Nautika
The Andamans' fastest, newest catamaran — a 33m Singapore-built vessel cruising up to 30 knots with fully air-conditioned Luxury and Royal class decks and 10+ daily sailings across Port Blair, Havelock and Neil.
Ferries are the backbone of every Andaman itinerary — they decide when you reach Havelock's beaches, whether your Neil Island day is rushed, and how relaxed departure morning feels. All three private operators run air-conditioned catamarans between Port Blair, Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) and Neil (Shaheed Dweep); the differences are speed, comfort class and price. Here's the honest comparison we give our own guests.
Makruzz
Long-trusted premium air-conditioned catamaran with assigned seating and smooth crossings between Port Blair, Havelock and Neil.
Green Ocean
Reliable, great-value sailings across the islands with multiple daily departures and flexible seating classes.
Side-by-side comparison
| Operator | Port Blair ↔ Havelock | Classes | Indicative fare | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nautika | ~90 min Port Blair ↔ Havelock | Luxury · Royal | ₹1,300–₹1,700 per person | Newest fleet — Royal class sells out first in season |
| Makruzz | ~90–120 min Port Blair ↔ Havelock | Premium · Deluxe · Royal | ₹1,150–₹1,650 per person | The long-running favourite — best pick for early-morning transfers |
| Green Ocean | ~2–2.5 hrs Port Blair ↔ Havelock | Economy · Premium · Royal | ₹1,000–₹1,400 per person | Best value — open upper deck for sea views on calm days |
Fares vary by class, season and how early you book; treat the ranges above as planning numbers, not quotes. Havelock ↔ Neil is about 60 minutes on any operator.
Local booking tips
- December–January sells out 3–4 weeks ahead — morning sailings first. Book ferries before hotels if your dates are fixed.
- Take the morning ferry to Havelock: you're on Radhanagar Beach by lunch instead of checking in at sunset.
- Prone to sea-sickness? Choose lower-deck seats near the middle of the vessel and take a tablet 30 minutes before boarding.
- Carry a printed or offline copy of your ticket — jetty mobile signal can be patchy at boarding time.
- Monsoon (June–September) sailings can shift or cancel with weather. Build one buffer day before your return flight, always.
Every Azure Trails itinerary includes ferry tickets — we hold the right seats on the right operator for your dates, and if a schedule shifts we rebook before it costs you a beach day.
Good to know
Andaman ferry questions, answered
How long is the ferry from Port Blair to Havelock?
Private catamarans (Nautika, Makruzz) take roughly 90–120 minutes from Port Blair to Havelock (Swaraj Dweep); Green Ocean takes around 2–2.5 hours. Havelock to Neil Island is about 60 minutes.
Which is better — Makruzz or Nautika?
Both are air-conditioned private catamarans with similar comfort. Nautika is newer and slightly faster (up to 30 knots); Makruzz usually runs the earliest morning slot, which suits tight itineraries. As local agents we book whichever fits your day best — fares are comparable at ₹1,150–₹1,700 per person.
How far in advance should I book Andaman ferry tickets?
In peak season (December–January) book 3–4 weeks ahead — popular morning sailings sell out first. In shoulder months 1–2 weeks is usually enough. Every Azure Trails itinerary includes ferry seats held for you before you land.
What happens if my ferry is cancelled due to weather?
Rough-sea cancellations happen mainly in the monsoon (June–September). Operators rebook you on the next available sailing or refund the fare. Because our team is on the islands, we re-plan your day and rebook seats the moment a schedule shifts — you don't queue at the jetty counter.
Is there a government ferry option?
Yes — government ferries cost roughly ₹500–₹800 per person but have limited schedules, basic seating and tickets that are hard to secure in season. For most visitors the private catamarans are worth the difference; we include them in every package.
How much luggage can I take on Andaman ferries?
Operators allow roughly 20–25 kg per passenger plus hand baggage, similar to a domestic flight. Luggage is tagged and stowed at boarding; keep valuables and sea-sickness tablets in your hand bag.
