S1 E17 | Ross and Smith Island Trip from Diglipur – Sandbar, Beaches & Costs

After a late arrival into Diglipur and a simple stay in a budget hotel near the town chowk, we set off early to explore the famous Ross and Smith Islands. From the local bus stop, we made our way to Aerial Bay jetty, the only gateway to these twin islands.

Boat tickets here can feel expensive compared to the rest of Andaman travel. A small private boat costs ₹5,500 per trip, but luckily, we managed to share it with three other travelers, bringing our share down to ₹2,200 for the round trip. Larger boats (up to 10 people) are available for ₹8,000, but since it was off-season, very few tourists were around.

The 25-minute ride across clear waters brought us to Ross and Smith Islands, connected by a natural sandbar that only appears during low tide. It’s one of the most stunning sights in North Andaman—two lush, green islands joined by a stretch of white sand surrounded by turquoise blue water. At high tide, the sandbank disappears underwater, making the landscape look completely different yet equally magical.

Smith Island has basic visitor facilities—changing rooms, showers, shaded sit-outs, and a few recliners to relax. But there are no food stalls or shacks, so carrying your own water and snacks is essential. The beach is pristine and well-maintained, with dustbins placed around to keep plastic waste away.

We spent hours soaking in the beauty, spotting hermit crabs scuttling along the shore, lounging under coconut trees, and even climbing up to a treehouse viewpoint. The sun was strong, and after half a day of exploring, we were tanned, tired, and hungry, but every moment felt worth it.

Ross and Smith is hands down one of the most beautiful beaches in the Andaman Islands—calm on one side, dramatic and wild on the other, with the added thrill of watching the sandbar disappear with the tide. For us, it was the highlight of Diglipur, rivaling even some of the Maldives-like experiences, without leaving India.

If you’re visiting North Andaman, this trip is absolutely unmissable.