Havelock Island is part of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, located in the Bay of Bengal. It is famous for its pristine beaches, clear waters, and vibrant marine life. Many travelers visit Havelock Island from Port Blair, the capital city of the Andaman Islands, making this route one of the most popular in the region.

This guide will help you understand the main ways to reach Havelock Island from Port Blair. You will learn about ferry services, flights, and road travel options, along with practical tips to plan your journey comfortably and confidently.

Getting from Port Blair to Havelock Island – Main Options

Ferry

Ferry travel is the most common and preferred way to reach Havelock Island from Port Blair. It offers scenic views and regular services, suitable for most travelers.

• Government ferries operate daily between Port Blair's Phoenix Bay Jetty and Havelock Island's Govind Nagar Jetty, covering approximately 57 km in 2 to 3 hours, with fares ranging from ₹300 to ₹600 depending on class.

• Private ferries and cruise services offer faster travel, taking around 1.5 to 2 hours, but tickets are costlier, usually between ₹800 and ₹1,200, and require advance booking during peak season.

• Ferry services are frequent, with early morning and afternoon departures; however, services may be delayed or canceled during the monsoon season (June to September) due to rough seas.

• Facilities on ferries vary; government ferries provide basic seating, while private operators offer air-conditioned cabins and refreshments, making longer journeys more comfortable.

• It is advisable to arrive at the jetty at least 30 minutes before departure to complete security checks and boarding formalities, especially during holidays and weekends when crowding is common.

Flight

There are no direct flights to Havelock Island, but you can fly from Port Blair to nearby islands or use flights to reach Port Blair first. Flight options are limited and mostly used for connecting travel.

• Port Blair has a domestic airport (Veer Savarkar International Airport) with flights connecting to mainland India, but no commercial flights operate between Port Blair and Havelock Island due to the island's small size and lack of an airport.

• Helicopter services are available between Port Blair and Havelock Island, offering a quick 15-minute ride; these are operated by the Andaman government and are more expensive, costing around ₹2,000 to ₹3,000 per person.

• Helicopter flights are subject to weather conditions and have limited seats, so booking in advance is essential, especially during tourist seasons.

• Using flights to reach Port Blair first is necessary if you are coming from mainland India; from there, you must use ferry or helicopter to reach Havelock Island.

Car / Self-Drive

Self-driving or hiring a car is only applicable for travel within Port Blair or to the ferry jetty, as Havelock Island has limited road connectivity and no bridges from the mainland.

• From Port Blair city center to Phoenix Bay Jetty, the main ferry terminal, the distance is about 10 km, which takes 20 to 30 minutes by car via NH4 and local roads.

• Car rentals and taxis are widely available in Port Blair; fares for a one-way trip to the jetty range from ₹300 to ₹600 depending on vehicle type and time of day.

• On Havelock Island, you can rent scooters, bikes, or bicycles to explore, but no private cars are allowed; roads are narrow and mostly unpaved, so two-wheelers are preferred.

• During peak tourist seasons, traffic near the jetty can be congested, so plan your road travel accordingly to avoid missing ferry departures.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers going from Port Blair to Havelock Island, ensuring a smooth and stress-free journey.

• Book your ferry tickets online through the official Andaman government portal or authorized private operators to secure your seat and avoid last-minute rush, especially during holidays.

• Reach Phoenix Bay Jetty at least 30 minutes before your ferry departure to complete security checks and boarding, as queues can be long during peak hours.

• Carry a valid photo ID and your ferry ticket printout or digital copy, as these are mandatory for boarding and verification by authorities.

• Pack light and carry water and snacks, since ferry food options are limited and weather conditions can make the journey tiring.

• Upon arrival at Govind Nagar Jetty on Havelock Island, use prepaid taxis or rent scooters nearby to reach your accommodation comfortably and avoid overcharging by local drivers.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always carry bottled water and avoid drinking tap water on Havelock Island to prevent stomach issues, as potable water is limited and quality varies.

• Book ferry tickets at least a week in advance during peak tourist seasons like December to February to avoid sold-out situations and inflated prices.

• Use prepaid taxi services or app-based cabs like Ola or Uber in Port Blair for safe and fair-priced rides to the jetty; negotiate fares carefully on Havelock Island.

• Keep your luggage light and secure, as ferries have limited storage space and rough seas can cause movement; use waterproof bags to protect valuables.

• Be prepared for sudden weather changes, especially during monsoon season, which can cause ferry cancellations and delays; always check weather updates before travel.

• Respect local customs and environmental rules on Havelock Island, such as avoiding plastic use and not disturbing marine life, to ensure a responsible visit.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel to Havelock Island is during the dry season from October to May, when the weather is pleasant and sea conditions are calm. Monsoon months often bring heavy rains and rough seas, affecting ferry schedules.

Peak tourist periods include December to January and the summer holidays, so expect crowded ferries and higher prices during these times. Planning travel during shoulder seasons can offer a more relaxed experience.

• Avoid traveling during the monsoon season (June to September) as heavy rains and strong winds often cause ferry cancellations and unsafe sea conditions.

• Festival periods such as Christmas, New Year, and Indian holidays see a surge in tourist traffic, leading to fully booked ferries and accommodation shortages.

• Early morning ferry departures are generally smoother and less crowded, offering a better chance of securing seats and enjoying calm seas.

• Late afternoon ferries may face delays due to weather changes and increased passenger load; plan accordingly to avoid missing connections.

Arrival at Havelock Island & What to Expect

When you arrive at Govind Nagar Jetty on Havelock Island, you will find basic facilities including taxi stands and scooter rental shops. The jetty area is small but well-organized for tourists.

Local transport mainly consists of rented scooters, bicycles, and shared jeeps. Prepaid taxis are available but limited, so negotiating fares beforehand is important. Popular accommodation areas include Vijay Nagar and Beach No. 7, both accessible from the jetty within 10 to 20 minutes.

Conclusion

Traveling from Port Blair to Havelock Island is most efficiently done by ferry, balancing cost, comfort, and scenic value. Booking tickets early and choosing morning departures can make your journey smooth and enjoyable. Helicopter services offer a faster but costlier alternative for those in a hurry.

Planning your trip with attention to seasonal conditions, transport options, and local travel tips will help you avoid common challenges. With this guide, you can confidently organize your travel to Havelock Island and look forward to a memorable Andaman experience.