Ross & North Bay Island Excursion

A Journey Through History and Coral Dreams in the Heart of Andamans

Where Ruins Breathe Stories and Corals Whisper Secrets 🌴🌊

It was my second morning in Port Blair when I first glimpsed the green silhouettes of Ross Island and North Bay Island shimmering under the early sun. From afar, they looked like simple tropical retreats, but what awaited me was far deeper—an unforgettable blend of colonial legacy and underwater fantasy.

This wasn’t just an island-hopping trip; it was a journey through time and tides. With every step on the moss-covered pathways of Ross and every fin-kick over the vibrant coral beds of North Bay, I found myself peeling back layers of history, nature, and soul.

Join me as I relive this enchanting Ross & North Bay Island Excursion—an experience that stays with you like the scent of the sea long after the waves have receded.

Planning the Journey: Starting from Port Blair 🛥️📍

How to Reach Ross & North Bay Island

• 🚤 Starting Point: Phoenix Bay Jetty, Port Blair

• 🛥️ Boat Ride Duration:

  • To Ross Island: ~15 minutes

  • To North Bay Island: ~20 minutes from Ross

🎫 Booking Tip: Entry passes and ferry rides are best arranged in advance. I chose Sonakshi Travels, who managed everything seamlessly, from transport to guide coordination.

Part 1: Ross Island – Whispers of the Forgotten British Empire 🕰️🌴

The Ghost of a Colonial Past

As the ferry docked, I stepped onto Ross Island—once the administrative capital of the British in the Andamans. Known today as Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island, the place is an eerie yet beautiful relic of time, with banyan roots curling over ruins and deer roaming freely through the remnants of an empire.

🧱 Places that Captivated Me:

• British Chief Commissioner’s Bungalow: Once grand, now a skeleton swallowed by trees

• Church Ruins: Moss-covered stone archways where silence reigns

• Japanese Bunkers: Left behind from World War II

• Cemetery and Bakery: Shadows of daily colonial life

• Peacock Garden: A spot where locals still gather and nature thrives

Cultural Encounters

I met a local guide who shared tales of officers’ balls, haunting prison stories, and how the 1941 earthquake changed everything. The island was abandoned shortly after that quake, letting nature reclaim her territory.

📸 Photography Tip: Capture the contrast of stone ruins under vibrant tropical canopies—perfect for Instagram and inner reflection.

Part 2: North Bay Island – Beneath the Blue 🌊🐠

After soaking in history, it was time to embrace nature’s artwork. North Bay Island, visible on the ₹20 note (yes, really!), is a paradise for snorkeling, scuba diving, and glass-bottom boating.

Snorkeling: Floating Over Rainbows

I floated face-down in clear waters, guided gently by an instructor. Beneath me, vibrant corals, clownfish, sea cucumbers, and starfish played in the sunlight. It felt like entering an alien world—calm, colorful, and humbling.

👓 Good for beginners. Non-swimmers can enjoy guided snorkeling in shallow waters.

Scuba Diving & Sea Walking: Deeper into the Blue

Though optional, I couldn’t resist the sea walk—a unique helmet diving experience. Walking the seabed among corals and fish, I felt like a visitor in Atlantis. Every breath echoed in my ears, yet the sea whispered louder.

🛳️ Other Activities:

• Glass-bottom boat ride: Ideal for families and seniors

• Jet skiing: For those craving a thrill

• Banana boat rides: Fun group activity

Lunch Break & Local Flavors 🍛🌶️

After the dive, we relaxed in a beachside shack. I indulged in a coastal thali:

• Rice & coconut fish curry

• Fried prawns

• Papaya chutney

• Banana chips & chilled tender coconut

Served on banana leaves with love—it was the perfect fuel for a beachside siesta.

Nearby Attractions from Port Blair 🧭🌿

Corbyn’s Cove Beach

Distance: ~8 km
Known for evening strolls, water scooters, and casual cafes.

Cellular Jail

Distance: ~3.5 km
A must-visit monument telling the story of India’s freedom fighters.

Chidiya Tapu

Distance: ~25 km
Ideal for sunset and birdwatching.

Travel Tips & Essentials 🎒🌞

What to Carry

• Lightweight cotton clothes

• Swimsuit, towel, and change of clothes

• Waterproof pouch for electronics

• Reef-safe sunscreen

• Power bank & offline map

• Cash (some kiosks may not accept cards)

Best Time to Visit

📅 October to March: Clear weather, calm seas
🌧️ Avoid peak monsoon (June–September)

Where to Stay in Port Blair 🏨

Recommended by Sonakshi Travels

• Luxury: SeaShell Port Blair, Fortune Resort Bay Island

• Mid-range: Hotel Sentinel, J Hotel

• Budget: Hotel Dev Mahal, Haywizz

All accommodations are within 5–15 minutes of Phoenix Bay Jetty.

Cultural Notes & Events 🎭🇮🇳

• Island Tourism Festival (January): Cultural nights, folk dance, tribal crafts

• Freedom Week Celebrations (August): Events in and around Cellular Jail

• Marine Eco Festival (February): Sea cleaning, coral awareness, photography contests

Distance Map & Boat Schedule Overview 🗺️⛴️

💡 Ferries depart from Aberdeen Jetty (Phoenix Bay). Sonakshi Travels handles all passes and seating.

Evening Reflection: A Tale of Two Islands 🌅❤️

That evening, I sat by the pier watching boats return. I thought of the day:

• Of ruins held together by roots

• Of eyes that saw the underwater world

• Of hearts that remembered and healed

The Ross & North Bay Island Excursion had been more than a tour. It was a sensory journey through contrasts—between past and present, land and sea, remembrance and rediscovery.

“I arrived as a tourist, but left as a storyteller—with sand in my shoes and peace in my heart.”

📦 Packages by Sonakshi Travels – Curated for Memories

🏝️ Heritage & Coral Delight – 1N/2D

• Visit Cellular Jail, Ross & North Bay Island

• Tickets, permits, ferry booking, activities

• Hotel stay + breakfast

• Guide & snorkeling gear included

🌊 Andaman Twin-Island Explorer – Full-Day Tour

• Speedboat transfers

• Snorkeling/Sea Walk at North Bay

• Guided historical tour of Ross Island

• Packed meals + safety kit

📞 Ideal for couples, families, and solo explorers. Relax while we handle the logistics!

📞 Contact for Booking & Assistance

Sonakshi Travels
📱 Whatsapp: +91 7980469744
🌐 Website: https://sonakshitravels.in

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“Islands may be small in size, but they carry worlds of wonder.”
Let Sonakshi Travels take you there—where every tide brings a story, and every shell sings a song.