Comparison
Private vs Government Ferry in Andaman
Both options get you between the islands -- but they're built for completely different travellers. Here's the honest head-to-head so you can pick without regret.
Head to head
Private catamaran vs DSS government ferry
| Factor | Private Ferries | Government (DSS) Ferry |
|---|---|---|
| Operators | Makruzz, Nautika, Green Ocean, ITT Majestic | Directorate of Shipping Services (DSS) |
| Fare (PB-Havelock) | ₹900 - ₹2,200 depending on class | ₹435 (DECK) to ₹1,420 (DELUXE) ★ |
| Duration (PB-Havelock) | 90 - 150 minutes ★ | 2.5 - 3 hours |
| Daily sailings | 6+ across 4 operators ★ | 2 (6:20 AM and 2:00 PM) |
| Online booking | Instant, anytime, any date ★ | STARS e-Ticketing, opens 2 days ahead, 9:00 AM IST |
| Tourist quota | Plenty of inventory ★ | Limited -- sells out in 10-20 min at peak |
| Cabin comfort | Air-conditioned, reclining seats, windows ★ | Open deck / basic chairs |
| Refreshments | Onboard café ★ | Bring your own |
| Day-to-day reliability | Fewer rotation-driven cancellations ★ | Cancels more often |
| Routes to Long Island / Diglipur / Little Andaman | Not available | Only option ★ |
| ID required | Government photo ID | Government photo ID |
| Cancellation refund | Tiered (10-100% depending on notice) | Full refund if DSS cancels |
★ marks the side that wins on each metric. Price and duration are indicative for Port Blair - Havelock in peak season.
Decision matrix
Which one is right for you?
Take the private ferry if…
- You're booking more than 2 days out (govt STARS only opens 2 days prior).
- You want AC, reclining seats and a smoother, faster crossing.
- Your dates are fixed and you can't wait for government quota lottery.
- You're travelling in peak season (October - May).
- You're doing a short Andaman trip (4-5 days) where every hour matters.
- You're flying in the same day as a ferry connection.
- You're with children, elderly travellers or anyone prone to motion sickness.
Take the government ferry if…
- You're travelling to Long Island, Rangat, Mayabunder, Diglipur or Little Andaman (no private alternative).
- You're on a tight budget and can save ₹1,000-1,500 per person.
- Your dates are flexible and you can try again if the sailing cancels.
- You're travelling off-peak (June - September shoulder, excluding heavy monsoon).
- You want the local experience and don't mind basic comfort.
- You've already planned a longer 10+ day Andaman trip where time is less critical.
Hybrid strategy
The smart move: mix both
Most seasoned Andaman travellers mix operators based on the leg:
- Mainland arrival → Port Blair to Havelock: Book a private catamaran. You're flight-tired and private saves 1-1.5 hours.
- Havelock to Neil inter-island hop: Government is viable if dates align -- the sector is short and the ₹400-500 saving is meaningful.
- Neil back to Port Blair: Private again -- you likely have a flight to catch and don't want monsoon or mechanical uncertainty.
- Long Island, Diglipur, Little Andaman legs: Government is your only option -- book on STARS the moment the 2-day window opens.
The numbers
How much do you actually save?
On a typical 5-day Port Blair → Havelock → Neil → Port Blair itinerary for 2 adults:
- All private (economy class): ~₹7,200 total (6 legs × ₹1,200 × 1 adult, paired).
- All government (BUNK / Spl.DECK class): ~₹5,160 total (6 legs x ₹860 avg x 1 adult, paired). DECK class would be cheaper still, around ₹2,600.
- Saving: ~₹2,160 for the couple -- roughly a good dinner out in Havelock.
If you can guarantee the government quota and your dates are flexible, it's a real saving. If you miss the STARS window and fall back to private, you've lost nothing.
FAQs
Private vs government ferry -- common questions
Yes. Under the DSS 2025-26 fare slab, inter-island government fares for non-islanders run from roughly ₹350 (DECK) to ₹1,420 (DELUXE) depending on class and vessel, compared with ₹900 to ₹2,200 on private high-speed ferries. The trade-offs are slower crossings, a 2-day-only booking window, heavy tourist-quota pressure in peak season and weather-related cancellations.
On a round trip for two adults, private vs government costs ~₹2,000-3,000 more. If your trip is already ₹30,000+ end-to-end, the time savings (1.5-3 hours), guaranteed online booking and weather reliability of private ferries are usually worth the upgrade.
No. We're a comparison and information site for private catamarans -- the search bar above books Makruzz, Nautika, Green Ocean and ITT Majestic via our partner Go2Andaman. Government ferries must be booked on the DSS STARS e-Ticketing portal.
In day-to-day scheduling, private ferries tend to cancel less often than DSS sailings, partly because DSS vessels also cover freight runs to remote islands and rotate more. That said, larger government vessels can actually be more seaworthy in very heavy weather, and active monsoon (June to September) affects both fleets. Build buffer days into your Andaman itinerary regardless of operator.
Three reasons: (1) online booking on STARS only opens 2 calendar days before travel and tourist quota sells out in minutes; (2) private ferries save 1-1.5 hours per crossing -- material over a 5-day trip; (3) private operators offer air-conditioned cabins, drinkable water, snacks and a smoother ride.
Ready to book?
Compare live private fares above, or head to STARS e-Ticketing for government sailings. Helpdesk: 1800-345-2714.
Compare Private Ferries