Planning your dream trip to the Andaman Islands in 2025?
There’s exciting news that’s set to make your island-hopping adventure smoother, faster, and far more flexible than ever before.
Makruzz, the leading premium ferry operator in the Andamans, has officially launched two new routes this season:
- Port Blair ↔ Neil Island
- Neil Island ↔ Havelock Island
This development is a game-changer for both independent travelers and travel agents looking to optimize itineraries across the most scenic parts of the archipelago.
In this detailed blog post, we’ll walk you through:
- Why these new Makruzz ferry routes matter in 2025
- Updated schedules, ferry timings, and booking info
- Who should take these routes and why
- Ideal 3 to 6-day Andaman itinerary combos
- Pricing insights, booking platforms, and travel tips
- FAQs and local insights for first-time travelers
Let’s dive in!
Why This Matters: The Big Shift in Island Connectivity
For years, one of the challenges in planning an Andaman trip was the lack of direct, daily ferry connections between key islands, especially between Neil and Havelock. Most travelers had to route all legs through Port Blair, causing time delays and awkward itinerary gaps.
In 2025, Makruzz stepped in with a solution: seamless direct connectivity between Neil and Havelock, and between Port Blair and Neil, helping you:
- Save travel time
- Skip unnecessary island hops
- Book smarter itineraries
- Travel during off-peak hours
With Makruzz’s new high-frequency schedule and luxurious ferries, this is your chance to experience the Andamans on your terms efficiently and comfortably.
Route Overview & Schedule (Effective September 15, 2025)
Here’s what the new routes look like:
Route 1: Port Blair ↔ Neil Island
- Frequency: Daily
- Duration: ~1 hour 15 minutes
- Departure from Port Blair: 8:00 AM
- Departure from Neil Island: 3:00 PM
- Vessel Type: High-speed catamaran
- Class Options: Premium, Deluxe, Royal
Route 2: Neil Island ↔ Havelock Island
- Frequency: Daily
- Duration: ~1 hour
- Departure from Neil: 10:00 AM
- Departure from Havelock: 1:30 PM
- Vessel Type: High-speed catamaran
- Class Options: Premium, Deluxe, Royal
Tip: These timings are ideal for mid-day transitions and allow enough buffer for check-out and check-in at hotels.
What This Means for Travelers
1. Easier Itineraries
Earlier, travelers had to return to Port Blair to switch islands. Now, you can go directly from Neil to Havelock and vice versa—cutting down 3+ hours of unnecessary travel.
2. Better Use of Time
Less time on ferries means more time exploring beaches, diving spots, and natural bridges.
3. More Island Flexibility
Now you can choose whether to:
- Start with Havelock → then Neil → then Port Blair
- Or go Port Blair → Neil → Havelock → return
4. Family-Friendly Planning
The mid-morning and mid-afternoon departures are ideal for families who don’t want to rush early in the morning or travel late.
Ideal Itinerary Combos Using the New Routes
3-Day Quick Escape
Day 1: Arrive in Port Blair → Ferry to Neil → Overnight at Neil
Day 2: Ferry to Havelock → Radhanagar Beach → Overnight
Day 3: Return to Port Blair → Flight home
5-Day Relaxed Holiday
Day 1: Arrive Port Blair
Day 2: Port Blair → Neil
Day 3: Neil → Havelock
Day 4: Havelock (Elephant Beach or Scuba)
Day 5: Return to Port Blair
6-Day Explorer Trip
Day 1: Arrive Port Blair
Day 2: Port Blair city + Cellular Jail
Day 3: Port Blair → Neil
Day 4: Neil → Havelock
Day 5: Havelock
Day 6: Return & Fly Out
Fare Structure (As of August 2025)
Route | Class | Fare (Approx) |
Port Blair ↔ Neil | Premium | ₹1,150 |
Port Blair ↔ Neil | Deluxe | ₹1,350 |
Neil ↔ Havelock | Premium | ₹950 |
Neil ↔ Havelock | Deluxe | ₹1,200 |
Royal Class (both sectors) | ₹1,800 – ₹2,200 |
Note: These fares include GST and are subject to availability. Discounts may apply for early bookings or partner agents.
How to Book Your Ferry with Makruzz
Booking your ferry is easier than ever, especially with Makruzz’s new WhatsApp booking service.
Booking Options:
- WhatsApp Booking: Just send your travel date and route to +91 80011 70007
- Makruzz B2B Portal: For travel agents and partners
- API-integrated platforms: Yatra, MakeMyTrip, TripFactory
- Official Website: www.makruzz.com
What to Expect Onboard Makruzz
Makruzz ferries are not your average transport vessels they are designed for comfort, speed, and safety.
Onboard Features:
- Fully air-conditioned cabins
- Comfortable recliner seats
- Clean washrooms
- In-cabin announcements
- Window views for photography
- Friendly crew assistance
The fleet includes Makruzz Gold, Makruzz Pearl, and Makruzz Voyager, all maintained to high marine standards.
When Should You Travel?
Makruzz operates year-round, but the ideal travel window is:
- October to May – Peak season, clear skies, low cancellations
- June to September – Monsoon season
Pro tip:
Book your ferry tickets at least 2 weeks in advance, especially around long weekends and public holidays.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is there a direct ferry between Neil and Havelock now?
Yes. Makruzz now operates daily direct ferries between Neil Island and Havelock Island.
2. Can I carry luggage on Makruzz?
Yes, one check-in bag and one cabin bag are allowed per passenger.
3. Are government-issued ID cards required?
Yes, IDs are mandatory during boarding (Aadhar, passport, or voter ID for Indian citizens).
4. Can I cancel or reschedule my ferry ticket?
Yes, subject to Makruzz’s cancellation policy. Charges apply based on timing.
5. How early should I reach the ferry terminal?
Be at the terminal at least 1 hour before departure for smooth boarding.
Final Thoughts: Why These New Routes Change Everything
The launch of Port Blair ↔ Neil and Neil ↔ Havelock by Makruzz isn’t just a new schedule update—it’s a strategic enhancement of your Andaman experience.
Whether you’re a solo backpacker, honeymooner, or travel agent planning group tours, these new routes:
- Save you time
- Offer better planning freedom
- Enhance guest experience
- Allow smoother connections across the islands
If you’re planning a trip to Andaman in 2025, Makruzz should be the first thing on your checklist.
Book Now via WhatsApp
Tap here to chat directly: WhatsApp Booking – +91 80011 70007
Or visit: www.makruzz.com