North Bay Island : A Guide To The Golden Gem Of Andaman

North Bay Island, a picturesque destination is perfect for a relaxing getaway in Andaman.

North Bay Island has pristine beaches, diverse marine life, and enthralling water activities. This place is well-known for its underwater coral reserves. It is not only a place for relaxation but also a hub for water sports like speed boats, jet skis, snorkelling, underwater sea walks, and more. You can also enjoy astonishing views of Ross Island and the Port Blair skyline. Get ready to discover vibrant places and fun activities to indulge in on your next trip to North Bay Island.

Quick Details About North Bay Island

Location: Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands
How To Reach: It takes around 40 – 45 minutes to reach this island via boat. The cost per person ranges from ₹300 – ₹500
Best Time To Visit: The best time to visit this island is from October to May

Things To Do In North Bay Island

Here are few amazing things that you can try in North Bay Island to satiate your wanderlust.

1. Sea Walking

Sea walking is a famous water activity of North Bay Island to explore marine life.

Photo: Gerald Schömbs / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

It is an enticing activity, where the tourists walk under the sea and explore its beauty. The underwater sea life on this island is breathtaking. Tourists have to wear specially-designed helmets attached to an oxygen cylinder to witness the underwater beauty. It is a wholesome experience to be able to walk under the water and watch the diverse hidden marine life.

Timings: 9 AM – 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM – 1 PM
Cost/Person: ₹3000 onwards

Suggested Read: Things To Do In Andaman

2. Glass Bottom Boat Ride

North Bay Island offers you an adventurous experience with glass bottom boat ride.

Photo: Mihaela David / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

North Bay Island is perfect for taking a glass bottom boat ride. If you are scared to enter the water, you can still explore underwater life by taking a glass bottom boat ride. You can witness the beauty of the corals and marine animals. The bottom of the boat is made of glass, through which the visitors can see life underwater. It’s a feeling of being in water, without actually stepping into the water.

Timings: 10 AM – 7 PM
Cost/Person: ₹1500 for 20 minutes

3. Snorkelling

A fun water activity to indulge in North Bay Island is snorkelling under the water.

Photo: Vlad & Marina Butsky / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Due to the shallow shorelines of North Bay Island, snorkelling is a perfect activity to indulge in here. The vibrant corals are visible due to clear waters and the diverse marine life looks mesmerising. The tourists are also provided with required gears and training. This is a super fun activity that can soothe your mind.

Timings: 9 AM – 4 PM
Cost/Person: ₹300 onwards

Suggested Read: Water Sports In Havelock Island

4. Scuba Diving

Discover the underwater world and swim with sea animals as you indulge in scuba diving.

Photo: Subtle Cinematics / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Scuba diving is the most popular activity in Port Blair. Tourists can explore the most diverse and magnificent marine life and corals while scuba diving. The sea is crystal clear so the visibility is great and spotting some rare fish species is easy. It’s an enthralling experience overall. The island’s tourism depends a lot on this water sport, as it is one of the most popular activities among the visitors.

Timings: 9 AM – 4 PM
Cost/Person: ₹1700 – ₹3500

5. Parasailing

In Andaman you should experience parasailing, an experience that will stir your soul.

Photo: Grand Velas Riviera Maya / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

North Bay Island is an ideal spot for parasailing. It is a super adventurous activity that tourists enjoy, when on this Island. The wind near the shores and deep seas is wild and acts as a catalyst for an enjoyable parasailing experience. The tourists soar high in the sky and glide with the wind on top of the ocean. The bird’s eye view of this island is breathtaking. Parasailing takes around 45 minutes.

Timings: 9 AM – 4 PM
Cost/Person: ₹2500 onwards

Suggested Read: Scuba Diving In Andaman Islands

6. Trekking

Trekking is one of the favourite activities of the tourists visiting this island.

Photo: Usman Omar / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Trekking is one of the best activities that tourists love to do on a vacation. This island is one of the best locations for trekking, where tourists can trek to the famous Lighthouse and soak in the gorgeous views of Port Blair. The blue sea, white sand and the lush green tropical forest take hues from nature and paint a scenic vista.

Timings: 9 AM – 4 PM

Places To Visit Near North Bay Island

Here are few picturesque places that you can explore near North Bay Island.

1. Viper Island

Viper Island, a gem near North Bay Island is another picturesque island of Andaman.

Photo: Supritam Basu / Shutterstock / Image For Representation Only

Viper Island is very close to Port Blair. It is a serene island with many tourist attractions and historic importance. There is an old jail here named Cellular Jail, where Britishers used to keep the convicts and political prisoners. Tourists can plan a small trip to this island to explore history and enjoy its scenic beauty. A cruise sails from Phoenix Bay Jetty to Viper Island.

Timings: 9 AM – 4 PM
Entry Fee: ₹70 for a ferry ride

Suggested Read: Beaches In Andaman

2. Corbyn Cove Beach

Corbyn Cove Beach, a popular tourist attraction of Andaman is a scenic beach to explore.

Photo: Malaravan / Shutterstock

Corbyn Cove Beach is a famous tourist destination near this island as it offers water sports including scuba diving, snorkelling, surfing, jet ski rides, and many more. This island’s tourism experiences a great push due to its proximity. This beach is crescent in shape surrounded with sky-blue waters. Another island, called Snake Island, is just across this beach that offers one of the best scuba diving experiences. The tourists also enjoy watching the historical Japanese Bunkers on this beach.

Timings: 5 AM – 9 PM

Where To Stay

Peaceful stays are available near the island where you can unwind enjoying scenic views.

Photo: Alexandre Chambon / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

There are no hotels on the island, but few good options are available near this island that offer a comfortable stay. Some of the good places to stay are – Hotel Islander Inn, Hotel Guru International, Sea Shell Hotel, Hotel Hilltop International, and Sinclair Bayview.

Suggested Read: Andaman And Nicobar Nightlife

Where To Eat

North Bay Island offers various scrumptious food and authentic flavours to the tourists.

Photo: Caroline Attwood / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

There are no food joints or shacks on the island. But, there are some good restaurants available near the island including Amaya, SeaFood Delights, The Andaman Kitchen, Icy Spicy, Salt and Pepper, and Annapurna. They offer sumptuous food amidst a soothing ambiance.

Other Factors To Consider

From cost to tips you should consider every little factor before planning a trip.

Photo: Annie Spratt / Unsplash

Average Cost Of The Trip

The cost of the whole trip including water sports, may range from ₹5000 – ₹7000.

Tips For Travellers

  • Since this island is known for various water sports, it is advised to pre-book the water activities while visiting during the peak season.
  • Take an extra pair of clothes, especially if you want to indulge in water adventures.
  • Carry sunscreen and a hat for protection against the sun rays.
  • There are no restaurants available on the island, so it is advised to carry packed meals.

Suggested Read: Nightlife In Port Blair

North Bay Island is a secluded gem in Andamans which is also famous for various water sports. This scenic island is a blend of nature’s awe-inspiring beauty, tranquillity and soul-stirring water activities. From families to couples and solo wanderers, it is the perfect destination for every type of traveller. Plan your trip to this island with TripXL, and get ready to dive into the lap of nature.

Cover Photo: Yercaud-elango / Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions

It is famous for a variety of water sports, beautiful corals, and the serenity of nature.
No, even if a person does not know how to swim, they can do all water sports as there is assistance at all times.
No, the island has no accommodations, but only small shacks and restaurants to spend a day on the island.
It takes a 45-minutes boat ride from Aberdeen Jetty, Port Blair to reach North Bay Island.
Scuba Diving and Snorkeling are the two best water activities here.

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