Ross Island Ferry & North Bay Boat 2026: Timings, Tickets & Booking
Ross Island (officially Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Dweep) and North Bay Island are Port Blair’s classic half-day boat trip — ten minutes across the harbour to a century of British ruins with deer wandering through them, then the coral island whose lighthouse featured on the old ₹20 note. Boats leave from the Aberdeen Jetty / Water Sports Complex in the middle of town. Here’s exactly how the boats, tickets and timings work — and how to book the combo without the jetty queue.
Book the Ross + North Bay boat with us — standard boat rates, seats confirmed on WhatsApp within the hour, timed so you’re back for your evening plans. Book on WhatsApp →
The Boats: Your Options from Port Blair
| Option | What it covers | Typical 2026 price | Time needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ross + North Bay combo boat (most popular) | Both islands, ~1.5–2 hrs on each | from ₹750/person | ~5–6 hours |
| Ross Island only | Shuttle across the harbour | from ₹350–450 | 2–3 hours |
| Government ferry to Ross | Basic shuttle, limited slots | ~₹300 (bought at the counter — we don’t sell this one) | 2–3 hours |
| Private 3-island (Ross + North Bay + Viper) | Adds the old jail island | from ₹1,000–1,200 | full day |
Ross Island charges a small entry fee (~₹50) payable at the island gate on top of any boat ticket. Prices above are the standard Water Sports Complex counter rates — booking through us costs the same; the exact fare for your date is confirmed on WhatsApp before you pay anything.
Timings (and the One Day to Avoid)
- Boats run from roughly 8:30 AM through early afternoon; last returns late afternoon
- Ross Island is CLOSED on Wednesdays — the single most common way this day-trip gets ruined. Plan accordingly.
- Morning departures get calmer water for the North Bay snorkeling and softer light in the Ross ruins
- The evening sound & light show at Ross Island (separate ticket, ~₹300) runs after dark on open days — a separate boat trip, bookable the same way
What’s Actually on Each Island
Ross Island — 1.5 to 2 hours. The British administrative capital until the 1941 earthquake: the Presbyterian church, Chief Commissioner’s bungalow, bakery and barracks, all being slowly eaten by ficus roots — genuinely atmospheric, not a manufactured attraction. Spotted deer and peacocks roam free around the ruins. There’s a small museum, a café, and shaded walking loops. Golf-cart hop-ons exist for anyone who’d rather ride than walk.
North Bay — 1.5 to 2 hours. The water is the point: a fringing coral reef with the Andamans’ biggest cluster of easy water activities — snorkeling (₹500–1,000), sea walk (₹3,000–3,500), glass-bottom and semi-submarine rides, and intro scuba. The lighthouse makes the photo stop. If you’re not getting in the water, North Bay is a short visit — budget your enthusiasm (and cash) for the reef.
Practical Notes
- Carry: cash for island entry + water activities, hat/sunscreen, water bottle, swimwear if you’ll snorkel at North Bay. ID for the jetty.
- Sea conditions: harbour crossings are gentle, but monsoon days (June–September) can cancel boats — decided in the morning. Full refund or free date-move if weather cancels your booking.
- Combining with your ferry days: this trip fits perfectly on your Port Blair day before or after the Havelock leg — most people do it the afternoon they arrive or the day they fly out (keep 4+ hours before a flight).
Fitting It Into an Andaman Itinerary
A typical shape: land in Port Blair → Ross + North Bay half-day → next morning ferry to Havelock → Elephant Beach (boat guide) → Havelock to Neil → Neil back to Port Blair → fly out. Every ferry leg on that loop is bookable with live seat maps; the boat trips are one WhatsApp message.
FAQs
How do I get to Ross Island from Port Blair?
Boats leave from the Aberdeen Jetty / Water Sports Complex in central Port Blair — about 10 minutes across the harbour. Combo boats continue to North Bay. Book on WhatsApp or buy at the counter (same rate, longer queue).
Is Ross Island open every day?
No — closed on Wednesdays. Open all other days from morning to late afternoon.
What does the Ross Island ferry cost?
Ross-only shuttles run from ~₹350–450; the Ross + North Bay combo from ~₹750/person; the government shuttle is ~₹300 at the counter. Island entry (~₹50) is extra, paid at the gate.
Is North Bay worth it if I don’t want water activities?
It’s a short visit without them — the reef is the attraction. If you’re not getting in the water, consider the Ross-only boat and spend the saved time at Corbyn’s Cove or the Cellular Jail.
Can I do Ross Island and Havelock on the same day?
Not comfortably. Do Ross + North Bay on a Port Blair day, and give Havelock its own day(s) with the morning ferry.
Sorting your inter-island ferries? Check the full schedule, prices, and book with live seat selection at BookYourFerry.