Neil Island, officially known as Shaheed Dweep, is a beautiful island in the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago. It lies about 40 kilometers south of Port Blair, the capital city of the Andaman Islands. This route is popular among travelers seeking a peaceful beach destination with clear waters and coral reefs.

This guide explains how to reach Neil Island from Port Blair using different transport modes. You will learn about ferry schedules, travel times, ticket booking, and useful tips to make your journey comfortable and hassle-free.

Getting from Port Blair to Neil Island – Main Options

Ferry

Ferry travel is the most common and practical way to reach Neil Island from Port Blair. It offers scenic views and is affordable, but schedules can vary seasonally.

• The government-run ferry departs from Phoenix Bay Jetty in Port Blair and takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to reach Neil Island, covering roughly 40 kilometers by sea.

• Ticket prices range between ₹150 to ₹300 per person for the passenger ferry, with higher fares for private or speed boats; tickets can be booked at the jetty or online via the Andaman Tourism website.

• Ferries usually run in the morning and afternoon, but frequency reduces during the monsoon season (June to September) due to rough seas and safety concerns.

• It is advisable to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure to secure tickets and boarding, as ferries can get crowded during peak tourist seasons like December to February.

• Basic seating is available on government ferries, but private operators offer faster speed boats with fewer seats and higher fares, suitable for travelers seeking quicker transit.

• Carry light luggage as there is limited space on ferries, and be prepared for possible delays during bad weather or high tide conditions.

Helicopter

Helicopter service between Port Blair and Neil Island is rare but available for emergency or special travel needs. It is expensive and not a regular option for most tourists.

• Helicopter rides take about 20 to 30 minutes, providing a quick and scenic aerial view of the islands, but fares can exceed ₹5,000 per person one way.

• Bookings must be made in advance through authorized agencies or the Andaman administration, with limited seats and strict weather-dependent schedules.

• This option is mostly used for medical emergencies or VIP travel rather than regular tourism due to high costs and limited availability.

• Travelers should confirm helicopter availability and timings well before planning, as cancellations are common during monsoon or strong winds.

Private Speed Boats

Private speed boats offer a faster and more flexible alternative to government ferries. They are popular among groups or travelers seeking convenience.

• Speed boats depart from various jetties in Port Blair, including Aberdeen Jetty, and take about 45 minutes to 1 hour to reach Neil Island.

• Fares range from ₹500 to ₹1,000 per person depending on the operator and season, with options for chartering entire boats for groups.

• These boats provide better comfort and fewer crowds but require advance booking, especially during peak tourist months.

• Speed boats may not operate daily and are subject to weather conditions; cancellations are common during monsoon or rough seas.

• Passengers should confirm departure points carefully, as some operators use different jetties than government ferries.

Flight

There are no direct flights to Neil Island. The nearest airport is Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair, which connects to mainland India.

• Travelers must first fly into Port Blair from cities like Chennai, Kolkata, or Delhi, with flight durations ranging from 2 to 3.5 hours.

• From Port Blair airport, you need to take a taxi or bus to the ferry jetty (Phoenix Bay or Aberdeen), which is about 15 to 20 minutes away.

• Flight bookings should be made well in advance during peak seasons to avoid high fares and limited availability.

• There are no scheduled flights or airstrips on Neil Island itself, so ferry or boat travel is mandatory after reaching Port Blair.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers going from Port Blair to Neil Island. It helps you organize your journey smoothly and avoid common pitfalls.

• Step 1: Book your flight to Port Blair early, especially if traveling during peak season, to secure affordable fares and preferred timings.

• Step 2: Upon arrival at Veer Savarkar International Airport, hire a prepaid taxi or use app-based cabs like Ola or Uber to reach Phoenix Bay Jetty, ensuring timely arrival for your ferry.

• Step 3: Purchase ferry tickets at the jetty counter or online via the Andaman Tourism website; booking in advance is recommended during holidays to avoid last-minute rush.

• Step 4: Arrive at the jetty at least 30 minutes before ferry departure to complete boarding formalities and find seating, as ferries can be crowded.

• Step 5: Carry light luggage and water, and dress comfortably for the ferry ride, keeping in mind possible sea spray and wind during transit.

• Step 6: On reaching Neil Island, use local shared autos or pre-booked taxis to reach your accommodation, as public transport options are limited.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always carry bottled water and avoid drinking tap water on the islands to prevent stomach issues common among travelers unfamiliar with local water quality.

• Book ferry tickets early online or at the jetty to avoid long queues and sold-out situations, especially during weekends and holidays.

• Use prepaid taxi services or trusted app-based cabs from Port Blair airport to the jetty to avoid overcharging by local drivers.

• Pack light and waterproof bags, as ferry decks can be wet and space for luggage is limited; avoid bulky suitcases.

• Check weather forecasts before traveling, as monsoon season can cause ferry cancellations and rough seas, disrupting plans.

• Carry basic medicines for motion sickness if you are prone to seasickness, as the ferry ride can be bumpy during windy conditions.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

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

Peak tourist season is from December to February, so expect crowded ferries and higher prices. Planning your trip during shoulder months like October or April can offer a balance of good weather and fewer crowds.

• Avoid traveling during the monsoon season (June to September) due to frequent ferry cancellations and unsafe sea conditions.

• Festival periods like Christmas and New Year see high tourist inflow, leading to fully booked ferries and accommodations.

• Early morning ferry departures are generally smoother with less crowd and calmer seas compared to afternoon trips.

• Fog and strong winds in winter mornings can sometimes delay ferry schedules, so allow buffer time in your itinerary.

Arrival at Neil Island & What to Expect

When you arrive at Neil Island jetty, you will find basic facilities and local transport options. The island is small, so travel distances are short and easy to cover.

Shared autos and taxis are available near the jetty to take you to popular beaches and accommodations. Many guesthouses also offer pickup services if informed in advance. Staying near Bharatpur or Laxmanpur beaches is common for tourists.

Conclusion

Traveling from Port Blair to Neil Island is straightforward with government ferries being the most efficient and affordable option. Booking tickets early and choosing morning departures can make your journey comfortable and timely.

By following the practical tips and step-by-step plan, you can avoid common travel hassles and enjoy the scenic beauty of Neil Island with ease. With proper preparation, your trip to this serene island will be a memorable part of your Andaman adventure.