North Bay Island Port Blair: Complete Visitor Guide 2025-26
About North Bay Island
North Bay Island, affectionately known as “Coral Island,” stands as one of the most accessible and popular marine destinations near Port Blair, offering visitors an extraordinary underwater paradise just 15-20 minutes by boat from the capital city. This small island has achieved iconic status in Indian tourism—its picturesque lighthouse and pristine beaches were featured on the back of the old ₹20 currency note, making North Bay Island one of the most photographed locations in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
What makes North Bay Island truly special is its vibrant fringing coral reefs that begin just meters from the shore, creating an easily accessible underwater wonderland teeming with colorful corals, tropical fish, sea anemones, starfish, and diverse marine life. Unlike more remote diving destinations that require extensive ferry journeys, North Bay Island provides immediate access to Andaman’s marine biodiversity—perfect for travelers with limited time who want to experience world-class snorkeling, scuba diving, and underwater activities without venturing far from Port Blair.
North Bay Island has transformed into the water sports capital near Port Blair, offering an impressive array of activities including scuba diving, sea walking (underwater walking with a special helmet), snorkeling, glass-bottom boat rides, coral safari semi-submarine tours, parasailing, jet skiing, and banana boat rides. The island caters to all types of travelers—adventure enthusiasts seeking adrenaline rushes, families with children looking for safe water activities, non-swimmers who want underwater experiences, and nature lovers eager to witness pristine coral ecosystems.
The island’s clear, shallow waters with excellent visibility (often 15-20 meters) make it ideal for beginners attempting their first underwater adventure. Professional instructors, comprehensive safety measures, quality equipment, and well-established dive centers ensure that even first-timers can safely explore North Bay Island’s underwater treasures. For anyone planning an Andaman tour, North Bay Island represents an essential stop that combines natural beauty, marine biodiversity, adventure sports, and convenient accessibility—all within a half-day excursion from Port Blair.
Where Is North Bay Island Located & How to Reach
Location Details
North Bay Island is situated approximately 15-20 minutes by boat from Port Blair, off the northeast coast near Ross Island. The island lies within easy reach of the capital, making it one of the most accessible coral reef destinations in the Andaman archipelago.
Distance from Port Blair: Approximately 4 km by sea (15-20 minutes by boat)
Ferry Departure Point: Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex (Aberdeen area, Port Blair)
Nearby Islands: Ross Island (can be combined in a single trip)
How to Reach North Bay Island
Transport Mode
Details
Cost Range
Duration
Boat from Water Sports Complex
Regular ferries & private boats
₹500-1,500 (includes return)
15-20 minutes
Combined Ross + North Bay Tour
Most popular option
₹750-2,000
Full morning/afternoon
Private Boat Charter
For groups, customized timing
₹8,000-15,000 (full boat)
Flexible
Tour Package
Includes transport + activities
₹2,500-5,000
Half day to full day
Step-by-Step: Reaching North Bay Island
Step 1: Reach Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex
The journey to North Bay Island begins at the Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex located in the Aberdeen area of Port Blair, approximately 2-3 km from the city center.
Transportation to Water Sports Complex:
From Airport (3 km): Taxi ₹150-250, Auto-rickshaw ₹100-150 (10-15 minutes)
From City Center: Taxi ₹100-200, Auto-rickshaw ₹50-100, Local bus ₹10-20
From Cellular Jail (3 km): Taxi ₹100-150, Auto-rickshaw ₹80-120
Step 2: Book Ferry Tickets
Tickets can be purchased at the Water Sports Complex ticket counter. During peak season (November-February), it’s advisable to arrive early (by 8:00 AM) as popular time slots fill quickly.
Ferry Schedule:
First Departure: Typically 8:30 AM
Last Departure: Varies (usually around 2:00-3:00 PM)
Return Boats: Multiple returns throughout the day
Note: Exact schedules vary by season and weather conditions
Step 3: Board the Boat
Ferries accommodate 250+ passengers and are equipped with life jackets for all travelers. The 15-20 minute journey offers stunning views of Port Blair’s coastline, nearby islands, and turquoise waters.
Boat Options:
Government Ferries: Regular schedule, most economical
Private Speed Boats: Faster, more flexible timing, slightly more expensive
Tour Package Boats: Included in organized tour packages
Combined Tours:
Most visitors combine North Bay Island with Ross Island (Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island) in a single trip, as ferries typically operate on the same route:
Typical Combined Itinerary:
Morning: Depart Port Blair → Ross Island (colonial ruins, Japanese bunkers, wildlife)
Midday: Ross Island → North Bay Island (water sports, coral viewing)
Afternoon: Return to Port Blair
This combination maximizes your day, offering both historical exploration and marine adventure.
From Other Islands:
If staying in Havelock Island or Neil Island, take a ferry to Port Blair’s Aberdeen Jetty first, then proceed to the Water Sports Complex (5-10 minutes by taxi/auto) to catch boats to North Bay Island.
Important Tips:
Verify ferry schedules the day before (weather can cause cancellations)
Arrive 30 minutes early to secure tickets and preferred time slots
Carry valid ID proof (required for ticket booking)
Book water sports activities in advance during peak season
Sea conditions affect operations—rough seas may suspend activities
Things to Do at North Bay Island
Scuba Diving at North Bay Island
North Bay Island ranks among the top five scuba diving destinations in the Andaman Islands, offering beginner-friendly dive sites with shallow depths (5-12 meters) and exceptional visibility.
Experience: After a brief on-shore training covering safety protocols and underwater communication, you’ll don diving equipment and descend into North Bay Island’s vibrant underwater world. Explore colorful fringing coral reefs, encounter schools of tropical fish, spot sea anemones, starfish, sea urchins, and possibly even clams. Professional PADI-certified instructors accompany you throughout the 20-30 minute dive, ensuring both safety and enjoyment.
Details:
Depth: 5-12 meters (shallow, beginner-friendly)
Duration: 20-30 minutes underwater, 60 minutes total activity
Best For: First-time divers, families, adventure seekers
What You’ll See: Brain corals, table corals, colorful reef fish (parrotfish, angelfish, butterflyfish), sea anemones with clownfish, starfish, sea cucumbers, occasional lobsters, and diverse marine biodiversity.
For world-class scuba diving with superior coral health and marine life, consider Havelock Island, which offers more advanced dive sites.
Sea Walking at North Bay Island
Sea walking (underwater walking) is North Bay Island’s signature activity, allowing non-swimmers to experience the ocean floor while breathing comfortably inside a special helmet.
Experience: Wearing a heavy helmet that receives continuous air supply from the surface, you’ll walk on the seabed at 5-7 meters depth, surrounded by coral formations and tropical fish. Unlike diving, you stay dry from the shoulders down and walk naturally as if on land. Marine life swims around you as guides feed fish, creating incredible photo opportunities.
Details:
Depth: 5-7 meters
Duration: 15-20 minutes underwater, 45-60 minutes total
Best For: Non-swimmers, elderly visitors (below 60), families with children, those nervous about diving.
Unique Aspect: North Bay Island and Elephant Beach (Havelock) are the only two locations in the Andamans offering sea walking.
Snorkeling at North Bay Island
North Bay Island’s fringing coral reefs begin just meters from shore, creating ideal snorkeling conditions with shallow waters, excellent visibility, and abundant marine life.
Experience: Equipped with mask, snorkel, and fins (provided by operators), you’ll float on the surface observing the underwater world below. The coral reefs spread over large areas, offering endless exploration opportunities. Spot various fish species, observe coral formations in different shapes and colors, and enjoy the tranquility of being suspended in warm tropical waters.
Details:
Depth: Surface to 3-5 meters
Duration: 30-45 minutes
Cost: ₹700-1,000 per person (often includes glass boat ride)
Includes: Equipment (mask, snorkel, fins), life jacket, guide
Requirements: Age 10+, basic comfort in water
Note: Personal equipment not allowed (protects delicate coral ecosystems)
What You’ll See: Colorful coral gardens, schools of tropical fish, sea anemones, starfish, sea urchins, occasionally lobsters and clams.
Safety: Life jackets provided, trained guides accompany snorkelers, designated safe zones marked clearly.
Glass-Bottom Boat Ride
Perfect for visitors who prefer staying dry while experiencing North Bay Island’s marine wonders, glass-bottom boats offer panoramic underwater views through transparent floors.
Experience: Sit comfortably inside a boat with large glass panels on the floor, providing clear views of coral reefs and marine life passing beneath. The 20-minute ride takes you over the best coral viewing spots near North Bay Island, offering spectacular vistas of colorful corals, fish schools, and underwater landscapes—all without getting wet.
Details:
Duration: 20 minutes
Cost: ₹2,500-3,000 per boat (not per person; can be shared)
Capacity: 10-15 passengers per boat
Best For: Families with young children, elderly visitors, non-swimmers, photographers
Advantage: Suitable for all ages, no swimming required, comfortable and safe, excellent for photography.
Coral Safari Semi-Submarine
An innovative underwater viewing experience, the semi-submarine offers air-conditioned comfort while exploring North Bay Island’s coral reefs through large viewing windows.
Experience: Board a semi-submarine vessel where you’ll sit in an underwater viewing chamber with panoramic windows. As the vessel glides over coral formations, observe marine life up close without leaving your seat. The guided tour explains different coral types, fish species, and ecosystem dynamics.
Details:
Duration: 30-40 minutes
Cost: ₹3,000-4,000 per person
Best For: Luxury seekers, families, elderly, those wanting educational experience
Unique Feature: Only available at North Bay Island near Port Blair, providing exclusive underwater viewing without diving or snorkeling.
Parasailing at North Bay Island
Experience the thrill of flying 200-300 feet above North Bay Island’s crystal-clear waters, offering breathtaking aerial views of the island, coral reefs, and Port Blair skyline.
Experience: Strapped into a harness and life jacket, you’ll be lifted skyward as a speedboat accelerates, pulling you up via a parachute. The 3-5 minute flight offers spectacular bird’s-eye views, while the included 20-25 minute speedboat ride adds to the adventure.
Details:
Flight Duration: 3-5 minutes airborne
Total Duration: 25-30 minutes (includes boat ride)
Cost: ₹3,500-4,000 per person
Requirements: Age 12+, weight restrictions apply
Best For: Thrill-seekers, adventure enthusiasts
Views: Panoramic vistas of North Bay Island, Ross Island, Port Blair city, turquoise waters, and coral formations visible from above.
Jet Skiing
Ride powerful jet skis across North Bay Island’s crystal-clear waters, experiencing high-speed thrills with stunning island views.
Details:
Duration: 10-15 minutes
Cost: ₹700-1,000 per person
Requirements: Age 12+ (with guardian permission)
Best For: Adventure lovers, water sports enthusiasts
Banana Boat Ride
A fun group activity where 4-6 people sit on an inflatable banana-shaped boat towed at high speed by a motorboat.
Details:
Duration: 10 minutes
Cost: ₹300-500 per person
Best For: Groups, families, friends seeking fun activity
Speed Boating
High-speed boat rides offering wind-in-your-hair excitement without getting wet.
Details:
Duration: 10-15 minutes
Cost: ₹500-800 per person
Best For: Families with young children, thrill-seekers
North Bay Island Lighthouse
The iconic North Bay Lighthouse, featured on the back of India’s old ₹20 currency note, stands as one of the most photographed landmarks in the Andamans.
History: Built during the British colonial era, this lighthouse continues guiding ships through waters around Port Blair.
Visitor Information:
Climbing not permitted (security reasons)
Excellent photography backdrop
Best photos: From boat during approach to island
Sunset shots particularly stunning
Significance: Symbol of Andaman Islands, nostalgic connection for Indians who remember the ₹20 note, historical landmark
Beach Relaxation & Photography
Beyond water sports, North Bay Island offers pristine beaches with powdery white sand, coconut palm shade, and tranquil atmosphere perfect for relaxation.
Activities:
Beach walks along the shoreline
Sunbathing on clean sand
Photography of landscapes, lighthouse, coral views
Picnicking (bring your own food and drinks)
Simply enjoying the tropical paradise ambiance
Visitor Information & Practical Details
Timings & Entry Fees
North Bay Island Operating Hours:
Opens: 8:30 AM (first boat departure)
Closes: 5:00 PM (last return boat)
Best Visit Time: Morning (8:30 AM-12:00 PM) for calmer seas
Closed: During extreme weather, rough seas, high tides
Entry & Activity Fees:
Activity
Cost (Approx.)
Boat Transfer (Round Trip)
₹500-1,500
Scuba Diving
₹3,500-5,000
Sea Walking
₹3,500-4,000
Snorkeling
₹700-1,000
Glass-Bottom Boat
₹2,500-3,000 (per boat)
Coral Safari Semi-Submarine
₹3,000-4,000
Parasailing
₹3,500-4,000
Jet Skiing
₹700-1,000
Banana Boat Ride
₹300-500
Speed Boating
₹500-800
Combined Ross + North Bay
₹750-2,000
Note: Prices vary by operator, season, and package inclusions. Peak season rates (November-February) are typically higher.
Best Time to Visit North Bay Island
By Season:
Season
Months
Weather
Water Conditions
Activities
Recommendation
Winter
Oct-Mar
20-28°C, pleasant
Calm, clear, excellent visibility
All operational
Best overall
Summer
Apr-May
28-35°C, hot
Good, slightly warmer
All operational
Morning visits ideal
Monsoon
Jun-Sep
25-30°C, rainy
Rough seas, low visibility
Limited/suspended
Avoid if possible
Best Months: October to March offers optimal conditions—calm seas, clear waters, excellent underwater visibility (15-20 meters), pleasant temperatures, and full operation of all water sports.
Age limits: Strictly followed for safety (typically 10-60 years for most activities)
Environmental Protection:
Don’t touch, stand on, or break coral (illegal, damages delicate ecosystems, takes decades to regrow)
Don’t feed fish unless instructed by guides
Don’t litter—carry out all trash
Don’t collect shells, corals, or marine souvenirs
Use reef-safe sunscreen (regular sunscreen harms corals)
Tips for Visiting North Bay Island
Book Activities in Advance: During peak season, pre-booking scuba diving and sea walking prevents disappointment as slots fill quickly.
Combine with Ross Island: Maximize your day by visiting both islands in a single trip—most ferries operate this combined route.
Arrive Early: First boats (8:30-9:00 AM) encounter calmest seas, best visibility, and fewer crowds.
Check Weather: Verify weather conditions the day before. Rough seas cancel trips and waste your day.
Respect Marine Life: North Bay Island’s corals are delicate ecosystems. Look but don’t touch—damaging coral is illegal and harmful.
Negotiate Wisely: Water sports prices can be negotiable, especially for groups or multiple activity packages.
Bring Sufficient Cash: ATMs not available on island. Bring extra cash for activities, snacks, and tips.
Protect Electronics: Use waterproof bags for phones and cameras. Saltwater damage is common and irreversible.
Motion Sickness: If prone to seasickness, take medication 30 minutes before boat departure.
Photography: Underwater photographers accompany scuba and sea walking activities. Verify what’s included—photos often transferred to your phone instantly.
Combining North Bay Island with Port Blair Attractions
Most travelers combine North Bay Island with other Port Blair attractions for efficient sightseeing:
Half-Day Combinations:
Morning Option:
8:30 AM: Depart for Ross + North Bay combined tour
₹20 Currency Note Fame: North Bay Island’s lighthouse and beaches were featured on the back of India’s old ₹20 note, making it one of the most recognized locations in the country before the currency design changed.
“Coral Island” Nickname: Locally known as Coral Island due to its vibrant fringing coral reefs that extend over 2 kilometers, protected carefully by the Andaman Administration.
Closest Coral Reefs to Port Blair: North Bay Island offers the nearest coral reef experience from the capital city—just 15-20 minutes by boat, making it ideal for time-constrained travelers.
Coral Reefs Start at Shore: Unlike many dive sites requiring boat rides to reach reefs, North Bay Island’s corals begin just meters from the beach, allowing easy snorkeling access.
Top 5 Diving Destination: Ranks among the top five scuba diving locations in the Andaman Islands despite being near the busy capital—testament to exceptional coral health and marine biodiversity.
Exclusive Sea Walking: Only two locations in the Andamans offer sea walking—North Bay Island and Elephant Beach (Havelock), making it a rare underwater experience.
Monthly Dive Spot Rotation: To protect coral ecosystems, the Andaman Administration rotates diving and activity spots monthly, ensuring sustainable tourism and coral recovery.
No Overnight Stays: North Bay Island is exclusively a day-trip destination with no accommodations, maintaining its pristine environment and limiting tourist impact.
Combined Tour Popularity: Over 80% of visitors combine North Bay Island with Ross Island, maximizing their boat journey and experiencing both marine adventure and colonial history.
All-Age Accessibility: Unlike many adventure destinations, North Bay Island offers activities for all ages and abilities—from glass boats for elderly visitors to extreme parasailing for thrill-seekers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is North Bay Island famous for? A: North Bay Island is famous for being featured on India’s old ₹20 currency note, its vibrant coral reefs earning it the nickname “Coral Island,” and offering the closest snorkeling and scuba diving experience from Port Blair. It’s renowned for water sports including sea walking, glass-bottom boats, and parasailing.
Q: How do I reach North Bay Island from Port Blair? A: Take a boat from Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex in Port Blair. Boats depart from 8:30 AM onwards, taking 15-20 minutes. Cost ranges from ₹500-1,500 for round-trip ferry. Most visitors book combined Ross + North Bay tours (₹750-2,000).
Q: What is the best time to visit North Bay Island? A: October to March offers the best conditions with calm seas, clear waters, excellent underwater visibility, and pleasant weather (20-28°C). Visit in the morning (8:30-11:00 AM) for calmest seas and best visibility. Avoid monsoon (June-September) when rough seas suspend activities.
Q: What water sports are available at North Bay Island? A: Major activities include scuba diving (₹3,500-5,000), sea walking (₹3,500-4,000), snorkeling (₹700-1,000), glass-bottom boat rides (₹2,500-3,000), coral safari semi-submarine (₹3,000-4,000), parasailing (₹3,500-4,000), jet skiing (₹700-1,000), banana boat rides (₹300-500), and speed boating (₹500-800).
Q: Can non-swimmers do water sports at North Bay Island? A: Yes! Sea walking is specifically designed for non-swimmers—you walk on the ocean floor wearing a helmet with continuous air supply. Glass-bottom boats, coral safari semi-submarines, and parasailing also don’t require swimming skills. Scuba diving and snorkeling are possible for non-swimmers with life jackets and instructor support.
Q: How much time should I spend at North Bay Island? A: Allocate 2-3 hours for coral viewing only, 3-4 hours if doing water sports, or 4-5 hours for a complete experience with multiple activities. Combined Ross + North Bay tours typically take 4-6 hours total.
Q: Is North Bay Island suitable for families with children? A: Absolutely! North Bay Island offers age-appropriate activities for all family members—glass boats for young children, shallow snorkeling for older kids, sea walking for teens (10+), and scuba diving for adventurous family members. Life jackets provided, trained instructors ensure safety.
Q: What is sea walking at North Bay Island? A: Sea walking allows you to walk on the ocean floor at 5-7 meters depth wearing a special helmet that receives continuous air supply from the surface. You stay dry from shoulders down, breathe normally, and observe marine life up close. No swimming required! Cost: ₹3,500-4,000, duration: 15-20 minutes underwater.
Q: Can I see the North Bay Island lighthouse featured on the ₹20 note? A: Yes! The iconic North Bay Lighthouse is visible from boats and the beach. However, climbing is not permitted for security reasons. It serves as an excellent photography backdrop and represents North Bay Island’s historical significance.
Q: Is scuba diving safe for beginners at North Bay Island? A: Yes, North Bay Island is one of the safest beginner dive sites in the Andamans with shallow depths (5-12 meters), excellent visibility, and PADI-certified instructors. On-shore training covers safety and communication. No swimming skills required. Age 10+ can dive with instructor support.
Q: Are there changing rooms and facilities on North Bay Island? A: Yes, basic changing rooms and restrooms are available. Food stalls sell snacks, tea, coffee, and cold drinks. However, facilities are limited—no ATMs, no accommodations, no extensive dining. Bring cash, snacks, and necessary items from Port Blair.
Q: Can I visit North Bay Island during Andaman honeymoon packages? A: Yes! Many honeymoon couples include North Bay Island for its romantic beach setting, couple-friendly water sports like parasailing and jet skiing, glass-bottom boat rides, and snorkeling together. The iconic lighthouse provides excellent photo opportunities for couples.
Q: What’s the difference between North Bay Island and Havelock Island? A: North Bay Island is 15-20 minutes from Port Blair, ideal for half-day trips, with good corals and water sports. Havelock Island requires 2-hour ferry, offers superior coral reefs, pristine beaches, world-class diving, and multi-day stays. Havelock has better overall marine biodiversity but requires more travel time.
Q: Should I pre-book water sports at North Bay Island? A: During peak season (November-February), pre-booking scuba diving and sea walking is highly recommended as slots fill quickly. Off-season allows on-spot booking. Combined tour packages often include activity bookings, simplifying the process.
Q: What should I not do at North Bay Island? A: Don’t touch, stand on, or break coral (illegal, damages ecosystems). Don’t bring personal snorkeling equipment (not allowed to protect corals). Don’t litter. Don’t collect shells or marine souvenirs. Don’t use regular sunscreen (use reef-safe only). Don’t feed fish unless guided by instructors.
Q: Can I combine Ross Island and North Bay Island in one trip? A: Yes, this is the most popular option! Most ferries operate combined routes visiting both islands. You’ll explore colonial ruins and Japanese bunkers at Ross Island, then enjoy water sports and coral viewing at North Bay Island—maximizing your boat journey with both history and adventure in 4-6 hours.
Conclusion: North Bay Island represents the perfect introduction to Andaman’s magnificent underwater world—accessible, affordable, and accommodating to all experience levels. Whether you’re a first-time snorkeler, a nervous non-swimmer attempting sea walking, an adventure enthusiast parasailing above turquoise waters, or a family seeking safe marine activities, North Bay Island delivers. Its proximity to Port Blair eliminates the need for extensive ferry journeys, while its vibrant coral reefs rival more remote destinations. The iconic ₹20 note lighthouse adds nostalgic charm, and the professional water sports operators ensure safety and enjoyment. For anyone on an Andaman adventure, North Bay Island offers an essential half-day of marine magic that creates lasting memories without venturing far from the capital.
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