Havelock to Port Blair Ferry 2026: All 4 Operators, Timings & Pricing

Havelock to Port Blair Ferry 2026: Complete Return-Journey Guide

The Havelock to Port Blair ferry runs daily across four private operators (Makruzz, Nautika, Green Ocean, ITT Majestic) plus a government ferry — but the return-direction schedule, timings, and operator strengths look meaningfully different from the outbound. We see this trip up travelers constantly: people book an early-morning outbound, then assume the return runs the same way. It doesn’t.

Quick answer if you’re in a hurry: Most travelers should book the 2:00 PM Makruzz Premium return (Rs 1,250, 90 minutes) or the 9:00 AM Nautika Luxury return (Rs 1,400, 90 minutes). Both run reliably year-round and leave enough buffer if you have an evening flight out of Port Blair. Compare current return-direction availability on BookYourFerry.

TL;DR Key Takeaways:

• 7-9 daily return ferries depending on season (vs 13-16 outbound)
• Fares range Rs 400 (government) to Rs 3,400 (Nautika Pro Business)
• 90-minute crossing on all private operators; 5-6 hours on government ferry
• Last private ferry departs Havelock at 3:00 PM (Green Ocean) — plan accordingly
• All four private operators run the reverse direction; only ITT Majestic loops through Neil on the return
• Return tickets do NOT need to match your outbound operator — you can mix

Check live return ferry availability →

What to Expect on the Return Crossing

The Havelock to Port Blair return is genuinely pleasant on a typical day. Departure from Govind Nagar jetty is smooth — Makruzz, Nautika, and ITT all leave so quietly you might miss the moment if you’re fiddling with your phone. About 60 minutes into the crossing, the water shifts visibly — shallow turquoise near Havelock gradually transitions to deeper blue as you head into open Bay of Bengal water. On a clear afternoon you can see this color shift through the panoramic windows; on monsoon-overcast crossings it’s less dramatic.

A practical note on cabin temperature: AC across all the private ferries runs cool but is not freezing or “Arctic” as some travel sites describe. A light layer is smart if you’re coming from a hot beach, but you won’t be miserable. The cabin sits around 22-24°C through the crossing.

Why Return-Direction Ferries Differ From Outbound

A traveler standing at Havelock jetty trying to book their return is in a fundamentally different situation than the one who departed Port Blair at 6:30 AM yesterday.

The outbound from Port Blair benefits from concentrated morning departures — 13 to 16 ferries between 6:00 AM and 9:30 AM as operators run their fleets to position for the day. The return from Havelock is more spread out: morning, midday, and afternoon departures with notable gaps between them. You don’t get the buffet of options you had going out.

This asymmetry matters for three reasons:

Connection planning. If your Port Blair flight is at 7:00 PM and you book the 3:00 PM Green Ocean return (the latest private ferry), you have 4 hours buffer — typically enough. Miss that, and you’re stuck on Havelock overnight. The 2:00 PM Makruzz Premium gives you 5 hours buffer at a similar fare, which is the safer call for evening flight days.

Schedule reliability. Return ferries during monsoon (June-September) get cancelled more often than outbound — partially because vessels position at Havelock overnight and weather windows in the afternoon close faster than morning windows. A cancelled return ferry is a much bigger problem than a cancelled outbound since hotels in Havelock are limited and last-minute bookings expensive.

Ticket flexibility. Most travelers don’t realize they can mix operators between outbound and return — you can take Makruzz to Havelock and return on Nautika. Some Makruzz frequent travelers do this specifically to try different vessels.

Makruzz Havelock to Port Blair Return Ferries

Makruzz runs three daily return ferries from Havelock to Port Blair — more than any other private operator. Their fleet covers the return route with consistent 90-minute crossings at 30-32 knots:

• MV Makruzz (2002 build) — Oldest in fleet, shows a bit more age than Gold or Pearl, but maintenance is solid and everything works
• MV Makruzz Gold — Newer, well-maintained, most spacious (333 seats). Cafeteria catered by Taj
• MV Makruzz Pearl — Newer, Premium class only (250 seats), runs the Port Blair → Neil → Havelock circuit
• MV Makruzz Ruby (NEW 2026) — 200-seat vessel, starting operations soon. Significant capacity addition for peak season

Makruzz’s check-in process at Govind Nagar jetty is the most organized of the four operators — they run more ground staff than ITT Majestic or Green Ocean, and the extra hands matter during peak-season morning rushes when 200+ passengers converge at once. Read our full Makruzz ferry review for class-by-class breakdown.

The standard return departures are 8:30 AM, 12:00 PM, and 2:00 PM, though Pearl’s exact slot can shift depending on the Port Blair → Neil → Havelock loop she runs. The 2:00 PM is the most popular booking for travelers with evening Port Blair flights — you arrive Haddo Jetty by 3:30 PM with enough time for the 30-40 minute airport transfer plus check-in buffer.

Premium Class at Rs 1,250 is the bread-and-butter return ticket. Aircraft-style seating, working AC, panoramic windows, and a 90-minute journey that’s comfortable enough not to demand much more. You get a 10-15 kg baggage allowance, free seat selection at check-in, and access to the small onboard café.

Deluxe Class at Rs 1,800-2,540 bumps you up to the upper deck — wider seats, more legroom, better views from the higher position, and priority boarding. Important: Deluxe does NOT include any meals or refreshments despite what some booking sites claim. You buy from the cafeteria like Premium passengers. The upgrade is comfort and view, not food.

Royal Class at Rs 2,500-3,500 is Makruzz’s top tier — it’s the only Makruzz class that includes food: a complimentary sandwich and a drink (hot or cold). Not “gourmet dining” as some sites describe — just a sandwich and a drink, but the food is good and the service is attentive. Royal class sits at the forward upper deck with the best stability and views. Honestly overkill for the 90-minute return — better value on the outbound when you have time to enjoy the seat and the sandwich.

If you’re catching MV Makruzz Gold specifically on your return, note that the Gold’s cafeteria is catered by Taj — noticeably better quality than the other vessels. Worth picking your Makruzz vessel by which one’s running, not just by departure time.

Add Rs 50 Port Security Fee + Rs 325 fuel surcharge per passenger. GST included.

Nautika Havelock to Port Blair Return Ferries

Nautika runs two daily return ferries — fewer than Makruzz but with the newer fleet. Both Nautika and Nautika Pro operate the return route, with Pro adding business-class amenities. See our Nautika ferry review for vessel comparison.

Standard return departures are 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM. Nautika’s morning-heavy return schedule works well if you’re catching a midday or early-afternoon Port Blair flight, but it’s the wrong choice if you want maximum Havelock time on departure day — you’d need to be at Govind Nagar jetty by 8:00 AM at the latest.

Luxury Class at Rs 1,400 is Nautika’s entry-level and competitive with Makruzz Premium. Slightly newer interiors (2021-2025 fleet vs Makruzz’s 1996-2002), tinted glass instead of clear panoramic — Makruzz wins on scenic views, Nautika wins on overall vessel newness.

Royal Class at Rs 2,100 sits between Makruzz Deluxe and Royal — wider seats, priority boarding, complimentary water and snack. Reasonable upgrade.

Nautika Pro Business at Rs 3,400 is currently the most premium ferry experience on the Havelock-Port Blair route. The seats are comfortable and the cabin is fresh, but the real differentiator is the barista coffee — we ordered a cappuccino expecting the usual ferry disappointment and got a properly frothed, genuinely good latte. Not marketing fluff. The service culture across both Nautika and Nautika Pro is also consistently more professional and courteous than other operators, which matters on a tired return journey.

Note that the seat upgrade from Luxury to Royal to Business is incremental — comfort levels across Nautika classes are similar to ITT Majestic. The Pro improvements are real but not dramatic. You’re paying for the coffee, the service, and the newer vessel feel — not a completely different experience.

Green Ocean Havelock to Port Blair Return Ferries

Green Ocean is the budget option and the only return ferry that departs late afternoon. With two daily returns (11:00 AM and 3:00 PM), Green Ocean’s 3:00 PM departure is the latest private ferry of the day — your safety net if you need maximum Havelock time before flying out.

Counterintuitive insight: Green Ocean is actually a better choice if you’re prone to seasickness, not worse. The slower cruising speed (about half the pace of Makruzz/Nautika) makes for a smoother, less jolting ride — less pitching at slower speeds. Travelers who get sick on the high-speed catamarans often find Green Ocean’s longer journey more comfortable, even if the total time is longer. Counterintuitive but real.

The trade-offs: Green Ocean’s vessels are older (1988 build for Green Ocean 1), the crossing takes 135 minutes instead of 90, and Green Ocean 1 is the only Andaman ferry with open-deck access — passengers can actually go outside in the breeze. This is genuinely unique to GO1 (Nautika, Makruzz, ITT Majestic are all fully enclosed). The open deck often turns into an impromptu music + dance party an hour into the return. It really happens, and it’s fun — backpackers love it, families with sleeping kids do not. Note: only GO1 has the open deck; GO2 is enclosed. Full breakdown in our Green Ocean ferry review.

Economy Class at Rs 1,100 is the cheapest private return ferry available. Basic cushioned seats, AC works but inconsistent, no panoramic windows. Real-talk: comfort-wise it’s noticeably below Makruzz Premium at Rs 1,250 — only Rs 150 saved for a meaningfully different experience.

Premium Class at Rs 1,700-1,800 closes most of the comfort gap with Makruzz Premium but adds 45 minutes of journey time. Pick this if you’re a budget traveler who doesn’t mind the longer crossing.

ITT Majestic Havelock to Port Blair Return Ferry

ITT Majestic runs only one daily return from Havelock — and it’s not a direct return. The 11:45 AM departure routes via Neil Island before reaching Port Blair around 2:30 PM, making the total journey 165 minutes (~2.75 hours). Read our full ITT Majestic ferry review for vessel details.

This is a deliberate trade-off ITT makes — one vessel running a circular route (Port Blair → Havelock → Neil → Port Blair) means lower operating costs but limited scheduling flexibility. As of 25 May 2026, ITT Majestic also removed its fuel surcharge (other operators still charge Rs 300-350 per person), so the effective price gap widened in ITT’s favor.

Silver Class at Rs 1,564 (now with no fuel surcharge) becomes one of the better-value return options if your timing matches the 11:45 AM departure. Majesty Class at Rs 1,799 is a modest Rs 235 upgrade for wider seats and priority boarding.

The catch: if the morning ITT vessel cancels (weather, technical), there is no backup — ITT runs only one vessel. Build buffer days if you specifically book this operator.

Government Ferry Havelock to Port Blair: The Cheap Option

The government ferry from Havelock to Port Blair runs through Directorate of Shipping Services on the STARS booking portal. Tourist fares range Rs 400-700 for tourist quota seats — about a third of the cheapest private option.

Honest reality check: government ferries are primarily meant for local Andaman residents. The tourist seat allocation is limited, and during busy periods (December-February peak season) your chances of actually getting one are slim. Most visiting travelers should plan around private ferries as the realistic option and treat the government ferry as a budget bonus if you happen to score a seat.

The catch is significant. Government ferries take 5-6 hours for the same crossing private ferries do in 90 minutes — older vessels at 12-13 knots vs private at 26-32 knots. The 9:00 AM departure arrives Port Blair around 2:00 PM. If your flight is the same evening, this works; for tight connections, don’t risk it.

Government ferry seats book through STARS portal exactly 2 days before sailing, and tourist quota typically sells out in 5-15 minutes during peak season (December-February). For step-by-step booking instructions, see our government ferry Andaman guide.

Havelock to Port Blair Ferry Schedule At-a-Glance

Here’s a consolidated return-direction schedule covering all private operators. Government ferry timings vary; check STARS portal for current schedule.

Schedules are 2026 base — peak season (Dec 15 – Jan 15) may add departures; monsoon (Jun-Sep) may cancel them. Always check live availability before finalizing flights.

Which Havelock to Port Blair Return Ferry Should You Book?

The right choice depends on three factors: your Port Blair onward connection, your budget, and how you feel after your Havelock trip.

If you have an evening flight out of Port Blair (after 6:00 PM): Book the 2:00 PM Makruzz Premium or 3:00 PM Green Ocean Economy. Both give you 3-4 hours buffer at Port Blair airport. The Makruzz at Rs 1,250 is more comfortable; Green Ocean at Rs 1,100 saves Rs 150 if you don’t mind the 45 extra minutes.

If you have a morning Port Blair flight the next day: Take any 8:30 AM-11:00 AM ferry, then spend the afternoon and evening in Port Blair. The 8:30 AM Makruzz Premium gets you to Aberdeen Bazaar by 11:00 AM with time for Cellular Jail’s afternoon visit slot and the 6:00 PM light & sound show.

If you’re on a tight budget and have a full day: The government ferry at Rs 400-700 saves Rs 800+ vs private. The 5-6 hour crossing is the cost. Pack lunch, snacks, and don’t expect Wi-Fi.

If you want the most comfortable return: Nautika Pro Business at Rs 3,400 is the premium-premium experience. Reasonable if you’re connecting to international flights and want to arrive Port Blair feeling rested. Otherwise overkill.

If you finished Havelock late and want maximum island time: The 3:00 PM Green Ocean is the latest private ferry — your last chance to fit in a morning Radhanagar Beach visit + lunch before sailing back. Just make sure your Port Blair flight is no earlier than 7:00 PM.

How to Book Your Havelock to Port Blair Return Ferry

You can book Havelock to Port Blair return ferries through three channels:

1. BookYourFerry (recommended for ferry comparison) — Search BookYourFerry.com by route and date. Compare all four private operators side-by-side, see live availability, and book in 2-3 minutes. Same prices as direct operator websites with no booking fees. Read our complete Andaman ferry booking guide for the step-by-step process.

2. Direct from operator websites — Makruzz.com, gonautika.com, Green Ocean Seaways, ittmajestic.com. Slightly slower than aggregator booking and you can’t compare operators in one place — useful if you have strong operator preference already.

3. Government ferry via STARS portal — stars-andaman.in. Required for government ferry tickets. Tourist quota opens 2 days before sailing at 10:00 AM IST. Book within the first 15 minutes during peak season or seats are gone.

For combined outbound + return bookings, BookYourFerry’s checkout lets you book both legs as one transaction. Most travelers prefer this for the simpler refund/rebooking path if monsoon disrupts plans.

Common Mistakes Travelers Make on the Return

Booking the return same operator as outbound by reflex. No rule forces this. Makruzz outbound + Nautika Pro return can be a smart pairing — Makruzz’s 6:00 AM is the earliest outbound departure, Nautika Pro’s 11:00 AM return is the most comfortable. Mix and match.

Booking too early in the day for the return. Departing Havelock at 8:30 AM means you’re effectively wasting the last morning of your Havelock trip — sunrise at Radhanagar Beach is the best photo opportunity you’ll get, and an 8:30 AM ferry forces you to skip it. Pick the 12:00 PM or 2:00 PM return if your flight permits.

Not building monsoon buffer. If your trip is June-September, build at least one buffer day between your Havelock return and any onward flight. Weather cancellations are real, rebooking onto the next day’s ferry is usually possible but not guaranteed during peak weather windows.

Forgetting that ITT Majestic’s return loops through Neil. Travelers book the 11:45 AM ITT thinking it’s a 90-minute return. It’s actually 165 minutes. If you don’t want to stop at Neil, pick any other operator’s return.

Ignoring the Rs 50 Port Security Fee. Every Havelock departure has a Rs 50 PSF per passenger collected at the jetty. Bring exact cash; the queue moves faster.

Havelock to Port Blair Ferry FAQ

What’s the cheapest Havelock to Port Blair ferry?

Government ferry at Rs 400-700 + Rs 50 PSF, bookable on the STARS portal 2 days before sailing. Among private operators, Green Ocean Economy at Rs 1,100 is cheapest — about a third the price of Nautika Pro Business at Rs 3,400.

What’s the fastest Havelock to Port Blair ferry?

All four private operators (Makruzz, Nautika, Nautika Pro, Green Ocean 2) cover the 90-minute direct crossing. Green Ocean 1 takes 135 minutes (older vessel, slower cruise speed). ITT Majestic takes 165 minutes because the return loops through Neil Island.

How early should I reach Havelock jetty for my return ferry?

Arrive 45-60 minutes before departure. The check-in counter closes 30 minutes before sailing and boarding gates close 15 minutes before. Late arrivals are not accommodated — operators won’t hold the ferry. Govind Nagar jetty (where private ferries depart) is small and gets crowded during peak season morning departures.

Can I book a one-way Havelock to Port Blair ticket?

Yes. Return tickets are entirely independent of outbound bookings. You can book just the return through any operator’s website or aggregator like BookYourFerry. Many travelers book outbound separately to lock in early-bird fares, then book return closer to their travel date once their itinerary firms up.

What happens if my Havelock to Port Blair ferry is cancelled?

Weather cancellations on the return route trigger a full refund or free rebooking (your choice) for private operators. For government ferries, refunds aren’t available — only rebooking onto the next available sailing. If you have a connecting flight from Port Blair the same evening as a cancelled return, contact the operator immediately — they sometimes coordinate transfers between operators (e.g., shifting cancelled Green Ocean passengers onto Makruzz space if seats are available). Read our andaman ferry cancellation guide for the full refund process.

Is there a night ferry from Havelock to Port Blair?

No. The last Havelock-Port Blair private ferry departs at 3:00 PM (Green Ocean 1). Government ferries also run daytime only. There is no overnight or late-evening sailing option. If you miss the 3:00 PM, you’re on Havelock until the next morning.

Can I take my luggage on the Havelock to Port Blair ferry?

Yes. Each operator allows 15-25 kg of checked baggage per passenger plus a small hand-carry. Surfboards, dive gear, and oversized items often require extra fees — check with your operator before sailing. Baggage is stored in the lower deck during the crossing; bring valuables with you to your seat.

Do I need to print my Havelock to Port Blair ferry ticket?

For ITT Majestic, yes — they reportedly don’t accept mobile tickets at check-in. For Makruzz, Nautika, and Green Ocean, mobile tickets work fine. To be safe, screenshot your e-ticket before sailing in case the Havelock cell signal is patchy at jetty (which happens). Print backup if you’re booking ITT.

What is the Port Blair to Havelock and return-trip distance?

The Havelock to Port Blair ferry crossing is approximately 70 km (38 nautical miles), depending on the exact route the vessel takes. Distance is identical in both directions. Crossing time varies by vessel speed: 90 minutes at 30 knots (Makruzz, Nautika) vs 135 minutes at 13 knots (Green Ocean 1).

Plan Your Havelock to Port Blair Return Today

Heading back from Havelock to Port Blair isn’t just the reverse of your outbound — fewer total ferries, a different operator mix, and harder cancellation consequences make the return decision worth getting right. The 2:00 PM Makruzz Premium covers most travelers’ needs; the 3:00 PM Green Ocean is your late-day safety net; the government ferry is a budget option for travelers with full-day flexibility.

Compare live Havelock to Port Blair ferry availability across all operators →

Have a tight onward flight, special requirements, or questions about a specific operator? See our Andaman ferry booking complete guide or contact BookYourFerry directly — we’ll help you pick the right return ferry for your itinerary.