Port Blair to Nancowry Island Travel – Ferry & Helicopter Schedule, Fares & Others
Find A Detailed Travel Guide To Nancowry Island From Port Blair.
Get Ferry, Helicopter, Schedules, Ticket Prices, & Other Detailed Information Before You Travel.
Tucked away in the central Nicobar Islands, Nancowry is one of Andaman’s most offbeat destinations that few travelers ever experience. Located approximately 230 nautical miles from Port Blair, this remote island remains largely untouched by mass tourism, making it a true escape for those seeking something beyond the ordinary.
With an area of about 47 square kilometers, Nancowry is part of a restricted Tribal Reserve Area, which means you’ll need special permission to visit. This exclusivity has helped preserve its pristine natural beauty and indigenous culture.
The island is best known for the stunning Nancowry Harbour, formed naturally with neighboring Kamorta Island, one of the safest natural harbours historically used by sailors for centuries. Getting here isn’t easy. You’ll need to endure a long ship journey from Port Blair, followed by a short boat ride, but that’s exactly what keeps it special.
If you’re looking for white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and an authentic island experience far from the crowds, Nancowry might just be your hidden gem.
IMPORTANT: The Nicobar district is accessible from Port Blair by sea as well as by air. Car Nicobar, which serves as the district headquarters, lies approximately 250 km away from Port Blair. Except for Campbell Bay, the entire Nicobar district is a restricted area, and visitors are required to obtain a Landing Permit from the Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Andaman District (Contact: 03192-237825, 03192-232763, 03192 233 089).
Port Blair to Nancowry Island At A Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Distance from Port Blair | 230 nautical miles (426 Km) (central Nicobar Islands) |
| Helicopter Travel Time | Few hours (significantly faster than ship) |
| Helicopter Fare (Tourists) | ₹10,800 per person one-way |
| Helicopter Fare (Islanders) | ₹4,350 per person one-way |
| Ship Travel Time | Approximately 20 hours from Port Blair |
| Ship Service | Regular passenger ship operated by A&N Administration |
| Ship Ticket Price | From ₹ 2040 (Islander), ₹ 3530 (Non-Islander) |
| Best Time to Visit | October to May (avoid monsoon season) |
| Special Permit Required | Yes – Tribal Reserve Area (mandatory for all non-locals) |
| Main Attractions | Nancowry Harbour (natural safe harbour), white-sand beaches, pristine waters, Champion Island |
| Key Facilities | Government jetty, helipads at Kamorta & Kardip, bazaar, guest house, basic township amenities |
Port Blair to Nancowry (Kamorta) Govt. Ferry Schedule
There’s no direct government ferry from Port Blair to Nancowry. The main passenger ships from Port Blair stop at Kamorta (part of the Nancowry group) during their journey to Campbell Bay. These long-distance ships typically reach Kamorta after about 20 hours of sailing. Once you arrive at Kamorta jetty, small government-operated speed boats connect you to nearby Nancowry Island in around 20 to 30 minutes.
NOTE: The government ferry schedule and fares are subject to change. Always check the official DSS (Directorate of Shipping Services) website before planning your trip.
| Vessel | Route | Time (Dep → Arr) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| MV KALIGHAT | Sri Vijayapuram → Nancowry | 07:00 → 13:00 | 30 hours |
| MV KALIGHAT | Little Andaman → Nancowry | 20:00 → 13:00 | 17 hours |
| MV KALIGHAT | Car Nicobar → Nancowry | 16:00 → 13:00 | 21 hours |
| MV KALIGHAT | Chowra → Nancowry | 06:00 → 13:00 | 7 hours |
| MV KALIGHAT | Teressa → Nancowry | 08:00 → 13:00 | 5 hours |
| MV KALIGHAT | Katchal → Nancowry | 12:00 → 13:00 | 1 hour |
| MV KALIGHAT | Sri Vijayapuram → Nancowry | 07:00 → 13:00 | 30 hours |
| MV KALIGHAT | Little Andaman → Nancowry | 20:00 → 13:00 | 17 hours |
| MV KALIGHAT | Car Nicobar → Nancowry | 16:00 → 13:00 | 21 hours |
| MV KALIGHAT | Chowra → Nancowry | 06:00 → 13:00 | 7 hours |
| MV KALIGHAT | Teressa → Nancowry | 08:00 → 13:00 | 5 hours |
| MV KALIGHAT | Katchal → Nancowry | 12:00 → 13:00 | 1 hour |
Nancowry to Port Blair Govt. Ferry
| Vessel | Route | Time (Departure → Arrival) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sindhu (From Campbell Bay) | Nancowry → Sri Vijayapuram | 15:00 → 10:00 | 19 hrs |
| MV Kalighat (From Campbell Bay) | Nancowry → Sri Vijayapuram | 05:00 → 14:00 | 9 hrs |
| Sindhu (From Campbell Bay) | Nancowry → Sri Vijayapuram | 16:00 → 10:00 | 18 hrs |
| Sindhu (From Campbell Bay) | Nancowry → Sri Vijayapuram | 15:00 → 10:00 | 19 hrs |
| MV Kalighat (From Nancowry) | Nancowry → Sri Vijayapuram | 05:00 → 14:00 | 33 hrs |
| Sindhu | Nancowry → Sri Vijayapuram | 16:00 → 10:00 | 18 hrs |
Port Blair to Nancowry Island Govt Ferry Ticket Price
| Route → Nancowry | Class | Islander Fare | Non-Islander Fare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sri Vijayapuram → Nancowry | Deluxe | ₹ 2040 – ₹ 3420 | ₹ 3530 – ₹ 5935 |
| First | ₹ 2740 | ₹ 5470 | |
| Second | ₹ 2055 | ₹ 5460 | |
| Ordinary Cabin | ₹ 1495 – ₹ 725 | ₹ 2975 – ₹ 1980 | |
| Bunk | ₹ 680 – ₹ 1375 | ₹ 2685 – ₹ 4110 | |
| Seat | ₹ 470 – ₹ 690 | ₹ 995 – ₹ 1490 | |
| Little Andaman → Nancowry | Bunk | ₹ 545 | ₹ 2260 |
| Seat | ₹ 310 | ₹ 930 | |
| Car Nicobar → Nancowry | Deluxe | ₹ 945 | ₹ 2535 |
| Ordinary Cabin | ₹ 725 | ₹ 1980 | |
| Bunk | ₹ 400 | ₹ 1700 | |
| Seat | ₹ 240 | ₹ 860 | |
| Chowra → Nancowry | Deluxe | ₹ 945 | ₹ 2535 |
| Ordinary Cabin | ₹ 725 | ₹ 1980 | |
| Bunk | ₹ 400 | ₹ 1700 | |
| Seat | ₹ 240 | ₹ 860 | |
| Teressa → Nancowry | Deluxe | ₹ 945 | ₹ 2535 |
| Ordinary Cabin | ₹ 725 | ₹ 1980 | |
| Bunk | ₹ 400 | ₹ 1700 | |
| Seat | ₹ 240 | ₹ 860 | |
| Katchal → Nancowry | Deluxe | ₹ 945 | ₹ 2535 |
| Ordinary Cabin | ₹ 725 | ₹ 1980 | |
| Bunk | ₹ 400 | ₹ 1700 | |
| Seat | ₹ 240 | ₹ 860 |
Charter Boat to Nancowry From Port Blair, Havelock & Neil
As of now, no private charter boats operate to the Nancowry Islands. Charter vessels are not permitted to travel to far-off islands from Port Blair, Havelock, or Neil. The Nancowry group lies within the Nicobar and Andaman Tribal Reserve Area, where non-native visitors require special permission to protect indigenous communities.
While private charters are available for nearby destinations like Ross Island, North Bay, and Havelock, they cannot venture into restricted tribal areas like Nancowry. Government ships remain the only authorized way to reach this region.
Port Blair to Nancowry By Helicopter
Pawan Hans operates helicopter services from Port Blair to Kamorta (Nancowry), covering 230 nautical miles. Tourists pay ₹10,800 one-way (75% subsidized), while islanders and medical cases pay ₹4,350 (90% subsidized).
Excess baggage costs ₹150 per kg. Bookings can be made through Pawan Hans offices or authorized travel agents in Port Blair – advance booking is essential due to limited seats.
Private charters are available at ₹1,45,100 per flying hour plus ₹10,000 per halting hour. There are no direct flights from Havelock or Neil Island; all routes go through Port Blair. Remember, Nancowry is a Tribal Reserve Area requiring special permits for entry.
PAWAN HANS Helicopter Limited began operating inter-island helicopter services in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands from 2 June 2003. Ticket reservations for PAWAN HANS helicopters are made through the Office of the Director of Civil Aviation (Contact: 03192-230480). Helicopter services from Port Blair to the Nicobar district run as per the schedule mentioned below.
| Helicopter Service Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Operator | Pawan Hans (A&N Administration’s inter-island network) |
| Route & Distance | Port Blair to Kamorta – 230 nautical miles |
| Tourist Fare (One-Way) | ₹10,800 per person (75% subsidy for non-islanders & govt servants on duty) |
| Islander/Medical Fare | ₹4,350 per person (90% subsidy for islanders, medical cases & govt officials with family) |
| Excess Baggage Charge | ₹150 per kg beyond free allowance |
| Private Charter Rates | ₹1,45,100 per flying hour + ₹10,000 per halting hour |
| Helipads Available | Kamorta and Kardip in Nancowry group |
| Booking | Pawan Hans offices/Authorized travel agents in Port Blair (Advance booking essential) |
| Special Requirement | Tribal Reserve Area permit mandatory for all visitors |
Port Blair to nancowry Helicopter Schedule
| Day | Route Segment | Time (Departure → Arrival) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | Port Blair → Carnic | 08:15 → 09:35 | 1:20 |
| Carnic → Kamorta (Nancowry) | 09:45 → 10:30 | 0:45 | |
| Wednesday | Port Blair → Carnic | 08:15 → 09:35 | 1:20 |
| Carnic → Kamorta (Nancowry) | 09:45 → 10:30 | 0:45 | |
| Thursday | Port Blair → Carnic | 08:15 → 09:35 | 1:20 |
| Carnic → Kamorta (Nancowry) | 09:45 → 10:30 | 0:45 | |
| Saturday | Port Blair → Carnic | 08:15 → 09:35 | 1:20 |
| Carnic → Kamorta (Nancowry) | 09:45 → 10:30 | 0:45 |
The Charges for excess baggage in helicopter would be as under:-
1. Excess Baggage :@Rs.150/-per kg.
The chartering charges of Helicopter would be as under:-
1. Per hour of flying @ 145100/-
2. Per hour of halting @ 10000/-
Useful Tips for Tourists Visiting Nancowry
Restricted Tribal Reserve Area
Nancowry is part of the Nicobar and Andaman Tribal Reserve Area, meaning all non-local visitors need special permission to enter. This restriction is in place to protect the indigenous Nicobarese communities and their traditional way of life.
Best Time to Visit
The climate is tropical with temperatures around 23–30°C year-round, moderated by sea breezes. Annual rainfall ranges from 2,400–3,800mm with both southwest and northeast monsoons, so plan your visit during the drier months (October to May) when helicopter and ship services are more reliable.
Alternative Access by Ship
If helicopter service isn’t available, regular passenger ships operate from Port Blair to Nancowry, taking approximately 20 hours. The ship makes Nancowry (Kamorta) the first halt after sailing from Port Blair, with cargo handling facilities and a government jetty available.
Local Settlement & Facilities
The main settlement is Mayo (Malacca) Point with about 516 residents, and Kamorta has a small township area with a bazaar and government guest house. Basic facilities are available, but don’t expect the tourism infrastructure you’d find in Havelock or Neil Island.
Population & Culture
With a population of 1,019 (2011 census) and literacy rate of 84.4%, the island is home to indigenous Nicobarese people who maintain traditional lifestyles. The community relies on fishing, coconuts, bananas, and local resources, with strong cultural traditions and Christian missionary influence.
Historical Significance
Nancowry forms a natural harbour with Kamorta Island, historically regarded as one of the safest harbours used by European sailors since the 17th century. Denmark briefly colonized the island in 1755, naming it “Ny Sjælland” and encouraging Moravian missionary activity.
No Direct Connectivity from Other Islands
There are no direct helicopter services from Havelock (28 NM from Port Blair) or Neil Island (25 NM from Port Blair) to Nancowry. All travelers must route through Port Blair for onward connections.
Seaplane Development Plans
The A&N Administration has explored introducing seaplane services to improve island connectivity, with water-drome facilities being considered at various locations. However, as of now, only Pawan Hans helicopter and ship services are operational.
2004 Tsunami Impact
While Nancowry was affected by the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, the nearby islands of Katchall and Kamorta suffered significantly higher casualties and damage. The islands have since recovered but remain vulnerable to natural disasters due to their location in Seismic Zone V.
Future Tourism Potential
Surrounding smaller islands feature white-sand beaches and clear waters with strong future tourism potential if access opens up further. The coastline and nearby islands remain largely undeveloped and forested, offering authentic, untouched island experiences.
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