Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Overview: Cruising in North Andaman
- Top Cities and Places in North Andaman
- Tourist Circuits and Cruise Routes
- Activities Onboard and Ashore
- Festivals and Seasonality
- Sample Itineraries
- Budget Tips
- How to Reach North Andaman
- Cruise/Boat Operators and Booking
- Accommodation Options
- Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
- Estimated Costs
- Tips for Families, Honeymooners, and Friends
- Safety, Packing, and Environmental Guidelines
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
North Andaman is a wilder, less-crowded slice of the Andaman Islands, famed for its emerald creeks, turtle-nesting beaches, soaring rainforest ridges, and the dreamy twin islets of Ross & Smith. If you’re planning to get here by sea, this guide breaks down every practical detail—routes, ferries, local boats, costs, seasons, and sample itineraries—so you can choose the best cruise and boat options for your time and budget.
Overview: Cruising in North Andaman
Unlike the fast private catamarans that link Port Blair with Swaraj Dweep (Havelock) and Shaheed Dweep (Neil), North Andaman is primarily served by government-operated ferries and local speedboats. Expect longer but scenic sea journeys, simpler onboard amenities, and unforgettable coastal views with mangrove and limestone backdrops.
- Main hubs: Port Blair (Phoenix Bay/Haddo Wharf), Rangat, Mayabunder, Diglipur (Aerial Bay Jetty).
- Primary sea services: Directorate of Shipping Services (DSS) government ferries; local speedboats for Ross & Smith and select creeks.
- Charters: Limited private and resort-arranged charters exist in Diglipur and Mayabunder for day trips, subject to weather and permits.
Top Cities and Places in North Andaman
- Rangat: Gateway to North & Middle Andaman; Dhaninallah Mangrove Walk, Cuthbert Bay (turtle nesting).
- Mayabunder: Quiet harbor town; Avis Island (permit-based), Karmatang Beach, mangrove creeks.
- Diglipur: Northern hub; Ross & Smith Islands, Kalipur Beach (turtles), Saddle Peak National Park (trekking), Ramnagar beach.
- Ross & Smith Islands: Twin islets joined by a shifting white-sand bar; postcard-perfect day trip by licensed boat from Aerial Bay.
Tourist Circuits and Cruise Routes
Sea Routes (Government Ferries)
- Port Blair → Rangat → Mayabunder → Diglipur
- Frequency: Varies by season; not daily to every port.
- Duration (approx.): Port Blair–Rangat 6–8 hrs; Port Blair–Mayabunder 8–10 hrs; Port Blair–Diglipur 10–12+ hrs.
- Classes: Seating and limited berths; basic amenities.
- Inter-island hops between Rangat, Mayabunder, and Diglipur operate on select days; schedules change—verify locally.
Local Boat Circuits
- Diglipur (Aerial Bay) → Ross & Smith Islands
- Run by: Licensed boatmen; permits required.
- Ride time: 20–30 minutes each way; typical stay 2–3 hours.
- Mayabunder creeks and Avis Island
- Availability: Seasonal and subject to permission; check at the local jetty/tourism office.
- Rangat mangrove channels
- Small-boat rides sometimes offered near Yerrata/Dhaninallah; availability varies.
What’s Not Typical
- There are usually no regular private tourist catamarans from Port Blair directly to North Andaman ports.
- Seaplane services are not operational for tourists as of recent seasons.
Activities Onboard and Ashore
On the Water
- Scenic coastal cruising past mangroves, limestone shores, and forested islands.
- Dolphin and flying-fish sightings are occasional bonuses.
At Stops and Day Trips
- Ross & Smith: Beach time, snorkeling in calm patches, sandbar walks; pack reef-safe sunscreen.
- Kalipur & Ramnagar: Quiet beaches; seasonal turtle watching (with forest department protocols).
- Saddle Peak: Full-day trek for experienced hikers; permits required.
- Mangrove Walks (Rangat): Boardwalks and birding.
Festivals and Seasonality
- Best sea conditions: November to April (calmer seas, clearer water).
- Monsoon: May to September; rough seas and cancellations possible.
- Turtle nesting: Typically October to March at Kalipur/Cuthbert Bay; guided visits only.
- Island Tourism Festival (Port Blair): Usually in winter; can influence ferry demand.
Sample Itineraries
3 Days: Quick North Teaser (Road + Sea Mix)
- Day 1: Port Blair to Rangat (road); mangrove walk at Dhaninallah.
- Day 2: Rangat to Diglipur (road); afternoon beach time at Kalipur.
- Day 3: Ross & Smith boat trip; late afternoon return towards Port Blair or stay overnight.
5 Days: North Andaman by Sea Where Possible
- Day 1: Port Blair → Rangat (government ferry, if scheduled).
- Day 2: Rangat → Mayabunder (ferry/road); Karmatang Beach sunset.
- Day 3: Mayabunder → Diglipur (road); permits for Ross & Smith.
- Day 4: Ross & Smith speedboat; evening at Kalipur.
- Day 5: Diglipur → Port Blair (overnight or day ferry if available; else road).
7 Days: Slow North Explorer
- Include a Saddle Peak trek day, a turtle-watching night (seasonal), and a spare day for weather-related shifts.
Budget Tips
- Choose government ferries for the longest legs; they’re cheaper than charters.
- Travel with flexible dates to match ferry schedules; build weather buffers.
- Share Ross & Smith boats with other travelers to split costs.
- Carry cash for permits and boatmen at smaller jetties where digital payments may be patchy.
How to Reach North Andaman
By Air to Gateway
- Fly to Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ), Port Blair from major Indian cities.
From Port Blair to North Andaman
- By Sea (DSS Government Ferries):
- Ports: Phoenix Bay/Haddo Wharf to Rangat/Mayabunder/Diglipur.
- Book 1–2 days in advance (more in peak season); carry ID.
- By Road (Andaman Trunk Road):
- Shared/Private cabs and government buses connect Port Blair with Rangat, Mayabunder, and Diglipur.
- Transit time: 6–7 hrs to Rangat; 8–9 hrs to Mayabunder; 12–14 hrs to Diglipur, subject to weather and road conditions.
- Helicopter (limited):
- Inter-island helicopter services operate with priority for residents/medical needs; tourist seats are few and expensive.
Cruise/Boat Operators and Booking
Government Ferries (DSS)
- Where to book: DSS counters in Port Blair (Phoenix Bay area) and local jetties; schedules posted locally and may change.
- Classes: Seating and limited berths; simple canteen on some vessels.
- Notes: Carry original ID; arrive at the jetty at least 60–90 minutes before departure.
Local Boats and Charters
- Ross & Smith: Licensed speedboats from Aerial Bay Jetty; permits issued by the Forest Department (often arranged at the jetty or local tourism office).
- Creek/Island trips (Mayabunder/Rangat): Arrange on ground through jetty officials, tourism counters, or your accommodation; availability is seasonal and weather-dependent.
Important: Private high-speed tourist catamarans commonly serving Havelock/Neil generally do not run scheduled services to North Andaman ports.
Accommodation Options
- Diglipur: Mid-range beach resorts and simple lodges near Kalipur, Ramnagar, and Diglipur town.
- Mayabunder: Guesthouses around the jetty and in town; a few nature-focused stays.
- Rangat: Budget hotels and government-run tourist lodges.
Indicative nightly ranges (double, excluding taxes):
- Budget guesthouses: INR 1,000–2,500
- Mid-range stays: INR 2,500–5,500
- Upper mid-range boutique options: INR 5,500–8,500 (limited)
Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
- Food: Fresh seafood thalis, simple island curries, coconut-based sides; request early for grilled catch-of-the-day at smaller stays.
- Shopping: Small-town markets for basic supplies; occasional handicrafts, arecanut/cane items.
- Culture: Settler communities (Bengali, Karen, Ranchi) lend diverse cuisines and traditions; please be respectful around protected tribal areas—no photography or interaction is allowed.
Estimated Costs
- Government ferry (Port Blair ↔ North Andaman): INR 400–1,000 (seating); INR 1,000–2,000 (berths), route-dependent.
- Ross & Smith speedboat: INR 4,000–7,000 per boat (return), typically up to 6–8 passengers; share to reduce cost.
- Permits/Entry: INR 50–500 per person (varies by site/season); separate camera/environment fees may apply.
- Local transfers: Shared cabs/buses are economical; private cabs for a day range INR 3,500–6,500 depending on distance.
- Meals: INR 250–600 per person for simple eateries; more at resort restaurants.
All prices are indicative and subject to change; verify locally close to travel dates.
Tips for Families, Honeymooners, and Friends
Families
- Prefer morning ferries and early Ross & Smith departures for calmer seas.
- Pack snacks, motion-sickness bands, extra water, and sun protection.
Honeymooners
- Choose a slower schedule with an extra weather buffer day.
- Book accommodations near Kalipur or quiet creeks for privacy and sunsets.
Friends/Groups
- Charter and split boat costs; carry snorkel sets to maximize beach time.
- Consider a Saddle Peak trek if fitness allows; start at dawn.
Safety, Packing, and Environmental Guidelines
- Safety: Follow crew instructions; lifejackets are mandatory on small boats; avoid trips in adverse weather.
- Packing: Dry bags, quick-dry clothing, reef-safe sunscreen, hat, cash, photocopies of ID, basic meds.
- Environment: No plastic littering; no coral stepping or shell collection; respect turtle-nesting protocols and protected areas.
FAQs
Q: Are there private tourist catamarans from Port Blair to Diglipur?
A: No regular private catamarans operate on this route. Travel is mainly via government ferries or by road, with local speedboats used for day trips like Ross & Smith.
Q: How far in advance should I book government ferry tickets?
A: During peak season (Nov–Apr), book 1–2 days in advance at DSS counters. Schedules change, so confirm timings locally close to departure.
Q: Do I need a permit for Ross & Smith Islands?
A: Yes. Permits are issued by the Forest Department, often at Aerial Bay Jetty or the local office. Your boatman or hotel can guide you through the process.
Q: What’s the best month for smooth sea travel to North Andaman?
A: November to April generally offers calmer seas and clearer water. Monsoon months can see cancellations and rough conditions.
Q: Can I do North Andaman as a day trip from Port Blair?
A: It’s not practical. Distances are long; plan at least 2–3 nights in Rangat/Mayabunder/Diglipur to enjoy the region.
Conclusion
North Andaman rewards travelers who embrace slower sea journeys and flexible plans. Government ferries connect the main ports, while local speedboats unlock highlights like Ross & Smith. With calm-season timing, weather buffers, and on-ground booking at jetties, you’ll experience a quieter Andaman—mangrove-fringed coasts, turtle beaches, and island days defined by clear water and open skies.
