Ferry from Neil to Havelock Island - Booking & Timings
The Ferry from Neil Island to Havelock is an important part of planning an island-hopping trip in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Neil Island, officially known as Shaheed Dweep, and Havelock Island, officially known as Swaraj Dweep, are popular destinations for their beaches, clear waters, coral reefs and marine activities. Travelling between these islands by ferry is a practical way to continue your itinerary without returning to Port Blair first.
Passengers can choose from private ferry operators offering different departure times, travel durations and seating categories, subject to availability. Planning the journey in advance helps travellers coordinate hotel check-outs, sightseeing and onward travel. Before confirming a ticket, it is important to check the correct route, departure terminal, passenger details, fare and cancellation conditions.
This guide explains ferry booking, schedules, ticket prices, travel duration and useful arrangements for travelling between Neil Island and Havelock Island.
Havelock to Niel Island Ferry: Route and Travel Information
The Havelock to Niel Island ferry route connects Swaraj Dweep with Shaheed Dweep. Although the destination names are sometimes searched with different spellings, Neil Island is the commonly used name, while Shaheed Dweep is its official name. The journey is popular among travellers exploring multiple Andaman islands during one holiday.
The route is served by private passenger ferries, with operators and departure schedules varying according to the date and season. Depending on the vessel and sailing, the journey generally takes around 45 minutes to 1.5 hours. Some services may take longer, so passengers should check the specific sailing details before making travel arrangements.
The main boarding point on Havelock Island is the passenger jetty, while travellers arriving at Neil Island use its designated ferry terminal. Passengers should verify the terminal details shown on their tickets rather than relying only on the island name.
Why This Ferry Route Matters
Travelling directly between Havelock and Neil Island helps reduce unnecessary backtracking through Port Blair. It is particularly useful for visitors who want to explore Havelock's beaches and water activities before continuing to Neil Island for its quieter coastal scenery.
Common reasons for taking this route include:
Continuing an island-hopping itinerary without returning to Port Blair.
Visiting Bharatpur Beach and Laxmanpur Beach on Neil Island.
Exploring Radhanagar Beach, Kalapathar Beach, and other attractions on Havelock Island before departure.
Coordinating hotel stays and sightseeing across both islands.
Connecting with onward ferries to Port Blair, subject to the available timetable.
The most suitable departure depends on the travel date, available seats, and the time needed for activities on each island.
Ferry from Niel to Havelock Island : Booking Process
Booking an inter-island ferry requires selecting the correct travel direction and checking the sailing available on your preferred date. Passengers travelling from Neil Island to Havelock should look specifically for the Neil Island–Havelock route, as a ticket for Havelock to Neil Island is valid for the opposite direction only when separately booked for that journey.
The online booking process generally involves the following steps:
Select the route: Choose Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep) as the departure point and Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep) as the destination.
Enter the travel date: Select the date on which you plan to travel and check the available sailings.
Compare ferry options: Review the operator, departure time, expected arrival time, seating category, and ticket price.
Enter passenger details: Provide the names and identification details requested during the booking process.
Complete payment: Check the total amount, including applicable charges, before making payment.
Save the ticket: Keep the booking confirmation and ticket accessible on your phone, along with the identification document required for boarding.
The Andaman ferry booking page provides information about ferry travel in the islands. For live availability and current departure details, passengers should also check the relevant ferry operator or authorised booking platform.
Ferry Timings and Travel Duration Between the Islands
Ferry schedules between Havelock and Neil Island depend on the operator, vessel, operating season, and sea conditions. Private operators such as Makruzz and Green Ocean publish route schedules, but their listed sailings can differ.
For planning purposes, the following details are useful:
Travel duration: Allow approximately 45 minutes to 1.5 hours for many private ferry services between the islands. Confirm the duration for your selected sailing.
Morning departures: Some services operate in the morning, making them useful for travellers who want to reach the next island earlier in the day.
Afternoon departures: Certain routes may offer afternoon sailings, depending on the date and operator.
Return direction: The schedule for Neil Island to Havelock may not match the Havelock to Neil Island timetable.
Weather-related changes: Rough seas, operational requirements, or administrative instructions can cause delays and cancellations.
For example, Green Ocean's published schedule lists Havelock-to-Neil services, including a 9:15 AM departure for Green Ocean 1 and a 9:45 AM departure for Green Ocean 2 in its stated operating season. These are examples for the opposite direction, not confirmed Neil-to-Havelock departure times.
Always check the exact date and route before making other travel arrangements. Timings displayed on older travel pages may no longer apply to the current season.
Ferry Ticket Prices and Seating Categories
The price of a ferry ticket depends on the operator, seating category, travel date, and any applicable fees. Private ferry services may offer different classes, such as economy, premium, deluxe, or other operator-specific categories. The names and benefits of these categories vary between companies.
When comparing ticket prices, consider the following factors:
Seating category: Different categories may offer different seating arrangements and onboard facilities.
Operator: Each ferry company determines its own fare structure.
Travel date: Availability and pricing may vary during busy travel periods.
Additional charges: Check whether the displayed fare includes port fees, taxes, or other applicable charges.
Cancellation terms: Review the refund and amendment policies before payment.
Avoid relying on a fixed fare quoted in an old article, because prices and seat availability can change. The final amount shown during the booking process is the more relevant reference for your journey. If you are travelling with family or in a group, check the total cost for all passengers rather than comparing only the individual ticket price.
Best Time to Book Your Ferry Ticket
Advance booking is useful when travelling during the busier Andaman tourism season, public holidays and school vacation periods. Seats on popular sailings may become unavailable, particularly when several travellers are following similar itineraries.
Consider these practical booking tips:
Reserve your preferred sailing once your travel dates are confirmed.
Check the availability of seats for every passenger before completing payment.
Keep a copy of the ticket and booking reference.
Verify the departure terminal and boarding instructions.
Check for schedule updates shortly before travelling.
Leave sufficient time between your ferry arrival and any onward transport.
The Directorate of Shipping Services also provides official information for government ferry services, including voyage enquiries, fares, and berth availability. Government services have different booking arrangements from private passenger ferries, so confirm which service you are selecting.
Important Things to Check Before Boarding
Preparation can make the ferry journey between Neil Island and Havelock more straightforward. Passengers should arrive at the designated jetty with enough time for ticket verification and boarding. Follow the arrival time specified by the operator, as boarding gates may close before the scheduled departure.
Before leaving your accommodation, check that you have:
Your confirmed ferry ticket or booking reference.
Valid identification matching the passenger details provided during booking.
Your luggage organised for boarding.
The correct departure terminal and sailing time.
Contact details or booking notifications for schedule updates.
If travelling with children, elderly passengers, or people requiring assistance, review the operator's boarding arrangements in advance. Keep essential items accessible in your hand luggage and follow crew instructions throughout the journey.
Weather conditions are particularly important when travelling between islands. A ferry may be delayed or cancelled when sea conditions are unsuitable. Avoid planning a flight departure or another time-sensitive activity immediately after an inter-island sailing, and allow a reasonable buffer for unexpected changes.
Planning Your Neil and Havelock Island Itinerary
The ferry journey works best when it is coordinated with your accommodation and sightseeing plans. Havelock Island is known for Radhanagar Beach, Kalapathar Beach, and opportunities for water-based activities. Neil Island offers Bharatpur Beach, Laxmanpur Beach, Sitapur Beach, and the natural rock formation commonly known as the Natural Bridge.
If you are travelling from Neil Island to Havelock, plan your departure around your checkout time and the distance between your accommodation and the jetty. Similarly, when travelling in the opposite direction, leave enough time to reach the ferry terminal after completing sightseeing.
Travellers connecting through Port Blair should check whether their chosen sailing is direct or involves a connection. Do not assume that a ticket for one island-to-island sector includes onward transportation to another destination.
Conclusion
The Ferry from Neil to Havelock Island is a practical option for travellers exploring the Andaman Islands. Selecting the correct route, checking current ferry timings, comparing ticket prices and confirming passenger details are important steps when arranging the journey. Booking ahead can also help travellers secure suitable seats during busy periods.
Before departure, verify the latest schedule with the ferry operator or booking platform, review the applicable ticket conditions and allow extra time for weather-related changes. Careful planning makes it easier to coordinate ferry travel, accommodation, and sightseeing across Neil Island and Havelock Island.