If you have ever dreamed of walking on a white sand strip with turquoise water on both sides, feeling like you are inside a postcard – Ross and Smith Island will make that dream real. Located near Diglipur in North Andaman, this twin-island destination is one of the most beautiful and peaceful places in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Unlike the crowded beaches of South Andaman, Ross and Smith Island still feels untouched, pure, and magical. When you stand on the sandbar connecting the two islands, you literally feel like nature is showing off.

Where is Ross and Smith Island Located?

• Distance from Port Blair: Approx. 300 km
• Nearest town: Diglipur
• Managed by: Forest Department (entry permission required)

This place is often called the “Twin Islands of Andaman” because of its unique geographical formation.

Why Ross and Smith Island is So Special?

1. Natural Sandbar – A Rare Beauty

The biggest attraction here is the natural white sandbar connecting the two islands. You can walk from Ross Island to Smith Island in just a few minutes. The feeling? Unforgettable. Soft sand under your feet, blue water on both sides, cool breeze touching your face – pure peace.

2. Crystal Clear Water

The water is extremely clear and perfect for swimming. You can see small fishes even without snorkelling.

3. Less Crowd, More Peace

Compared to places like Havelock or Port Blair, Ross and Smith Island is calm and less commercial. If you are someone who wants to relax away from city noise, this is your place.

How to Reach Ross and Smith Island?

Step 1: Reach Diglipur

From Port Blair, you can reach Diglipur by:

• Government Bus (via ATR road)
• Private Cab
• Ship service (limited availability)

The road journey takes around 10–12 hours but the scenic forest and tribal reserve views make the journey interesting.

Step 2: From Aerial Bay Jetty

From Aerial Bay Jetty in Diglipur, you need to take a small boat to reach Ross and Smith Island. It takes around 20–25 minutes by boat.

Important: Entry permit from Forest Department is mandatory.

Best Time to Visit Ross and Smith Island

The ideal time to visit is between:

• October to April

During this time, the sea remains calm and the sandbar is clearly visible. Avoid monsoon season (May to September) due to rough sea conditions.

Entry Fee and Timings

• Entry Fee: Approx. ₹100–₹200 (subject to change)
• Boat Charges: Separate
• Timings: Usually 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM
• Overnight stay: Not allowed

Since it is a protected area, tourists must return to Diglipur before evening.

Ross and Smith Islands Andaman Gallery

Things to Do at Ross and Smith Island

Beach Walking

Walk on the sandbar and take stunning photographs.

Swimming

The water is safe and clean, but always follow safety instructions.

Relaxing & Sunbathing

Sometimes the best activity is doing nothing. Just sit, breathe, and listen to the waves.

Photography

If you are a travel blogger or running an Andaman tourism website (like you are planning), this location is gold for SEO and visuals.

Eco Huts, Greenery & The Calm Side of the Island

The story of Ross and Smith Island does not end with just walking on the famous sandbar. Once you cross over, you will notice simple eco huts lined along the beachside. Surrounded by thick tropical greenery, these huts add a peaceful charm to the entire landscape.

The greenery spread all over the island makes the environment extremely soothing. Even sitting quietly under the shade of trees for a few minutes feels refreshing. The air is pure, the sound of waves is gentle, and there is no city noise — it genuinely helps you disconnect from stress.

If you explore properly – walking along the shoreline, relaxing near the eco huts, clicking photos, dipping your feet in the clear water – you can easily spend 2 to 3 hours here without getting bored. In fact, time moves slower here.

Snorkelling at Ross and Smith Island – What You Should Know

Because the water here is crystal clear and gem-green in colour, many travellers naturally feel tempted to snorkel. And honestly, the underwater visibility is beautiful.

However, it is important to know:

• There are no commercial snorkelling service providers
• No guides are officially available on the island
• No water sports activities are conducted here

This is done intentionally to keep the island pristine and eco-protected.

If you are experienced and comfortable in water, you may carry your own snorkel mask and gear to explore the shallow areas. But you must be cautious and avoid deep waters. Since there are no lifeguards or instructors, safety is completely your responsibility.

Marine Sanctuary & Coral Life

Ross and Smith Island falls under a protected Marine Sanctuary zone. The surrounding waters are home to:

• Beautiful coral reefs
• Small colourful reef fishes
• Marine biodiversity unique to North Andaman

When the sea is calm, you can see fish even without snorkelling near the shore. The coral formations here are delicate, so avoid stepping directly on reef areas.

This protected status is the main reason why the island still looks untouched compared to many other tourist beaches in Andaman.

Sunset Experience – A Magical Return

Technically, visitors must leave the island by around 3:00–3:30 PM as per forest department regulations, and overnight stay is not allowed.

If you start your visit around 12 noon, spend 2–3 peaceful hours exploring, and begin your return boat ride by late afternoon, you can witness a soft golden sunset from the boat while heading back towards Aerial Bay Jetty.

The sky slowly turning orange, reflection of sunlight on calm waters, and the silhouette of the twin islands behind you — it feels magical and emotional at the same time.

It is not a typical crowded sunset point. It is subtle, calm and deeply beautiful.

Travel Tips for Visitors

• Carry drinking water and snacks (no shops available).
• Wear light cotton clothes and slippers.
• Do not litter – it is an eco-sensitive zone.
• Check tide timing before visiting.
• Keep original ID proof for entry permit.

Ross and Smith Island vs Other Andaman Beaches

Feature	Ross & Smith	Havelock Beaches	North Bay
Crowd	Low	High	Medium
Natural Sandbar	Yes	No	No
Peace Level	Very High	Medium	Medium
Commercial Activities	Minimal	Many	Many

If your travellers are looking for calm, unique and natural beauty – Ross and Smith Island should be strongly recommended.

Emotional Experience – What It Truly Feels Like

Standing on that thin line of sand between two islands feels symbolic. On one side, deep blue sea. On the other side, light turquoise water. You realise how small we are compared to nature – and yet how lucky we are to witness such beauty.

There is no loud music, no crowd shouting, no commercial noise. Just wind, waves, and your own thoughts.

Sometimes travel is not about adventure. It is about silence.

Ross and Smith Island gives you that silence.

Important Travel Tips (Must Add in Your Article)

• Carry packed lunch and drinking water (no food stalls available)
• Do not litter – plastic is strictly discouraged
• Wear slippers or beach sandals
• Keep sunscreen and cap (very limited shade in some areas)
• Check weather before planning visit
• Follow forest department timing strictly

Important Clarification About Stay

Currently, overnight stay is not permitted on Ross and Smith Island. The eco huts are mainly for resting purposes during daytime visits. Always confirm latest rules with local authorities, as regulations may change.

Why This Island Feels Different

Many beaches in Andaman offer activities.
Ross and Smith offers silence.

Many places offer entertainment.
Ross and Smith offers stillness.

It is not about adventure here – it is about feeling small in front of nature’s beauty and appreciating simplicity.