Every booking option explained: online, through a local helper, or at the government counter.
Booking a ferry in the Andaman Islands is different from booking a train or flight. There is no single booking platform that covers all operators. Each private ferry company has its own website, and the government ferry requires a visit to the ticket counter. This guide walks through every option so you can pick what works for you.
Makruzz has an online booking system on their official website. You select your route, date, and class, then pay online. Tickets are confirmed immediately.
Green Ocean also offers online booking through their website. The process is similar: pick route, date, class, and pay.
Nautika has online booking as well, though their website is sometimes less reliable during peak season traffic.
The advantage of booking directly is that you get the operator's official ticket. The disadvantage is that you need to check each operator separately to compare prices and timings.
Many travellers prefer to book through a local contact who can check availability across all operators at once. This saves time comparing websites and lets you confirm timing changes that may not be reflected online immediately.
Reef & Route does this. You check guide prices on the ferry page, then message us on WhatsApp with your travel date. We check availability across operators and confirm the booking.
The government ferry is the cheapest option but cannot be booked online. You need to visit the ticket counter at Phoenix Bay Jetty in Port Blair. During peak season, people queue early in the morning. Tickets are cheap (around Rs 300 to 600) but the ferry is slower, has basic seating, and follows a less predictable schedule.
Regardless of which option you choose, have these details ready:
Full name of each passenger (matching government ID). Age of any children. Travel date. Route (origin and destination). Preferred departure time. Class preference (Economy, Premium, Royal). A phone number for confirmation.
Peak season (October to February): Book 3 to 5 days ahead. Morning ferries to Havelock sell out first.
Shoulder season (March, September): 1 to 2 days ahead is usually enough.
Off season (June to August): Same-day booking is often possible, but some operators reduce frequency due to monsoon weather.
Each operator has their own policy. Private ferries typically allow cancellation with a fee if done 24 hours before departure. Government ferry tickets are harder to cancel. Always check the terms before confirming.
Compare ferry prices across all operators, then message us on WhatsApp to confirm your booking. We will check availability and get back to you.
Guide prices only. Confirm before you travel. Final fare is confirmed when you book. See Terms.