North Bay Island is the Andamans’ most accessible coral island and one of the best half-day trips from Port Blair. A short boat ride from the city, it offers clear shallow water, colourful reefs, a white lighthouse that once appeared on the back of the old ₹20 note and a choice of water activities that suit almost everyone. It is the place many first-time visitors try snorkelling, sea walking or a glass-bottom boat ride, and it is often paired with a visit to Ross Island on the same day.
North Bay lies just north-east of Port Blair, and the trip takes about half a day. This guide covers what to see and do, the activities, the best time to go, how to reach it, what to bring and how to plan your day. If you would rather have the boats, tickets and activities arranged for you, explore our Andaman tour packages, planned by Andaman Emerald Travels, a travel team based in Port Blair.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | North-east of Port Blair, a short distance by sea |
| Reached from | The Aberdeen / Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex area, by boat |
| Known for | Lighthouse, coral reefs, sea walking, snorkelling, glass-bottom boat rides |
| Distance by sea | About 4 km, roughly 15 to 45 minutes depending on the boat |
| Suggested time | Half day (about 3 to 4 hours); a full day if combined with Ross Island |
| Best season | October to May |
| Best for | Families, couples, first-time snorkellers, non-swimmers, photographers |
North Bay is a small island with a sandy shore, shallow water and a fringing reef that starts close to the beach. The island is known for its lighthouse, which was the subject of the picture on the back of the older ₹20 note, so many visitors arrive hoping for that famous view. The surrounding waters are shallow and clear, with healthy coral in many areas, which is why the island has become the main centre for water activities near Port Blair.
Facilities on the island are limited, with a few small stalls, basic seating and activity counters. It is a place for activities and views rather than for luxury, and it is best visited in the morning, when the water is calmer and the light is clear.
The North Bay lighthouse is the island’s landmark. It stands above the shore and makes a lovely backdrop for photographs. The tower is sometimes open to visitors who want to climb for views over the island, the sea and the Port Blair skyline, but access depends on timing and is not always available, so ask on the day.
Snorkelling is one of the best things to do here. The reef begins close to the shore, so even beginners can see colourful fish and corals in shallow water. You will usually go with a trained guide and a life jacket. Visibility depends on the weather and tide, so conditions can change from day to day.
Sea walking lets you walk along the seabed wearing a special helmet that supplies air, with no swimming needed. It suits non-swimmers and older children, and an instructor stays with you throughout. It is one of the most popular activities on the island. There are usually age and health limits, so check before you book.
Beginners can try a guided introductory scuba dive here, and certified divers can ask about options. As with all dive activities, a short briefing, a health declaration and instructors are part of the experience, and not everyone qualifies. For a wider choice of dive sites, many travellers also dive at Havelock.
A glass-bottom boat is the easiest way to see the reef without getting wet. It suits young children, seniors and anyone who is not comfortable in the water. Where offered, a semi-submarine ride gives a similar view from below the surface.
Between activities, relax on the sand, walk to a viewpoint and look back at Ross Island and the city. The sunlight on the water is lovely, and the island is a pleasant place for a slow break.
| Activity | Suitable For | Experience Level | Approx. Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snorkelling | Families, couples, beginners | Beginner | 30 to 60 minutes |
| Sea walking | Non-swimmers, older children | No swimming needed | About 20 to 30 minutes in the water |
| Introductory scuba | Adventure lovers | Beginner (with instructor) | Around 1 hour including briefing |
| Glass-bottom boat | Families, seniors, young children | No experience needed | 20 to 30 minutes |
| Lighthouse visit | Photographers, curious travellers | Easy | 15 to 30 minutes (if open) |
| Beach time | Everyone | No experience needed | 1 hour or more |
Availability, prices and timings vary with season, weather and operators. Please confirm before planning around a specific activity.
The best time to visit is October to May, when the sea is calm and the water is clear. Morning departures are best, as winds and waves tend to rise later in the day. Monsoon months bring rough seas, lower visibility and frequent boat cancellations, and water activities may be suspended.
| Months | Season | What to Expect | Our Guides |
|---|---|---|---|
| October to November | Post-monsoon | Seas settling; visibility improving | October, November |
| December to February | Peak season | Clearest water and calm seas; busiest period | December, January, February |
| March to May | Summer | Warm days and good visibility; start early | March, April, May |
| June to September | Monsoon | Rough seas; trips and activities often cancelled | June, July, August, September |
North Bay is reached by boat from the waterfront area near Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex in Aberdeen. Boats range from larger ferries that carry many passengers to smaller private boats, and the crossing takes roughly 15 to 45 minutes. Tickets are available through operators, and many visitors take a combined tour that includes Ross Island and North Bay. If you are on one of our packages, we arrange the tickets, the boat and the timing.
| Option | Best For | Things to Note |
|---|---|---|
| North Bay only | Those who want a shorter trip or more time for activities | About 3 to 4 hours in total |
| Ross Island and North Bay combined | Most first-time visitors | A full day; start early |
| Private boat or package transfer | Families and groups | Flexible timing; arranged through our team |
Boat departure points, schedules and ticket rules can change, and trips may be cancelled in bad weather, so confirm everything before you travel. Carry valid photo ID, as it may be needed for tickets.
| Time | Plan |
|---|---|
| Early morning | Reach the jetty and board the boat |
| Morning | Arrive at North Bay; choose your activity (snorkelling, sea walk or glass-bottom boat) |
| Late morning | Beach time, lighthouse photos and a cold drink |
| Midday | Boat to Ross Island, if doing the combined trip |
| Afternoon | Explore the ruins and return to Port Blair |
| Evening | Attend the Light and Sound Show at the Cellular Jail |
Looking for a ready-made plan that includes North Bay? See our 3 nights 4 days and 4 nights 5 days Andaman packages. You can also browse all Andaman destinations on our site.
If North Bay is closed or you want a quieter experience, Jolly Buoy Island offers a calmer, more protected reef, though it needs a permit and a longer journey. For a view of North Bay from above, visit Mount Harriet National Park, where the lighthouse can be spotted from the hilltop on clear days.
North Bay and other Port Blair island trips 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 | Romantic stays, private transfers and relaxed island trips |
| 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 | Scuba, sea walking and other water activities |
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.
It is famous for its lighthouse, which appeared on the back of the old ₹20 note, and for its coral reefs and water activities such as snorkelling and sea walking.
It is about 4 km by sea, and the boat ride takes roughly 15 to 45 minutes depending on the boat.
A North Bay-only trip takes about 3 to 4 hours. If you combine it with Ross Island, plan for most of a day.
Yes. Sea walking and glass-bottom boat rides are designed for non-swimmers, and snorkelling is done with a life jacket and a guide.
October to May is the best period. Mornings are best for calm water and clear skies.
Yes, with care. Glass-bottom boats and beach time suit all ages, and some activities have age or health limits. Tell us about your group so we can plan the right pace.
Sometimes. Access depends on timing and is not always open, so ask on the day.
Most of our Port Blair packages include it. Couples often choose a honeymoon package, families a family package and adventure lovers an adventure package. Our team can customise any plan.
C-43 WARD NO. 12, DIGNABAD, PORT BLAIR, South Andaman, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, 744101
Copyright ©2026, Andaman Emerald Travels { A Unit Of Andaman Emerald Tours and Travels Pvt. Ltd. } All Rights Reserved
Call
Enquiry