North Bay Island, Port Blair: Coral, Snorkelling and Water Sports

North Bay Island near Port Blair: how to reach it, snorkelling and coral viewing, sea walk and water sports, timings, rules and whether it beats Havelock.

By the Lux India Tours Team·Oct 19, 2026

Andaman IslandsDestination GuideIsland EscapesPlanning Guide

View over coconut palms and a coral-edged sea at North Bay Island, Andaman

North Bay Island is the closest place to Port Blair where you can see coral without a long ferry. It is a small island with a lighthouse, a calm bay and a menu of water activities, and it is the usual choice for visitors who have a day in Port Blair but not enough time to reach Havelock.

This guide covers what to expect, how to go and how it compares with the better-known snorkelling spots.

The sea and palms at North Bay.

At a glance
Where	A small island about 5 km north of Port Blair harbour
How to reach	A boat from Aberdeen jetty or Chatham, around 20 to 30 minutes
Activities	Snorkelling, glass-bottom boat, sea walk, scuba, jet ski
Time needed	Half a day
Best time	Morning, October to May
Permits	Entry rules apply; carry ID

What you can do

Snorkelling: the shallows have coral and reef fish, and gear is available on the island.
Glass-bottom boat: a short boat ride that lets you see the coral without getting wet.
Sea walk: a guided walk on the sea floor with a helmet, for those who do not swim.
Scuba diving: short introductory dives are offered by licensed operators.
Other water sports: jet skis and similar activities, subject to the season and local rules.

The coral here is modest compared with what you find on Havelock and Neil. It is a good introduction for beginners, not the best underwater experience in the Andamans.

How to get there

Boats leave from the Port Blair harbour jetties, and many tour operators package the trip with transfers, a boat and lunch. Plan for a half-day, leaving in the morning and returning by early afternoon. Check ferry and boat timings locally, as schedules and closures change.

Rules and etiquette

Do not touch or stand on coral. Coral is slow-growing and easily damaged.
Do not collect shells or coral. It is illegal in marine protected areas.
Follow the guides and use a life jacket if you are not a strong swimmer.
Carry ID. Entry and permits are checked.

See our Andaman entry rules guide for the paperwork.

North Bay or Havelock?

If you have only a day, North Bay is practical. If you have a few days, Havelock's Elephant Beach and the reefs around Neil are better. See our Elephant Beach guide and the Bharatpur Beach guide.

How it fits a Port Blair day

A good plan is North Bay in the morning and the Cellular Jail in the afternoon, with the light and sound show in the evening. See our Port Blair half-day guide and the Cellular Jail show guide.