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What is your ideal holiday destination- Mountains or the Sea? If you’re the kind of person who prefers spending a truly amazing and nice vacation on the seashores at the beautiful beaches and or dream waking up to the views of an endless seas then you’ve come to the right place for exploration and guidance. Read on to know more with the abundance of information which we have here for you.
Let’s talk about the popular tourist place North Bay Island in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands which is a gem in the Indian Seas and attracts thousands of tourists throughout the year. The leaflets of history and geography explain about the Andaman & Nicobar Islands as an archipelago of 572 islands in the Bay of Bengal. It is a Union Territory of India and is famed for its white sandy beaches and the turquoise coloured red sea to scintillate every visitor.
North Bay Island is known for its breathtaking natural beauty, magnificently beautiful coral reefs, close view of the underwater marine life and of course to explore the Andaman’s signature white sand beaches. The coral reefs are the most prized treasures of this island and a major tourist attraction too. That is why this island is also called the Coral island. The surreal beauty of it all is beyond one’s imagination. Words and even pictures can’t begin to capture the magic of witnessing such an exquisite natural beauty.
Here are some of the things to remember if you do plan to get enraptured by the seas of the North Bay Island. A visit there is going to become a momentous memory for you.
Best Time To Visit North Bay Island
The best time to visit Andaman & Nicobar Islands is between November to May months. But summers are also pleasant there as the highest temperatures are much lower as compared to the rest of the parts of India. The weather is mostly agreeable throughout the year. However, it is best to avoid traveling to Andaman & Nicobar Islands during the monsoon season. Due to heavy and frequent rains and turbulent weather, water sports are also cancelled during the monsoons.
Things To Do In North Bay Island?
Water sports and sightseeing are the most popular activities on this island. It is important to bear in mind that you will have to shell out a few precious bucks to enjoy many of these water sports which are adventurous as well as truly enjoyable ones. Here is a list of activities you can indulge in to fully experience the beauty of the Andamans during a trip to Andaman & Nicobar Islands and especially while choosing to explore the North Bay Island.
1. Scuba Diving
Diving is an amazing way to see the lovely underwater marine life. It provides a great opportunity for everyone to see intimately the secrets of the oceans at work. To see the coral reefs, the primary incentive for scuba diving is here. There are many shops in the North Bay Islands where tickets for Scuba Diving can be bought.
Cost: The charges range from 2000 to 4000 rupees approximately.
Timing: Do remember that it is only done in the morning hours up till noon.
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2. Snorkelling
It is one more popular activity around the Andaman & Nicobar Islands and especially in the North Bay Islands. The difference between Scuba Diving and Snorkelling is that while in Scuba Diving you can stay under water for a considerable amount of time because of the oxygen cylinder and other paraphernalia helpful in breathing, in snorkelling you stay at the surface of water dipping under it occasionally to get a view of the marine life from above. Neither scuba diving nor snorkelling requires you to know how to swim. But it is still wise to inform your instructor of your comfort level with the waters.
Cost: Snorkelling charges are cheaper as compared to Scuba Diving. The approximate rate is 500 rupees for 15 minutes of snorkelling.
Timing: Usually done in the morning hours up till noon.
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3. Sea Walking
Walking is a unique way to experience the beautiful underwater world of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands to see up close all the variety of sea flora, varied types of fishes and of course coral reefs while walking on the sea bed. Travellers and tourists are given weighty helmets connected to an apparatus is designed for breathing normally underwater. It is a unique activity as if you truly enjoy it once-in-a-lifetime experience where you get to walk on the sea bed to observe the natural life of underwater creatures as it is. Several well-trained instructors are there to accompany and constantly guide the tourists on their sea walks. While on your sea walk, there are provisions of having photos clicked as well. The charge for it is around 4000 rupees. Other island in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands that offers sea walk activity is Havelock Island.
Cost: Depending on the options chosen.
Timing: Planned as per convenience.
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4. Glass Bottom Boat Ride
Not everyone is healthy enough or adventurous enough to take a plunge into the sea without hesitation. So, for those who miss a chance of snorkelling or scuba diving can still enjoy the marine beauty by travelling in these covered boats which has the glass bottoms as the name suggests. Riders can witness the coral reefs and other aquamarine creatures like variegated categories of plants to fishes et al without actually being underwater.
Cost: The price range largely and depends upon the time duration of the ride.
Timing: Planned as per convenience.
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5. Semi Submarine Coral Safari
It is a similar activity to the Glass Bottom Boat Ride except that here you get to travel in a submarine which is a covered and closed vehicle with the glass windows. As the submarine gets submerged and moves you get to witness all the wonders of the underwater world including corals and fishes in the clear blue water.
An interesting fun fact is that the lighthouse printed on the Indian 20 rupees note is the same North Bay lighthouse on this Island. The view of the lighthouse, as on the note, can be seen from the Mount Harriet also in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
Cost: Again the price range is huge and depends on the time duration of the ride.
Duration of Visit: It is a day-long visit to the island. The ferry usually takes the travellers in the morning and returns in the evening.
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How To Reach North Bay Island?
As mentioned above, North Bay Island is located at a convenient distance of approximately 42 km from the capital city of Port Blair. Veer Savarkar National Airport in Port Blair, also called the Port Blair Airport, is the main airport there and is closest one to the North Bay Island. There are direct flights from the major Indian cities like Kolkata and Chennai besides a few direct and connecting flights from the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi. Such air connectivity makes Port Blair accessible from India as well as global destinations.
From the port on the shore of the Port Blair, countless ferries are available which take the travellers to different islands including the North Bay Island. The cost for such travels is not expensive and usually up to 500 rupees only.
For those of you who want to travel on a budget from various cities of India, trains are a better option. But you still have to take a flight from Kolkata to Port Blair as there are no direct trains to the Andaman & Nicobar Islands for it being an island and separated from the mainland. Although, in a recent development, it has been announced that the first ever railway lines in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands will be laid between the Diglipur and Port Blair. This railway line has been planned for the 240 km distance. Perhaps, sooner or later a train journey will be possible. One of the aims for doing so is to increase the number of tourists in the islands.
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Important Tips To Remember
- Carry a change of clothes (and undergarments) even if you don’t plan to take part in any of the water sports activities.
- Make sure you discuss all your health issues if any, before you indulge in any particular water sports.
- Scuba Diving and other water sports are not done post noon therefore make sure that you don’t waste your time.
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Hope the numerous activities which North Bay Island in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands trip seem appealing to you. Go ahead and start packing for your trip to the Andamans and make the most of your visit to the North Bay Island by referring to the guide provided above. The perfect time to travel to the island has already begun.
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Frequently Asked Questions About A Guide to North Bay Island
What is the best time to go to North Bay Island?
The best time to go to North Bay Islands in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands is during winters from November until May month. It is a perfect time when usually the weather remains most pleasant and also most suitable to get involved in various water sports activities like scuba diving et al.
What are the main attractions in North Bay Island?
The North Bay Islands remain a famous one for rich growth of the coral reefs and several types of water sports activities. You can indulge in various types of activities and enjoy them like Scuba Diving, Snorkelling, Sea Walking, Glass Bottom Boat Ride, and semi submarine coral safari to name a few.
What is the cheapest way to reach North Bay Island?
Direct flights are available from a few cities, but wherever available, they are expensive. So it is better to take a train or bus to Kolkata and then take a direct flight to Port Blair from there.
Is it safe to go to North Bay Islands?
It is absolutely safe to go to North Bay Islands in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands due to its proximity to the capital city of Port Blair. As far as water sports are concerned, they happen with the trained instructors and lifeguards around to prevent any mishap.
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Experience the world through captivating stories of adventure and travel. As a senior content writer, I bring my passion for exploration to life, crafting tales that take you on a journey. With my words, you’ll feel the thrill of discovery and the joy of experiencing new cultures. Let me turn your imagination into a reality with stories that inspire you to explore and embrace the world.
