Ross Island & North Bay: A Guide to the Perfect Andaman Day Trip (2026)

When you’re in Port Blair, the most popular and highly recommended excursion is the spectacular day trip that combines two nearby islands: Ross Island and North Bay Island. It’s often called a "two-island trip" and it’s famous for a reason—it perfectly blends a morning of fascinating history with an afternoon of thrilling underwater adventure.

One moment you're stepping back in time, walking through the beautiful, deer-inhabited ruins of a British administrative capital. The next, you're strapping on a helmet to walk on the ocean floor, surrounded by vibrant coral and colourful fish. It’s a day of incredible contrasts and a must-do for almost every visitor.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to plan your perfect Ross & North Bay day trip, from what to see on each island to the practical details of the boat journey.

PC: Andaman Tourism

1. A Tale of Two Islands: History Meets Adventure

The magic of this trip lies in the completely different experiences each island offers.

Morning: Ross Island (Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Dweep) – Step Back in Time

• What it is: The former administrative headquarters for the British in the Andamans, once known as the "Paris of the East." After being abandoned, nature has gracefully taken over, creating a mesmerizing landscape of majestic, tree-entwined colonial ruins.

• What to See: Explore the ruins of the Chief Commissioner's House, a beautiful Presbyterian church, a bakery, and officer's quarters. The island is also a sanctuary for a large and very friendly population of spotted deer and peacocks.

Afternoon: North Bay Island – Dive into Adventure

• What it is: This is the water sports hub for visitors based in Port Blair. Its main attraction is a rich coral reef and the calm, clear waters that make it perfect for underwater activities. The island's iconic lighthouse is the one famously printed on the back of the Indian 20 Rupee note.

• What to Do: This is where the action is! The top activities are Sea Walking, snorkeling, glass-bottom boat rides, and scuba diving for beginners.

2. How the Day Trip Works: The Boat Journey

The entire trip is a well-organized boat tour that is easy for tourists to navigate.

• Departure Point: All boats for the Ross & North Bay trip leave from the Aberdeen Jetty, also known as the Andaman Water Sports Complex, in Port Blair.

• The Boat: You'll travel on a shared tourist boat with other passengers. The journey to the first island is usually around 20-30 minutes.

• The Route: The boat will take you to one island (e.g., North Bay) where you'll have 2-3 hours to enjoy the activities. It will then take you to the second island (e.g., Ross Island) for another 1.5-2 hours of exploration before returning to Aberdeen Jetty.

• Duration: The entire trip is a full-day activity. Plan to depart around 9:00 - 9:30 AM and you will return by 4:00 - 5:00 PM.

3. How to Book Your Ross & North Bay Island Tour

• At the Jetty: You can buy tickets directly from the counters at Aberdeen Jetty on the morning of your trip, but this can involve long queues, especially during peak season.

• Through Tour Operators (Recommended): The easiest and most hassle-free method is to book your trip a day or two in advance through a local tour operator or an online travel portal. This secures your spot and allows you to plan your day with certainty.

PC: Andaman Tourism

4. Costs & Fees: A Complete Breakdown

It's important to understand the different costs involved.

• Boat Ticket: The return boat journey covering both islands typically costs between ₹900 - ₹1,200 per person.

• Entry Fees: You will need to pay separate entry fees on each island. These are nominal, usually around ₹30-50 for Ross Island and ₹10-20 for North Bay.

• Activity Costs: All water sports at North Bay are charged separately. For example, a Sea Walk can cost around ₹3,500.

Pro-Tip: Carry enough cash with you, as most water sport vendors and small shacks on the islands do not accept digital payments.

5. The Next Step: From Local Day Trips to Grand Island Adventures

Exploring the islands near the capital is a fantastic experience. It gives you a perfect taste of the history and adventure the Andamans have to offer. Once you've done this, your next big adventure is the journey to the jewels of the archipelago—Havelock and Neil Islands.

Unlike the short boat ride to Ross Island, this main island-hopping journey requires a premium travel experience. For this, a fast, comfortable, and air-conditioned private ferry is a must. Booking your tickets for operators like Nautika on GoNautika ensures your main island-hopping leg is as seamless and enjoyable as your local day trips.

Read About The Perfect 5 Day Andaman Itinerary