Ferry schedule to Port Blair

I'm trying to find out about ferries from Chennai to Port Blair for the end of February/early March - every online schedule seems to be out of date, and all the phone numbers I've tried ringing haven't worked. Since there's only about 2 sailings per month, I really need to find out the schedule to avoid disappointment and a long wait. Anybody know the deal???

Not sure exactly, I flew over.

But, I believe it is every few days and not just twice a month. I had a business card for a tour operator in Port Blair that organised all our things, must have dumped it. Perhaps try from that side.

Why go by boat now that Deccan Air are flying there cheaply from Chennai?

Not everybody can afford to fly & atleast people like me would like to know more about the ferry thing. When, where & how much these sort of things would be invaluable.

Understandable but if flying is now cheaper than sailing and you don't have 4 days to spare looking at the ocean then you'll see the reason for my response!

Well Malkers, I checked out the flights, they were all in the 2500 RUPEE price range, which made them more expensive than the ferry - would have taken the ferry anyway though....

Anyway, got my ferry ticket on Monday, leaving on Saturday. For anyone interested, there are now 4 sailings from Chennai every month - and you must buy your ticket on a Monday!!! The office to go to is beside the port - catch a train to Chennai Beach, exit through the main door, and carry on straight up that road for five minutes - it's clearly signed 'Andaman and Nicobar Administration Office' or something like that.

You need two passport pictures of yourself, and three photocopies of passport and visa. For bunk class it cost 1520 RUPEES. The tourist quota is twelve. Don't expect to leave that office anytime soon though......

Hope that helps people on their way........

Oh, thats much cheaper than I was told by somebody from Chennai then but still I don't have the time for the crossing otherwise I'd have done it one way!

One thing that I'm now wondering though is if I need those photocopies and photographs for flying in to Andamans.

I guess I'll take some just in case!

Cheers
Malc

We didn't need anything before christmas, they will give you a half a4 piece of paper with your Andaman visa on this. This is then as important as your passport and you'll be asked for it at hotel check in and on entry to any of the other islands.

Thanx Conor, wonder what is needed by Indians & are the charges same for indians also? Rs. 1520 seems kinda expensive & what is this bunk class? Is this the lower-most class or the most highest class? Would like to know if u have the details.

Bunk class is the lower class and from what i have heard, you'll make some friends with LOTS of cockroaches.

Chk out this blog..

http://www.travelblog.org/Asia/India...log-33513.html

How can you afford to go to Port Blair then?

now now phobal, I thought that but didn't say it but now I guess I have

If you have an extreme right wing opinion, share it, because you know I definately will.