Govt. Ferry

Govt. Ferry
🚢 Government Ferry - Traditional Island Travel with Acquaint Andaman
At Acquaint Andaman, we also assist travelers with Government Ferry services — the oldest and most widely used mode of transportation across the Andaman Islands. If you are looking for an affordable, authentic, and essential island-hopping experience, Government Ferries are a great choice.
🛳️ About Government Ferry
- Operator: Directorate of Shipping Services (DSS), Government of Andaman & Nicobar Islands
- Type: Passenger and cargo ferries
- Passenger Capacity: Varies (around 100–400 passengers depending on the vessel)
- Speed: Slower compared to private ferries (~12–18 knots)
- Specialty: Economical, frequent service connecting both popular and remote islands.
Government ferries play a critical role for locals and tourists alike, offering basic and reliable transportation between islands.
🛠️ Facilities and Features
- Basic non-air-conditioned seating
- Limited number of air-conditioned seats available on some vessels (subject to availability)
- Open seating areas (great for fresh air and ocean views)
- Snack stalls at major ferry terminals (limited food service onboard)
- Standard washrooms
- Full safety compliance with trained marine crew, life jackets, and emergency equipment
Acquaint Andaman helps you with proper guidance and advance planning when using Government Ferries.
🎟️ Classes of Service
Government Ferries typically offer:
- Bunk Class: Open seating (similar to general seating in trains)
- Chair Class: Basic cushioned chairs
- AC Class: Limited air-conditioned seating (on select ferries)
At Acquaint Andaman, we help you secure the best possible seats based on availability and your preferences.
🌴 Popular Routes
- Port Blair ➔ Havelock Island ➔ Neil Island ➔ Port Blair
- Port Blair ➔ Rangat ➔ Long Island ➔ Mayabunder ➔ Diglipur
- Services to remote islands like Little Andaman, Car Nicobar, and Campbell Bay.
🕐 Ferry Timings
- Multiple departures daily, but timings can vary depending on the day and demand.
- Travel time is longer compared to private ferries:
- Port Blair to Havelock: ~2.5 to 3 hours
- Port Blair to Neil: ~2 hours
Acquaint Andaman provides full schedule updates and ticket booking support for Government Ferries.
📋 Booking Government Ferry with Acquaint Andaman
- Advance booking support (highly recommended for tourists)
- Assistance with boarding passes and terminal guidance
- Full travel planning including ferry + hotel combinations
✅ Valid government ID proof is required at the time of booking and boarding.
⚠️ Important Travel Tips
- Book well in advance — seats fill up fast, especially in peak season (October to May).
- Government ferries prioritize locals; tourist seats are limited.
- Arrive at least 90 minutes before departure.
- Schedules may change at short notice due to weather — Acquaint Andaman monitors updates and assists in rearranging plans if needed.
✨ Why Choose Acquaint Andaman for Government Ferry Bookings?
- Expert guidance on ferry availability and timing
- Hassle-free advance ticket booking
- Complete travel support from ferry to hotel
- Local experts with real-time updates
- Emergency rescheduling support if required
