Ross and Smith Island, Andaman.
-Twin Islands & Crystal Clear Waters

About Ross and Smith Island of the Andaman Islands

Ross and Smith are two separate islands lying close to Aerial Bay near Diglipur, in North Andaman, roughly 300 km from Port Blair. What makes them remarkable is the slim, crescent-shaped sandbar that physically connects them, a natural tombolo of fine white sand that appears as the tide goes out and disappears beneath the sea again as it comes back in.

The sandbar does more than just link the two islands visually; it divides the surrounding water into two distinct experiences. On one side, the water stays calm and shallow, sheltered enough for children and hesitant swimmers to wade in comfortably. On the other, gentle waves and a healthy reef edge make the spot far more interesting for snorkelling. Walking across the sandbar itself, with open sea on either side, is the signature experience most visitors come for.

The waters around the islands fall within a marine sanctuary known for its coral reefs and marine biodiversity, and the beaches here are also a nesting ground for Olive Ridley turtles in season. Because of this protected status, there is no commercial development on the islands themselves, which is a large part of why they remain as untouched as they are.

The History of Smith Island
- Permits, Boats and the Journey North

Long before the first tourist set foot on its pristine sands, Ross and Smith Island existed as a quiet, untouched sentinel at the northern tip of the Andaman archipelago. Access to this twin-island marvel wasn't always a matter of booking a boat, it was a journey into the unknown, a trek through dense forests and across rough seas that few dared to undertake. Today, while the path has become more trodden, the spirit of that adventure remains, anchored in the small town of Diglipur, the gateway to this natural wonder.

The story of reaching Ross and Smith begins nearly 300 kilometers north of Port Blair, a distance that in itself feels like a passage through time. For decades, the Andaman Trunk Road has served as the lifeline to Diglipur, a winding, 10-to-12-hour odyssey through rainforest canopies and remote settlements that few travellers forget. Before the road was carved through the wilderness, the journey was made by sea, a longer and more treacherous ferry route that could take days. Even now, Diglipur is never treated as a quick stopover; it's a destination in its own right, demanding patience and rewarding those who make the trek with a slower, more deliberate rhythm of life.

At the heart of the modern journey lies a ritual that connects every visitor to the island's protected legacy: the forest permit. This small but vital document, obtained from the Forest Office in Diglipur, is a reminder that Ross and Smith remain a sanctuary first and a tourist spot second. The office opens its doors at 6:00 AM, closing sharply at 2:00 PM, with Sundays reserved as a day of rest, a tradition that harks back to an era when bureaucracy moved at the pace of the island itself. Once the permit is secured, travellers make their way to Aerial Bay Jetty, a modest departure point just 8 kilometers from town. Here, the boats that await are not luxury cruisers but humble fisherman's vessels and speed boats, crafts that echo the island's fishing heritage, their crews navigating by memory and the subtle shifts of tide.

The crossing itself is deceptively brief, 20 to 30 minutes across waters that gleam like turquoise glass under the morning sun. But this short voyage carries the weight of history: for generations, these same waters were patrolled by indigenous tribes, colonial traders, and later, by the Indian Navy, who used the islands as a strategic outpost. Today, the journey is governed by a strict schedule, boats run from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM, and every visitor must return to Diglipur before dusk. Overnight stays are forbidden, a rule that preserves the islands' fragile ecology and ensures that the footprints left in the sand are fleeting. This time-bound rhythm makes the early morning start almost ceremonial, a race against the sun, a dance with the tides, and a reminder that nature, not convenience, still dictates the rules of engagement.

Ross and Smith Island and Diglipur
- Building a North Andaman Itinerary

Given how far Diglipur sits from Port Blair, very few travellers visit Ross and Smith Island as a standalone day trip. It usually forms the highlight of a longer North Andaman stay, alongside Kalipur Beach, known for its own turtle nesting season, and the forested trails of Saddle Peak National Park, the highest point in the Andaman Islands.

A typical North Andaman plan allows a full day for Ross and Smith Island, with the remaining days used for Saddle Peak, Kalipur and the journey itself, since the road and ferry options between Port Blair and Diglipur take a significant chunk of time on their own. Treating the journey as part of the experience, rather than something to rush through, makes the eventual sandbar walk feel considerably more earned.

Our team at AndamanVacation.com plans complete North Andaman itineraries that include the permit process, boat timings and onward stops around Diglipur, so guests reach Ross and Smith Island without losing a day to logistics they were not expecting.

Tips for Visiting Ross and Smith Island

• Arrange your forest permit at the Diglipur Forest Office before heading to the jetty. The office is generally closed on Sundays, so plan your visit days accordingly.
• Aim for a morning departure from Aerial Bay Jetty. Boats stop running by early afternoon, and morning crossings usually mean calmer water.
• Carry your own drinking water, snacks and sun protection. There are no shops or stalls on the islands themselves.
• Bring snorkelling gear if you plan to use it, since no rental equipment or instructors are available on site.
• Time your sandbar walk around low tide. The sandbar is at its widest and most photogenic when the tide is out, and disappears completely at high tide.
• Our team at AndamanVacation.com arranges permits, boat transfers and the full North Andaman leg of the journey, so visiting Ross and Smith Island fits smoothly into a longer Diglipur itinerary.

Include Ross and Smith Island in Your Andaman Itinerary

Ross and Smith Island is not an easy add-on; reaching it takes real planning and a real commitment of time. That distance is exactly what has kept it free of the crowds that have grown around Andaman's more accessible beaches. Our team at Andaman Vacations India has been designing North Andaman itineraries around Diglipur, Ross and Smith Island and Saddle Peak for guests for over 25 years.

Tell us your travel dates and we will put together a North Andaman itinerary that covers the journey to Diglipur, the permit and boat arrangements for Ross and Smith Island, and the surrounding sights, so the trip north feels worthwhile from start to finish.