North Bay Island Andaman The Coral Paradise & Water Sports Capital of Port Blair
Experience vibrant coral reefs, thrilling water sports, and the historic lighthouse at North Bay Island - Andaman's most accessible adventure destination, just 30 minutes from Port Blair.
Distance from Port Blair
15-20 minutes by boat
Aberdeen Jetty departure
Best Time to Visit
8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
First boat at 7:30 AM
Entry Fee
₹50 per person
Boat tickets separate
Activities Available
10+ Water Sports
Something for everyone
About North Bay Island - Andaman's Coral Paradise
North Bay Island, locally known as Coral Island, is one of the most visited destinations near Port Blair, famous for its vibrant coral reefs, crystal-clear waters, and thrilling water sports activities. Located just 15-20 minutes by boat from the capital city, this small island offers an perfect blend of natural beauty and adventure, making it ideal for day trips.
🌟 Why North Bay Island is Special
North Bay gained fame as the location featured on the back of the ₹20 Indian currency note, showcasing its iconic lighthouse and pristine beaches. It's the closest coral reef destination from Port Blair, making it perfect for travelers with limited time who want to experience Andaman's underwater wonders.
🏝️ Island Features
- • Size: Small island, walkable in 30 minutes
- • Beach: White sandy beach with coral fragments
- • Waters: Crystal clear with 10-15m visibility
- • Coral Reefs: Shallow reefs perfect for snorkeling
- • Facilities: Basic amenities and changing rooms
📍 Location & Access
- • Distance: 8 km northeast of Port Blair
- • Boat Ride: 15-20 minutes from Aberdeen Jetty
- • Coordinates: 11.6806° N, 92.7508° E
- • Nearest Airport: Port Blair (30 min total)
- • Boat Frequency: Every 30 minutes
Water Sports & Activities at North Bay Island
Scuba Diving
Perfect for beginners with shallow dive sites (5-12m) and excellent visibility. Professional PADI instructors available.
Pricing:
- • Discover Scuba: ₹3,500 per person
- • Shore Diving: ₹3,000 per person
- • Duration: 30-45 minutes underwater
- • Photos/Videos: ₹500-1,000 extra
Sea Walking
Walk on the ocean floor with a special helmet. No swimming required! Perfect for non-swimmers and all ages.
Pricing:
- • Adults: ₹3,500 per person
- • Duration: 20-30 minutes underwater
- • Depth: 7-8 meters
- • Video coverage included
Snorkeling
Explore vibrant coral reefs just below the surface. Equipment provided with brief training session.
Pricing:
- • Beach Snorkeling: ₹500 per person
- • Boat Snorkeling: ₹1,000 per person
- • Equipment rental: Included
- • Guide assistance available
Glass Bottom Boat
View coral reefs and marine life without getting wet. Perfect for elderly visitors and young children.
Pricing:
- • Adults: ₹500 per person
- • Children: ₹300 per person
- • Duration: 15-20 minutes
- • Capacity: 10-15 people
Jet Ski Ride
Experience the thrill of speeding across crystal-clear waters. Professional instructors ensure safety.
Pricing:
- • Solo Ride: ₹600 for 5 minutes
- • Double Ride: ₹800 for 5 minutes
- • Extended: ₹1,200 for 10 minutes
- • Safety gear provided
Banana Boat Ride
Fun group activity perfect for families and friends. Hold on tight as you bounce over waves!
Pricing:
- • Per person: ₹500
- • Duration: 10-15 minutes
- • Minimum: 4 people
- • Life jackets mandatory
More Activities Available
🏄 Speed Boat Ride
₹500-800 per person • 10 minutes
🪂 Parasailing
₹3,000 per person • 5-7 minutes
🏐 Beach Volleyball
Free • Equipment available
📸 Underwater Photography
₹2,000-3,000 • Professional shots
🎣 Fishing
₹1,500 per hour • Equipment provided
🏖️ Beach Relaxation
Free • Umbrellas ₹200/day
The Historic North Bay Lighthouse
The North Bay Lighthouse is one of the most photographed landmarks in Andaman, featured on the back of the Indian ₹20 currency note. Built during the British colonial era, this lighthouse continues to guide ships through the waters around Port Blair.
🏛️ Lighthouse Facts
- • Built: British colonial period
- • Height: Approximately 30 meters
- • Purpose: Navigation aid for ships
- • Fame: Featured on ₹20 note
- • Access: View only, no climbing allowed
While visitors cannot climb the lighthouse, it serves as a stunning backdrop for photos and adds historical significance to your North Bay Island visit.
₹20 Note Fame
India's Currency Landmark
Coral Reefs & Marine Life at North Bay
North Bay Island is renowned for its easily accessible coral reefs that begin just meters from the shore, making it perfect for first-time snorkelers and divers.
Coral Varieties
- • Table Corals
- • Brain Corals
- • Staghorn Corals
- • Soft Corals
Tropical Fish
- • Clownfish
- • Butterflyfish
- • Angelfish
- • Parrotfish
Other Marine Life
- • Sea Anemones
- • Starfish
- • Sea Cucumbers
- • Small Rays
Best Viewing
- • Morning hours
- • High tide times
- • Calm weather
- • 10-15m visibility
🌊 Coral Conservation Notice
Please maintain distance from corals and avoid touching or standing on them. Use reef-safe sunscreen to protect the marine ecosystem. Collection of corals or shells is strictly prohibited and punishable by law.
How to Reach North Bay Island
⛴️ By Ferry/Boat
From Aberdeen Jetty (Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex)
- • Distance: 8 km (15-20 minutes)
- • First Boat: 7:30 AM
- • Last Boat: 2:00 PM (from Port Blair)
- • Return: Last boat at 4:00 PM
- • Frequency: Every 30-45 minutes
Boat Ticket Prices (2025)
- • Government Ferry: ₹300-400 per person (round trip)
- • Private Speed Boat: ₹600-800 per person
- • Charter Boat: ₹3,000-5,000 (up to 8 people)
📦 Tour Packages
North Bay Island Tour Packages
- • Basic Package: ₹1,500-2,000 per person
- • Includes: Boat transfers, entry fees
- • Water Sports Package: ₹3,500-5,000
- • All-Inclusive: ₹6,000-8,000
- • Duration: 4-6 hours
Package Inclusions
- • AC vehicle pick-up/drop (Port Blair hotels)
- • Boat tickets (round trip)
- • Entry permits
- • Guide services
- • Select water sports (premium packages)
🚢 Boat Journey Information
Journey Experience
- • Scenic 20-minute ride
- • Life jackets provided
- • Covered seating available
- • Beautiful photo opportunities
What to Bring
- • Valid ID proof
- • Cash for activities
- • Waterproof bag
- • Motion sickness pills
Weather Considerations
- • Check weather forecast
- • Boats cancel in rough seas
- • Best: Oct-May
- • Avoid: Monsoon season
Best Time to Visit North Bay Island
Peak Season
October to March
- ✓ Perfect weather conditions
- ✓ Calm seas for water sports
- ✓ Best underwater visibility
- ✓ All activities operational
- ⚠️ Higher prices & crowds
Shoulder Season
April-May & September
- ✓ Fewer tourists
- ✓ Good weather mostly
- ✓ Lower prices
- ⚠️ Occasional rain
- ⚠️ Some rough sea days
Monsoon/Off Season
June to August
- ✗ Heavy rainfall
- ✗ Rough seas
- ✗ Limited water sports
- ✗ Poor visibility underwater
- ✗ Boats may cancel
🎯 Pro Tip: Visit early morning (8-10 AM) for best water clarity and fewer crowds. Book water sports in advance during December-January peak season.
Essential Tips for North Bay Island Visit
✅ Do's
- • Book boat tickets in advance during peak season
- • Reach Aberdeen Jetty 30 minutes before departure
- • Carry cash - limited card facilities on island
- • Apply reef-safe sunscreen before boarding
- • Wear comfortable beachwear and water shoes
- • Keep belongings in waterproof bags
- • Negotiate water sports prices beforehand
- • Stay hydrated - carry water bottles
- • Respect marine life and coral reefs
- • Follow instructor guidelines for all activities
❌ Don'ts
- • Don't touch or step on coral reefs
- • Don't collect shells, corals, or marine life
- • Don't litter on beach or in water
- • Don't feed fish or marine animals
- • Don't ignore safety instructions
- • Don't swim beyond marked areas
- • Don't book activities from unauthorized operators
- • Don't forget to check return boat timings
- • Don't leave valuables unattended
- • Don't visit during severe weather warnings
🎒 What to Pack for North Bay Island
Essentials
- • Valid ID proof
- • Cash (₹5,000+)
- • Waterproof phone case
- • Dry bag for valuables
Beach Gear
- • Swimwear
- • Quick-dry towel
- • Water shoes/sandals
- • Change of clothes
Sun Protection
- • Reef-safe sunscreen
- • Sunglasses
- • Hat/cap
- • Light cover-up
Others
- • Water bottles
- • Light snacks
- • Motion sickness pills
- • First aid basics
North Bay Island vs Ross Island
Can't decide? Here's a quick comparison to help you choose:
| Feature | North Bay Island | Ross Island |
|---|---|---|
| Main Attraction | Water Sports & Coral Reefs | Historical Ruins & Nature |
| Best For | Adventure Seekers | History Buffs |
| Activities | 10+ Water Sports | Walking, Photography |
| Duration Needed | 4-5 hours | 2-3 hours |
| Entry Fee | ₹50 | ₹30 |
| Boat Ride | 15-20 minutes | 15 minutes |
| Recommendation | ✓ For Water Activities | ✓ For History & Nature |
💡 Pro Tip: You can visit both islands in one day! Start with Ross Island in the morning (less crowded) and head to North Bay after lunch for water sports when the sun is high.
Frequently Asked Questions About North Bay Island
Is swimming necessary for water sports at North Bay?
No, swimming is not required for most activities. Sea walking, glass bottom boat rides, and semi-submarine don't require swimming skills. For snorkeling and scuba diving, basic swimming helps but instructors provide life jackets and close supervision for non-swimmers.
What is the total cost for a North Bay Island trip?
Budget ₹2,000-8,000 per person including boat tickets (₹400-800), entry fee (₹50), and water sports. Basic activities like snorkeling cost ₹500-1,000, while premium activities like scuba diving or parasailing cost ₹3,000-4,000. Food and beverages extra.
Can we visit North Bay Island with small children?
Yes, North Bay is family-friendly. Children can enjoy glass bottom boat rides, beach play, and shallow water activities. Sea walking has minimum age of 7-8 years. Always supervise children and use life jackets. Changing rooms and basic facilities available.
Are there restaurants or food stalls on North Bay Island?
Yes, there are small food stalls offering snacks, fresh coconut water, and basic meals. However, options are limited and prices are higher than mainland. It's advisable to eat breakfast before visiting and carry some snacks and water.
What happens if boats are cancelled due to weather?
Boats are cancelled during rough weather for safety. If cancelled, you'll get a full refund for pre-booked tickets. Always check weather forecast and have backup plans. The jetty authorities announce cancellations by 7 AM on the day.
Is advance booking required for North Bay Island?
Advance booking is recommended during peak season (Oct-Feb) for boat tickets and water sports packages. During off-season, on-spot bookings are usually available. Book scuba diving and sea walking 1-2 days in advance for guaranteed slots.
Ready to Explore North Bay Island's Underwater World?
Book your North Bay Island adventure today! Choose from our curated packages including boat transfers, water sports, and professional guides for an unforgettable experience.
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