North Bay Island
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About North Bay Island
North Bay Island is one of the most popular destinations in the Andaman Islands and a must-visit for tourists, making it an essential stop on any Andaman trip.
Situated to the north of Port Blair, North Bay has been welcoming many tourists to experience its rich coral belts with fringing coral reefs, crystal clear water and its most iconic lighthouse of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. So iconic that it has been featured on the back of the old Rs. 20 currency note. It also offers a spectacular view of the nearby Ross Island and the Port Blair skyline.
How to reach North Bay Island?
Located about 4kms via sea from Port Blair, North Bay is a short (45 minutes) boat ride from Aberdeen jetty. This jetty is situated on the east coast of Port Blair, inside the water Sports Complex and one can easily get here by hiring a taxi, auto-rickshaw or 2-wheeler.
When there, you can purchase a ticket either for a ‘two island tour’ (7 hours) which includes Ross Island and North Bay, or just a ‘North Bay tour’ (About 4 hours in total). You can purchase all the tickets from the boat tour operator.
The North Bay Island-Andaman Administration ensures the smooth functioning of these tours in collaboration with private tour operators. The private boats that take you to North Bay and Ross Island, wait for you and bring you back. There are multiple ferry options to reach North Bay Island, including large ferries that can carry up to 100 passengers and boats that can carry up to 10/20 people.
What to expect from the North Bay Island?
North Bay Beach is not just a place for relaxation but is also a hub for water sports in the Andaman Islands. It attracts numerous tourists with activities like glass boat rides, sea walking, snorkelling and scuba diving that help you experience the underwater marine life.
A visit to North Bay Island can consume about half of your day. It is advisable to carry something to munch on, though snacks (a few run-of-the-mill Chinese dishes and pakoras) and beverages (tea, coffee and cold drinks) are available at the food stalls on the beach.
Things to do in North Bay Island
1. Sea Walking
If swimming isn’t your thing, sea walking is the perfect alternative! With a special helmet that lets you breathe underwater, you can walk along the ocean floor and explore the wonderful underwater world with very rare species of marine life and coral belts at North Bay Island. It’s a simple and fun way to explore the underwater world without diving deep. sea walking is an unforgettable experience, and your guide will even snap some cool pictures while you explore.
- Price: Starting from ₹3,500 for a 20-minute undersea walking
- Best For: Ages 10 and above. Perfect for non swimmers; experience a sea walk with instructors guiding you underwater.
2. Scuba Diving
Scuba diving in Andaman Sea isn’t just one of the water sports. it’s your ticket to explore the 70% of our planet that lies beneath the surface. Scuba Diving takes your coral island experience to a whole new level, allowing you to dive deeper into the underwater world of North Bay Island. Several dive centers offer sessions lasting 20-25 minutes, complete with complimentary underwater photographs. Explore the stunning coral reefs, vibrant marine life, and even clams during this unforgettable adventure.
- Price: Starting from ₹4,500.
- Best For: Ages 10 and above. You don’t need to know how to swim, experienced instructors will guide you through the scuba diving.
3. Snorkelling
Not ready for scuba diving but still want to explore the underwater world? Snorkelling is the perfect budget-friendly water sports in the Andaman islands! Snorkeling is a fantastic way to explore the shallow waters of North Bay Island, offering a glimpse into its vibrant marine life. With mild underwater currents, snorkeling is both safe and thrilling, making it a great activity.
- Price: Starting at ₹1000 for gear. ₹3,500, including gear and guide.
- Best For: Ages 8 and above. No prior experience is needed; guided tours are available for beginners.
4. Glass Bottom Boat Ride
Not a water baby? Still want to witness colourful coral reefs and rich marine life without getting wet? Glass boat rides allow visitors to enjoy the beauty of the coral reefs and marine life without even stepping into the water with the help of a transparent bottom. If you don’t wish to take a dive in the sea, you can instead opt for a coral safari on North Bay Island.
- Price: Starting from ₹2,500 per ride.
- Best For: Families and non swimmers of all ages.
5. Parasailing
It is an aerial and one of the adrenalin-boosting adventure sports that lets you get a bird’s eye view of this beautiful Island. You don’t need to worry about swimming, you’ll be safe with life jackets. Parasailing should be on your list if you want to soak in the beauty of the sea from above. Those 3 minutes in the air feel like an epic ride, and you also get the added bonus of a 20-25 minute speed boat ride to complete the experience.
- Price: Starting from ₹3,500 per ride.
- Best For: Great for adventure seekers ages 12 and above.
6.Jet Ski Ride
Jet Ski ride is like hopping on a water scooter for an adrenaline-pumping adventure activity! If you’re looking to feel the wind in your hair and experience pure excitement, jet skiing is the way to go in Andaman Island. Zoom across the water, weave through the waves, and enjoy the thrill of speed—it’s fast, and exciting, and turns the Andaman sea into your personal playground. Jet skiing is Perfect for anyone looking for a thrilling time on the waves!
- Price: ₹800 to ₹1,200 per ride for 10-15 minutes.
- Best For: Ages 10 and above. A quick briefing session will get you ready to ride the waves. wear life jackets for safety.
G2A Tips
North Bay Island is famed for its diverse family-friendly activity and underwater world activities, attracting numerous tourists. so do give sea walking, semi-submarine ride and scuba diving a try. They’re unlike anything you’ve experienced before.
Since it gets crowded during the tourist season, it is advisable to pre-book the water activities and other activities with Go2Andaman and secure your seats. This can help you skip the long waiting time and let you start your adventure as soon as you get there.
However, during bad weather, some activities might be temporarily suspended or rescheduled for safety reasons, so it’s always best to check the conditions beforehand. While booking water activities with Go2Andaman, you will be informed earlier about any schedule changes or activity availability, and other measures will be taken to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience.
Visitors Information
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Ferry Charges
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FAQs About North Bay Island
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What is North Bay Island famous for?
North Bay Island is a haven for water sports, a variety of corals and a serene beach vibe.
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Is there an entrance fee for visiting North Bay Island?
No, the entry to the island is free but to get to the island, there are ferry charges ranging from 100-150 per person.
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Is it mandatory to know swimming to try out the water sports?
No, you don’t really need to know swimming to enjoy any of the water sports. You will be assisted by an instructor at all times.
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What is the best time to visit the Island?
Although the Island can be visited all year round, going between November and May is highly recommended so that you can avoid the monsoons and enjoy all the water sports without any inconvenience.
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Are there accommodations on the island to stay overnight?
No, there are no accommodations on the island. You will find small shacks and restaurants to eat but you cannot stay on the island overnight.
- Book Guided Tours of North Bay Island
- Book Sightseeing Tour of Port Blair
Why Book With Us
Every member of the Go2andaman team is an Andaman-expert in their own right. As much as we love the islands, we also understand hospitality and great service.
Tickets & Guided Tours
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