North Bay Island, Andaman

Located near Port Blair, North Bay is a secluded island which spans over a relatively medium area and is generally visited by tourists on a day trip to both Ross Island and North Bay.

Although the island doesn’t offer much sightseeing options for visitors other than the shoreline and jungle, it is one of the best places for Water Sports in Andaman Islands.

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The island is surrounded by crystal clear cyan colored water with a shallow shoreline that offers a magnificent underwater view. The beach is white sand and shaded by dense tropical trees with hints of huts and wooden benches to set the mood.

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Make sure not to get in the water without a guide as it is not usually allowed. This was done to protect the visitors from unwanted sea dwellers and protect the coral from interference.

‍The island is most famous for water sports and features a plethora of vendors with great pricing structure- if you are looking for some adventure and aren't afraid to get wet.
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Soon as you reach the beach and look around, you’ll find tons of small counters for Scuba, Snorkeling and lots of other activities.

The underwater biodiversity of North Bay is unmatched and boasts some of the most healthy coral settlements housing lots of fish species, some of which are not found anywhere else in Andaman.
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The large coral belts under the 2 KM of radius near the isle is filled with huge coral belts that are protected under the care of Andaman Administration and therefore diving and activity spots change every month.

North Bay, doesn't have it's own Jetty, so you'll have to get on the island and board the boats via a floating platform, provided by the Government.

The platform is strong but not too steady during heavy waves, and the sides are only protected by rope, so make sure you are well balanced during the transition.

One of the most interesting things about North Bay is that it is featured on the backside of Indian Rs. 20 note.

Although, the reason has yet to be discovered for that, we suspect they did the like the view from the top of the hill.

The hill from where it was taken can only be reached by trekking from the forest, but you may visit if you'd like a pic of your own.

Things to do at North Bay Island:

Here are all the Adventure Sports available in the island to spice up your Andaman Trip:

1. Scuba Diving.
2. Sea Walk.
3. Parasailing.
4. Dolphin Glass Bottom Boat.
5. Coral Safari Submarine Ride.
6. Snorkeling.

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Scuba Diving:

Scuba Diving is one of the most popular activities in Andaman, and the North Bay Island comes under the top 5 best places to experience it.

Beyond the shallow waters above the shoreline, lies one of the most richest and diverse underwater world that presents a great world for the divers.

The underwater currents are moderate and more often than not, some of the very rare species of fishes can be spotted there.

The sea is clear and the visibility is moderately high, making your experience wonderful.

One important thing to note is- The waters near the North Bay are easily mixed, therefore, the visibility can be a little effected during bad weather, but if your are going there in summer there is nothing to worry about.

The dive is usually done a bit far from the island. You will be taken there by boat, accompanied with certified divers to complete the journey.

Overall a great experience.

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Sea Walk:

Sea Walk in North Bay can easily be a experience that you can't find anywhere else in the islands.

The island has been personally praised by Sea Walk experts for the perfect underwater experience and alluring surroundings.

For those who don't know, Sea Walk is an activity where you will be taken underwater to walk directly on the sea bed with the help of a helmet-type breathing equipment.

Experts have found a coral belt, some 20 meters away from the island that ticks every mark for the perfect underwater adventure.

The current is perfect, fishes are abundant and the visibility is moderately high, which makes sure the experience is something you'll remember for a very long time.

Once you are ready, you will be taken onto a platoon stationed 20 meters away from the jetty, where you will be lowered underwater. Experts will be there with you every step of the way to make sure everything is safe and wonderful.

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Parasailing:

Parasailing is one of the most adventurous activity you can do at North Bay. The wind near the shorelines and deep seas are wild and perfect for flying and the sea is clear throughout the year with medium waves.

The complete Parasailing journey starts from the shore of North Bay and takes you around the seas surrounding the Ross Island where you are allowed to soar into the sky for 5 continuous minutes, after which you are taken back. The complete trip takes around 45 minutes and includes a journey of the deep seas surrounding the neighboring islands.

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Dolphin Glass Bottom Boat:

For people who don't want to get wet or for families who prefer to adventure together, Glass Bottom Boat Rides from Dolphin is perfect.

The boat makes it's way from the Jetty and explores the sea surrounding the islands.

The trip takes you to explore the seas, flying through the waves and lets you watch the sea through a transparent bottom, making the experience wonderful and enjoyable for everyone.

The activity can also be enjoyed by kids and elders.

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Semi Submarine:

Semi Submarine is offered by Coral Safari in Andaman, and is perfect for people who would like to experience the wonderful underwater world of corals and fishes from the comfort of their cabin.

The coat/submarine takes you to the best known spots of coral belts around the North Bay Island and lets you gaze at the treasury of the corals without having to worry about safety or equipment.

Unlike, Scuba or Snorkeling, the semi submarine can be experienced by both kids and elders making it an adventurous yet family friendly activity.

Overall, a great activity to experience if you are looking for something unique.

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Snorkeling:

North Bay, with it's shallow shoreline, offers a pretty decent place to snorkel as it is mostly covered by vibrant corals and sea dwellers.

Although, it is not allowed to bring your own equipment to protect the corals as discussed earlier, you can easily enjoy hours of underwater fun by getting in touch with a vendor on the island.

The great thing about that is - Most of the vendors have boat and know some of the best places to snorkel near the North Bay Island, making it worth a try.

The rates for Snorkeling is low and great for people visiting Andaman on a budget.

Overall a decent experience.

Things you need to know before visiting:

• There are a lot of options available to reach North Bay, but make sure to book with a vendor that assures your safety.
• Boat tickets can be booked at the location or can be booked online but only a few vendors have online booking.
• Boat vendors and guides usually speak Hindi, but understand generic English words and sentences.
• Its always advised to pre-book the boat ticket, because the availability is short during tourist season (January to March).
• The island is mediocre in terms of sightseeing but awesome for Water Sports.
• Most of the water sport vendors are booked throughout the season, so make sure you pre-book the Activities before visiting.
• In case of unfavorable weather, the trip will likely be cancelled or postponed to a later date.
• During heavy rain, the underwater visibility is effected, therefore it's better to visit during moderate rain or summertime.
• Moderate rain actually makes the trip great, if there is visibility problem, Andaman Dolphin Ride is the best option.
• 3-4 Hours is enough to have fun at the island.
• Small food stalls are available at the island.
• Small restrooms, bathrooms and appropriate changing rooms are available.
• It's a good thing to remember the boat number or take the phone number of the boat captain to make sure the return is hassle free.
• Always keep a contact in Port Blair, in case you missed your boat and need help during the visit.
• It better to combine a trip to the Ross Island with the trip for a wholesome day.
• There are no stay options or hotels at the island.
• For people who'd like to stay dry or children can avail Coral Safari Semi Submarine or Dolphin Boat Ride to have fun during the visit.
• Its not allowed to bring your own Snorkeling equipment in this island.
• The island comes under forest reserve, so plastics and trash has to be disposed correctly.
• There is no entry fees to get into the beach.
• There is no proper jetty in the island, the boat are boarded in a floating platform, so make sure you keep your balance intact.

How to Reach North Bay Island:

• You can easily reach North Bay with a Boat as there are less number of large ferries available for transportation.
• The trip usually consists a visit to the Ross Island, but private boats can be booked if informed earlier.
• The boat leaves from the Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex and reaches North Bay via Ross Island in under 30 minutes.
• Life Jackets, instructions and other measures are taken to make sure you stay safe during the journey.
• Usually, a travel guide will accompany through the journey to let you know about the history of the islands and the significance of the isle you are about to visit.
• Sometimes, the boat might take off from the Junglighat Jetty. Don't worry, you will be notified about this by your vendor when you book the ticket.

See the table below to the get detailed ferry/boat information: