Port Blair and Neil Island are separated by water and therefore you can only reach the island via a ferry. There used to be a Sea Plane Operational, but it has been discontinued from last year. Hence the only feasible to go to Neil is thorough a ferry.
Ferry services in Andaman are a treat and can let you explore the water surrounding the island which is a bonus for a traveler.
There are two types of ferries available in Andaman:
If you are planning to book a ferry in advance, its only possible to book a private one, as the Government ferries cannot be prebooked due to lack of any online portal.
There are numerous ferries that go from Port Blair to Neil Island, which gives you a lot of options to compare and book the one right for you:
During peak season the ferry tickets are sold out really fast, and therefore it's advised to pre-book them. For better options and pricing you can opt to explore the Havelock Island first then choose a ferry to Neil. This way you can save more on the whole tour.
The ferry for Neil Island leaves from the Haddo Wharf which is located on the Northern End of Port Blair, close to the Foreshore Road and Delanipur.
It's best to use Google Maps for directions to the Neil Island Ferry, by bus, auto rickshaw or by foot if you are nearby.
Most people go by an Auto, which can be easily found near Goalghar, Delanipur, Haddo and Aberdeen Bazaar.
You can also reach there via bus, by traveling to the Chatham Jetty, but you'll have to walk 1.3 KMs to reach the Haddo Wharf.
Please note that there are no buses or auto rickshaw stands near the Foreshore road.
Makruzz is currently operational for this route and is the most preferred way for traveling to Neil Island. This ferry offers a great travel experience with comfortable A/C seating with large windows for the perfect outside view. It also offers a much faster transit and other options like food and beverages during the travel.
Govt. Ferries are available from Port Blair to Neil Island which is control by DSS. The ferry may either leave from the Haddo Wharf or Phoenix Bay Jetty depending on the demand. The Directorate of Shipping Services operates this for the local islanders to allow a cheaper mode of transportation for them.
The islanders get the tickets at almost 30-50% lower prices than others and are given the first preference during the ticketing. Therefore, its recommended to book the private ferry, before you reach the islands, as getting tickets for Govt. Ferry can be hard.
Where can I book ferry tickets to Neil Island?
Private ferry and cruise tickets can be booked online or via partnered tour operators. For Govt. ferries you will have to reach Port Blair and book the tickets one day before your travel.
How much time does it take to reach Neil Island to Port Blair?
Neil Island can be reached in 90 to 120 minutes, depending on the respective ferry/ cruise. You have to reach the jetty 45 minutes before departure, so add another hour to your tour plan so you won't miss out.
What are the best places to visit in Neil Island?
You can visit Laxmanpur Beach, Bharatpur Beach, Natural Bridge and Sitapur Beach in Neil Island. For more information, you can read the article here.
Are there are Helicopters or Sea Planes to Neil Island?
Currently, there are no helicopters or sea planes operational to the Neil Island.
Can we go from Port Blair to Neil Island via road? Are there any bridges?
No, Neil and Port Blair are separated by sea and are not connected. Moreover, there are no bridges. So ferries are the only mode of transportation.
Do I have to buy a ticket for infant?
For infants above 1 year of age, you will have to buy tickets for the ferry.
When should I reach the Jetty?
You should reach the jetty atleast 1 hour before departure to make sure you have sufficient time for boarding. The boarding usually closes 30 minutes before departure.
Do I need to carry the ticket print out with me or is a soft-copy enough?
In Port Blair, it is required to carry a print-out of the ticket with you for boarding the ferry. Soft copies are not accepted, and it might be hard to open it due to lesser internet connectivity in Andaman.
Which documents should I carry before boarding the ferry?
You must carry a valid proof of identity, such as Aadhar card if you are an Indian citizen. One important thing to note is that PAN card is not accepted in Andaman as an ID proof.
If you are not a citizen of India, you must carry your passport during boarding.
Will I get sea-sick during the transit? Is there any way to avoid it?
Sometimes, when the weather is a bit rough, travelers may get sea-sick. For this the Private Ferry provides sickness bags for emergencies.
If you are worried about it, you can consult your physician and get some medicine for it before boarding the ferry.
Ferries like Makruzz and Green Ocean are very stable during rough weather. If the weather is really bad, the ferries might reschedule the trip to make sure the passengers stay safe. In this case a new ferry will be assigned or a full refund is provided.
What is the process of boarding the ferry to Neil?
Last updated on 21 Dec 2019