Snorkeling at North Bay
Snorkeling at North Bay (North Bay Island) is a popular half-day marine activity near Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Islands. The site is known for shallow coral gardens, excellent visibility, and a wide variety of reef fishes, making it ideal for beginners and families. The activity typically includes a short boat ride from Port Blair, a guided snorkeling session with life jackets and basic gear, and often a glass-bottom boat ride to view corals for non-swimmers.
Location
North Bay Island (North Bay Coral Island), Port Blair, India (Andaman & Nicobar Islands)
Duration
Approximately 3 to 4 hours (boat ride ~20–30 minutes each way; snorkeling session 30–60 minutes)
Best Time to Visit
October to May (dry season). Peak season: December to March. Avoid monsoon months (June — September) due to rough seas and reduced visibility.
Pricing
Typical price range: INR 1,200 – INR 2,500 per person (approx.). Inclusions usually: return speedboat transfer from Port Blair jetty, snorkeling gear (mask, snorkel, fins), life jacket, guide/instructor, basic safety briefing, and entry/park fees where applicable. Exclusions: hotel pick-up/drop (unless specified), underwater camera rental, meals, personal insurance, and tips. Prices vary by season, operator, and group size.
Activity Type
Coordinates
Highlights
Shallow coral gardens with colourful reef fishes
Clear water and good underwater visibility on calm days
Short boat ride from Port Blair (convenient for day-trippers)
Glass-bottom boat option for non-swimmers
Suitable for beginners and families (life-jacket assisted)
Photogenic underwater scenes — ideal for underwater/GoPro photography
Itinerary
Hotel pick-up and transfer to Haddo/Gyrek jetty (or designated Port Blair jetty)
Operators usually provide pick-up within Port Blair city limits — confirm pickup time when booking.
Check-in at boat counter and safety briefing
Sign indemnity/consent forms if required; guides will explain basic snorkeling techniques and signals.
Speedboat ride to North Bay Island
Short ride (about 15–30 minutes) — keep camera ready for coastline views.
Snorkeling session (guided)
Typically 30–45 minutes in the water per person depending on comfort and sea conditions; life jackets provided. Non-swimmers can stay on the boat or take the glass-bottom boat option.
Optional glass-bottom boat tour / free time on boat
Great for viewing corals without getting wet or for groups with mixed swimmers.
Return boat to Port Blair jetty and drop-off at hotel
Timings vary by operator and tide — always reconfirm schedules.
Safety Requirements
Basic swimming ability or comfortable wearing a life jacket (life jackets provided)
Follow guide instructions at all times and use signalling system for help
Do not touch or stand on corals — corals are fragile and can cause injury
Check for medical conditions (asthma, heart problems) and consult operator if unsure
Be aware of sun exposure — use reef-safe sunscreen and protective clothing
Activity is weather and sea-condition dependent; trips may be canceled for safety
Tips
Book with a licensed operator and verify that safety equipment (life jackets, functional masks, fins) is provided
Use reef-safe sunscreen to protect marine life
Carry a waterproof camera or GoPro with a float strap; or rent from the operator if available
Bring a quick-dry towel and a change of clothes; water shoes or sandals are useful on rocky jetty
Avoid applying regular sunscreen right before entering water if instructed — many operators ask you to apply onshore to reduce immediate runoff
Keep valuables to a minimum; carry a small dry bag for phone/ID/cash
If you’re a beginner, ask for a short practice session in shallow water before going deeper
Respect the marine environment: don’t feed fish, touch corals, or litter
Carry a photocopy of your ID (some jetty counters may require ID)
