Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Ferry Overview to Rangat
- Routes & Operators
- Timings, Duration & Frequency
- Terminals & Boarding
- Tickets, Booking & Fares
- Best Time to Travel by Ferry
- What to Expect Onboard
- How to Reach Rangat (All Options)
- Must-Visit Places in and around Rangat
- Nearby Getaways
- Accommodation Options & Estimated Costs
- Local Food, Culture & Shopping
- Traveler-Specific Tips
- Sample Itineraries
- Budgeting Your Trip
- FAQs: Ferry Services to Rangat
- Conclusion
Introduction
Rangat, in Middle Andaman, is a laid-back launchpad for mangrove walks, quiet beaches, and onward journeys to Long Island and the far north. Ferries are a scenic way to reach Rangat from Port Blair and to hop between nearby islands. This guide covers routes, schedules, booking, what to expect, and the best things to do once you arrive.
Ferry Overview to Rangat
Government-operated passenger ferries link Port Blair with Rangat and onward to Mayabunder and Diglipur. Smaller local boats connect Rangat to Long Island. Private high-speed catamarans generally do not serve Rangat; most long-haul inter-island runs are handled by the Directorate of Shipping Services (DSS).
- Primary long route: Port Blair ⇄ Rangat (often via intermediate stops).
- Feeder routes: Rangat ⇄ Long Island; Rangat ⇄ Mayabunder; limited services onward to Diglipur.
- Comfort: Simple, functional seating with basic amenities; scenic but longer than road.
Routes & Operators
Port Blair ⇄ Rangat (Government Ferries)
- Operator: Directorate of Shipping Services (DSS), Andaman & Nicobar Administration.
- Terminals: Port Blair (Phoenix Bay Jetty/Haddo Wharf); Rangat (commonly Yerrata/Rangat Bay Jetty).
- Stops: May include Baratang-adjacent jetties or Strait/Intermediate islands depending on schedule.
Havelock/Neil ⇄ Rangat
Direct ferries are infrequent or unavailable most of the year. Travelers usually return to Port Blair or travel by road to connect onward. Information changes seasonally; verify locally.
Rangat ⇄ Long Island
- Operator: DSS/local ferries.
- Frequency: Often 4–6 days a week in season; fewer runs in monsoon.
- Duration: Typically 1–1.5 hours, depending on boat and sea conditions.
Rangat ⇄ Mayabunder/Diglipur
Government ferries may run through services or separate legs depending on the roster. These are less frequent than the Port Blair connection.
Timings, Duration & Frequency
- Port Blair → Rangat duration: Approximately 6–9 hours by sea (varies with route and stops).
- Frequency: Commonly several times per week; not always daily. Rosters are issued by DSS and change periodically.
- Departure times: Often early morning or late night for long sectors.
- Monsoon (Jun–Sep): Cancellations and delays are more likely due to rough seas.
Important: Exact schedules are subject to operational changes. Always check the latest DSS roster at counters/official notice boards before planning.
Terminals & Boarding
Port Blair Terminals
- Phoenix Bay Jetty/Haddo Wharf: Main embarkation points for inter-island ferries. Signage and counters for DSS are on-site.
Rangat Terminals
- Yerrata (Rangat) Jetty: Used for Long Island boats and inter-island ferries calling at Rangat. Local auto-rickshaws and shared cars are usually available outside.
Boarding & Check-in Tips
- Arrive 45–90 minutes before departure for ID checks and boarding formalities.
- Carry a government-issued photo ID; keep soft copies handy.
- Luggage: There are no strict published allowances posted at all times; pack compactly and label bags. Fragile items should be hand-carried.
- Seating: General seating is first-come within your class; reach early for preferred spots.
Tickets, Booking & Fares
Where to Buy
- DSS Ticket Counters: At Phoenix Bay (Port Blair) and at Rangat jetty. Counters typically open during business hours; ticket windows may open for specific sailings 1–2 days in advance.
- Online: Limited availability via official DSS e-ticketing when enabled. Online availability varies; if you don’t see your sailing, buy at the counter.
How to Book
- Check the weekly roster at the counter/notice board.
- Carry ID for each traveler; names must match IDs on tickets.
- For onward legs (e.g., Rangat → Long Island), purchase connecting tickets as early as possible, especially in peak season.
Indicative Fares (subject to change)
- Port Blair ⇄ Rangat: Approx. INR 300–800 per person, class-dependent.
- Rangat ⇄ Long Island: Approx. INR 60–200 per person.
Note: Prices differ by vessel, class, and distance. Latest fares should be confirmed at DSS counters.
Classes
- Seating (Deck/Chair): Most common, budget-friendly.
- Upper/Deluxe (if available): Fewer seats, slightly higher fare.
Best Time to Travel by Ferry
- Oct–Apr: Calmer seas and more reliable schedules; best for planning inter-island hops.
- May: Transitional weather; check forecasts.
- Jun–Sep (Monsoon): Rough seas and potential cancellations; keep buffer days and flexible plans.
What to Expect Onboard
- Basic seating, fans/ventilation; air-conditioning varies by vessel.
- Snack kiosks may be limited; carry water and light food.
- Restrooms are available but basic—carry sanitizer and tissues.
- Mobile signal may drop for long stretches at sea.
- Seasickness: Pack motion-sickness medication; choose mid-ship seats and look at the horizon.
How to Reach Rangat (All Options)
By Ferry (from Port Blair)
- Scenic and economical; 6–9 hours depending on stops.
- Best for travelers with flexible schedules and those heading onward to Long Island by sea.
By Road (Andaman Trunk Road)
- Distance: About 170–180 km from Port Blair; typically 6–8 hours.
- Mode: Government/private buses, shared jeeps, or private taxis.
- Route crosses the Middle Strait area; operations and any ferry/bridge segments can vary—confirm locally.
By Air
No airport in Rangat. The nearest gateway is Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair.
Must-Visit Places in and around Rangat
- Amkunj Beach: Eco-friendly beach with driftwood benches and a serene vibe.
- Dhani Nallah Mangrove Walkway: A long wooden boardwalk through lush mangroves ending at a quiet beach.
- Yerrata Mangrove Park & Watchtower: Panoramic views over creeks and mangrove ecosystems.
- Morrice Dera Beach: Rocky outcrops and photogenic pools at low tide.
- Cutbert Bay: Seasonal turtle nesting (observe from designated areas; follow local guidelines).
Nearby Getaways
- Long Island & Guitar Island: Short ferry from Rangat; rustic vibes, quiet beaches, and trekking trails.
- Baratang Island: Limestone caves and mud volcano (usually accessed by road from the south).
- Mayabunder: Karmatang Beach and mangrove creeks; a relaxed, non-touristy feel.
- Diglipur: Far north with Ross & Smith twin islands, Kalipur beach, and treks to Saddle Peak.
Accommodation Options & Estimated Costs
- Government Tourist Lodge (e.g., Hawksbill Nest, Rangat): Simple rooms near nature spots; advance booking recommended.
- Budget Hotels & Guesthouses: Clean, no-frills stays around Rangat Bazaar/Yerrata area.
- Homestays & Eco-huts: Limited availability; great for local interactions.
Indicative prices (per room/night):
- Budget: INR 1000–2000
- Mid-range: INR 2000–4000
Note: Card acceptance is inconsistent—carry adequate cash.
Local Food, Culture & Shopping
- Food: Seafood thalis, fish curry-rice, simple South Indian and Bengali fare at local eateries.
- Culture: A mix of communities (Bengali, Tamil, Ranchi) with a slow island rhythm; evenings are quiet.
- Shopping: Small markets in Rangat Bazaar for snacks, basics, and fresh produce; limited souvenirs.
Traveler-Specific Tips
Families
- Choose morning ferries; pack snacks, water, and a light blanket for kids.
- Book accommodations near Rangat Bazaar or Amkunj for easier transit.
Honeymooners/Couples
- Time your visit Oct–Apr for calmer seas and clearer skies.
- Pick sunset spots at Amkunj or the Dhani Nallah beach end for quiet moments.
Friends/Backpackers
- Use early rosters to line up Rangat → Long Island ferries; stay flexible for weather.
- Shared jeeps/buses keep costs low; carry a dry bag for boat transfers.
Packing & Safety
- Dry bags, reef-safe sunscreen, hat, motion-sickness pills, headlamp, spare power bank.
- Respect restricted/tribal areas and turtle nesting zones; follow local guidance.
- ATMs exist but can run out—carry cash small denominations.
Sample Itineraries
1 Day from Rangat
- Morning: Dhani Nallah Mangrove Walkway.
- Afternoon: Amkunj Beach; lunch at a local dhaba.
- Evening: Yerrata Mangrove Park lookout.
2 Days with Long Island
- Day 1: Arrive Rangat by ferry/road; Amkunj + Morrice Dera.
- Day 2: Early ferry to Long Island; hike/beach time; return by last boat.
3 Days Northbound
- Day 1: Port Blair → Rangat by ferry; sunset at Amkunj.
- Day 2: Long Island day trip.
- Day 3: Overland to Mayabunder or onward to Diglipur.
Budgeting Your Trip
- Ferries: Port Blair ⇄ Rangat INR 300–800; Rangat ⇄ Long Island INR 60–200.
- Food: Local meals INR 120–300 per person.
- Local transport: Autos/shared jeeps INR 30–300 depending on distance.
- Stay: INR 1000–4000 per night.
- Misc: Park/entry fees minimal where applicable; keep a buffer for weather-led changes.
FAQs: Ferry Services to Rangat
Q: How long is the ferry from Port Blair to Rangat?
A: Typically 6–9 hours depending on the vessel, route, and intermediate stops.
Q: Can I book Rangat ferry tickets online?
A: Limited online booking may be available through the official DSS portal for select routes. Many travelers still purchase tickets at DSS counters in Port Blair or Rangat.
Q: Are there private high-speed ferries to Rangat?
A: Regular private catamarans mostly serve Havelock/Neil. Rangat is generally served by government ferries.
Q: How often do boats run from Rangat to Long Island?
A: Often several times a week in peak season and fewer in monsoon. Check the latest local schedule a day in advance.
Q: What if my ferry is canceled due to weather?
A: Contact the ticket counter for rebooking or refunds as per policy. Keep buffer days and consider the road route as a backup.
Conclusion
Ferries to Rangat provide a scenic, budget-friendly way to explore Middle Andaman and connect to Long Island. With variable schedules and weather, planning ahead—and staying flexible—pays off. Once there, quiet beaches, mangrove walkways, and low-key island life make the journey worthwhile.
