North Bay Island Andaman (Coral Island): Water Sports, Ferry & Travel Guide
North Bay Island Andaman is the water-sports capital of the islands — a vibrant North Bay Coral Island lying just a short boat ride from Port Blair, where living coral reefs begin only metres from the shore. If Ross Island is about history, North Bay Island is about adventure: scuba diving, underwater sea walks, snorkeling and glass-bottom boat rides over a kaleidoscope of coral and fish. Many travellers know North Bay Andaman without realising it — the famous lighthouse here featured on the back of the old Indian ₹20 note.
So why is North Bay Island famous, and what is north bay island famous for? In one word: water sports. This is the single best day trip near the capital for underwater experiences, which is why it tops every list of places to visit near Port Blair. Whether you’re searching for a quick North Bay Beach Andaman escape or a full adventure day, this in-depth North Bay Island travel guide — part North Bay Island travel blog, part practical North Bay Island visitor guide — covers ferry timings, entry fee, every water sport, tour cost and the best packages. Consider it your complete rundown of North Bay Island tourist attractions, written by a local Port Blair operator.
- Also known as: Coral Island (coral island near Port Blair)
- Location: ~2 km north of Port Blair, reached from Aberdeen Jetty
- How to reach North Bay Island: 20–30 minute boat ride from Aberdeen Jetty / Marina Park
- North Bay Island entry fee: nominal (~₹50 per person); ferry/boat ticket approx. ₹400–800 round trip
- Timings: ~8:00 AM – 3:00 PM (boats leave ~9 AM, return by ~3 PM)
- Time required: about half a day | Overnight stay not allowed (uninhabited island)
- Famous for: coral reefs, water sports & the ₹20-note lighthouse
North Bay Island Map
North Bay Island Map is a very helpful guide for tourists. It gives complete information about this beautiful island at a glance. North Bay Island is one of the most famous tourist spots near Port Blair, and this map shows the exact location of major attractions like coral reefs, snorkeling points, scuba diving sites, underwater walking areas, and beaches. With the help of this map, you can also find the location of boat jetty, water sports center, picnic spots, and other facilities easily.
How to Go to North Bay Island from Port Blair
Wondering how to reach North Bay Island? It couldn’t be simpler — a short boat ride from the city centre puts you on the reef within half an hour.
Port Blair to North Bay Island Ferry from Aberdeen Jetty
All boats to North Bay Island from Port Blair leave from Aberdeen Jetty inside the Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex beside Marina Park Port Blair. The Port Blair to North Bay Island ferry is a mix of larger ferries and private speed boats that wait at the island and bring you back. Carry a printed ticket and a valid photo ID, and reach the jetty 30 minutes before departure in peak season.
How Far is North Bay Island & How Long is the Ride?
The island lies about 2 km north of the capital, so North Bay Island near Port Blair is genuinely close — the crossing takes roughly 20–30 minutes each way depending on the boat and sea conditions.
North Bay Island Ferry Timings, Booking & Entry Fee
Here’s the practical detail on the ferry, fees and schedule. Always reconfirm before travel, as operators adjust the North Bay Island timings and rates by season.
North Bay Island Ferry Timings & Opening Hours
The standard North Bay Island ferry timings and North Bay Island opening hours are below:
Detail | Information |
Boat departures (Aberdeen Jetty) | From ~9:00 AM (multiple morning slots) |
Island opening hours | ~8:00 AM – 3:00 PM |
Crossing time | 20–30 minutes each way |
Visit duration | About half a day |
Stay | No overnight stay (uninhabited island) |
Timings vary by season and weather — confirm at the time of North Bay Island boat booking.
North Bay Island Entry Fee & Ticket Price
The North Bay Island entry fee is nominal — around ₹50 per person for the island, plus the boat fare. The combined North Bay Island ticket price (boat round trip) is typically ₹400–800 per person, and most travellers buy it as part of the Ross Island + North Bay combo. Water sports are charged separately at the jetty or on the island.
North Bay Island Ferry Booking & Boat Booking
During peak season (October–March) seats fill fast, so North Bay Island ferry booking in advance is wise. Doing your North Bay Island booking — or North Bay Island boat booking — ahead with a local operator guarantees confirmed seats, water-sports slots and e-tickets. Andaman TravelCare manages the full North Bay Island ferry service and jetty formalities for you.
Why Visit North Bay Island
North Bay Island near Port Blair earns its spot at the top of every itinerary because it delivers the underwater Andaman everyone dreams about — without a long journey. As a tropical island Andaman classic and the closest coral island near Port Blair, North Bay Island Port Blair packs reefs, marine life and adventure into a single half-day from the city.
What is Special About North Bay Island?
What is special about North Bay Island is how accessible its reefs are: coral and fish appear in waist-deep water, so even non-swimmers can enjoy them. This is exactly what North Bay Andaman is famous for — a beginner-friendly underwater playground where families, couples and thrill-seekers all find something. For most visitors, it answers what is north bay island famous for in a single snorkel.
North Bay Coral Island & the ₹20-Note Lighthouse
The North Bay lighthouse is the island’s most photographed landmark — the very one shown on the back of the old Indian ₹20 currency note. Built in the British era, it still guides ships through Port Blair’s waters. Around it, the North Bay coral reef stretches for a wide area, making the North Bay Coral Island nickname well earned.
North Bay History
The history of North Bay Island is less about empires and more about nature. While the colonial lighthouse adds heritage value, the island’s real story is ecological — it sits within one of the richest pockets of marine biodiversity Andaman protects.
North Bay Coral Reef & Underwater Coral Garden
The North Bay underwater coral formations form a genuine North Bay Island coral garden that begins just off the beach. These fringing coral reefs Andaman is celebrated for make North Bay one of the easiest places for reef snorkeling Andaman visitors rave about — no boat trip to a distant reef required.
Marine Life & Biodiversity at North Bay
Snorkelers and divers regularly spot parrotfish, clownfish, butterflyfish, the occasional lobster and giant clams among the corals. This abundant North Bay marine life is part of a thriving North Bay Island marine ecosystem that reflects the wider underwater ecosystem Andaman conserves through reserves like the Andaman marine national park nearby. The marine life Andaman showcases here is genuinely world-class.
Best Time to Visit North Bay Island
The best time to visit North Bay Island is October to May, when seas are calm and water clarity is best for diving and snorkeling. For how much time required for North Bay Island: plan about half a day — two to three hours on the island covers a couple of water sports plus beach time.
North Bay Island Travel Tips
A few quick North Bay Island travel tips from our North Bay Island adventure guide:
- Carry a change of clothes and a towel — you will get wet
- Book water-sports slots early; they sell out by late morning in season
- Use reef-safe sunscreen and water shoes
- Non-swimmers: life jackets and instructors are provided for all activities
- Carry cash for on-island activities and the freshwater bath
North Bay Island vs Other Islands: Where to Snorkel & Dive
Travellers often weigh North Bay against other reef spots. Here’s the honest comparison to find the best water sports island in Andaman for your trip.
North Bay vs Elephant Beach, Jolly Buoy & Red Skin Island
The North Bay vs Elephant Beach question comes down to location: North Bay is near Port Blair, Elephant Beach is in Havelock. For pristine, protected reefs, the North Bay vs Jolly Buoy and North Bay vs Red Skin Island debates favour Jolly Buoy/Red Skin on water clarity (they’re inside the marine park), but North Bay wins on convenience and the widest range of activities.
North Bay vs Havelock & North Bay vs Ross Island
The North Bay vs Havelock choice is convenience vs world-class beaches — Havelock is a multi-day beach base, North Bay is a half-day reef trip. And North Bay vs Ross Island? Different vibes entirely: Ross is history, North Bay is water sports. The smart move is to do both as the classic combined day trip.
Ross Island North Bay Tour: The Classic Port Blair Day Trip
The single most popular outing in the capital is the combined Ross Island North Bay tour — heritage and adventure in one day. The ross island and north bay tour works because both islands sit in the same harbour.
Ross Island and North Bay Package: A Perfect One Day Trip
The north bay and ross island package covers Ross Island’s colonial ruins in the morning and North Bay’s reef and water sports after — an ideal North Bay Island day trip. It’s the most-booked North Bay Island day tour and a brilliant North Bay Island one day trip for time-pressed travellers.
One Day Trip & Island Hopping from Port Blair
As a standalone North Bay Tour or part of a longer island hopping Andaman plan, North Bay fits any schedule. This easy Port Blair day trip and quick North Bay Island excursion is also the natural first taste of the reef before heading to Havelock or Neil later in the week.
Enjoy the beauty of North Bay Island with our simple tour packages. Swim in clear blue water, see colorful corals, try fun water sports, and relax on the beach.
Let’s be clear on money up front, because the North Bay Island trip cost is very flexible — you only pay for the activities you choose.
How Much Does a North Bay Island Trip Cost?
At minimum, the North Bay Island tour cost is just the boat fare (~₹400–800) plus the small entry fee. Add water sports and the total grows — most travellers spend ₹2,000–8,000 per person including a couple of activities. For a guided North Bay Island package price that bundles the ferry, entry and chosen water sports, contact Andaman TravelCare for a live North Bay Island package from Port Blair quote, as rates shift with season and group size.
North Bay Island Tour Package Options
We offer several formats of North Bay Island tour package to match your style:
Package | Best For | Typically Includes |
North Bay Island sightseeing package | First-timers, families | Ferry, entry, glass-bottom boat, beach time |
North Bay Island water sports package | Adventure seekers | Ferry + scuba/sea walk/snorkeling combo |
North Bay Island holiday package | Multi-day visitors | North Bay + Ross + Port Blair sightseeing |
North Bay Island travel package (custom) | Honeymoon, groups | Tailored activities & private boat |
Looking for a North Bay Island package Andaman deal? Ask us for current offers.
North Bay Island Tour Packages with Andaman TravelCare
Whether you want a quick North Bay Island Tour or a complete adventure day, a well-planned North Bay Island package removes the hassle of jetties, tickets and activity slots. Andaman TravelCare designs the right trip for every traveller — a real boost to your adventure tourism Andaman experience.
North Bay Island for Families & Honeymoon
North Bay is brilliantly versatile. North Bay Island for families works thanks to glass-bottom boats, shallow snorkeling and beach play — and yes, is North Bay Island good for kids is a clear yes (sea walk from ages 7–8, always with life jackets). For couples, North Bay Island for honeymoon means a private boat, a romantic sea walk together and unforgettable reef memories.
Why Book with Andaman TravelCare — Your Local North Bay Tour Operator
As a Port Blair–based North Bay Island tour operator and North Bay Island travel agency, Andaman TravelCare gives you on-ground advantages no distant OTA can:
- Confirmed boats & activity slots: guaranteed North Bay Island booking even in peak season
- Certified water-sports partners for safe scuba, sea walk and snorkeling
- Transparent pricing with no hidden jetty surprises
- Flexible packages from a single sightseeing trip to full Andaman holidays
- 24/7 WhatsApp support throughout your trip
Book Your North Bay Island Water Sports Day
Ready for scuba, sea walk and snorkeling over living coral? Andaman TravelCare handles your ferry, entry, activity slots and itinerary end to end.
📞 Call/WhatsApp our Port Blair team | 🌐 Get a custom quote
North Bay Sightseeing
North Bay Island is one of the most famous spots near Port Blair. It is known for its clear waters, colorful corals, and rich marine life. Here you can enjoy snorkeling, scuba diving, glass-bottom boat rides, and sea walking to explore the underwater world.
Nearby Attractions: Combine North Bay with Port Blair Sightseeing
North Bay is best enjoyed as part of a wider Port Blair sightseeing day. Pair it with these nearby spots:
- Ross Island — the heritage half of the classic ross island and north bay tour.
- Cellular Jail and North Bay — combine the freedom-struggle memorial with a reef morning for a full day.
- Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex & Marina Park Port Blair — your departure point and a pleasant seafront.
- Chatham Saw Mill — one of Asia’s oldest sawmills, with its own WWII history.
- Corbyn’s Cove Beach — the closest beach to Port Blair city for an evening unwind.
North Bay Island Travel Guide: Itinerary
A little planning makes this North Bay Island travel guide pay off. Here’s a ready-made plan and the tips you’ll actually use.
Sample North Bay Island Day Itinerary & Walking Guide
This simple North Bay Island itinerary doubles as a North Bay Island walking guide and an easy North Bay Island one day trip plan:
- Reach Aberdeen Jetty by 8:30 AM and board the morning boat to North Bay
- Start with snorkeling or a glass-bottom boat ride over the coral (45 min)
- Do your sea walk or scuba dive slot (60–90 min)
- Relax on North Bay beach, photograph the lighthouse, grab a snack
- Return by early afternoon — add Ross Island the same day if time allows
Things to Do at North Bay Island
Scuba Diving and Snorkeling
North Bay Island is one of the top spots for scuba diving and snorkeling in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The clear waters make it easy to see colorful coral reefs, starfish, and schools of tropical fish. Professional instructors guide visitors, ensuring both safety and enjoyment for beginners as well as experienced divers.
Sea Walk Experience
The sea walk at North Bay is a unique activity where visitors can walk on the seabed with a special helmet, surrounded by marine life. It is safe, beginner-friendly, and does not require swimming skills. Many tourists consider this one of the most memorable adventures when visiting North Bay Island.
Coral Safari Semi Submarine
The Coral Safari semi submarine is an excellent option for families and those who do not wish to dive into the water. From inside the comfortable vessel, you can watch corals, fish, and other marine creatures up close. This activity is very popular among children and elderly travelers.
Glass Bottom Boat Rides
Glass bottom boats are another way to enjoy the marine life at North Bay without getting wet. Through the transparent base, you can clearly see corals and fish while cruising across the lagoon. It is a quick, fun, and affordable option for visitors of all ages.
Beach Relaxation and Food Stalls
The North Bay Beach in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is not only about water sports. Many visitors choose to relax on the sandy shore, enjoy the sea breeze, and try snacks from local food stalls. This makes it easy to spend a few hours here comfortably while taking a break between activities.
Even between dives, there’s plenty to enjoy. The things to do in North Bay Island go beyond the reef, and these are some of the best activities in North Bay Island for a relaxed half-day.
North Bay Beach, Viewpoint & Photography Spots
The white-sand North Bay beach is ideal for lazing between activities, and the North Bay Beach Andaman shoreline offers shallow water for kids. Walk to the North Bay Island viewpoint near the lighthouse for sweeping sea views. For photographers, the lighthouse and reef shallows are the best North Bay Island photography subjects — our quick North Bay Island photography guide: shoot the lighthouse in morning light and the coral shallows at midday for clarity.
North Bay Island Sightseeing & Lighthouse Views
Casual North Bay sightseeing means strolling the beach, watching the boats and admiring the lighthouse. This relaxed North Bay Island sightseeing pairs perfectly with a couple of water sports to fill a full, varied day.
Water sports Activities in North Bay Island
Water Activities In Andaman
SCUBA
₹3499 per person
SNORKELING
₹1199 per person
SEAWALIK
₹3499 per person
PARASAILING
₹2999 per person
KAYAKING
₹3499 per personJETSKI
₹599 per personBest Water Sports in North Bay Island Andaman
This is the heart of any visit. North Bay water sports are the main reason travellers come, and the island offers the widest, most beginner-friendly range near Port Blair. If you’re comparing the best water sports in Andaman, North Bay is the easiest place to try several underwater activities Andaman is famous for in one morning. Below are the North Bay Island water sports on offer — and yes, this answers which water sports are available in North Bay Island.
North Bay Island Scuba Diving
North Bay Island scuba diving is the headline experience. Beginner “discover scuba” dives need no certification — trained instructors take you down to see the reef up close. Asking is scuba diving available in North Bay Island? Yes, and it’s among the best island for scuba diving in Andaman for first-timers. Expect scuba diving in North Bay Island to cost roughly ₹1,700–4,000 per person depending on depth and duration.
North Bay Island Sea Walk (Underwater Sea Walking)
The North Bay Island sea walk is a bucket-list activity: you wear a transparent helmet fed with fresh air and literally walk on the sea bed at 6–7 m, surrounded by fish — no swimming or diving skill needed. Wondering is sea walk available in North Bay Island? Absolutely. Sea walking in North Bay Island typically costs ₹2,700–3,500 per person and suits ages 7 to 70.
North Bay Island Snorkeling & Coral Viewing
North Bay Island snorkeling is the most popular and affordable way to see the reef. With a mask, snorkel and life jacket, swimmers and non-swimmers alike float over the coral. For easy North Bay Island coral viewing, this is unbeatable — and it makes North Bay the best island for snorkeling in Andaman close to Port Blair. Snorkeling in North Bay Island usually costs ₹500–1,000 per person, and the reef snorkeling Andaman here is beginner-perfect.
Glass Bottom Boat Ride & Other Beach Activities
Prefer to stay dry? The North Bay Island glass bottom boat lets you see coral and fish through a transparent hull — a glass bottom boat ride is perfect for kids and grandparents. Other North Bay Island beach activities include jet ski, banana boat, speed-boat rides and parasailing, rounding out the sea adventure activities menu.
Water Sport | Indicative Cost (per person) | Swimming Needed? |
Snorkeling (with coral viewing) | ₹500 – ₹1,000 | No (life jacket provided) |
Glass bottom boat ride | ₹300 – ₹500 | No |
Sea walk (underwater walking) | ₹2,700 – ₹3,500 | No |
Scuba diving (beginner) | ₹1,700 – ₹4,000 | No (instructor-led) |
Jet ski / banana / speed boat | ₹250 – ₹500 | No |
Indicative rates only — confirm current prices and slots with Andaman TravelCare when you book.
Hotels in North Bay Island
Staying in these hotels makes your trip easy and relaxing. You can enjoy early morning trips to the island, return in the evening, and rest comfortably after a day full of sightseeing and water activities.
Top Hotels You Can Stay At
Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Bay Island
A luxury 5-star hotel with sea-facing rooms and excellent services. Ideal for travelers who want comfort and a great view.Seashell Port Blair
A mid-range hotel with clean rooms and friendly staff. Perfect for families and couples.The Hook BnB
A cozy, budget-friendly option for solo travelers or small groups.Sinclairs Bayview Port Blair
Offers panoramic sea views, swimming pool, and modern amenities. Great for couples and families.Hotel North Bay View
Simple and comfortable, with scenic sea views. Ideal for travelers on a budget.
These hotels provide easy access to North Bay Island and make your trip smooth, fun, and memorable.
FAQs
Where is North Bay Island located?
North Bay Island is near Port Blair in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It is a short boat ride from the Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex.
How to go to North Bay Island from Port Blair?
You can take a ferry or private boat from the Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex. The ride usually takes 20–30 minutes.
What is North Bay Island famous for?
North Bay Island is also called the Coral Island, known for its colorful coral reefs, marine life, and adventurous water activities like scuba diving and sea walk.
What is special about the North Bay Lighthouse?
The North Bay Lighthouse gives panoramic views of the sea, Port Blair, and nearby islands. Many tourists climb it for photos.
Can I visit Ross and North Bay Island on the same day?
Yes, many tour packages include both Ross and North Bay Island in a single trip as they are close by.
What water sports are available at North Bay Beach Andaman and Nicobar Islands?
Popular activities include snorkeling, scuba diving, sea walk, glass bottom boat rides, and coral safari semi-submarine tours.
Is North Bay Island safe for beginners in water sports?
Yes, all activities like scuba diving and sea walk are guided by trained instructors, and safety gear like life jackets is always provided.
What is the best time to visit North Bay Island?
The best time is from October to May, when North Bay weather is calm and suitable for boat rides and water sports.
Are there food stalls on North Bay Beach?
Yes, visitors will find small food stalls offering snacks, drinks, and simple meals near the beach area.
How long do tourists usually spend at North Bay Island?
Most visitors spend around 3 to 5 hours enjoying activities, exploring the lighthouse, and relaxing on the beach.
Is advance booking required for Ross and North Bay Island ferry schedule?
Yes, it is better to book in advance, especially during peak season, to secure your ferry timings.
Can families with children visit North Bay Island?
Yes, North Bay Island is family-friendly. Children can enjoy glass boats and the beach, while adults can try adventurous activities.
What is the cost of water activities at North Bay Island Andaman?
Prices vary depending on the activity. Glass bottom boat rides are cheaper, while scuba diving and sea walk cost more.
Is photography allowed at North Bay Island?
Yes, you can take photos freely, and underwater photography packages are also available during scuba diving or sea walk.
Do I need to carry anything special when visiting North Bay Island?
Carry sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, extra clothes, and some cash for food stalls or activity bookings.
