Ross and Smith Islands are the most famous sight in Diglipur and one of the most photographed places in the Andaman Islands. Two small islands sit side by side in the sea off Aerial Bay, joined by a narrow ribbon of white sand that rises out of the water at low tide. You can walk along it with the sea on both sides, with clear turquoise water on the left and right, and then, as the tide returns, watch it disappear. The scene looks like a postcard, and it is the reason many travellers make the long journey to the far north.
The islands are reached by a short boat ride from Aerial Bay Jetty, and they are protected, so entry needs a permit. This guide covers what to see, the sandbar and the tide, the permit and boat arrangements, safety points, the best time to go and how to plan your day. If you would rather have the boat, permit and timing arranged for you, explore our Andaman tour packages, planned by Andaman Emerald Travels, a travel team based in the Andamans.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Off Aerial Bay, Diglipur, North Andaman |
| Reached from | Aerial Bay Jetty, by small boat (about 20 to 25 minutes each way) |
| Known for | Twin islands joined by a sandbar, clear water, white sand, quiet beaches |
| Sandbar length | Roughly 50 metres, reported |
| Permit | Forest permit normally needed; confirm current rules |
| Facilities | Basic: changing rooms, resting huts and a few stalls reported |
| Suggested time | 2 to 3 hours on the islands; allow half a day in total |
| Best time of day | Around low tide; mornings are often recommended |
| Best season | October to May |
| Best for | Everyone: couples, families, photographers, snorkellers, nature lovers |
Ross and Smith are two independent islands, linked by a natural sandbar. Ross is covered in thick rainforest, while Smith has the beach and is where most visitors spend their time. The sandbar is soft, white and clean, and the water on either side often shows two different shades of blue, which makes it even more striking. When the tide is low, the sand is wide and dry enough for a long walk. At high tide, the bar slips under the water, and the two islands look completely separate.
These islands are not the same as the Ross Island near Port Blair, which holds colonial ruins. If you are looking for that site, see our page on Ross Island in Port Blair. The Diglipur islands are about white sand, clear water and quiet.
The sandbar is the main event, and its look depends on the tide. A good plan is to check the tide chart the night before and aim to arrive when the water is low or falling, so that you have time to walk across, explore both sides and have a swim. Your boatman or guide can tell you the best window.
| Tide | What You See | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Low tide | The sandbar is exposed; you can walk from one island to the other | Walk the bar, take photographs and explore both beaches |
| Rising tide | The bar narrows and the water starts to cover it | Head back across in good time |
| High tide | The sandbar is under water; two separate islands | Enjoy the beaches, a swim or snorkelling instead |
Sources describe the tide effect slightly differently, so always follow your boatman’s advice and do not stay on the bar when the tide is rising.
Walking between the islands is the highlight. Take your time, look at the water on both sides and notice how the sand and sea change colour. Wear sandals or water shoes if the sand is hot, and keep an eye on the tide.
The shallow, clear water near the sandbar is popular for a dip, and the beaches are good for sunbathing, picnics and quiet time. Visitors can swim in the shallow water near the sandbar, but there are no lifeguards, so stay close to the shore, avoid strong currents and keep an eye on children.
Some visitors snorkel off the islands, where small fish and bits of coral can be seen. Conditions vary with the tide and visibility, so ask your boatman. For a dedicated snorkelling island nearby, see Craggy Island, and for general information, our snorkelling guide.
Walk the shoreline of Smith Island and look at the dead corals and driftwood at low tide. Ross Island itself is thickly forested, and visitors usually keep to the shore.
The sandbar, seen from the beach or from the water, is one of the great photographs of the Andamans. Morning light is often the best, and a wide-angle lens helps. Please do not fly drones without permission, as the area is protected.
| Highlight | What It Is | Approx. Time Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Boat ride | Crossing from Aerial Bay Jetty | About 20 to 25 minutes each way |
| Sandbar walk | Walk between the islands at low tide | 20 to 40 minutes |
| Swimming and beach time | Shallow clear water and white sand | 1 to 2 hours |
| Snorkelling | Fish and coral near the shore (conditions vary) | 30 to 60 minutes |
| Photography | Sandbar, beaches and turquoise water | 30 to 60 minutes |
Timings are approximate and vary with the tide, weather and boat arrangements.
Ross and Smith are in a protected area, so you need a permit before you board a boat. Sources differ on the details, so please read this section as a guide and confirm locally:
Our team arranges the permit, the boat and the timing for guests on our packages.
The best season is October to May, when the sea is calm and the sky is clearer. Plan around low tide, and consider starting in the morning, when the light is best. Monsoon months bring rough seas, and boats often do not run.
| Months | Season | What to Expect | Our Guides |
|---|---|---|---|
| October to November | Post-monsoon | Seas settling; lush landscapes | October, November |
| December to February | Peak season | Clearest skies and calm seas; book early | December, January, February |
| March to May | Summer | Warm and bright; start early | March, April, May |
| June to September | Monsoon | Rough seas; boats often cancelled | June, July, August, September |
Diglipur is around 300 km from Port Blair, a long journey that most travellers break into stages. From Diglipur town, Aerial Bay Jetty is about 15 to 20 minutes away by road, depending on the source, and autos, cabs and rented vehicles are available. From the jetty, a small boat takes you to the islands in about 20 to 25 minutes. If you are on one of our packages, your private cab takes you to the jetty and we arrange the rest.
| Stage | What Happens | Approx. Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Port Blair to Diglipur | A long road or sea journey, usually with an overnight stop | 12 hours or more by road |
| Diglipur to Aerial Bay Jetty | A short drive by cab, auto or rented vehicle | About 15 to 20 minutes |
| Permit and boarding | Collect the permit and join your boat | 30 to 45 minutes |
| Boat to the islands | A short crossing through clear blue water | About 20 to 25 minutes |
| Time on the islands | Sandbar, swimming and photographs | About 2 hours |
| Return | Boat back to the jetty | About 20 to 25 minutes |
Keep at least half a day for the islands, and plan a dedicated island day without a long transfer on the same day. Schedules, boat availability and rules change, so confirm before you travel. If you are continuing south afterwards, some travellers stay overnight at Baratang to see Parrot Island at sunset.
| Time | Plan |
|---|---|
| Early morning | Leave Diglipur for Aerial Bay Jetty and collect the permit |
| Morning | Boat to the islands and walk the sandbar at low tide |
| Late morning | Swim, snorkel or relax on the beach |
| Midday | Boat back to the jetty and lunch in Diglipur |
| Afternoon | Turtle beaches: Kalipur Beach and Ramnagar Beach, if time allows |
Looking for a ready-made plan that includes Diglipur? Longer packages suit the far north best: see our 6 nights 7 days, 7 nights 8 days and 8 nights 9 days Andaman packages. For more quiet places, read our guide to offbeat places in Andaman, or browse all Andaman destinations on our site.
Diglipur has a small number of resorts and guesthouses, so most visitors stay in or near the town and make the islands a day trip. Facilities are modest, and rooms are limited, especially from December to February, so book early.
Diglipur and north Andaman stops are part of many of our packages. Every traveller has different needs, so we offer a package for each:
| Traveller Type | Package | What It Offers |
|---|---|---|
| Couples | Andaman honeymoon packages | Quiet stays and private transfers |
| Families | Andaman family packages | Comfortable, child-friendly plans |
| Friends and colleagues | Andaman group packages | Shared planning for large parties |
| Value-focused travellers | Andaman budget packages | Affordable trips that cover the highlights |
| Government employees | Andaman LTC packages | Plans designed for LTC travel |
| Thrill seekers | Andaman adventure packages | Snorkelling, trekking and offbeat excursions |
Not sure which suits you? Reach out through our contact page for a customised itinerary.
See what travellers say about us on Andaman Emerald Travels on Google, then call +91 9933245630 or send an enquiry for a free quote on your Andaman tour packages.
They are two small islands off Aerial Bay in Diglipur, North Andaman, joined by a natural sandbar that appears at low tide.
No. Ross Island near Port Blair holds colonial ruins. The Diglipur islands are twin sandbar islands with white sand and clear water.
Travel to Diglipur, then go to Aerial Bay Jetty and take a small boat for about 20 to 25 minutes.
A forest permit is normally required, usually arranged at the forest office or near the jetty. Our team arranges it for guests on our packages.
At low tide. Check the tide chart and follow your boatman’s advice.
Yes, in the shallow water near the sandbar, but there are no lifeguards, so stay close to shore and keep children close.
Plan a half day, with about two hours on the islands.
Longer packages that include Diglipur can include it. Couples often choose a honeymoon package, families a family package and adventure lovers an adventure package. Our team can customise any plan.
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