Ross Island and North Bay in One Day

October 15, 2026 · 4 min read

Ross Island and North Bay in One Day: A Simple Plan from Port Blair

Ross Island (officially Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island) and North Bay are Port Blair's two classic boat trips, and you can see both in one outing from morning to mid-afternoon. Here is a simple plan.

Where the boats leave from

Boats to both islands leave from the Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex (Aberdeen Jetty) on the east side of Port Blair (Sri Vijaya Puram). Shared boats run a round trip: Ross Island first, about 15 minutes away, then North Bay, about 30 minutes further.

The same boat waits for you and brings you back, so note your boat's name.

A sample day

• 8:00 AM: leave your hotel after an early breakfast.
• 8:30 AM: reach the Water Sports Complex and buy your boat tickets.
• About 9:00 AM: board one of the first boats.
• Morning: Ross Island, with about 1.5 to 2 hours to explore.
• Late morning to early afternoon: North Bay, with about 3 hours for water activities.
• Mid-afternoon: back at the jetty.

Allow 4 to 7 hours in total, depending on how many activities you do at North Bay.

Ross Island: what to see

Ross Island was the headquarters of the British administration in the Andamans. Today its old buildings stand in ruins, many wrapped in giant tree roots, while spotted deer and peacocks roam freely. Wear comfortable shoes for walking.

North Bay: what to do

North Bay is the place for the sea: snorkelling, sea walking, scuba diving and glass-bottom boat rides over the coral. Its lighthouse is the one pictured on the old Rs 20 note. Water activities are priced separately from the boat ticket.

Tickets and costs

• Ross Island only, direct round trip: about Rs 350 to Rs 520 per person.
• Combo trip to Ross Island and North Bay: about Rs 750 to Rs 900 or more per person.

Prices vary by operator and boat type, and change often. On top of the boat fare, you pay for the Ross Island entry ticket (around Rs 50 for adults and Rs 25 for children) and any water activities at North Bay. Private charter boats cost more but run to your own schedule.

Check the day before you plan

Many sources say Ross Island and the shared boats to it do not run on Wednesdays, while others list it as open every day. Check before you plan your trip; if you stay with us, we will confirm the current schedule for you.

Tips

• Start early: the first boats leave around 8:30 to 9:00 AM, and the last boat back from Ross Island leaves around 3:00 PM.
• Carry water, sunscreen, a hat and cash.
• Book North Bay activities on the spot or in advance, depending on the season, as they can sell out on busy days.
• Plan this trip on a different day from your ferry to Havelock or Neil, so you are not rushed.

Where to stay

KEVINS Bed & Breakfast is a family-run homestay in Delanipur, Port Blair (Sri Vijaya Puram), a short drive from the Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex. Ask for an early or packed breakfast before your boat trip.

We can arrange a cab (paid) and help you book ferry tickets free of charge. Book direct on our website and save 15%, or WhatsApp us on +91 99332 83649 to check availability.

Frequently asked questions

Can I visit Ross Island and North Bay on the same day?

Yes. Shared boats from the Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex cover both islands in one round trip.

How long does the trip take?

About 4 to 7 hours, depending on the activities you choose at North Bay.

How much does the boat cost?

About Rs 350 to Rs 520 per person for a Ross Island round trip, or Rs 750 to Rs 900 or more for a combo trip that includes North Bay.

Is Ross Island open on Wednesdays?

Sources disagree, and many say it is closed on Wednesdays, so check before you go.

Where do the boats leave from?

From the Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex (Aberdeen Jetty), Port Blair.