Ferry Services in Andaman And Nicobar Islands

Ferry Services in Andaman — Andaman and Nicobar Island is a paradise in India. The Islands are well known for their rich marine life, virgin beaches, and natural green cover. The Island offers a perfect destination for exotic and family holidays. The capital city of the Islands is called Port Blair which connects the island with the rest of the world. Andaman has many islands with numerous water activities and sightseeing sights.

Geographically the islands are separated by water meaning that you cannot use any other means of transport apart from the sea when hopping from one island to the other. However, road transport is still available for islands in the north and middle of Andaman. Ferry services remain the main means of transportation in this area. We can say that they serve as the backbone of tourism in the area.

The Neil and Havelock Islands are among the most toured islands in the Andaman, and they are connected to Port Blair with ferry services. Tourist can move between the destinations using the ferry services. If you are in Port Blair and you are wondering the best means of transport, go with cruise or ferry services.

The ferry services are into two:

1. Government operated ferry
2. Private ferry

Government Ferry in Andaman :-

The Directorate of Shipping Services manages the government ferries. The government ferries operate between Port Blair, Neil Island, Havelock Island, Hut Bay, Strait Island, Long Island, Rangat, Mayabunger, Campbell Bay and many more islands.

The government ferries are operated to bring convenience to the locals, and they offer them subsidized tickets. Note that, the subsidized tickets are available for the locals only, and it is the only means of transport available to them. The locals get the tickets by queening up at the counters. There is no option to book the tickets online. So what about the tourists who want to use the government ferry? They can book their tickets via local travel agents or queue on the line once in Port Blair. The government ferry has an open deck where you can stand, take beautiful pictures and breathe fresh air.

Government ferry between Port Blair, Neil and Havelock Islands

We would like to present the real situation behind the government ferry tickets. It can be challenging to secure a ferry ticket, especially during the peak seasons, between October and January. Even the travel agents find it difficult to get tickets for their clients. The authorities are not very cooperative during this time because of the high demand. Make your bookings early to avoid frustrations that come with the last minute rush.

Government ferry for Little Andaman

Government ferries sail from Port Blair to Little Andaman every day. The sail schedules vary from time to time, hence the need to keep yourself updated with the latest schedule. The sail schedules are available on their website. It is easy to get tickets to the Hut Bay because the demand is not as high as to the Neil and Havelock Islands.

Foreign tourists require a RAP number to book the tickets, meaning that they can only book tickets upon arrival. Travel agents are willing to help you get the tickets as well.

Government ferry for other Islands

You can easily access ferry tickets to other islands in the same case as the Little Andaman. Always check the official government website for schedules and prices. The schedules change from time to time depending on the ship supply and demand on that side. As already mentioned, obtaining a ticket to the other islands is easy compared to Neil and Havelock Island.

Private Ferry in Andaman

Private ferry services operate from Phoenix Bay jetty in Port Blair. There are a number of private ferries connecting the islands including the Green Ocean, Sea Link, and Makruzz. The private ferries have something different from the other in terms of luxury and comfort.

Private ferries publish their sailing schedules in advance compared to the government ferries. In addition to that, they are easier to book, and they offer online booking services. You can book the ticket on your own or through a travel agent. There are different travel classes on the private ferries and prices differ accordingly. Their tickets are more expensive than the government tickets.

The fact that you can book advance tickets online makes the private ferry services convenient. Customers have often said that the crew is helpful and friendly. If you are looking forward to visiting the Andaman Islands, consider using the private ferry services. They have cafeterias and clean toilets. The private ferries, however, do not have an open deck like that of the government ferry. However, their speed and cleanliness are recommendable.

Since the private ferries are not many, it can become difficult getting tickets during the peak seasons. Plan and book your tickets before the peak seasons.

Tips When Booking the Ferry Tickets

Book tickets before confirming hotels

Many travelers make the mistake of booking hotels before getting their tickets. Many stranded tourists move from one travel agent to the other trying to get a travel ticket which sometimes is almost impossible. Never book a hotel before securing a ferry ticket. We cannot stress this enough.

Listen to your travel agency

Many travel agencies have a guideline on the best time to book a ferry ticket and other important details on their websites. If you are visiting the Andaman for the first time, kindly take the advice of your travel agency. You will be in a better position if you book a holiday with them, because, they will take care of your ferry tickets and everything else you will need during your trip.

Ferry cancellations

Keep checking the ferry websites for updates on ferry schedules. Sometimes, the ferries will develop technical itches or other problems beyond their control. At times they will try to book you with other operators, but if they cannot find a solution, they will cancel your booking and refund your money. They do not, however, take the liability for your hotel and flight bookings. If you were already in the islands, check with the locals for help and try to reduce the damage.

Best ferry service in Andaman book in advance

The best ferry service from Port Blair to Havelock & Niel Island.we booked our tickets in advance online.The ferry is very well maintained. Crew is helpful. For tourist this is good option as this takes significantly lesser time on its journey to, and from Havelock, and Port Blair. This has a small cafeteria where you can get some snacks, and decent toilets for the journey.What i did’nt like in this ship is it had no open deck like the govt ship. where you can stand and breath the fresh air,click beautiful pictures.good things about Experience Andaman are- its speed and cleanliness.you can save almost an hour by travelling in it.strongly recommend this ferry for travelling to havelock.