Ross and Smith Island

A Guide to Ross and Smith Island: Andaman’s Best-Kept Secret

The Andaman Islands, situated in the Bay of Bengal, is a paradise for nature enthusiasts and beach lovers. Among the numerous captivating islands that form this archipelago, Ross and Smith Islands in Diglipur stand out for their extraordinary beauty and pristine surroundings. This article is your ultimate guide to exploring the enchanting Ross and Smith Island, offering insights into how to reach the island, what to see and do, where to stay, and valuable tips for an unforgettable experience. Ross and Smith Island, located in Diglipur, offer a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature’s wonders. These islands are known for their peaceful atmosphere, crystal-clear seas, and variety of marine life.

Getting to Ross and Smith Island

Traveling to Diglipur

To reach Ross and Smith Island, you first need to make your way to Diglipur. Diglipur is a small town in North Andaman Islands and serves as the gateway to these captivating islands. There are multiple ways to travel to Diglipur, depending on your preference and convenience.

The journey from Port Blair to Diglipur: If you’re starting your trip from Port Blair, the capital city of the Andaman Islands,  by private cab or by bus, you can embark on a scenic journey to Diglipur. The distance between Port Blair and Diglipur is approximately 300 kilometres and it takes around 12 hrs journey. By boat, it takes around 12-16 hrs of overnight journey. Helicopter services are available but it has limited trips as well as limited seats which are reserved for emergency medical patients and islanders.

Reaching Ross and Smith Island

After reaching Diglipur, you’ll proceed to Ross and Smith Island, which is located around 20 kilometres from Diglipur town.

Here’s how you can reach the island and explore its wonders.

Aerial Bay and boat ride: To reach Ross and Smith Island, you’ll first head to Aerial Bay by a cab, rented two-wheeler or bus. Now here you’ll embark on a thrilling boat ride. The boat departs between 8 am to 2 pm, depending on weather conditions and permissions from competent authorities. The boat journey from Aerial Bay to Ross and Smith Island takes approximately 20-25 minutes, totally depending upon the weather conditions, this boat ride offers stunning views of the turquoise open blue waters.

Forest permit and permissions: Before visiting the island, it’s essential to obtain a forest permit from the authorities. The permit can be easily obtained on the spot only, and it allows you access to Ross and Smith Island. Ensure you have the necessary permissions before heading to the island. Keep necessary valid documents like an adhaar card, passport, and driving license to obtain the Permit.

Exploring the Natural Beauty

Once you set foot on Ross and Smith Island, you’ll be mesmerized by the extraordinary natural beauty that surrounds you. The island offers a peaceful and picturesque setting ideal for leisure and exploration.

The scenic beauty of Ross and Smith Island

Pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters: Ross and Smith Islands are renowned for their pristine beaches with powdery white sand and crystal-clear waters. The twin beaches, separated by a narrow sandbar, offer a breathtaking sight that resembles a picture-perfect postcard. The aerial view showcases the two islands, Ross and Smith, connected by a pristine sand bar, embraced by crystal-clear waters. During low tides, this natural sand bar emerges, allowing you to pass between the islands on foot. As the tides rise, a transformation takes place, revealing two distinct islands that exude their charm and allure.

Lush tropical forest: The island is adorned with a lush tropical forest that adds to its allure. Take an easy walk along the lush pathways, taking in the fascinating flora and wildlife. The soothing sounds of nature and the fresh scent of the forest create a tranquil atmosphere.

Activities and attractions

Though commercial activities are not permitted to preserve the island’s pristine we suggest you bring your snorkeling equipment.

Snorkeling in the marine sanctuary: Dive into the underwater world surrounding the island by indulging in snorkeling. The marine sanctuary surrounding Ross and Smith Island is teeming with colourful coral reefs, exotic fish, and other fascinating marine creatures like the state animal dugong has been spotted many times so you might be lucky to interact with one of these creatures. Explore the vibrant underwater realm and witness nature’s awe-inspiring creations.

Trekking through the nature trails: If you’re an adventure enthusiast, Ross and Smith Island offer several nature trails for trekking. Embark on an exhilarating trek through the dense forests, accompanied by the harmonious symphony of chirping birds. The trails offer glimpses of unique flora and fauna, providing an immersive experience in nature’s embrace.

Availability of basic amenities: While the island may offer a serene escape from bustling city life, it ensures the availability of basic amenities for visitors. You’ll find only one shop cum resident home where tea, coffee packed items like chips, biscuits and packed drinking water and cold drinks are available, clean restrooms, and freshwater showers are also available.

Accommodation and Facilities

As part of our commitment to preserving the island’s tranquillity, there are no accommodations available on Ross and Smith Islands. However, you can easily return to Diglipur for an overnight stay and continue your exploration of this captivating region.