One of the beautiful national parks in Andaman is the North Button Island National Park. Surrounded by deep blue waters, it is a part of the Button Islands. Boasting tropical forests, this national park is home to several plants, trees, animals, and birds. As you explore through this spectacular park, you can encounter spotted deers along with dolphins, blue whales, sea turtles, and enchanting marine life. Here, you can also indulge in watersports, and have an exhilarating experience to cherish forever.
Quick Details About North Button Island National Park
Location: North and Middle Andaman District, Andaman Islands 744202
How To Reach: You can board a ferry from Port Blair to Long Island, and then hop on a boat from there to reach this park.
Best Time To Visit: November to April
Avg. Temperature: 20°C to 30°C
Things To Do In North Button Island National Park
With splendid landscapes, astonishing marine life, and elusive wildlife, North Button Island National Park has plenty of things to indulge in.
1. Scuba Diving
Photo: Clotho / Wikimedia Commons
This is one fun activity that all water enthusiasts love to indulge in. The underwater here is full of rich marine life and coral-covered rocks. If you love to dive under crystal clear waters, then astonishing marine creatures await you. Here is your chance to spot Blue whales, Dolphins, Dugongs, Humpback Snappers, Giant Groupers, and many more species. A heaven for divers, this national park lets you explore the bounties of nature like never before.
Cost/Person: ₹3500
Suggested Read: Scuba Diving In Andaman Islands
2. Snorkelling
Photo: Jaontiveros / Wikimedia Commons
If you want to explore the hidden gems dwelling inside the azure waters but do not want to dive deep there, then you can try snorkelling. As you snorkel through the high currents, you can spot a kaleidoscope of colourful coral reefs, exotic fish species, sea turtles, and other marine life flourishing under the water. To make the most of your excursion, it is recommended to book the activity in advance, for the slots get exhausted in no time.
Cost/Person: ₹2000
3. Wildlife Spotting And Bird Watching
Photo: Thomas.abey / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
This place is a paradise for nature enthusiasts and bird watchers. The dense and lush green forests around here are home to several avian species along with endemic and migratory birds. If you are on a bird exploration trip, then keep your binoculars handy. For, here you may spot the White-Bellied Sea Eagle, the Andaman Serpent Eagle, and the endemic Andaman Woodpecker. This national park leaves you with a remarkable experience while you choose to immerse in nature and explore its wonders.
Suggested Read: Wildlife Sanctuaries In Andaman And Nicobar
Places To Visit Near North Button Island National Park
As this national park is located at an ideal distance from some other great places, you can also explore some of the nearby attractions while visiting this national park.
1. Long Island
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This island is one of the most beautiful islands in Andamans with clear waters, a vast underwater ecosystem, and live corals. It is a paradise for bird lovers as it is full of mangrove forests and coconut plantations. An ultimate place for relaxation, here you can choose to bask in the sun, or swim in the waters to make yourself feel rejuvenated. And that’s not all. If you are an adventure junkie, you can also try water activities to keep your adrenaline rushing.
Distance From North Button Park: 16 km
Activities Offered: Sunbathing, trekking, snorkelling, and scuba diving
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
2. Havelock Island
Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons
This is an island located away from the hubbub of the city life. It is covered with dense jungles and fringed with white sandy beaches. Its crystal clear waters exude shades of turquoise blue. The beaches on this island look surreal while creating an imagery of beautiful gems floating in the waters. It has some of the best beaches in Andamans: Radhanagar Beach, Elephant Beach, Kalapathar Beach, Vijaynagar Beach, and more. This island is one of the most visited places in Andaman.
Distance From North Button Park: 39 km
Activities Offered: Scuba diving, snorkelling, jet skiing, kayaking, trekking, and sunbathing
Timings: 6 AM – 5 PM
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Havelock Island
3. Neil Island
Photo: Biswajit Majumdar / Wikimedia Commons
Boasting stunning beaches, lush green landscapes, azure waters, and amazing biodiversity, this place is a tropical paradise. It has some amazing beaches like: Sitapur Beach, Laxmanpur Beach, Bharatpur Beach, and a natural rock formation— Howrah Bridge. With diverse marine life and vibrant coral reefs, here is your chance to explore the bounties of nature. You may choose to indulge in water activities not just to soothe the inherent adrenaline junkie but also to witness the marine creatures under the water.
Distance From North Button Park: 53 km
Activities Offered: Scuba diving, snorkelling, sea walking, glass-bottom boat riding, and fishing
4. Baratang Island
Photo: Yercaud-elango / Wikimedia Commons
Decked up with mangrove creeks, this island is an untouched beauty in the Andamans. It is famous for its natural wonders like: Limestone Caves, Mud Volcanoes, and tidal swamp forests. You can savour some relaxing time amidst natural beauty in this secluded island. Or, you can choose to stroll through its beguiling landscapes and marvel at its scenic beauty. Besides that, here you can also enjoy bird watching. So, if you are a nature lover, this place is for you.
Distance From North Button Park: 30 km
Activities Offered: Swimming and snorkelling
Suggested Read: Water Sports In Havelock Island
Where To Stay
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For accommodation, you can head to Long Island, which is located in the proximity of this national park. There are properties that offer a comfortable stay with good hygiene and facilities, such as Bliss Holiday Resort and Restaurant, Andaman Sunset View Resort, Holiday Home, Sunnyvale Andaman, Hotel Coral Inn, and Andaman Runway Homestay.
Where To Eat
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You can have a hearty meal in Port Blair after a day trip to this national park. Some of the best restaurants and eating joints in Port Blair are: Annapurna Cafeteria, New Lighthouse Restaurant, Hotel Kattabomman, Ananda Restaurant, Punjabi Dhaba, and Blue Planet.
Suggested Read: Andaman And Nicobar Nightlife
Other Factors To Consider
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Average Cost Of Trip
You can obtain a permit of ₹50 per person to enter this national park. Apart from this, the only cost that is incurred is for transportation. The total cost comes out to be approximately ₹1600 to ₹2000, which is worth the experience you are going to cherish here.
Tips For Travellers
- Obtain a permit from the checkpost to enter this national park.
- Carry a hat or an umbrella, and wear sunscreen to protect yourself from the harsh sun rays.
- Carry extra clothes if you wish to indulge in water activities.
- Carry packed food and water while visiting this national park.
The North Button Island National Park is a must-visit for everyone. It has a rich presence of diverse animal and plant species. With wonderful locations offering water activities, you are going to have an immersive experience here. What’s more, as you dive deep under the water, you can spot the coral-covered rocks and the rich marine ecosystem. If this excites you, what are you pondering over? Plan a trip with TripXL now.
Cover Photo: Vaishnav066 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only