On the second day of our 7 days trip to Andaman Islands we visited Ross and North Bay Islandfrom Port Blair. Both these islands are small. And they are located very near to Port Blair. The boats for day trip to these islands leave from Inside Rajiv Gandhi Water Park complex. There is a counter near the entrance where tickets can be purchased for a round trip around these two islands. Also, the tickets can be booked from your hotel. As the agents have contacts with the hotels to get tourists to book tickets from them.
We also booked our tickets for the round trip through our hotel, Hotel De Marina. Which was also located at walking distance from the Jetty. So, we paid the cost of the tickets to our hotel front desk. After which they gave us the contact number of the agent from whom we could collect our tickets upon reaching the ticket counter. So, we next headed to Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex.
The Jetty for a Ross and North Bay Island trip
There is a shortcut from Hotel De Marina to the main road that leads to the Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex. So, we took this short route. And in about 10 minutes time, reached the complex. Although the hot and humid weather was challenging for us. As we are no more accustomed to such weather. Good that we carried an umbrella with us. Which provided the much needed protection from the sun to our baby.
Upon reaching the main road, we followed the sign boards and finally asked a local to ensure we were on the right path. And upon reaching the water sports complex, we contacted the agent who gave us the tickets to our ferry. Perhaps he was informed by our hotel about our arrival. He advised us to book the activity tickets as well in advance for the activities that we would be doing on North Bay Island. And informed that if we were to opt out of any activity at a later point, our money would be refunded. Some of us opted for scuba diving at North Bay Island. Thereafter, we started towards the ferry boarding point.
The White Horse – our ferry for Ross and North Bay Island trip
There was a lot of rush at the ferry boarding point. There are benches on either side and shade above, but most of them fill up. As different ferries arrived, the tourists were called upon to get into their respective ferries. Our ferry name was “White Horse”. Which arrived after a few minutes of wait. The name is written on the side of the boat. Ours was a 10-12 seater boat. If you are in a smaller group chances are more that you will be sharing the boat with other travelers. After all of us on boarded, the boat left for Ross Island. We reached Ross Island in 5-7 minutes. The driver cum guide told that he will give us 1.5 hours to explore the island. We saved his number with little hope of the call going through. And thought to simply come back to the ferry boarding point after 1.5 hrs.
This reminded me briefly of my Venice hop on hop off trip. The difference was that these boats gave you fixed amount of time to explore a particular island. Whereas in Venice Hop on Hop off trip, the boats kept rotating between islands at regular interval. So, this gave more flexibility in terms of how much time you wanted to spend on which Island. I wish a similar system was in place here.
Ross Island
Anyways, we proceeded to explore Ross Island while our ferry left the banks to summon the next set of visitors. After purchasing the admission tickets at the entrance to the island, we entered inside. And thereafter started our exploration of Ross Island. We really liked the island – it’s historical buildings, beautiful emerald sea water all around. It is neat and clean. With well led path, direction boards, drinking water facility (which is rare sight elsewhere on the other islands) & facility to avail electric vehicle to roam around in case you don’t want to walk.
We did enjoy exploring the ruins of once thriving colonial settlement at Ross Island. And didn’t even realize where the 1.5 hrs went. Amongst the crumbling structures, you will find a post office, a church, a bungalow, a press and several other structures. And then there are some animals as well on the island – particularly herds of deer and some peacocks. The deers are particularly friendly. You can even feed them and have photos snapped with them. The island is dotted with shops selling some readymade snacks, refreshments. Also, there is a washroom for public. And shades built at regular intervals for resting your foot.
Here’s a detailed account of our trip to Ross Island
North Bay Island
After visiting Ross Island for 1.5 hrs. we came back to the jetty. And found our boat waiting there for us. We on boarded for the next island – North Bay Island. Ross Island to North Bay Island distance is just 3.4km. Again the journey was small – about 10-12 minutes. Upon reaching North Bay Island, before we could get down, another guide jumped onto our boat. He introduced himself. And then started explaining about the different water activities available on North Bay Island like scuba diving, snorkling, sea walk & glass bottom boat ride. He was very humorous. Overall his humor and the way of explaining caught our attention as well as interest. And we opted to go for glass bottom boat ride as well, which we had thought to skip earlier.
So, we did glass bottom boat ride, watching the corals from inside the boat. And then we proceeded for scuba diving in North Bay Island. While some of us went for scuba diving, the others waited on North Bay Island for them. This island is also dotted with a lot of small sea side restaurants and ready made snacks options. Later we came to know that Havelock Island has better scuba diving experience, so, you can try that instead of North bay Island. Nevertheless, this being the first scuba diving experience, it will be always special. And we feel all set to try some of the best diving in the world next, as we set for further adventure trips around the world!
Back to Port Blair
After finishing the scuba diving at North Bay Island, we headed back to Port Blair. And reached back by 2:30 pm. Then we had lunch at Light House Restaurant , on way to our hotel, Hotel De Marina. Finally we called it a day and decided to take rest for the rest of the day.
Tips on doing a Ross and North Bay Island trip from Port Blair
- Start early. The boats start as early as 8:00am. And initially the rush is less. Which means lesser waiting queues, and less crowd at each of the islands. And lesser duration of exposure to the harsh sun. Also, check the Ross and North Bay Island timings before starting as they may differ in different seasons.
- Carry enough cash. All entry tickets and activity charges are to be paid in cash.
- There are life jackets on the boats. Do wear them all the time. And be seated in the boat at your respective seats unless otherwise instructed.
- At Ross Island drinking water is available but not at North Bay Island. Bottled water can be purchased at North Bay Island.
- Food options are not very great on either of the Islands, particularly vegetarian food. All you will get is packaged chips, cup noodles, tender coconut water etc. But if you are on time for your trip, you will return back to Port Blair for lunch. And you can always carry some light & healthy snacks as you travel here, particularly for the kids .
- The agents all seem to be in sink with respect to the fee charged for different activities. I am not sure if bargaining is an option here but you can give it a shot. Or else, go for government ferries. They must be cheaper. We didn’t take them because of long wait time.
- While Ross Island remains closed on Wednesday , North Bay Island is open all through the week for visitors
- Check North Bay Island and Ross Island ferry schedule from the water sports complex or with your hotel, when visiting. As, the schedule varies from season to season.
- Refer to our complete guide to visit Andaman Islands to get all the other details on visiting Andaman in general.
Related read: Radhanagar Beach & Vijaynagar Beach : The best beaches of Andaman Islands
Cost of a Ross and North Bay Island trip from Port Blair
- Round trip to both islands on boat – INR 750/- per head
- Admission to Ross island – INR 30/- per head
- Scuba Diving at North Bay Island – INR 3500/- per head
- Snorkling at North Bay Island – INR 3000/- per head
- Sea walk at North Bay Island – INR 3000/- per head
- glass bottom boat ride at North Bay Island – INR 1000/- per head
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