Ross & Smith Islands
Ross & Smith Islands are a pair of breathtaking islands—Ross Island and Smith Island—connected by a stunning, slender, natural white sandbar. This sandbar is the primary attraction; it appears during low tide, allowing visitors to walk between the two islands, and submerges during high tide. The water around them is crystal clear and ranges from azure to turquoise, making it one of the most photographed locations in the Andamans. Smith Island has a small village and eco-huts for overnight stays, while Ross Island is uninhabited. They fall under a marine sanctuary, requiring a special permit for visitation, which helps maintain their pristine condition and protects the vibrant coral reefs surrounding them. The twin islands offer a perfect blend of serene beaches and rich marine life.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
Island Stay: 3 to 5 hours (mandatory return before sunset).
Low Tide Window: Focus visit around the 1-2 hour low tide window to walk the sandbar.Place Type:
Beach, Nature, Marine SanctuaryEntry Fees:
Forest Permit Fee: A mandatory Forest Permit is required to visit the protected islands (Approximate: Rs.50 for Indians, Rs.500 for foreigners). This must be obtained from the Forest Office in Diglipur town.
Boat Hire/Ticket: The main cost is t...Forest Permit Fee: A mandatory Forest Permit is required to visit the protected islands (Approximate: Rs.50 for Indians, Rs.500 for foreigners). This must be obtained from the Forest Office in Diglipur town.
Boat Hire/Ticket: The main cost is the mandatory Fiber Boat ticket from Aerial Bay Jetty (Approximate: Rs.1,000 to Rs.2,000 for a shared return trip, or much higher for a private hire).
Photography/Camera Fees:
A nominal fee for still cameras (Approximate:
Rs.25) and video cameras (Approximate: Rs.100) may be charged at the jetty or on the island.
Conservation/Eco-Tax: A small conservation tax or landing fee is sometimes included in the boat ticket or permit cost (Approximate: Rs.10-20 per person).
Total Expected Cost: Visitors must budget for the permit, boat ticket, and camera fees, making it one of the more expensive day trips from Diglipur.Timing:
Regular Timings: 08:00 to 14:30 Hrs (8 AM to 2:30 PM). Tourists are mandatorily required to leave the island before sunset. Boat operations cease early due to marine sanctuary rules.
Ideal Visit Time of Day: Mid-morning (around 10:00 AM) i...Regular Timings: 08:00 to 14:30 Hrs (8 AM to 2:30 PM). Tourists are mandatorily required to leave the island before sunset. Boat operations cease early due to marine sanctuary rules.
Ideal Visit Time of Day: Mid-morning (around 10:00 AM) is perfect to catch the low tide window when the sandbar is most visible. Checking the daily tide chart is essential for a successful visit.
Recommended Season: The dry, cool months of October to March offer the best weather and sea conditions for the boat ride and island experience.
Duration of Stay: 3-5 hours.Special Events:
Low Tide Sandbar Festival: No formal festival, but the daily, predictable appearance of the sandbar during low tide is the special, magical "event" that draws crowds to the spot for a brief, communal beach walk.
Marine Sanctuary Day: The For...Low Tide Sandbar Festival: No formal festival, but the daily, predictable appearance of the sandbar during low tide is the special, magical "event" that draws crowds to the spot for a brief, communal beach walk.
Marine Sanctuary Day: The Forest Department organizes occasional beach cleanup drives and marine awareness camps on Smith Island to promote the area’s conservation status, especially around World Environment Day (June 5).
New Year's Eve/Day Excursion: Due to its pristine beauty, a very limited number of high-end resorts organize a highly restricted, special New Year's Day boat excursion and beach camp (with permits) to welcome the new year in solitude.
Bird Watching Competition: The dense forest on Smith Island occasionally hosts small-scale, local bird-watching or nature drawing competitions during the winter months.Best Photo Spots:
The Sandbar Walk: The absolute best spot is a wide shot of a person walking alone on the white sandbar with the turquoise water stretching on both sides, making the twin islands appear magically connected.
Island Perspective: Shoot from the ...The Sandbar Walk: The absolute best spot is a wide shot of a person walking alone on the white sandbar with the turquoise water stretching on both sides, making the twin islands appear magically connected.
Island Perspective: Shoot from the vantage point on Smith Island looking back across the sandbar towards Ross Island, especially during the mid-tide when the water is just beginning to cover the edges of the sand.
Underwater Colors: Take underwater photos/videos while snorkeling or diving, capturing the vibrant soft and hard coral reefs and the colorful schools of tropical fish.
Secluded Beach Shot: A close-up of the pristine white sand and the perfectly clear, shallow water, emphasizing the untouched nature of the bay.
The Boat Approach: A photo of the hired fiber boat approaching the island from the Aerial Bay Jetty, with the islands and their lush greenery rising out of the blue sea.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Walk the Sandbar: The number one activity is to walk across the stunning, white, natural sandbar that connects Ross Island and Smith Island during the low tide period, making sure to check the tide timings in advance.
Swimming and Snorkeling: Enjoy excellent swimming in the calm, clear turquoise waters and indulge in snorkeling to explore the vibrant and protected coral reefs just off the shore.
Relax on the Pristine Beach: Spend time relaxing, sunbathing, and taking photos on the immaculate white sands of Ross or Smith Island, enjoying the secluded, peaceful environment.
Nature Trail Walk: Take a gentle walk on the forest trail on Smith Island to find the quiet eco-huts and the watchtower, providing an elevated view of the islands and the sea.
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Information
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Why Famous:
The Connecting Sandbar: They are primarily famous for the spectacular, pristine white natural sandbar that connects the two islands, allowing visitors to walk from Ross to Smith during low tide.
Postcard Beauty: The islands represent the ult...The Connecting Sandbar: They are primarily famous for the spectacular, pristine white natural sandbar that connects the two islands, allowing visitors to walk from Ross to Smith during low tide.
Postcard Beauty: The islands represent the ultimate tropical paradise, known for their brilliant white sand, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and lush forest cover, making them a popular choice for honeymooners and photographers.
Marine Conservation: Their status as part of a Marine Sanctuary ensures the protection of the vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life, which makes it a premium spot for swimming and shallow snorkeling.
Uninhabited Charm: The general lack of commercial development on the islands (especially Ross Island) preserves their untouched, tranquil, and pristine natural environment. -
Architecture:
Natural Intertidal Structure: The islands are geologically distinct, primarily made of tropical rock and covered in dense forest. The unique feature is the natural sandbar, approximately 50 meters long, connecting the two islands. This bar is an ephemeral structure, wideni...Natural Intertidal Structure: The islands are geologically distinct, primarily made of tropical rock and covered in dense forest. The unique feature is the natural sandbar, approximately 50 meters long, connecting the two islands. This bar is an ephemeral structure, widening to over 15-20 meters at low tide and completely disappearing at high tide.
Marine Ecosystem: The fringing reefs surrounding the islands are a protected Marine Sanctuary, featuring extensive hard and soft coral formations that shelter a high density of fish species. -
How To Reach:
By Air: Fly to Port Blair (IXZ). From Port Blair, take a helicopter service (limited seats, pre-booking essential) to Diglipur (Areal Bay Helipad is the nearest).
By Train: No Train facilities are available.
By... -
Near Tourist Places:
Aerial Bay Jetty:
9 KMS Diglipur Town Center:
10 KMS Kalipur Beach:
7 KMS Lamiya Bay Beach:
8 KMS Saddle Peak National Park:
12 KMS Ramnagar Beach:
30 KMS Alfred Caves:
35 KMS (Trek start from Ramnagar) Turtle Resort:
8 KMS Kalpong River:
12 KMS Shyam Nagar Mud Volcanoes: 30 KMS
Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety: The boat ride can be bumpy—wear a life jacket (mandatory) and sit as instructed. Be mindful of the tide, and do not try to cross the sandbar when the tide is rising. Swimming is safe in designated areas but avoid venturing too far out.
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Information about New and Updated Locations(245+) of Andaman and Nicobar Islands Has Been Added :-
Card subtitle
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