Table of Contents
- Introduction
- History and Importance
- Best Time to Visit
- How to Reach from Port Blair
- Top Things to Do
- Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
- Nearby Attractions
- Accommodation Options (Stay in Port Blair)
- Estimated Costs and Sample Budget
- Tips for Your North Bay Island Trip
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Planning a North Bay Island trip from Port Blair is one of the most rewarding day experiences in the Andaman Islands. Just a short boat ride away, North Bay is celebrated for its vibrant coral gardens, crystal-clear waters, and adventure-friendly vibe—think snorkeling, sea walking, scuba diving, and glass-bottom or semi-submarine rides. It’s an easy, family-friendly excursion that pairs beautifully with Ross Island (Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island) for a full day of history and reef time.
History and Importance
North Bay Island sits opposite Port Blair, facing the entrance to the harbor. Its lighthouse is widely believed to be the one featured on older Indian ₹20 currency notes, making it a quiet icon of the Andamans. While the island itself isn’t known for ancient settlements or monuments, its importance today stems from marine tourism and coral conservation. The shallow reefs around North Bay have long served as a beginner-friendly window into the Andaman Sea’s biodiversity, helping travelers appreciate the fragile beauty of coral ecosystems.
Best Time to Visit
- Peak season: October to May for calmer seas, good underwater visibility, and reliable boat schedules.
- Monsoon (June–September): Sea can be choppy; occasional cancellations; underwater visibility may drop.
- Daily timings: Boats usually depart from 8:30–9:30 am; last returns are typically 3:00–4:30 pm. Timings vary by tide and season—check a day prior.
How to Reach from Port Blair
Port Blair is your base. North Bay Island is a day trip by boat.
- Departure jetty: Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex (Aberdeen Jetty) in Port Blair.
- Boat options: Government ferries and private speedboats; many operators sell combo tickets for North Bay + Ross Island (popular choice).
- Duration: 25–45 minutes one way depending on boat type and sea state.
- Tickets: Buy at jetty counters or via a tour operator/hotel. Pre-book in peak season.
- Permits & ID: Carry a valid photo ID. Indian and foreign nationals can visit on a day trip; registration is done at the jetty. Rules can change—verify locally if traveling off-season.
- Accessibility: Boarding involves steps and moving jetties; not fully wheelchair-friendly.
Top Things to Do
Snorkeling over Coral Gardens
- Ideal for first-timers; shallow reefs with hard and soft corals, reef fish, and occasional clams.
- Operators provide masks, snorkels, fins, and life jackets; guided sessions available.
- Best in the morning when waters are calmer and clearer.
Underwater Sea Walk
- Signature North Bay experience: wear a sealed helmet and walk on the seabed with an instructor.
- Great for non-swimmers; expect marine life close-ups and optional underwater photos/videos.
Intro Scuba Diving
- Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) for beginners with a certified instructor.
- Safety briefings and shallow guided dives; medical questionnaire required.
Glass-Bottom Boat & Semi-Submarine
- See corals without getting wet—perfect for families with kids and seniors.
- Semi-submarine (often branded “Coral Safari”) offers large viewing windows and stable rides.
Lighthouse Hike & Viewpoints
- Short, mildly steep walk to the lighthouse hill for panoramic views of the harbor and Ross Island.
- Great photo stop; go early for softer light and cooler temperatures.
Beach Time & Photography
- Relax on sandy patches between activity slots; sip a fresh coconut.
- Bring a dry bag for gear and a microfiber towel for quick changes.
Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
Food & Beach Shacks
- Simple stalls offer veg plates, fried snacks, Maggi, fresh coconuts, and occasional seafood.
- Carry drinking water and light snacks; waste bins are limited—pack your trash out.
Souvenirs & Shopping
- Small stalls sell T-shirts, hats, magnets, and handcrafted items.
- Do not buy coral or shells—collection and sale are illegal and harmful to reefs.
Culture & Responsible Travel
- Respect marine life—no touching or standing on corals; keep fins off the reef.
- Single-use plastics are discouraged; bring a refillable bottle.
- Support licensed operators who follow safety and conservation norms.
Nearby Attractions
- Ross Island (Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island): Colonial ruins, deer, scenic trails—often combined with North Bay in one trip.
- Cellular Jail (Port Blair): National memorial and poignant light-and-sound show.
- Corbyn’s Cove Beach: Close-to-town beach for an evening stroll after your return.
- Chidiya Tapu: Sunset point and mangrove-fringed shores; birding opportunities.
- Mount Manipur (formerly Mount Harriet) National Park: Viewpoints across the bay, nature trails.
Accommodation Options (Stay in Port Blair)
North Bay does not offer overnight stays; base yourself in Port Blair and visit as a day trip.
- Budget (₹1,500–3,000/night): Guesthouses near Aberdeen Bazaar or Middle Point.
- Mid-range (₹3,000–7,000/night): Boutique hotels along the Marina or Haddo areas.
- Premium (₹7,000–15,000+/night): Sea-facing properties with pools and in-house tour desks.
Book early during December–February and around public holidays.
Estimated Costs and Sample Budget
- Round-trip boat (Port Blair ↔ North Bay): ₹700–1,200 per person; combo with Ross Island ₹900–1,800.
- North Bay entry/eco fee: ₹30–50 (if applicable; varies by operator/regulation).
- Glass-bottom boat: ₹500–800 for 20–30 minutes.
- Semi-submarine (Coral Safari): Approx. ₹1,800–2,500 per person.
- Snorkeling (guided): ₹700–1,200.
- Sea walk: ₹3,500–4,500 including photos (varies by season).
- Intro scuba (DSD): ₹3,500–6,000 including gear and instructor.
- Meals & drinks on island: ₹200–500 per person.
Sample day-trip spend (popular choices): Boat combo (₹1,200) + sea walk (₹4,000) + lunch/snacks (₹400) + misc. (₹200) ≈ ₹5,800 per person. Replace sea walk with glass-bottom to keep it near ₹2,000–2,500.
Tips for Your North Bay Island Trip
Packing & Safety
- Carry sun protection: reef-safe sunscreen, hat, polarized sunglasses, and a light rash guard.
- Dry bag, waterproof phone pouch, and a spare change of clothes.
- Motion-sickness tabs if you’re prone to seasickness; drink water but avoid heavy meals pre-boat.
- Listen to instructors; check equipment fit; never touch corals or marine animals.
- Network can be patchy; carry some cash as UPI/card machines may fail.
Traveler-Specific Guidance
- Families with kids: Opt for glass-bottom or semi-sub; choose morning boats; pack snacks and baby wipes.
- Honeymooners: Time a lighthouse visit for panoramic photos; book underwater photo add-ons during sea walk or scuba.
- Friends & adventure seekers: Combine snorkeling + sea walk or DSD; add Ross Island trek for a full, active day.
Suggested 1-Day Itinerary
- 08:30 am: Depart Port Blair to Ross Island; explore ruins and trails (1.5–2 hours).
- 11:00 am: Boat to North Bay; quick briefing and gear-up.
- 11:30 am–1:30 pm: Snorkeling or sea walk/scuba; underwater photos.
- 1:30–2:00 pm: Lunch at shacks; coconut water.
- 2:00–3:00 pm: Lighthouse viewpoint and beach time.
- 3:00–4:00 pm: Return to Port Blair; evening at Cellular Jail or Corbyn’s Cove.
FAQs
Q: How long does a North Bay Island trip from Port Blair take?
A: It’s a half- to full-day excursion. Most travelers spend 4–6 hours including boat rides, activities, and beach time, often clubbing it with Ross Island.
Q: Can non-swimmers enjoy North Bay Island?
A: Yes. Sea walks, glass-bottom boats, and semi-submarine rides are designed for non-swimmers, and snorkeling is guided with life jackets.
Q: Are there lockers and changing rooms on North Bay?
A: Basic changing areas are available; some operators provide lockers. Bring a small lockable bag or dry bag for valuables.
Q: Is the lighthouse open to visitors?
A: You can hike to the lighthouse hill for views; access policies can vary. Even if the tower itself isn’t open, the viewpoint is worth it.
Q: What about permits to visit North Bay?
A: For standard day trips from Port Blair, carry a photo ID for jetty registration. Current rules allow both Indian and foreign travelers; check locally for any seasonal updates.
Conclusion
North Bay Island delivers Andaman’s classic reef-and-adventure combo within easy reach of Port Blair. With calm waters, beginner-friendly activities, and sweeping harbor views from its lighthouse hill, it’s an ideal day out for families, couples, and friends. Visit between October and May, book your boat and activities in advance, and treat the reef gently—you’ll return with salty smiles and memorable underwater moments.
