If you’re going on a trip to the Andaman Islands, you will be traveling on ferries to islands like Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep). To reach Havelock or other islands like Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep), you must take a ferry, which will leave at Port Blair and take around 1.5 to 2.5 hours, depending on the type of ferry you choose.
You can book a ferry ticket online or offline. Now the question is: what kind of ferry should you choose, and which one has the best service and value for your money? Read on, and you will find the answer to all these questions.
Types of Ferries in the Andaman Islands
There are two broad categories of ferries operating on these islands based on ownership: government ferries and private ferries. The rest of the blog is divided based on these two broad ferry categories.
Government Ferries In Andaman
These ferries run by the Andaman administration are a lifeline for the locals. They are cheap and reliable. If you want to travel cheaply, you should definitely give them a try.
But there are a few drawbacks to traveling on a government ferry.
- They’re in high demand as locals use them for regular commutes, and it becomes difficult to get these ferries.
- They’re not as comfortable as their private counterparts.
- They usually take more time than private ferries.
Apart from these things, they’re a very good option if you’re on a budget. You should definitely give them a try if you manage to secure a ticket.
How to book a government ferry ticket?
Online STARS e-Ticketing
You can book government ferry tickets online using the STARTS e-Ticketing portal between 09.00 am and 04.00 pm every day.
Create a user profile in order to book the tickets.
You must produce the ID proof used at the time of booking tickets at the time of boarding the ship. You must report 2 hours prior to departure. Boarding gates will close 30 minutes prior to departure.
You can read the terms and conditions of government ferries in Andaman.
Offline STARS Ticketing Counters
The ticket can be purchased in person at one of Andaman’s STARS (Ship Ticket Advance Reservation System) ticket counters or a CSC (Common Service Center). You can find a list on the DSS (Directorate of Shipping Services) website.
The Stars ticket counters are open Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 12: 30 p.m. They are closed on Sundays and other holidays. You can only book tickets two days in advance.
You can also get an update or a status from the information counter at Pheonix Bay, Port Blair, on the numbers 0319224555, 03192232714, and 18003452714 (toll-free).
Schedule of government ferry:
You can view the real-time status of ships and other details from the online enquiry service of the Directorate of Shipping Services, Andaman and Nicobar Administration.
Cost of government ferry tickets:
These tickets have lower costs when compared to private ferry tickets. Prices vary for islanders and non-islanders. For non-islanders, a ticket may cost INR 600 and above.
Boarding points of government ferries:
In Andaman and Nicobar, there are numerous islands connected by ferry. The government ferries have the largest network. But if you’re travelling to the Andaman Islands as a tourist, you’ll probably board a ferry from one of the following places:
Phoenix Bay Jetty at Port Blair
Havelock Ferry Ghat at Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep)
Neil Island Jetty at Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep)
Service of government ferries:
Government ferries are satisfactory to travel on. They are punctual and reliable. They are also air-conditioned. But they do not compare to the comfort and maintenance of the private ferries.
Below are some pictures for you to better understand the condition of government ferries.
Private Ferries In Andaman
Private ferries in the Andaman Islands cater specifically to tourists. They are well-maintained, quick, and punctual. They can be booked online in advance.
There are 5 private ferries in total operating between Port Blair, Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep), and Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep).
How to book a private ferry ticket?
Private ferry tickets can be booked online. The process is quite convenient and is similar to booking a flight ticket. You can book them well in advance, even before landing or docking on the Andaman Islands.
Private ferry schedule:
There are a maximum of six routes of operation for private ferries. But not all the ferries operate on all these routes. You can read the detailed schedule of private ferries in Andaman.
Boarding points of private ferries:
Haddo Jetty at Port Blair
Havelock Ferry Ghat at Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep)
Neil Island Jetty at Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep)
Service of private ferries:
Private ferries from Port Blair will provide you with excellent service. They’re lavish and comfortable. You will save time as private ferries are faster than government ferries.
Here are some pictures of the interior of private ferries:
Which ferry is the best from Port Blair?
If price isn’t a concern, then private ferries are a great choice from Port Blair. They’re fast, comfortable, and reliable. They also have a well-stocked pantry. Makruzz is the best among private ferries.
If you’re a little concerned about price, then you can go for either Green Ocean or ITT Majestic, as they have good coverage and are comparable to Makruzz.
If you’re on a budget, then go for government ferries. They are cheap and reliable. But you might find it difficult to book a government ferry ticket. If you don’t get a government ferry, then go for either Nautika or Sea Link, as they have very competitive prices.
Read More: How to reach Port Blair?
