- Distance
- 290 km by road (10–12 hrs) or overnight government ship
- Turtle nesting
- December – April, peak January – February
- Nesting time
- Night, usually 20:00 onwards, with forest department guides
- Ross & Smith
- Boat from Aerial Bay jetty; forest permit required
- Permit
- ₹500 – ₹1,000 per person for Ross & Smith, issued at Diglipur
- Minimum stay
- 2 nights
Getting there without wasting two days
- Road: private car via the ATR and Baratang convoys, 10–12 hours — combine with a Baratang stop
- Government ship from Port Blair to Aerial Bay: overnight, cheap, schedule-dependent
- Most sensible plan: road up with a Baratang stop, two nights in Diglipur, road back
Kalipur turtle nesting — what you actually see
Kalipur is one of very few beaches in the world where four species of sea turtle nest, including the giant leatherback. Nesting is a night activity run with the forest department; you walk the beach with a guide and wait.
- Season December to April; January and February are the reliable months
- No white torches or flash photography — red light only
- Sightings are never guaranteed; two nights doubles your odds
- Hatchling releases happen on some mornings in February–April
Ross & Smith twin islands
- Two islands joined by a natural sandbar, walkable at low tide
- Forest permit issued at Diglipur; carry ID, permits are not sold at the jetty
- Boat from Aerial Bay, 20–30 minutes; ₹3,000 – ₹5,000 per boat, shared
- Check the tide table — at high tide the sandbar disappears and the walk is gone
Saddle Peak
At 732 m it is the highest point in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The trek is about 8 km one way from Lamiya Bay, needs a forest entry permit and a guide, and should start by 06:00.
Frequently asked questions
When is turtle nesting season at Kalipur Beach?
December to April, with January and February the most reliable months. Nesting walks run at night with forest department guides; red light only, no flash.
Do you need a permit for Ross and Smith Islands?
Yes. A forest department permit costing roughly ₹500–₹1,000 per person is issued in Diglipur, not at the jetty. Carry photo ID.
How long does it take to reach Diglipur from Port Blair?
Ten to twelve hours by road including the Baratang convoy crossings, or overnight on a government ship to Aerial Bay. Plan a minimum of two nights in Diglipur.
Free download
Printable Andaman ferry & logistics cheat sheet
One page with every ferry class and fare, cab rates, activity prices, convoy timings and the rules that catch people out. Print it or keep it on your phone — the islands have patchy data.
Want it checked against your actual dates? Leave your details and our Port Blair desk sends a dated version with live ferry availability.
Ask our Port Blair desk about Diglipur & Ross and Smith
Timings and fares shift with the season. Tell us your dates and we'll confirm what is actually running — no obligation, no call centre.