetty, as per ticket) and Hut Bay Jetty (Little Andaman). Private high-speed catamarans do not operate on this route; the government service is the standard option.
- Route: Port Blair ↔ Hut Bay (Little Andaman)
- Operator: Andaman & Nicobar Administration (Directorate/Department of Shipping Services)
- Typical sailing time: 6–9 hours (vessel and sea conditions dependent)
- Main classes: Bunk/Seating and Cabin (AC/Non-AC depending on vessel)
Booking Options (Online, Counter, Agent)
- Online: E-ticketing for inter-island ferries is periodically available via official portals. Availability for Little Andaman can vary; check the Administration’s shipping pages and official e-ticket site for current status.
- Ticket Counters (recommended): Government “STARS”/Shipping counters in Port Blair (near Phoenix Bay/Haddo Wharf) and Hut Bay. Carry original ID; tickets are released as per notified booking windows.
- Through Local Agents: Licensed travel agents in Port Blair can purchase on your behalf (service fee applies). Useful during peak season or when counters are crowded.
Note: Schedules and booking windows are announced by the Shipping Department and may change with weather and operational needs.
Step-by-Step: How to Book Your Ferry
Option A: Book at the Counter
- Check schedule: Visit the Shipping Department notice board/site or ask at counters for the week’s sailings to Hut Bay.
- Arrive early: Counters can be busy when tickets open (often 2–3 days before sailing). Carry ID and cash/card.
- Choose class: Bunk/Seating is cheapest; Cabin offers more comfort, especially for overnight runs.
- Provide details: Full names, ages, ID numbers. Foreign nationals show passport and relevant permits if required.
- Pay and collect ticket: Verify date, time, jetty (Haddo Wharf or Phoenix Bay), vessel name, and class.
Option B: Book Online (If Available)
- Create an account on the official e-ticket portal.
- Select route: Port Blair to Hut Bay (Little Andaman), your date, and class.
- Pay online and download/print the e-ticket.
- Report early on sailing day for security checks and boarding formalities as instructed on the ticket.
Option C: Via Agent
- Share date flexibility, passenger details, and preferred class.
- Pay service fee on top of official fare.
- Collect confirmed ticket and recheck sailing time and jetty.
Schedules, Duration, and Frequency
- Frequency: Typically several sailings per week; fewer in lean/rough-weather periods.
- Timing: Many departures are in the evening/night with early morning arrivals; occasional day sailings occur.
- Duration: About 6–9 hours depending on vessel type and sea state.
- Monsoon (May–September): Possible delays/cancellations due to rough seas. Always keep a buffer day.
Always rely on the latest weekly schedule published by the Andaman Shipping Department for final confirmation.
Fares, Classes, and Seat Types
- Indicative one-way fares:
- Bunk/Seating: Approx. INR 300–700 per person
- Cabin (Non-AC/AC, 2–4 berth): Approx. INR 800–1,400 per person
- Infants/children: Concessions may apply as per rules.
- Senior citizens/residents: Local concessions may exist; check at the counter.
Note: Exact fares depend on vessel and class; confirm at booking.
Boarding, Check-in, and Luggage
- Report time: 60–90 minutes before departure for security screening and verification.
- Jetty: Verify whether your ticket specifies Haddo Wharf or Phoenix Bay in Port Blair.
- Luggage: Typical allowance around 20–25 kg checked plus small hand baggage; rules can vary by vessel—confirm on ticket/counter.
- Security: ID checks, baggage scanning, and restricted items policy enforced.
- Boarding pass: Some sailings require stamping/validation before gate entry—follow posted instructions.
Permits and Documents
- Indian nationals: Government-issued photo ID (Aadhaar/Driving License/Passport).
- Foreign nationals: Passport and visa. Permit rules for visiting certain islands can change; verify current Protected/Restricted Area requirements at arrival in Port Blair or with the Administration before planning Little Andaman.
- Keep photocopies and digital backups of all documents.
Best Time to Sail
- November–April: Calmer seas and more reliable schedules.
- May–September (Monsoon): Frequent swells, possible cancellations—plan buffers and flexible dates.
Safety and Seasickness Tips
- Carry motion-sickness medication and ginger candies; avoid heavy meals pre-boarding.
- Choose cabins mid-ship and lower decks if prone to seasickness.
- Follow crew instructions; do not access restricted decks.
- Pack a light jacket, refillable water bottle, and dry bags for electronics.
Onboard Experience and Facilities
- Facilities: Basic seating/bunks, shared washrooms, fans; selected cabins may be air-conditioned.
- Food: Simple canteen serving tea/snacks on many vessels—carry snacks and drinking water.
- Power and connectivity: Limited charging points; no Wi-Fi; mobile signal may drop offshore.
Alternatives to the Ferry
- Helicopter (Port Blair–Hut Bay): Operated on limited schedules with priority for residents/medical emergencies; very few tourist seats; low baggage allowance; weather-dependent; fares and eligibility vary. Consider only as a backup and confirm locally with the Civil Aviation/Helicopter Booking Cell.
How to Reach Port Blair
- By Air: Direct flights from major Indian cities to Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ), Port Blair.
- By Sea (mainland India): Occasional long-distance passenger ships from Chennai/Kolkata/Visakhapatnam; journey takes 2–3 days, limited schedules; not ideal for short trips.
Where to Stay (Port Blair & Little Andaman)
Port Blair
- Budget: INR 1,200–2,000 per night (guesthouses near Aberdeen Bazaar).
- Mid-range: INR 2,000–5,000 per night (popular hotels across the city).
- Upper mid-range: INR 5,000–8,000+ per night (sea-view properties).
Little Andaman (Hut Bay/Butler Bay area)
- Basic guesthouses and eco-stays near Hut Bay and Butler Bay.
- Indicative range: INR 800–3,000 per night; facilities are simple and availability fluctuates—confirm by phone upon arrival in Port Blair.
Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
- Food: Fresh seafood, coconut-based curries, simple Bengali/Andamani plates; limited restaurant choices—plan early dinners.
- Shopping: Essentials at Hut Bay market; for souvenirs (shell craft, spices), shop in Port Blair.
- Culture: Indigenous communities live on protected reserves; respect “no-entry” zones and local customs. Photography of tribal areas is prohibited.
Top Places in the Andaman Region (Context)
- Port Blair: Cellular Jail, Corbyn’s Cove, Chidiya Tapu, Samudrika.
- Swaraj Dweep (Havelock): Radhanagar Beach, Elephant Beach.
- Shaheed Dweep (Neil): Natural Bridge, Bharatpur Beach.
- Little Andaman: Butler Bay Beach, White Surf Waterfall, Whisper Wave Waterfall.
Tourist Circuits Including Little Andaman
- Classic: Port Blair → Havelock → Neil → Port Blair.
- With Little Andaman: Port Blair → Little Andaman (2–3 nights) → Port Blair → Havelock/Neil (optional).
- Northward Add-on: Port Blair → Rangat/Mayabunder/Diglipur (requires separate road/ferry planning).
Activities on Little Andaman
- Surfing at Butler Bay (Oct–Mar; local guidance recommended).
- Waterfalls: White Surf and Whisper Wave (permits/guides may be required; check locally).
- Beach time: Butler Bay, Netaji Nagar—watch currents and heed safety flags.
- Nature: Oil palm areas and forest walks with due permissions.
Festivals and Events
- Island Tourism Festival (usually Jan) in Port Blair features cultural programs and food stalls.
- Local melas and sports meets occur seasonally; confirm dates on arrival.
Suggested Itineraries
4 Days: Port Blair + Little Andaman Focus
- Day 1: Arrive Port Blair; secure ferry tickets; Cellular Jail.
- Day 2: Ferry to Hut Bay; sunset at Butler Bay.
- Day 3: White Surf Waterfall; relaxed beach time.
- Day 4: Return ferry to Port Blair; depart.
7 Days: Highlights + Little Andaman
- Day 1–2: Port Blair sights.
- Day 3–4: Little Andaman (Butler Bay, waterfalls).
- Day 5–6: Havelock (Radhanagar, snorkeling).
- Day 7: Neil Island → Port Blair departure.
Budget Tips
- Use government ferries and choose bunk class for savings.
- Travel with snacks and water to avoid onboard markups.
- Book shoulder season (Oct/Nov, Mar/Apr) for better availability.
- Allow buffer days to avoid last-minute flight change costs.
Tips for Families, Honeymooners, and Friends
- Families: Prefer cabin class for privacy; pack meds, quick snacks, and a small first-aid kit.
- Honeymooners: Opt for AC cabin on overnight sailings; plan sunrise/sunset beach walks at Butler Bay.
- Friends/Backpackers: Bunk class is social and affordable; carry a light sheet, earplugs, and a power bank.
- Everyone: Keep one flexible day for weather-related changes.
Nearby Attractions in Little Andaman
- Butler Bay Beach: Long crescent beach with surf breaks and scenic sunsets.
- White Surf Waterfall: Easy access; best post-monsoon to winter.
- Whisper Wave Waterfall: Deeper into the forest; check access, permits, and guides locally.
- Hut Bay Lighthouse: Local viewpoint; confirm current entry rules.
Estimated Costs Summary
- Ferry (one-way): INR 300–1,400 per person (class-dependent).
- Port Blair stay: INR 1,200–6,000 per night (category-dependent).
- Little Andaman stay: INR 800–3,000 per night.
- Local transport (Little Andaman): Shared jeeps/scooters; INR 500–1,000 per day for rentals where available.
- Food: INR 300–800 per person per day (simple eateries).
FAQs
Q: How long does the ferry from Port Blair to Little Andaman take?
A: Most sailings take about 6–9 hours depending on the vessel and sea conditions. Overnight departures are common.
Q: Can I book the Port Blair–Hut Bay ferry online?
A: Online booking may be available on official portals, but availability for Little Andaman varies. The most reliable method is purchasing at the government shipping counters in Port Blair.
Q: Which jetty do ferries use in Port Blair?
A: Sailings operate from Haddo Wharf or Phoenix Bay Jetty. Your ticket will clearly mention the reporting jetty—verify it before travel.
Q: Are private high-speed ferries available on this route?
A: No. Private catamarans serve other islands like Havelock/Neil, not Little Andaman. Government ships are the standard option.
Q: Do foreigners need special permits to visit Little Andaman?
A: Permit rules can change. Foreign nationals should carry passport/visa and confirm current Protected/Restricted Area requirements in Port Blair before planning travel to Little Andaman.
Conclusion
The Port Blair–Little Andaman ferry is a budget-friendly, authentic way to reach Hut Bay. Book via official counters (or online when available), choose the right class for comfort, and keep an eye on weekly schedules and weather. With calm-season timing and simple planning for stays and meals, you’ll enjoy Butler Bay’s sands and the island’s waterfalls without hassle.
