All three private operators run air-conditioned catamarans between Port Blair, Havelock and Neil, and honestly — none of them is a bad choice. We book all three every week for our guests; here’s how we actually decide.
| Operator | PB ↔ Havelock | Fare range | Pick it when |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nautika | ~90 min | ₹1,300–₹1,700 | You want the newest, fastest boat |
| Makruzz | ~90–120 min | ₹1,150–₹1,650 | You need the earliest morning slot |
| Green Ocean | ~2–2.5 hrs | ₹1,000–₹1,400 | Value matters; you like open decks |
Practicalities the booking sites don’t tell you: luggage allowance is roughly 20–25 kg per person plus hand baggage, boarding closes early when jetties are busy (be there 45–60 minutes ahead), and if you’re prone to sea-sickness pick lower-deck middle seats and take a tablet half an hour before boarding. Jetty mobile signal is patchy — carry your ticket offline.
Weather cancellations happen mainly in the monsoon (June–September). Operators rebook or refund, but the rebooking queue at the counter is where a beach day goes to die — this is exactly why every Azure Trails package includes ferries managed by us: when a sailing shifts, we’ve rebooked before you’ve heard about it.
Full timing, class and booking-window details live on our Andaman ferry options page. Heading to the islands the boats serve? Start with the Havelock guide.
Quick answers
Which Andaman ferry is the fastest?
Nautika, cruising up to 30 knots — about 90 minutes Port Blair to Havelock. Makruzz is close behind; Green Ocean takes 2–2.5 hours but costs less.
How early should I book Andaman ferry tickets?
3–4 weeks ahead for December–January (morning slots sell out first); 1–2 weeks is usually fine in shoulder season.
Is there a government ferry to Havelock?
Yes, at roughly ₹500–₹800 — but schedules are limited, seating is basic and tourist-quota tickets are hard to secure in season. Most visitors are happier on the catamarans.
Last verified: July 2026 by the Azure Trails team, on the islands.
