Visit Ross and Smith Island from Port Blair, Havelock – Updated Guide
Explore the stunning Ross and Smith Twin Islands from Port Blair and Havelock.
Discover how to reach these idyllic beaches and enjoy snorkelling in the Andaman Islands!
Explore the Stunning serenity of Ross and Smith Island for a Memorable Trip
Ross and Smith Twin Island is one of the exotic vacation destinations where you can create lovable and memorable moments with your loved ones. Ross Island is located in Andaman and Nicobar Island of India which holds significant historical and archaeological importance. Located in the Bay of Bengal, Smith Island is well-known for its pristine beaches, lush greenery, and rich biodiversity.
Ross and Smith Island are connected by sandbars surrounded by crystal clear open sea waters known to be an aerial view of the islands. When you visit the place during the low tides, you can see a sandbar connecting the two islands on which you can walk to reach from one island to the other.
If you are an adventure lover or nature beauty lover, Ross and Smith Island is a perfect vacation plan because it remains relatively untouched by human activities making you feel surrounded by scenic beauty. The best time to visit the Ross and Smith twin Island is between October and mid-June as the weather remains pleasant.
How to Reach Ross and Smith Island?
Bus From Port Blair to Diglipur:
Diglipur is located at a distance of about 300 kilometres from Port Blair which means if you have to reach Ross and Smith Island, you need to first reach Diglipur and then take a boat for Aerial Bay to reach Ross and Smith Island. It takes about 25 minutes to reach Ross and Smith Islands.
No train facilities are available to Andaman and Nicobar Island. Regular bus services are available both private and government accessible from Port Blair to Diglipur via ATR.
You can visit Diglipur by government-operated bus that departs from Port Blair at various times. The most preferred bus runs around 4.30 AM which takes around 10 hours to reach Diglipur from Port Blair. The buses are not air-conditioned and you can purchase the bus ticket from the government Bus depot at Aberdeen Bazar, Port Blair. The boarding point is located at Aberdeen Bus Depot and has multiple other pick-up points on the ATR. However, make sure to enquire at the ticket counter for your nearest pick-up point.
You can choose among the number of early morning buses running daily from Port Blair to Diglipur however tickets need to be purchased in advance a day before the journey. Moreover, you can choose private AC buses available providing more comfort which are available at INR 2000 and start at 4.00 A.M.
Passengers Can book private bus tickets online for Port Blair to Diglipur on these websites:
https://www.anandtransports.com/
https://www.geetanjalitransport.com/index
https://www.krajalakshmitransport.in/index
Govt. ATR Bus Time Table From Port Blair
| FROM | TO | TIME | REMARK |
|---|---|---|---|
| SRI VIJAYAPURAM | RANGAT | 03.50 AM | SAME DAY RETURN (11.30 AM) |
| SRI VIJAYAPURAM | DIGLIPUR | 04.00 AM | |
| SRI VIJAYAPURAM | MAYABUNDER | 04.00 AM | |
| SRI VIJAYAPURAM | KADATALA | 04.00 AM | NEXT DAY RETURN (TIME 04.15 AM) |
| SRI VIJAYAPURAM | MIDDLE STRAIT | 04.00 AM | NEXT DAY RETURN (TIME 04.15 AM) |
| SRI VIJAYAPURAM | DIGLIPUR VIA M/B | 04.15 AM | NEXT DAY RETURN (TIME 04.15 AM) |
| SRI VIJAYAPURAM | DIGLIPUR VIA M/B | 04.15 AM | NEXT DAY RETURN (TIME 11.05 AM) |
| SRI VIJAYAPURAM | NIMBUDERA | 04.20 AM | |
| SRI VIJAYAPURAM | RANGAT | 06.45 AM | SAME DAY RETURN (10.30 PM) |
| SRI VIJAYAPURAM | DIGLIPUR | 06.50 AM | SAME DAY RETURN (09.30 PM) |
| SRI VIJAYAPURAM | DIGLIPUR | 07.00 AM | SAME DAY RETURN (09.30 PM) |
| SRI VIJAYAPURAM | DIGLIPUR | 07.00 AM | NEXT DAY RETURN (TIME 07.30 AM) |
| SRI VIJAYAPURAM | DIGLIPUR | 07.05 AM | NEXT DAY RETURN (TIME 05.30 AM) |
| SRI VIJAYAPURAM | DIGLIPUR VIA M/B | 07.10 AM | SAME DAY RETURN (09.50 PM) |
| SRI VIJAYAPURAM | DIGLIPUR | 09.30 AM (M/W/F) | |
| SRI VIJAYAPURAM | DIGLIPUR | 09.45 AM | NEXT DAY RETURN (TIME 10.00 PM) NIGHT SERVICE |
| SRI VIJAYAPURAM | MAYABUNDER | 09.45 AM | |
| SRI VIJAYAPURAM | DIGLIPUR | 10.00 AM | |
| SRI VIJAYAPURAM | NIMBUDERA | 10.00 AM | |
| SRI VIJAYAPURAM | RANGAT | 12.15 PM | |
| SRI VIJAYAPURAM | AERIAL BAY VIA M/B | 12.20 PM | NEXT DAY RETURN (TIME 10.15 PM) NIGHT SERVICE |
| SRI VIJAYAPURAM | DIGLIPUR | 12.30 PM | NEXT DAY RETURN (TIME 10.30 PM) NIGHT SERVICE |
| SRI VIJAYAPURAM | KADATALA | 12.30 PM | |
| SRI VIJAYAPURAM | BARATANG | 12.30 PM | |
| SRI VIJAYAPURAM | PHOOLTALA | 01.00 PM |
Govt. ATR Bus Time Table To Port Blair
| FROM | TO | TIME | REMARK |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIGLIPUR | SRI VIJAYAPURAM | 09.30 PM (T/TH/S) | |
| DIGLIPUR | SRI VIJAYAPURAM | 10.00 PM | NEXT DAY RETURN (TIME 10.00 AM) NIGHT SERVICE |
| DIGLIPUR | SRI VIJAYAPURAM | 10.30 PM | NEXT DAY RETURN (TIME 12.30 PM) NIGHT SERVICE |
| AERIAL BAY | SRI VIJAYAPURAM VIA M/B | 12.20 PM | NEXT DAY RETURN (TIME 10.15 AM) NIGHT SERVICE |
| BARATANG | SRI VIJAYAPURAM | 05.30 AM | |
| KADATALA | SRI VIJAYAPURAM | 04.00 AM | |
| PHOOLTALA | SRI VIJAYAPURAM | 04.30 AM | |
| RANGAT | SRI VIJAYAPURAM | 03.10 AM | NEXT DAY RETURN (TIME 10.15 AM) |
| RANGAT | SRI VIJAYAPURAM | 05.10 AM | NEXT DAY RETURN (TIME 12.40 PM) |
| RANGAT | SRI VIJAYAPURAM | 06.00 AM | |
| MAYABUNDER | SRI VIJAYAPURAM | 04.00 AM | |
| RANGAT | SRI VIJAYAPURAM | 09.15 AM | |
| MAYABUNDER | SRI VIJAYAPURAM | 07.00 AM | |
| DIGLIPUR | SRI VIJAYAPURAM | 04.00 AM | |
| DIGLIPUR | SRI VIJAYAPURAM VIA M/B | 05.30 AM | NEXT DAY RETURN (TIME 07.10 AM) |
| DIGLIPUR | SRI VIJAYAPURAM | 07.30 AM | NEXT DAY RETURN (TIME 07.05 AM) |
Port Blair to Diglipur Private Cabs
If you plan to hire a cab for your Diglipur tour, you will need to book at least a 2-night, 3-day package. This typically includes visits to all the sightseeing in Baratang, Rangat, Mayabunder, and then Diglipur. The total cost is around INR 18,000 for a round trip, which covers fuel, driver charges, and maintenance fees. However, tourists will need to cover the boat fare separately for the Limestone Cave and Ross & Smith Island trips.
Book Private Cab Service Contact Number
Andaman Cabs: 09933263867
Andaman Cabs Booking: 09933259998
Port Blair to Diglipur Govt Ferry Information:
The government ferry from Port Blair to Diglipur operates once a week, currently served by the MV Nalanda on this route. The journey takes approximately 12 hours and 30 minutes, covering a distance of around 130 nautical miles.
| Particulars | Government Ferry |
|---|---|
| Departure | Phoenix Bay Jetty |
| Departure timing | 21:00 |
| Journey time to Diglipur | 12 hrs 30 min |
| Port Blair to Diglipur Ferry Fare | ₹ 1455, ₹ 1140, ₹ 835, ₹ 680, ₹ 330 |
| Arrival Time | 09:30 |
| Name of ships | MV NALANDA |
| Seats Classes | DELUXE, First, Second, Bunk, Seat |
From Havelock Island to Diglipur Govt. Ferry:
There is no direct ferry service from Swaraj Dweep to Diglipur. First, you need to travel to Rangat from Havelock Island. From Rangat, you can take a private bus to Diglipur, passing through Mayabunder. Here are a few Govt. ferry available from Havelock to Rangat Island:
| Particulars | Government Ferry |
|---|---|
| Departure | Phoenix Bay Jetty |
| Departure timing | 08:00, 10:15 |
| Journey time to Diglipur | 3 hrs 45 min |
| Port Blair to Diglipur Ferry Fare | ₹ 945, ₹ 680 |
| Arrival Time | 11:45, 14:00 |
| Name of ships | MV JOLLYBOUY, M V STRAIT ISLAND, MV PILOMILLOW |
| Seats Classes | CHAIR, Seat |
From Diglipur Aerial Bay Jetty to Ross & Smith Island:
To visit Ross and Smith Island, you have to get a forest permit from the Forest Office located at Diglipur. The pricing is predefined by the competent department and Ross and Island experts will inform you with the appropriate amount chargeable. However, the entry fee imposed for granting the permit is 500 INR for foreigners, 50 INR for Indian adults, and 25 INR for children. Permits can be obtained daily from 6 AM to 2 PM, except Sundays.
Travellers need to take either a fishermen’s boat or a speedboat to reach Ross & Smith Twin Islands from Aerial Bay Jetty. The speedboat takes around 25 minutes and costs approximately INR 5,000 for a round trip.
Tips for Visiting Ross and Smith Island:
Best Time to Visit:
The best time to visit the Island is between the months of October and mid-June
Packing List:
- Beachwear
- Water
- Food and drinks
- Sandals
- Slippers
- Medical kit
- Hats/ Caps
Accommodation Options:
- Turtle Resort
- Saddle Peak View Resort
- Pristine Beach Resort
- APWD Guest House
Activities and Attractions:
- Bird watching
- Nature walks
- Kayaking
- Turtle Nesting
ü Sunset-watching Camping
Permit Required (if any)
- Forest permit from the Forest Office at Diglipur
Medical Facilities
- Hospitals, nursing homes, or medical shops are available nearby in case of emergency.
Accommodations Nearby
- Ramnagar beach
- Little Andaman
- Mud volcanoes at Shyam Nagar
Things to Do on Ross and Smith Island:
Ross and Smith Islands are steeped in history and have a unique sandbar phenomenon which means if you are planning your visit these things and activities must be a part of your itinerary listed below
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