North Bay Island: Coral, Sea Walking & Complete Visit Guide

Port Blair's Easiest Reef

North Bay Island is the closest and easiest introduction to the Andamans' underwater world — a small island just off Port Blair, reached by a short boat ride rather than a multi-hour ferry to Havelock. Calm, sheltered water and a fringing coral reef make it the default half-day activity for anyone spending their first or last day in Port Blair before or after the outer islands.

What sets North Bay apart from the Andamans' bigger dive and snorkel destinations isn't the quality of the reef — Havelock and Jolly Buoy generally beat it on that front — it's accessibility. You don't need to commit to Havelock's ferry crossing or Jolly Buoy's early-morning departure from Wandoor; North Bay is close enough to fold into a single unhurried morning from the capital.

It's almost always visited together with Ross Island, since boats run a combined circuit between Port Blair, North Bay, and Ross — pairing a short water activity with a walk through colonial ruins in the same trip.

Best Time to Visit North Bay Island

North Bay follows the same broad seasonal pattern as the rest of the Andamans, but because visibility and sea conditions matter more here than on a beach visit, timing within the day counts almost as much as the season.

Our pick: a November-February morning departure — the combination of calm seas and clear light gives you the best shot at good visibility for whichever activity you choose.

How to Reach North Bay Island

North Bay has no permanent settlement and no road link — every visitor arrives by boat from Port Blair.

• By Government Ferry: Cheaper, scheduled departures from Phoenix Bay Jetty, usually as part of a combined North Bay-Ross Island round trip.
• By Private Speedboat: Faster and more flexible on timing, departing from the Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex — the common choice if you're booking activities through a private operator.
• Through a Tour Package: Most Port Blair travel desks and hotels sell a bundled North Bay + Ross Island half-day package that includes the boat, entry, and time at both islands.

Things to Do at North Bay Island

Sea Walking

A weighted helmet feeds you a continuous supply of air while you walk along the sandy sea floor among coral and reef fish — no swimming ability required at all, which makes it North Bay's signature draw for travellers who want an underwater experience without getting in over their head, literally.

Glass-Bottom Boat Rides

The simplest option: a boat with a transparent panel in its hull lets you view the coral and fish below while staying completely dry — a good pick for young children, older travellers, or anyone who'd rather skip getting wet entirely.

Snorkelling

Shallow reef patches close to shore are accessible to reasonably confident swimmers with a mask, snorkel, and life jacket, usually with an operator's guide staying close by.

Scuba Diving

North Bay also has a handful of dive sites suited to both beginners and certified divers, though serious divers generally rate Havelock's dive sites higher — North Bay's diving is best treated as a convenient extra rather than the main reason to come.

The Lighthouse

A working lighthouse on the island can be climbed for views back toward Port Blair's harbour and the surrounding water — a quick, low-effort add-on between water activities.

Pairing North Bay with Ross Island

Because both islands sit close together and are reached from the same Port Blair jetties, boats commonly run a single combined circuit — Port Blair → North Bay → Ross Island, or the reverse. Doing them together turns two separate half-day trips into one, leaving your other days free for Havelock, Neil, or Port Blair's own sights like the Cellular Jail.

The two make a natural contrast too: North Bay for water activities, Ross Island for a quiet walk through jungle-swallowed colonial ruins — a good split of active and reflective time within a single outing.

Suggested Visit Plan (Half-Day)

Most North Bay visits are built around a single morning or early-afternoon slot, combined with Ross Island.

Food & Facilities

North Bay has minimal food infrastructure — a few basic snack stalls near the jetty, nothing more. Most visitors eat before departing Port Blair or wait until returning, where the capital's restaurants offer far better options.

Budget Breakdown

* Figures are per person and exclude scuba diving, which is priced separately. Combine with a Ross Island visit to spread the boat cost across both stops.

Essential Tips for Visiting North Bay Island

• Book the combined North Bay + Ross Island trip: It's cheaper and more efficient than arranging two separate boat trips.
• Go in the morning: Calmer seas and clearer light give the best conditions for water activities before the afternoon breeze picks up.
• Carry cash: Activity operators and snack stalls on the island often don't accept cards.
• Don't touch the coral: Whether snorkelling or sea walking, keep hands and fins off the reef to avoid damaging it.
• Carry sun protection: There's limited shade on the water and reef-safe sunscreen protects both you and the coral.
• Set expectations on coral quality: If pristine coral is your priority, note that Jolly Buoy Island generally has better-preserved reefs, though it takes longer to reach.

Frequently Asked Questions