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Two of the most popular day excursions from Port Blair are also the shortest. Ross Island and North Bay are both a 15 to 30 minute boat ride from the capital, and between them they offer a lesson in colonial history and a first look at the islands' coral life. They fit easily into a day at the start or end of your trip.
Ross Island
Ross Island, officially Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep, was the administrative headquarters of the British settlement for decades. The island is now a ghostly ruin of overgrown buildings, a church, a bakery and a swimming pool, taken back by banyan roots and forest. Deer roam freely. It is a peaceful, atmospheric place, and a good half-day trip.
North Bay
North Bay Island is known for its lighthouse, which appears on the Indian twenty-rupee note, and for its coral reefs. Visitors snorkel, take glass-bottom boat rides and try sea walks, where you walk on the seabed wearing a helmet. It is a popular, family-friendly day trip, and a good place for non-swimmers to see coral.
How to combine them
Many operators offer a combined trip, with Ross Island in the morning and North Bay after lunch, or the reverse. Boats leave from Phoenix Bay and Aberdeen jetties in Port Blair. The whole day takes about six to seven hours, with some time spent waiting for boats and tickets.
Other nearby islands
Further out from Port Blair, Jolly Buoy and Red Skin islands in the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park offer some of the clearest water close to the capital. Access is subject to forest-department permission and seasonal closures, so check before you plan.
When to go
November to April is best. In the monsoon, boat trips to both islands may be cancelled, and the sea is rough. Mornings are calmer and have better visibility.
Practical tips
- Book your boat tickets in advance in peak season, and carry photo ID.
- Dress for the sun and for getting wet.
- Wear shoes you can walk in on Ross Island.
- Bring water, snacks and cash.
- Protect your phone and camera from splashes.
- Follow the rules on feeding deer and touching coral.
Responsible travel
Ross Island's ruins are fragile. Do not climb on walls or remove anything. At North Bay, do not touch coral, and choose operators who brief you on reef etiquette. Take your waste with you.
Who it suits
Families, couples and first-time visitors. Both islands are easy and require little fitness. If you want deeper diving or more remote reefs, look at Havelock and Neil.
A suggested day
Take an early boat to Ross Island, when the light is soft and the crowds are small, and spend about two hours walking among the ruins. Return to Port Blair for a late breakfast, then head out again to North Bay for snorkelling or a glass-bottom boat. Have lunch at the jetty, and return in the afternoon. If you have energy, add a sunset at Corbyn's Cove or a visit to a museum, and keep the evening free for dinner.
Wandoor and the marine national park
South of Port Blair, the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park protects a cluster of islands and reefs. Boats from Wandoor jetty take visitors to Jolly Buoy and Red Skin islands for snorkelling, subject to forest-department permission and seasonal closures. The water is clear, and the corals are among the best close to the capital. Check availability before you plan, since rules and closures change, and carry photo ID for permits.
Chidiya Tapu
At the southern tip of South Andaman, about 25 km from Port Blair, Chidiya Tapu is known as a bird-watching spot and for its sunsets. A short forest walk leads to a viewpoint, and the beach is quiet. It makes a pleasant late-afternoon outing if you have time in Port Blair.
Plan with us
Ross Island and North Bay are included in our Classic Andaman tour and the family holiday. Tell us your dates and we will advise on the best day for them.
