Hello,
Back at you with some travel advice today. When I searched for this online it was very difficult information to source so I thought I’d put together a guide to getting from Port Blair to Havelock.
Originally we weren’t going to visit Havelock as we thought 3 days wouldn’t be enough. However, it was perfect and everything I had ever dreamed of. I can see why they call it the Maldives of India.
I have some posts planned on elephant beach, advice for Havelock and what you must see and do there – so keep your eye out!
RAP – Restricted Area Permit
This used to be an extra piece of paperwork you filled out upon arrival to the Andaman Islands. Now 23 of the most popular islands no longer ask for this so do not be alarmed if you are not given one but see signs for it. As of August 2018, they are no longer necessary on the main islands, Havelock and Neil.
To find out more check out the government site here.
How to get to Havelock
By ferry
This is the main way to get to Havelock and is much more budget friendly than the other suggestions.
There are 3 companies that run crossings to Havelock. These are Makruzz and Green Ocean and then the government ferry. We got Makruzz in both directions and enjoyed our experience with them.
Makruzz
We used the most popular ferry, Makruzz who have 3 crossings per day from Port Blair to Havelock and 2 from Havelock to Port Blair. They also continue on from Havelock to Neil island twice per day.
These timings are –
DEPARTURE FROM PORT BLAIR TO HAVELOCK 07.15 / ARRIVAL 08:45
DEPARTURE FROM PORT BLAIR TO HAVELOCK 13:00 ARRIVAL 14:45
DEPARTURE FROM HAVELOCK TO PORT BLAIR 15:00 ARRIVAL: 16.30
DEPARTURE FROM HAVELOCK TO PORT BLAIR 9:15 ARRIVAL: 10.45
They have two catamaran boats which take only 90 minutes to do the port Blair to Havelock journey.
Makruzz prices
They have 3 classes. Premium prices are 1425 Rs each way (excluding GST)
Deluxe are 1955Rs and royal are 3125 Rs each way.
The seats are comfortable in premium (their name for economy) and they assign you seats at check-in.
During peak season, December and January, there is a 100 rs fee extra per person.
Makruzz website
Their website is very difficult to work and can be very temperamental. For me, I found it a little weird to use especially as it was difficult to select a return journey. However, we bought our way out at 7.15am as the 9.30 crossing was full.
When we got to port Blair, every driver offered to get us ferry tickets if we didn’t already. This was also the same in Havelock, however as we had no cash – we ended up going to the office ourselves where they took card payments.
Getting a ferry at Port Blair
The Haddo jetty is the main port for Makruzz. We got an autorickshaw there and then walked into one big room.
There we had to scan our bags and have the metal detector. (From experience you get this going into Malls and hotels in India)
Then we joined a queue to the waiting room. Our tickets were checked and then one of us had to go with our ID and check in.
Like an aeroplane, we had seats assigned and then we had to wait for boarding. A guy shouted our ferry name and as we couldn’t hear we went to ask.
He got us to stand in the queue and then we had our tickets checked once more before being allowed onto the ship.
At Havelock, the experience was more relaxed. We just had to check in at the office and then wait for someone to shout our boat.
The boat even waited for a very large family of 20 who were late!
Green ocean
This is a much smaller boat and is often filled up faster. The tickets prices are –
And it’s timings are –
Port Blair to Havelock
DEPARTURE 12:30 PM ARRIVAL – 2:45 PM
DEPARTURE 6:30 AM ARRIVAL -09:00 AM
Havelock to Port Blair
DEPARTURE 09:30 AM – ARRIVAL 12:15 PM
DEPARTURE 3.00PM – ARRIVAL 5.45PM
Their prices also range from 1407 Rs to 1761 Rs each way.
This is the other popular company for getting to Havelock. We tried to get tickets but it’s Monday morning crossing was full when we asked on Saturday!
Government Ferry
This takes over 2 and a half hours to do the crossing. It is difficult to find the schedule online and it is printed at the ticket counters in Port Blair and Havelock.
The crossing costs 850 Rs and leaves Port Blair from Phoenix Bay Jetty (different from Makruzz and Green Ocean)
Other ways to get to Havelock
By air
Helicopter schedule
Check out the schedule here for the helicopter journeys.
Seaplane
The schedule is also here for the seaplane – including prices!
**These keep changing so I have decided not to put the schedule up**
Private boat
These can be hired and chartered to get from island to island. There is more information about this here on this website. However, some of them you may need to book in advance or upon reaching Port Blair.
I hope this guide gave you an insight into how to get to this magical place that is Havelock island.
Until next time
The Great Ambini
X x
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This is a great guide, really informative. Sometimes when you are doing these ferry trips it seems like there are so many different options, it can get quite confusing especially when there is no one to explain the options properly without trying to sell you the most expensive one!
I think the way you’ve put the information from the different ferry sites is very useful and makes it easier to pick the best option. I have not been to India yet but my daughter will be travelling there early next year.
A very thorough and concise review of traveling to Port Blair. It’s great to have the ferry companies, plus their schedule and rates listed in one place. Also, good to know there are alternatives modes of transportation as well.
This is a very informative post that would be useful for anyone planning to visit Havelock Island. It must be beautiful if it’s known as the Maldives of India.
Great guide and really informative here. The main thing I learnt here is I know that there is a Havelock Island in the world. I never heard of it but would consider hitting up the place to see the Maldives of India.
Never heard of Havelock before. The title Maldives of India is tremendously seductive. I suppose it is a more affordable alternative, too!
This is a really informative guide especially as I’ve never been to the Maldives of India. Sounds like a paradise especially with the water in your first picture. Definitely a great way to save money transfering your self the place and now I want to add Havelock island to my list.
Your report is really very informative, thank you! It’s good to know that you have so many options to get from Port Blair to Havelock. I inform myself in advance always very carefully when we are traveling, as this report can help great.
Just pinned it! ?Great guide! Haven’t been to India yet, but gathering info for my upcoming trip!
I am an Indian and yet to explore this part of my country which is known as Maldives of India. You have given me a new goal which now is on my priority. Thanks for the detailed information. Bookmarking it for future use.
I think the way you’ve put the information from the different ferry sites is very useful and makes it easier to pick the best option. I am Indian an I want to visit Andaman islands in Next month. Can you suggest me Best agency for Andaman tour packagae
Great Information thanks for sharing i love this place i have been visited two times and
every time this place gives a new memory
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