A New Day, A New Island Adventure
After an emotional evening at the Cellular Jail Light and Sound Show, we finally returned to our hotel, De Bay Inn, to get some much-needed rest.We knew the next day would be even more special.
Why?
Because Day 2 was all about visiting Swaraj Dweep, popularly known as Havelock Island one of the most beautiful islands in India.
Honestly, we were so excited that sleeping early became almost impossible. Every few minutes, one of us would ask the other,
"Did you keep the ferry tickets safely?"
"Yes... for the tenth time!" 😂
Morning Excitement Before Our First Ferry Ride
The hotel offered a pleasant stay with a beautiful sea view, listening to the waves gently crashing against the shore , ships moving to and fro as the harbour is nearby ,all experiencing while seated in the room.
We quickly got ready, enjoyed breakfast at the hotel, and checked one last time if we had our luggage, camera, mobile chargers, and identity cards.
Our cruise tickets had already been arranged by My Tour Guru, making the process completely hassle-free.
Soon our vehicle arrived, and within a few minutes, we reached the nearby ferry terminal Haddo Jetty.
This wasn't just another transfer.
It was our very first ferry journey ,scheduled at 07:30am
Neither of us had ever travelled on a passenger cruise before.
That excitement was clearly visible on our faces.
Port Blair Jetty Was Buzzing with Travelers
The ferry terminal had an energy of its own.
Tourists from every corner of India—and even from different parts of the world—were eagerly waiting for their departures.
Some were travelling with families.
Some carried huge backpacks.
Many, like us, were honeymoon couples excited to begin their island adventure.
Watching everyone line up with their luggage somehow made the trip feel even more real.
Passengers patiently stood in queues, holding their ferry tickets and valid government ID cards for verification.
The entire boarding process was surprisingly organized.
It included:
- Ticket verification
- Identity check
- Security screening
- Luggage scanning
Everything moved smoothly, much like boarding a domestic flight.
Boarding Our First Nautika Ferry
Once security formalities were completed, we entered the waiting lounge reserved for Nautika Ferry passengers.Seeing the ferry parked at the jetty made our excitement even greater.
For anyone planning an Andaman trip, it's good to know that several private ferry operators connect the major islands.
The most popular ferry services include:
- Nautika
- Makruzz
- Green Ocean
Depending on the operator and sea conditions, the journey generally takes around 60-90 minutes
(Schedules and fares may change depending on the season.)
Our Maiden Cruise Across the Andaman Sea
The moment the ferry slowly pulled away from the harbour, we exchanged a smile.Our Andaman honeymoon had entered its next chapter.
As the coastline gradually disappeared behind us, endless shades of blue surrounded the ferry.
It felt almost unreal.
The calm sea reflected the morning sunlight, while the gentle waves created a soothing rhythm that instantly relaxed us.
From the large glass windows, we could see small ,larger ships sailing in the distance, islands across the sea.
There was also a small onboard cafe offering snacks, sandwiches, tea, coffee, and soft drinks.
Of course, we couldn't resist buying a few snacks.
After all...
Everything tastes better when you're floating in the middle of the Andaman Sea!
Ninety Minutes Later... Paradise Appeared
The captain announced our arrival.
Almost everyone stood near the windows.
Including us.
And then...
There it was.
Havelock Island or as it's officially known, Swaraj Dweep.
The first thing that caught our attention wasn't the jetty.
It was the colour of the water.
Bright turquoise.
Exactly like the pictures we'd admired online for months.
Except...
Seeing it with our own eyes was on an entirely different level.
No photograph can truly capture that magical first impression.
For a few moments, we simply stood there quietly, taking it all in.
A Warm Welcome to Havelock Island
As soon as we stepped off the ferry, a cool sea breeze greeted us.
Our tour coordinator was already waiting outside the jetty with a welcoming smile and driven to our accommodation-NK Havelock Eco Resort
Located close to the ferry jetty, the resort featured charming wooden-finish, air-conditioned cottages surrounded by lush greenery.
The peaceful atmosphere immediately gave us that perfect island vacation feeling.
After checking into our cottage, we freshened up, relaxed for a while, and couldn't stop smiling.
Months of planning had finally brought us here.
And somehow...
Havelock looked even more beautiful than we had imagined.
Ferry Travel Tips
Based on our experience, here are a few useful tips for first-time travellers:
✔ Book your ferry tickets l in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.✔ Carry a valid government approved ID.
✔ Arrive early for security checks.
✔ Keep your luggage tags safe until you collect your bags.
✔ Try to book window seats which you can enjoy spectacular sea views (Nautika a closed vessel -no open deck for tourist )
✔ If you're prone to motion sickness, carry appropriate medicine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Port Blair to Havelock ferry worth it?Absolutely. The ferry journey itself is one of the highlights of visiting Andaman, offering beautiful ocean views and a comfortable travel experience.
Which ferry is better—Nautika, Makruzz, or Green Ocean?
All three are popular private operators. The choice often depends on your schedule, budget, and seat availability.
How long does the ferry take?
The journey generally takes 90 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the ferry and weather conditions.
Is motion sickness common?
Most travellers are comfortable, but if you're prone to seasickness, carrying motion sickness medicine is a good idea.
Can I carry luggage on the ferry?
Yes. Large bags are checked in, while you can usually carry a small handbag or backpack with you.
