Port Blair to Havelock Island Guide: Ferry bookings, Where to Stay & Places to visit in Andaman
Known for its calming and secluded beaches, there are many places to visit in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Two of the most popular tourist attractions in Andaman and Nicobar Island are Port Blair and Havelock Island. Port Blair, the capital of Andaman and Nicobar Island is the most sought-after destination in Andaman. Most of the historic places in Andaman like the Cellular Jail and Samudrika Museum are located in Port Blair. Another popular place to visit in Andaman and Nicobar Island is Havelock Island. Snorkelling in Havelock Island is a popular thing to do and most people travel from Port Blair to Havelock Island by ferry for this.
If it’s your first time visiting Andaman and Nicobar Islands, then there must be many questions pondering in your head. What’s the best way to travel locally? Where to stay in Port Blair? Is Port Blair better than Havelock Island? What are the best tourist attractions in Andaman? In this blog we’ll let you take the front seat and answer all the questions about visiting Port Blair to Havelock Island.
In this Blog
How to travel from Andaman and Nicobar Islands?
The primary way to travel to Andaman and Nicobar Island from India is by flight. There are many flights that run daily to the Islands, where the airport is located in Port Blair. It takes nearly 4 hours by a non-stop flight. Locally, it is ideal to rent a scooter or road to travel to the popular tourist attractions of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. However, the next question that arrives is how can one reach Havelock Island from Port Blair.
Travelling from Port Blair to Havelock Island by ferry
Located nearly 73 kms apart, the best way to travel from Port Blair to Havelock Island is by ferry. Ferry from Port Blair to Havelock Island runs every day and has two departure slots. The government ferry takes nearly 3 hours and charges between Rs. 85 to Rs. 150 for tourists. If your flight is in the morning, you should consider booking the ferry in advance for a smooth experience. Kindly note that the tickets need to be booked much in advance and UPI doesn’t work often. In this case, booking a private cruise or boat.
However, there are also private cruises that run from Port Blair to Havelock Island. These cruises take 2 hours and charge from upwards of Rs. 850. You can select your seats and view, along with a desirable timing according to your flight timings. For a more luxurious and personalised experience, this could be your best bet for travelling from Port Blair to Havelock Island.
There are also ferries from Port Blair to Neil Island that one can take. In case you’re making a 4-day itinerary for Andaman and Nicobar Islands, consider adding Neil Island to the list.
Places to visit in Port Blair
Cellular Jail
The most iconic and sought-after tourist destination in Port Blair, the Cellular Jail carries a past that is etched in everyone’s heart. Also known as Kala Pani, the site carries a significant relevance to those who sacrificed their lives for India’s freedom struggle. The jail has now been transformed into a Memorial site and often holds light and sound shows every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday. The cost of visiting Cellular Jail is extremely cheap with tickets starting from Rs. 30 per head.
Zonal Anthropology Museum
In case you’re interested in learning about the tribes of Andaman and their history, then the Zonal Anthropology Museum is one of the best places to visit in Port Blair. The Zonal Anthropology Museum is in everyone’s Andaman and Nicobar Museum itinerary because it captures a hidden and an often-overlooked vision of the tribes. Inside the museum, it showcases beautiful and striking insights into the lives of various tribal communities, including the Jarawa, Andamanese, Onge’s, Sentinelese, and more. Be it their lifestyle, food, history or culture, the Zonal Anthropology Museum tells it all. It would take nearly 2-3 hours for you to discover the place and has a mere entry fee of Rs. 10 per head.
Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park
A popular tourist attraction in Port Blair, the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park should be a must-visit on your Andaman and Nicobar Island itinerary. Established in 1983, the marine park was built with a vision to protect the region’s diverse marine life that includes reefs and sea turtles. The marine park boasts 15 untainted islands that includes the Red Skin Island, Grub Island and Jolly Buoy Island which can be visited by a boat ride. One of the best things to do in Port Blair Marine Park would be sea walking, bird watching and camping that will make your entire trip special.
Beaches of Port Blair
Of course, this list would be incomplete without the beautiful beaches of Port Blair. The beaches are renowned throughout the world for its serenity and secluded Ness. However, the beaches are also famous for water sports. One of the top beaches for water sports in Port Blair is South Button Island. The beach is popular for high visibility that makes it easier for snorkelling in Andaman and Nicobar Islands and because of vivid marine life such as docile fish, yellow snappers, sea plumes, ornate hard, and soft corals. For an amazing sunset in Port Blair, visit the Chidiya Tapu beach, filled with mangroves, trees and solitude. Corbyn’s Cove Beach in Port Blair is ideal for those who want to relax by the water, with calm seas perfect for swimming and sunbathing
Aberdeen Bazaar
Like all the holiday destinations in India, your trip to Port Blair would be incomplete without shopping. For an immersive shopping experience, you should visit Aberdeen Bazaar in Port Blair. The charming bazaar offers an array of handmade goods and souvenirs that are perfect to carry from your trip. It also showcases a beautiful collection of vibrant fabrics, unique pearl jewellery and tribal artefacts such as masks that are priced quite reasonably
Places to visit in Havelock Island
Elephant Beach
One of the top reasons to visit Havelock Island would be snorkelling. Snorkelling is a popular water sport where you get vivid glimpses of marine life. This is one of the best beaches in Havelock Island in case you want an adventurous and thrilling experience. The cost of snorkelling in Havelock Island starts from Rs. 500 and gives 20-30 minutes of time for snorkelling.
Radha Nagar Beach
Known as the cleanest beach of Asia, Radha Nagar beach in Havelock Island feels like a breath of fresh air. This is one of most beautiful and ravishing beaches in Havelock Island that you’ll instantly fall in love with. Well maintained with many places to eat, tourists who usually visit this gem in Havelock Island have a blast.
Lalaji Bay Beach
Located on the west coast of Long Island, Lalaji Bay Beach is a peaceful beach that attracts quite a large number of tourists. The best part about reaching this tourist attraction in Havelock Island is the route that takes you through mangroves and creek. The beach is undoubtedly famous for swimming and snorkelling, which are popular things to do in Havelock Island.
Neil Island
Although it is located a bit far from Havelock Island, this is an amazing place in Andaman and Nicobar Island for exploring. One can travel from Port Blair to Neil Island by ferry and reach this hidden tourist attraction in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Neil Island is famous because of its white sand beaches and unexplored coral reefs that takes a good time for exploration. In case you’re visiting Neil Island, then consider dedicating a separate day and making it a day trip from Port Blair.
Best Time to visit Andaman and Nicobar Island
The best time to visit Andaman and Nicobar Islands is between October and May, when the weather is pleasant and perfect for exploring the beaches of Port Blair and Havelock Island. You can easily travel from India to Andaman and Nicobar Island by flight. Locally, it is advised to rent a scooter or car so that you can easily visit the popular tourist attraction of Port Blair. However, to visit places outside Port Blair, consider taking a ferry from Port Blair to Havelock Island or Neil Island. For water sports like in Andaman like snorkelling and scuba diving, this is the perfect season to visit Havelock Island.
Best Places to stay in Port Blair
Port Blair is home to many beautiful homestays in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. These homestays and resorts in Port Blair are decked by the beaches and are close to many popular attractions in Port Blair. For those seeking a serene retreat, homestays in Port Blair offer a cozy stay while you discover the city’s charm. Resorts like Adhvasaha Beach Spa Resort and Heritage MNR are some of the popular places to stay in Port Blair.
If you’re already in Havelock Islands, consider going through these places for the perfect snorkelling experience in Havelock Island.
FAQs
How long is the ferry from Port Blair to Havelock Island?
Depending on the type of ferry you take, Port Blair to Havelock Island ferry will take nearly 2-4 hours. When it comes to government ferries, they take around 3 hours and charge a nominal fee of Rs. 85 to Rs. 150. However, due to time constraints, the ferries leave only twice each day.
How much does a boat cost from Port Blair to Havelock Island?
The average boat cost from Port Blair to Havelock Island is from Rs. 85 to Rs. 150. However, this is for the government ferries that have strict timings. For private boat and cruises, the price starts from upwards of Rs. 850 and goes as far as Rs. 5000.
Is Havelock Island expensive?
The best part about Havelock Island in Andaman and Nicobar Island is how inexpensive it. Being a small island, travelling is fairly easy and cheap. Adventurous activities like snorkelling in Havelock Island starts just from Rs. 500. All in all, there are many good and budget homestays in Havelock Island that will make your stay fairly easy.
Is it better to stay in Port Blair or Havelock Island?
Both the cities are the most visited places in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. If you’re looking for some solitude, relaxation with a tinge of adventure then Port Blair is a no-brainer. However, if you’re looking for a less crowded and a place to detox along with the adventurous activities, then Havelock Islands is the perfect place to visit in Andaman and Nicobar Island.
Which is better, Neil or Havelock?
Overall, Havelock Island offers a better and adventurous experience in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Be it snorkelling, sightseeing, or simply adoring the aquatic life, the beaches of Havelock provide a better experience. But that doesn’t mean that Neil Island shouldn’t be on your itinerary, the marine life of Neil Island is untouched and is a perfect day trip from Port Blair.
