Ross & Smith Islands(Andaman) 2026 Guide: The Twin Island Miracle, The Sandbar Walk & The Longest Journey

Ross & Smith Islands(Andaman) 2026 Guide: The Twin Island Miracle, The Sandbar Walk & The Longest Journey

đź“ŤBeaches of India

The Beach Card (Summary):

  • The Vibe Mix: Sandbar Magic • Absolute Isolation • Virgin Rainforests • Swimming Pool Water
  • Crowd Density: Very Low. (This is the hardest place to reach in the Andamans. You will share the entire island with maybe 20-30 other people, mostly serious travelers).
  • Sand & Water: Pristine white sand on both islands; the water is a stunning shade of emerald-green and incredibly clear. The connecting Sandbar is the star attraction.
  • The TrippinAI Fit: "If you are willing to travel 10 hours by road or take a helicopter just to walk on a strip of sand that disappears into the ocean, this place fits you best."

"The Walk on Water"

The Reality Check: Ross & Smith are twin islands connected by a natural, 50-meter-wide sandbar. At high tide, they look like two separate islands. At low tide, the ocean parts, and a white sandy road appears, allowing you to walk from one island to the other. It is visually surreal. Unlike the crowded beaches of Havelock, this feels like a private expedition. There are no shops, no hotels, and no noise—just bamboo huts and the jungle.

  • 📸 Best Photo Spot: The center of the Sandbar with waves lapping at your feet on both sides, or the watchtower on Ross Island for a high-angle drone-style shot of the "C" shaped connection.

Why It's Famous & What People Say

The Fame Check:

  • The Sandbar: It is one of the few places in Asia where you can walk between two islands on a natural land bridge.
  • Marine Sanctuary: The islands are a protected Marine Sanctuary, meaning the coral reefs here are far healthier and more colorful than in Port Blair.
  • The "Smith" Side: While most tourists stick to the Ross side (where the boat lands), the Smith Island side is a dense, unexplored jungle reserved for nature trails (often restricted).

The Social Pulse (UGC Sentiment):

  • The Good (Traveler Loves): "The water color puts Maldives to shame," "Walking from one island to another feels biblical," "The journey to Diglipur was exhausting, but this view made it worth it."
  • The Bad (Traveler Hates): "The boat ride is expensive if you don't find a group to share with," "The changing rooms are very basic bamboo structures," "You get very little time (3-4 hours) before the boatman calls you back."

When to Catch the Vibe

Best Time to Visit:

  • Best Window: October to April. (Avoid Monsoon as the sea gets rough and boats are cancelled).
  • Best Time of Day: Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM). You must visit during Low Tide to see the sandbar. If you go at High Tide, the islands are separated by water, and the magic is lost. Ask your hotel for the tide table.

The Latest Rules (2025-26 Update)

Permits & Closures:

  • Forest Permit Required: You cannot just buy a boat ticket. You must obtain a forest permit from the Forest Office at Aerial Bay Jetty (Diglipur).
    • Cost:INR 50 (Indians), INR 500 (Foreigners).
    • Documents: Physical ID cards are mandatory.
  • Sunday Closure: The islands (or the permit office) are often closed on Sundays. Plan your trip for Monday-Saturday.
  • Plastic Ban: Strict "No Plastic" zone. You must deposit a security amount for any plastic bottles you carry, which is refunded when you bring the empty bottles back.
  • No Drone Zone: Flying drones over the Marine Sanctuary requires special permission, which is rarely granted to tourists.

The Wallet Damage

Budget Breakdown:

  • TrippinAI Budget Rating: High. (Not because of the island, but the cost of reaching Diglipur).
  • Transport to Diglipur:
    • Public Bus:INR 300-400 ($3.50-$5) (10-12 hours from Port Blair).
    • Private AC Car: INR 15,000-18,000 ($180-$215) round trip.
    • Helicopter: INR 4,000-5,000 ($48-$60) one way (Very hard to get tickets).
  • Island Transfer (Aerial Bay Jetty):
    • Speed Boat Charter: INR 5,000-6,000 ($60-$72) per boat (Seats 5-6 pax). You can split this cost with other travelers at the jetty.
  • Food & Drink: Zero. There are no shops on the island. Bring your own food/water from Diglipur.

Smart Spending Hacks (Quantified):

  • Hack #1: Find a Group at the Jetty. Do not charter a full boat alone. Wait at the Aerial Bay Jetty ticket counter and ask other couples/families to split the boat cost. You can bring the per-head cost down to INR 1,000 ($12).
  • Hack #2:Combine with Saddle Peak. If you have hired a car for Diglipur, use it to visit the Saddle Peak trek entrance on the same trip to maximize value.

Navigating the Coast & Zones

The Layout (Where to Sit):

  • Ross Island Side: This is where the boat drops you. It has the bamboo huts, toilets, and changing rooms. Most people hang out here.
  • The Sandbar (Center): The playground. Excellent for swimming as the water is shallow on both sides.
  • Smith Island Side: Across the sandbar. It is wilder and forested. You can walk a bit into the tree line, but deep entry is usually restricted by forest guards.

Safety, Risks & Nuisances

The Safety Score:

  • Personal Safety (Solo/Night): High. But you are completely isolated. No Overnight Stay is allowed. All boats must return by 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM.
  • Water Reality: Safe. The water around the sandbar is calm and perfect for swimming.
  • The "Watch Out" List:
    • Sandflies: The jungle edge has sandflies. Stay on the wet sand or apply repellent.
    • Dehydration: There is no fresh water source on the island. If you run out of water, you are in trouble. Carry at least 2 liters per person.
    • The "Wrong" Ross Island: Do not confuse this with the Ross Island (Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Dweep) near Port Blair. That is a historic ruin; this is a tropical paradise. They are 300km apart.

Getting There & Parking

Getting There:

  • Gateway Hub:Aerial Bay Jetty (Diglipur).
  • The Long Commute:
    • Port Blair to Diglipur: 300 km by road (NH-4). It takes 10-12 hours through the Jarawa Reserve and convoys.
    • Diglipur to Aerial Bay: 15-20 mins by auto/taxi.
    • Aerial Bay to Island: 20 mins by speed boat.
  • Parking Situation: Ample parking at Aerial Bay Jetty for your rental car/scooter.

FAQ: Beachgoer's Most Asked Questions

1. Can we stay overnight at Ross & Smith? No. It is a protected marine sanctuary. There are no hotels, and camping is illegal. You must stay in Diglipur (Kalipur or Aerial Bay areas).

2. Is it worth the 12-hour bus ride? Only if you are a hardcore nature lover staying in Andaman for 10+ days. If you are on a 5-day honeymoon, skip it. The travel time is too high.

3. Is there scuba diving here? Technically yes, the waters are clear enough, but there are very few active dive shops in Diglipur compared to Havelock. You usually have to bring your own snorkel gear.

What's Next? Choose Your Path:

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Note: Prices and conditions mentioned are estimates based on typical seasonal rates.