Port Blair to Havelock to Neil Island: 5-Day Andaman Route

# Port Blair to Havelock to Neil Island: 5-Day Andaman Route

The most common first trip to the Andamans links three places: the capital, Havelock and Neil. Havelock has the best-known beaches and snorkelling, and Neil is a smaller, slower island a short ferry hop away. The plan below fits them into five days, with realistic ferry timings and the planning mistakes worth avoiding. It works best as a framework; confirm every sailing before you book hotels.

A note on names

Port Blair was renamed Sri Vijaya Puram by the Government of India in September 2024. Havelock is officially Swaraj Dweep and Neil is Shaheed Dweep, both renamed in December 2018. Ferry operators, maps and locals still use the older names, so you will see both. This guide uses the familiar ones.

Route at a glance

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Sources give different durations because boats, routes and weather vary. Treat these as a guide and use your booking confirmation.

Day 1: Arrive in Port Blair

Land at Port Blair and stay in or near the town. In the afternoon visit the Cellular Jail, built between 1896 and 1906, where the British held political prisoners. Of its seven wings and 696 cells, only the central tower and three wings survive, and it was declared a National Memorial in 1979. An evening light-and-sound show tells the story, and has been offered in English and Hindi. Check the show timing and book if needed.

Day 2: Ferry to Havelock

Take a morning ferry. Private catamarans such as Makruzz, Nautika, Green Ocean and ITT Majestic can be booked online and are faster and more comfortable; government ferries are cheaper but slower, and tickets have historically been bought at the Phoenix Bay counter, though the Directorate of Shipping Services has also launched online reservations. Book early in the December-January rush, and have a fallback if rough weather cancels sailings.

On arrival, check in at Govind Nagar or near Radhanagar Beach (No. 7), on the west coast. It was named the best beach in Asia by a magazine in 2004, received Blue Flag certification in 2020, and is mainly a swimming and sunset beach. Hire a scooter if you are comfortable riding, or arrange a taxi.

Day 3: Havelock: Elephant Beach and Kalapathar

Elephant Beach is reached by boat from the Havelock jetty or by a forest trek, and is usually the best snorkelling on the island. Many of Havelock's shallow reefs are in poor condition, so go with a licensed operator, wear a life jacket and never stand on or touch coral. One guide advises being back at the jetty by about 4 pm, as boats stop running to the beach later, so start in the morning.

Kalapathar is a quiet beach of dark rocks and works well early in the day. Havelock is also the main base for scuba, and beginners can take introductory dives with registered operators.

Day 4: Ferry to Neil Island

Take an early or mid-morning ferry to Neil (the earliest sailings have been listed around 9 am, but check). The island is small, about 13.7 km square, and can be covered in a day.

**Bharatpur Beach:** the main snorkelling site, with shallow, calm water. The best coral is reported on the left side of the jetty. Glass-bottom boat rides are an alternative.

**Laxmanpur Beach:** a good spot for sunset.

**Natural Bridge:** a limestone rock arch; access can depend on the tide, so ask locally.

Stay one night; Neil is slower and quieter than Havelock.

Day 5: Back to Port Blair and departure

Take a morning ferry back to Port Blair. Leave a minimum buffer of three to four hours between ferry arrival and your flight, as delays are common. If your flight is early, spend the previous night in Port Blair instead.

Best season

**October to May:** the usual travel window. Mid-January to mid-May is widely described as the best period for weather and diving.

**December to January:** busiest. Book ferries and rooms well ahead.

**Late May to July:** monsoon, with rough seas and cancelled ferries.

Late October is early in the season; the sea is often calm, but occasional rain and Bay of Bengal weather can still disrupt sailings. Keep the final day flexible.

Permits, money and connectivity

**Permits:** Indian visitors should carry valid government ID and confirm any current requirements at booking. Foreigners can visit most tourist islands without a Restricted Area Permit, though nationals of Afghanistan, China and Pakistan need one. Tribal reserves and the Nicobar group are closed to tourists.

**Cash:** carry enough cash for ferries and small shops, since ATMs and card machines can fail on Havelock and Neil.

**Mobile:** BSNL, Airtel and Vi work, but data is slow outside Port Blair. Do not rely on live maps.

**Alcohol:** sold at licensed shops and restaurants, and should be consumed at the hotel, not on beaches.

Practical tips

1. Book ferries and rooms before you arrive; check names and sailing times on your tickets.

2. Do not plan a ferry on your last morning if you have a flight the same afternoon.

3. Carry reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and a waterproof phone pouch.

4. Respect no-entry areas and do not take shells, coral or sand from beaches.

5. If you have an onward flight you cannot miss, keep an extra buffer day after the islands.

FAQ

How many days do I need for Havelock and Neil? Five days is workable. Add a day if you want diving or want to see Port Blair properly.

Is it better to go private or government ferry? Private is faster and easier to book; government is cheaper and slower.

Is snorkelling good all year? Conditions are best in the dry season; avoid the monsoon.

How do I get around Havelock? Hired two-wheelers are a popular way to reach Radhanagar, with taxis and hotel transfers as alternatives.

If you would like help with ferry timing, stays and activities for this route, HimachalWale can help you plan it.