Ross Island & North Bay: A Local's Guide to the Perfect Half-Day Trip

_A quick heads-up: Ross Island is officially called Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Dweep, but you'll find most locals and travel folks still call it by its old name._

So you're in Port Blair with half a day to spare and wondering what to do. We hear this all the time! Instead of just kicking back at your hotel, one of the easiest and most rewarding little trips you can do is the classic Ross Island and North Bay tour. It’s a perfect combo of history, nature, and a little bit of underwater fun, all wrapped up in about four to five hours.

It's a "must-do" for first-timers in Port Blair for a good reason. You get two very different island experiences in one go, and it doesn’t take up your whole day, leaving you free for a relaxed evening or a flight to catch.

First Stop: A Walk Through History at Ross Island

As your boat pulls up to the jetty, the first thing you'll notice about Ross Island is how green it is. It feels like nature has completely taken over, and in many ways, it has. This small island was once the administrative headquarters for the British in the Andamans. It had everything: a grand chief commissioner’s house, a church, a ballroom, a hospital, a bakery—a whole little town.

Today, what’s left are the fascinating ruins of those buildings. Giant, ancient trees have wrapped their roots around the old brick walls, creating a scene straight out of a movie. It’s quiet and a bit eerie, but incredibly beautiful. You can walk along paved pathways and see the remnants of the Presbyterian Church, the bakery, and the commissioner's bungalow, which has a fantastic view of the sea.

Don't be surprised when you're greeted by the island's current residents: herds of spotted deer and majestic peacocks. They roam freely and are completely used to people. My niece loves pointing them out every time we visit! It’s a lovely, peaceful walk. Just wear comfortable shoes, as there are some gentle slopes to navigate.

Next Up: North Bay Island for a Splash of Fun

After a dose of history, the boat will zip you over to North Bay Island. If this place looks familiar, pull out a 20-rupee note—the lighthouse-crowned island on the back is North Bay!

This island has a completely different vibe. Where Ross Island is quiet and historic, North Bay is buzzing with activity. This is the spot for water sports. The beach itself is not the soft, white-sand kind you’ll find on Havelock (Swaraj Dweep); it’s more of a coral and shell shoreline that serves as a launchpad for underwater adventures.

This is where you can try things like sea walking, which lets you walk on the ocean floor wearing a special helmet, or take a ride on a semi-submarine or glass-bottom boat to see the coral reefs without getting wet. Snorkeling is also a big draw here, as the reef is just a short swim from the shore. You’ll see schools of colourful fish darting around. It’s a great taster for the vibrant marine life the Andamans are famous for.

Our tip? Bring some cash with you, as most of the activity providers and little food stalls here prefer it. And maybe a change of clothes if you plan on getting in the water!

Getting There & What to Expect

The whole trip is pretty straightforward. All the boats for the Ross Island and North Bay combo trip leave from the Aberdeen Jetty, which is part of the Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex in Port Blair. You can’t miss it.

You typically buy one ticket that covers the boat journey for both islands. The boats usually start leaving in the morning, around 9 AM. You’ll spend about 1.5 to 2 hours at Ross Island, and then another 2 hours or so at North Bay before the boat brings you back to Port Blair.

During the peak tourist season (from October to March), these tours can get quite busy. It’s a good idea to book your tickets a day in advance from one of the authorized counters to avoid any last-minute hassles. This ensures you get a spot and everything runs smoothly on the day of your trip.

FAQs

Q: How much time do I need for the Ross Island and North Bay trip? A: You should set aside about 4 to 5 hours. This includes the boat travel to and from the islands and the time you spend on each one.

Q: Can I buy food and water on the islands? A: Yes, you can. North Bay, in particular, has several small shacks selling snacks, coconuts, and water. Ross Island has a small canteen. However, we always recommend carrying your own reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.

Q: Is North Bay a good beach for swimming and relaxing? A: It’s more of a base for water sports. The shoreline is quite rocky and full of coral, so it's not the best for casual swimming or sunbathing like Radhanagar Beach. Think of it as an activity hub rather than a relaxation spot.

Q: Are there changing rooms and lockers at North Bay? A: Yes, there are basic changing rooms available for you to use after your water activities. You can also rent small lockers to keep your valuables safe while you're in the water.