Ferry Services and Booking Tickets in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands (2025)

Planning a trip to the Andaman & Nicobar Islands? One of the first things you’ll need to figure out is ferry services and ticket booking. Since most of the popular islands like Havelock (Swaraj Dweep), Neil (Shaheed Dweep), and even inter-island connections from Port Blair are only accessible by sea, ferries are the lifeline of travel in Andamans.

In this complete guide, we cover everything you need to know about ferries — the different operators, ticket prices, government vs private options, how to book tickets, schedules, luggage rules, cancellation policies, and seasonal availability. Beyond the basics, we also share expert itinerary planning tips (like how to sequence Port Blair–Havelock–Neil trips, and how much buffer time to keep for flights), seat selection guidance (which rows are smoother in rough seas, which ferries offer the best views, and how to avoid motion sickness), and a breakdown of all ferry routes — from the popular tourist circuits to lesser-known inter-island services and short day-trip ferries for excursions.

Whether you’re a budget traveler or looking for premium comfort, this 2025 ferry booking guide will help you plan your island-hopping journey smoothly, avoid mistakes most tourists make, and travel like a pro.

⚡ Quick Facts: Ferry Services in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands (TL;DR)

Category	Details	Notes / Tips
Main Tourist Routes	Port Blair ↔ Havelock Havelock ↔ Neil Port Blair ↔ Neil	Most popular, served by both Govt & Private ferries
Lesser-Known Routes	Port Blair ↔ Long Island / Rangat / Mayabunder / Diglipur Havelock ↔ Long Island	Only Govt ferries operate, longer travel times
Day-Trip Routes	Port Blair ↔ Ross & North Bay Port Blair ↔ Jolly Buoy / Red Skin Port Blair ↔ Baratang Diglipur ↔ Ross & Smith Islands	Operated by small boats / tourist ferries
Duration	30 min (Ross/North Bay) 1.5–2.5 hrs (Havelock/Neil) Up to 6 hrs (Diglipur)	Private ferries are faster, Govt ferries slower
Types of Boats	Catamaran High-Speed Ferries (Makruzz, Nautika, ITT Majestic) Passenger Ships (Govt DSS) Luxury Cruise Ferries (Green Ocean, Sea Link) Small Tourist Boats (Ross/North Bay/Jolly Buoy)	Catamarans = smooth & fast Govt ferries = budget-friendly Tourist boats = day trips & excursions
Costs (One Way)	Govt Ferries: ₹400–₹1,000 Private Ferries: ₹1,200–₹3,500 Day-Trip Boats: ₹300–₹800	Prices vary by season & seat class
Booking Options	Govt: DSS STARS portal + counters Private: Operator sites, agents, aggregators Day-Trips: Local operators, jetty counters	Book private ferries weeks in advance in peak season
Must-Know Tips	Arrive 2 hrs early Carry valid ID Keep 4 hrs buffer before flights Pick middle seats if seas are rough	Motion sickness? Avoid rear/upper decks

Main Ferry Routes

We have organized the schedules route-wise, with one table per route, and in each table the first column will carry operator + route, the second column will be the departure time, and the third column the fare.

Here’s a structured set for the main tourist routes (2025 schedules; times approximate, subject to seasonal/weather changes):

Port Blair ↔ Havelock (Swaraj Dweep)

Operator & Route	Departure Time	Fare
Makruzz – Port Blair → Havelock	06:00 AM	₹ 1,700–₹ 3,100
Makruzz – Port Blair → Havelock	08:00 AM	₹ 1,700–₹ 3,100
Nautika – Port Blair → Havelock	07:00 AM	₹ 1,600–₹ 2,800
ITT Majestic – Port Blair → Havelock	08:30 AM	₹ 1,600–₹ 2,800
Green Ocean – Port Blair → Havelock	09:00 AM	₹ 1,400–₹ 2,500
Govt Ferry – Port Blair → Havelock	06:20 AM	₹ 630–₹ 875
Govt Ferry – Port Blair → Havelock	02:00 PM	₹ 630–₹ 875
Makruzz – Havelock → Port Blair	09:00 AM	₹ 1,700–₹ 3,100
Makruzz – Havelock → Port Blair	04:00 PM	₹ 1,700–₹ 3,100
Nautika – Havelock → Port Blair	03:00 PM	₹ 1,600–₹ 2,800
ITT Majestic – Havelock → Port Blair	02:00 PM	₹ 1,600–₹ 2,800
Green Ocean – Havelock → Port Blair	04:30 PM	₹ 1,400–₹ 2,500
Govt Ferry – Havelock → Port Blair	09:00 AM	₹ 630–₹ 875
Govt Ferry – Havelock → Port Blair	01:00 PM	₹ 630–₹ 875

Port Blair ↔ Neil (Shaheed Dweep)

Operator & Route	Departure Time	Fare
Makruzz – Port Blair → Neil	07:00 AM	₹ 1,300–₹ 2,500
Nautika – Port Blair → Neil	07:30 AM	₹ 1,300–₹ 2,400
Green Ocean – Port Blair → Neil	01:00 PM	₹ 1,200–₹ 2,200
Govt Ferry – Port Blair → Neil	06:30 AM	₹ 630–₹ 875
Govt Ferry – Port Blair → Neil	01:00 PM	₹ 630–₹ 875
Makruzz – Neil → Port Blair	03:30 PM	₹ 1,300–₹ 2,500
Nautika – Neil → Port Blair	02:00 PM	₹ 1,300–₹ 2,400
Green Ocean – Neil → Port Blair	08:00 AM	₹ 1,200–₹ 2,200
Govt Ferry – Neil → Port Blair	07:00 AM	₹ 630–₹ 875
Govt Ferry – Neil → Port Blair	01:30 PM	₹ 630–₹ 875

Havelock ↔ Neil

Operator & Route	Departure Time	Fare
Makruzz – Havelock → Neil	10:00 AM	₹ 1,200–₹ 2,200
Nautika – Havelock → Neil	10:30 AM	₹ 1,200–₹ 2,200
Green Ocean – Havelock → Neil	11:00 AM	₹ 1,200–₹ 2,000
Govt Ferry – Havelock → Neil	05:30 AM	₹ 630–₹ 875
Govt Ferry – Havelock → Neil	11:30 AM	₹ 630–₹ 875
Makruzz – Neil → Havelock	09:00 AM	₹ 1,200–₹ 2,200
Nautika – Neil → Havelock	12:00 PM	₹ 1,200–₹ 2,200
Green Ocean – Neil → Havelock	03:30 PM	₹ 1,200–₹ 2,000
Govt Ferry – Neil → Havelock	07:00 AM	₹ 630–₹ 875
Govt Ferry – Neil → Havelock	01:00 PM	₹ 630–₹ 875

Lesser Known Ferry Routes

Port Blair ↔ Long Island

Operator & Route	Departure Time	Fare
Govt Ferry – Port Blair → Long Island	07:00 AM (3–4 hrs)	₹ 400–₹ 800
Govt Ferry – Long Island → Port Blair	07:00 AM (3–4 hrs)	₹ 400–₹ 800

Port Blair ↔ Rangat

Operator & Route	Departure Time	Fare
Govt Ferry – Port Blair → Rangat	06:00 AM (6–7 hrs)	₹ 500–₹ 1,000
Govt Ferry – Rangat → Port Blair	07:00 AM (6–7 hrs)	₹ 500–₹ 1,000

Port Blair ↔ Mayabunder

Operator & Route	Departure Time	Fare
Govt Ferry – Port Blair → Mayabunder	07:00 AM (8–9 hrs)	₹ 600–₹ 1,000
Govt Ferry – Mayabunder → Port Blair	07:00 AM (8–9 hrs)	₹ 600–₹ 1,000

Port Blair ↔ Diglipur

Operator & Route	Departure Time	Fare
Govt Ferry – Port Blair → Diglipur	04:00 AM (8–10 hrs)	₹ 700–₹ 1,200
Govt Ferry – Diglipur → Port Blair	04:00 AM (8–10 hrs)	₹ 700–₹ 1,200

Havelock ↔ Long Island

Operator & Route	Departure Time	Fare
Govt Ferry – Havelock → Long Island	07:00 AM (4–5 hrs)	₹ 500–₹ 900
Govt Ferry – Long Island → Havelock	07:00 AM (4–5 hrs)	₹ 500–₹ 900

Day Trip Boat/Ferry Routes

Diglipur ↔ Ross & Smith Islands (Day Excursion)

Operator & Route	Departure Time	Fare
Tourist Boat – Diglipur → Ross & Smith	09:00 AM	₹ 500–₹ 800
Tourist Boat – Ross & Smith → Diglipur	03:00 PM	₹ 500–₹ 800

Port Blair ↔ Ross & North Bay

Operator & Route	Departure Time	Fare
Tourist Boat – Port Blair → Ross & North Bay	09:00 AM	₹ 400–₹ 600
Tourist Boat – Ross & North Bay → Port Blair	02:00 PM	₹ 400–₹ 600

Port Blair ↔ Jolly Buoy / Red Skin

Operator & Route	Departure Time	Fare
Tourist Boat – Port Blair → Jolly Buoy / Red Skin	09:00 AM	₹ 500–₹ 800
Tourist Boat – Jolly Buoy / Red Skin → Port Blair	02:30 PM	₹ 500–₹ 800

Port Blair ↔ Baratang

Operator & Route	Departure Time	Fare
Govt / Tourist Boat – Port Blair → Baratang	06:00 AM (2 hrs)	₹ 400–₹ 700
Govt / Tourist Boat – Baratang → Port Blair	01:00 PM (2 hrs)	₹ 400–₹ 700

Here’s a comparison table of all ferry operators in Andaman & Nicobar Islands — kept in 3 columns (Operator, Features, Best For).

🛥️ Ferry Operator Comparison (2025)

Operator	Features	Best For
Makruzz	High-speed catamaran, punctual, 3 seat classes (Premium/Deluxe/Royal), runs Port Blair ↔ Havelock ↔ Neil	Travelers wanting speed + reliability with comfort
Nautika	Modern interiors, wide windows, Economy & Luxury seats, fast sailings, same routes as Makruzz	Tourists preferring newer vessels & scenic views
ITT Majestic	Stylish premium catamaran, good onboard comfort, Port Blair ↔ Havelock ↔ Neil	Mid–high budget travelers wanting comfort with style
Green Ocean	Large cruise ferry with open deck, slower than catamarans, cheaper premium seats	Families, groups, travelers who enjoy outdoor deck experience
Sea Link	Catamaran with fewer sailings, decent comfort, Port Blair ↔ Havelock ↔ Neil	Backup option when other ferries are full
Govt Ferry (DSS)	Cheapest, connects tourist & remote routes (Long Island, Rangat, Mayabunder, Diglipur), slower, limited online quota	Budget travelers, those visiting offbeat islands
Tourist Boats (Day-Trip)	Small licensed boats, for Ross & North Bay, Jolly Buoy, Baratang, Ross & Smith, no online booking	Day-trippers & excursion seekers

Here’s a complete operator-wise breakdown of ferry services in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands — with a short description of each operator, what makes them different, and how to book tickets with direct links.

🚢 Private High-Speed Ferry Operators

1. Makruzz

About: The oldest and most popular private catamaran operator in the Andamans. Runs Port Blair ↔ Havelock ↔ Neil routes. Known for punctuality, good onboard service, and multiple seat classes (Premium, Deluxe, Royal).
Website (Direct Booking): Online Makkruz Andaman Cruise Ferry Booking
Booking Options: Online booking via website, authorized agents, or Port Blair/Havelock counters.

2. Nautika

About: A newer high-speed luxury ferry with modern interiors, similar to Makruzz. Runs Port Blair ↔ Havelock ↔ Neil routes. Offers Economy and Luxury seats, with large viewing windows.
Website (Direct Booking): Nautika Ferry Service: Online Ticket Booking
Booking Options: Book through official site, travel agents, or island ticket counters.

3. ITT Majestic

About: A premium catamaran ferry operated by ITT Group. Covers Port Blair ↔ Havelock ↔ Neil. Known for stylish interiors and comfortable seating.
Website (Direct Booking): ITT Majestic Andaman Cruise Ferry E-Ticket Booking
Booking Options: Book directly via website, authorized travel agents, or counters.

4. Green Ocean Cruises

About: The only private operator offering both luxury cruise ferries and open-deck options, allowing passengers to enjoy fresh sea breeze. Runs Port Blair ↔ Havelock ↔ Neil. Slightly slower than catamarans, but has a unique experience.
Website (Direct Booking): Green Ocean Andaman E-Ticket
Booking Options: Official site, agents, or Port Blair counter.

5. Sea Link (seasonal / less frequent)

Sealink has been integrated into and is now known as Nautika.

🏛️ Government Ferries (DSS – Directorate of Shipping Services)

About: The backbone of Andaman’s ferry network, connecting not just tourist islands but also remote ones — Port Blair ↔ Havelock ↔ Neil, and Port Blair ↔ Rangat ↔ Mayabunder ↔ Diglipur, as well as Havelock ↔ Long Island, etc. Cheapest option but slower and harder to book.
Seat Classes: Bunk, Seat, Chair, Deluxe (depending on vessel).
Official Booking Portal: DSS STARS Portal
Other Booking Options: Tickets at DSS counters (Port Blair, Havelock, Neil, Diglipur, Rangat, etc.). Online quota is limited.

⛵ Tourist Day-Trip Boats

About: Small licensed boats that handle short day excursions:
- Port Blair ↔ Ross & North Bay
- Port Blair ↔ Jolly Buoy / Red Skin (Marine National Park)
- Diglipur ↔ Ross & Smith Islands
- Port Blair ↔ Baratang (for Limestone Caves & Mud Volcano)
Booking: No fixed website. Book at Aberdeen Jetty (Port Blair) or through local tour operators/agents. Seats are allocated first-come-first-serve.

🎟️ How to Book – Step by Step

Private Ferries
- Best option for tourists (faster, smoother, online booking).
- Go to operator’s website:
  - Makruzz
  - Nautika
  - ITT Majestic
  - Green Ocean
  - Sea Link (Sealink has been integrated into and is now known as Nautika.)
Government Ferries (DSS)
- Visit DSS STARS Portal.
- Create account, search ferry schedule, book seat → Get e-ticket.
- For long routes (Rangat/Mayabunder/Diglipur), many tourists still book via Port Blair counter.
Day-Trip Boats
- Visit the jetty counter (e.g., Aberdeen Jetty for Ross/North Bay, Wandoor Jetty for Jolly Buoy).
- Book via local agent (hotel/travel desk can arrange).
- Pay in cash, get paper ticket.

⚡ Pro Tip: Always book private ferries at least 2–3 weeks in advance in peak season (Dec–Feb, May). For Govt ferries, reach counters early morning (queues are long).