Book Port Blair to Neil Island Ferry

Introduction

Port Blair and Neil Island are beautiful, strikingly different island-towns separated by water and not connected by roads. This makes ferry services the only way to go from Port Blair to Neil Island. The Port Blair to Neil distance can be covered by the private ferry or the government ferry. It is important to note that private ferries don’t run directly from Port Blair to Neil. You can rather take a ferry from Port Blair to Havelock and then from Havelock to Neil Island. Government ferries run directly on this route but are extremely hard on availability as they’re mostly booked months in advance.

We hence suggest that you complete the Port Blair- Havelock- Neil Island- Port Blair circuit to make the best out of your trip! Andaman Ferry services are fast, comfortable and economical. No matter which private ferry service provider, Go2Andaman is THE platform you need for all your ferry tie-ups. 

How to go from Port Blair to Neil Island?

1. Port Blair to Neil Island Distance- The distance between Port Blair and Neil Island is a total of around 56 nautical miles (38 NM from Port Blair to Havelock and 18 NM from Havelock to Neil Island) and can be covered only by ferries. There is no road or bridge that connects these islands. Instead, you have to take the ferry from Port Blair to Havelock and then from Havelock to Neil Island as there are no direct private ferries that run from Port Blair to Neil Island. 
2. Port Blair to Neil Island Time Taken- The total distance of both the journeys combined is covered in around 135 minutes (90 minutes from Port Blair to Havelock and 45 minutes from Havelock to Neil Island). Because of a speedy journey, some people feel seasick so make sure to take the precautions for a stress-free journey. 
3. Port Blair to Neil Island Ferry (Ferry Operators) – There are various private ferry operators like Makruzz, Nautika (previously, Sealink ), Green Ocean, and ITT Majestic that run in Andaman. Government ferries also cover the distance between Port Blair to Neil Islands. 
4. First Ferry from Port Blair to Neil Island- The earliest ferry is the Makruzz ferry that starts from Port Blair to Havelock at 6 am. From Havelock to Neil Island, Green Ocean ferry starts at 9:15 am. 
5. Last Ferry  from Port Blair to Neil Island- The last ferry of the day is the Makruzz ferry that runs from Port Blair to Havelock at 2 pm. From Havelock to Neil Island, Nautika ferry comes last at 2:30 pm. 
6. Boarding/Departure Jetty- All the private ferries from Port Blair to Neil Island depart from Haddo Jetty in Northern Port Blair. The government ferries depart from Phoenix Bay jetty. 
7. Arrival Jetty- All the private ferries from Neil Island to Port Blair arrive at Haddo Jetty. Whereas the government ferries anchor at Phoenix Bay jetty. 
8. Number of Ferries in a day from Port Blair to Neil Island- 9 ferries run from Port Blair to Havelock on a daily basis. Whereas, 7 ferries run from Havelock to Neil everyday. Note that this number keeps changing according to the weather conditions and so. 
9. Ferry Price- Government ferries, ideal for islanders, range between Rs 85- 150 per person and for non-islanders between Rs. 600- 830. Private ferries, ideal for tourists, start at Rs. 800. 
10. Seating and Seat Map- Each ferry has its own classes and seating style. All the private ferries are well equipped with cushioned seats and clean transparent windows for a beautiful view. They also have a comfortable and pleasant internal temperature regulation. 

Types of Ferry Services in Andaman and Nicobar Islands

1. Private Ferry from Port Blair to Neil Island
   
   
2. Government Ferry from Port Blair to Neil Island

Andaman Private Ferry Services

Private ferries run on time, are clean and well organized with ferry staff to assist you at all points. Most importantly, getting booking availability with private ferries is a lot easier than getting bookings for government ferries. They cost a little more but considering aforementioned points, they are worth the price. On our booking page, you can compare fares & timings for all ferries and book tickets for any of the ferries. We’re a one- stop shop for all your ferry needs. 

4 Private Ferry Operators operating in the Andamans

Makruzz

Initiated in 2009, Makruzz is the passenger servicing arm of MAK Logistics. Been in service for 15 years now, Makruzz makes the oldest private ferry in the Andamans. The primary intent behind this pioneering initiative was to improve the accessibility to tourist worthy destinations like Havelock and Neil. Makruzz has two decks and four categories of seats: Premium, Premium +, Deluxe, and Royal. Premium and Premium + seats are available on the lower deck with the Premium + seats having a window view. The upper deck accommodates the Deluxe and Royal seats with the royal class having eight pushback seats in a private cabin.

Read More: Makruzz

Nautika (Previously, Sealink)

NAUTIKA has been one of the reputed private ferries since 2022. New and fast, with two completely air-conditioned decks she accommodates 285 passengers in comfort and style. Nautika ferry is at par with international speed standards of 30 knots churning forth from her stern. NAUTIKA ferry is furnished with twin upper and lower decks, further classed into Royal and Luxury. It also has comfortable seating, decent interiors and provides entertainment facilities like live music and dance for the passengers.

Read More: Nautika

Green Ocean

The only private ferry to offer an open deck, Green Ocean Cruise has 2 vessels. Green Ocean 1 offers seating and a guest movement area, for guests to be able to get some fresh air. Green Ocean 2 is a fully air-conditioned ferry with no open deck area. Green Ocean 1 has a total of 316 seats divided into 3 categories namely Deluxe, Luxury, and Royal. It also has an open-air cafeteria and an in-built music entertainment system.

Read More: Green Ocean

ITT Majestic

Focused on comfortable, hassle- free and luxurious customer services, ITT Majestic is a high-speed, fully air-conditioned catamaran ferry. ITT Majestic has 200 seats divided into two categories: Silver and Majesty. The silver category is a little crowded but offers a good view of the sea- from both the front and the side. Majestic category on the other hand, has an extra legroom, is more premium and offers refreshments onboard. 

Read More: ITT Majestic

Andaman Government Ferry Services

Government ferries from Port Blair to Neil Island are operated by the Directorate of Shipping Services (DSS). The department primarily operates for the convenience of local islanders. Since this is the only way of transportation for the islanders, tickets are highly subsidized for them. Residents also have a decent local knowledge which makes using government ferries convenient for them. 

Though slightly cheaper in comparison to the private ferries, government Ferry booking is not available on our platform as we think that from a tourist’s point of view, it’s not the most feasible way. However they’re available everyday and depart from Phoenix Bay Jetty.

Why do we recommend Private ferries over Government ferries?

As mentioned earlier, we as localities feel that for a more relaxed and hassle-free holiday experience, it’s advisable to opt for private ferries which primarily work for the travellers.The government ones are designed mainly for local transportation and may not be the ideal choice for tourists. Go2Andaman does not facilitate bookings for government ferry tickets. If you plan to use them, tickets can be purchased upon arrival at Neil Island. Keep in mind that ticket queues tend to form early in the morning, and if you find yourself at the back of the line, there’s a chance that seats may be occupied by the time your turn arrives. Moreover, having only limited seats, the tickets on government ferries are booked months in advance, sometimes the waiting is 4-6 months.

Onboard Services in Private Ferry

Baggage- You can take as much baggage as you like for free without making a reservation. Baggage items include briefcases, laptops, rucksacks, trolley bags or suitcases. If you have anything you have a doubt about, it’s a good idea to reach out.  The baggage is checked in before you head to your seats.

Food and Beverages– Private ferries offer an extensive menu and a wide variety of vegetarian, and non-vegetarian dishes. The upgraded seat plans offer complimentary food and beverages. 

Entertainment- Live music and dance can level up the whole experience, right? The ferries make sure so add to your once in a lifetime experience.

Travel with children- Toddlers under the age of 1 and 2 years travel for free and don’t need a ticket. The ferries are family friendly and provide any help required for the kids. 

Special Assistance- Be it booking tickets or being on board, the staff pays extra care to any needs of the passengers. They assist you with booking, checking-in, boarding, and disembarking. Also, staff happily answer any questions or assist with any queries to make your journey easier.

Essential facilities– The private ferries provide clean and hygienic washrooms. Additionally, in case of passengers getting sea sick, they also provide medical assistance.

How to book your ferry tickets from Port Blair to Neil?

We at GO2Andaman have simplified the ferry booking process to just three steps! 

Search– Compare all the ferry operators, routes and classes.

Book – Book the desired ferry suiting your dates and times.

Sail – Board your ferry, check-in your luggage and sail to paradise islands.

1. If you are booking your ferry on the day of arrival in Port Blair, make sure there is a time gap of 1.5 hours to 2 hours between your flight arrival and ferry departure time. You will need to be present at the jetty at least 1 hour before the ferry departure time. 
2. Book your ferries in the sequence of your travel. An example: if you are going from Port Blair to Havelock to Neil & then back to Port Blair, book your ferry for Port Blair to Havelock first, then Havelock to Neil & then Neil to Port Blair.