The fast catamarans run by Makruzz and Nautika take about 90 minutes from Port Blair (officially Sri Vijaya Puram since 2024) to Havelock (Swaraj Dweep). The first boats leave around 6 am. When we checked their timetables, the last departures for Havelock were at 12:30 pm on Nautika and 2 pm on Makruzz. So if your flight lands after midday, spend the first night in Port Blair and cross in the morning. Book on the operators’ own websites, and book early for December and January.
Government ferries run by the Andaman and Nicobar Directorate of Shipping Services make the crossing too. They’re slower and cheaper, and islanders depend on them for everyday travel. On a short holiday, most visitors take a private boat.
Crossing times
These are the operators’ own figures. The sea and the season can add a little.
- Port Blair to Havelock: about 1½ hours on Makruzz or Nautika.
- Havelock to Neil (Shaheed Dweep): about an hour, or 45 minutes on some Nautika sailings.
- Neil to Port Blair: about 1 to 1¼ hours.
- Port Blair to Neil direct: Nautika lists a direct route that takes about 2 hours. Most people go via Havelock instead.
Agents also sell seats on other, slower boats, and the government ferries take longer than the catamarans.
How to book
- Book direct on makruzz.com or gonautika.com. Agents resell the same seats, sometimes for more.
- Book the whole loop at once: Port Blair to Havelock, Havelock to Neil, then Neil back to Port Blair. It’s the order our 6-day Andaman itinerary follows, and booking every leg together means each crossing fits the next.
- Book early for Christmas and New Year. In peak season the good sailings fill up days ahead.
- Print your ticket. Makruzz’s terms say a hard copy is required at check-in. Makruzz also asks you to reconfirm your booking a day before you sail.
On the day
- Get to the jetty an hour early. Makruzz asks for an hour and Nautika for at least 45 minutes. Makruzz closes check-in 15 minutes before departure.
- Know your jetty. Makruzz sends passengers to Haddo Jetty in Port Blair, which it says is 15 to 20 minutes from the airport by taxi. Nautika prints the boarding point on your ticket.
- Carry photo ID for every passenger. The names on the tickets must match the IDs. Foreign passengers need their passport and visa.
- Pack for the hold. Makruzz allows 25 kg of checked luggage per person. Nautika’s allowance is lower, so check your ticket if you’re carrying a lot. Large bags go in the hold, so keep medicines, water and anything valuable in a small bag with you.
- If you get seasick, sit low down and near the middle of the boat, where it moves least.
If the weather turns
- Rough weather cancels sailings. If an operator cancels for weather, both Makruzz and Nautika give a full refund. Makruzz also offers to move you to another sailing if there’s space.
- The monsoon, June to September, brings the roughest seas and the most cancellations. December to March is the calmest stretch.
- Leave a spare day before your flight home. Then a cancelled ferry back from Havelock or Neil won’t cost you the flight.
- Cancelling yourself costs more the closer you get. With Makruzz, there’s no refund within 24 hours of sailing.
Sources
- Makruzz: fares and schedule
- Makruzz: frequently asked questions
- Makruzz: terms and conditions
- Nautika: routes and timetable
- Nautika: frequently asked questions
- Nautika: terms of service
Checked . Rules, fees and timetables change, so check the official source before you travel.