The Banknote Landmark: The Story of the North Bay Lighthouse
Rising on a verdant forested promontory across the natural entrance of Port Blair harbor, North Bay Island is celebrated as one of the most recognizable and widely depicted geographical landmarks in the modern history of India. For decades, millions of Indian citizens carried an image of North Bay Island in their pockets: the reverse side of the classic red-and-orange Indian twenty-rupee banknote featured an iconic panoramic illustration depicting the white-and-red octagonal North Bay Lighthouse framed by tropical palm trees and rolling blue ocean waves.
Constructed during the British colonial era and upgraded with modern solar-powered navigational beacons by the Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships, the tower stands fifty-eight meters above sea level. It has safely guided naval warships, passenger vessels, and fishing trawlers into the narrow deep-water channels of Port Blair for generations. Ascending the paved stone trail to the base of the lighthouse offers breathtaking views across the open Bay of Bengal toward Ross Island and Mount Harriet.
Ferries to North Bay Island depart from the Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex (Aberdeen Jetty) in Port Blair, taking approximately 30 to 45 minutes across the channel (standard round-trip ferry ₹500 to ₹700). Licensed operators offer standardized rates for water activities: Sea Walking (₹3,500), Scuba Diving (₹3,500), Glass-Bottom Boats (₹600 to ₹1,000), and Snorkeling (₹1,000).
The Living Reef: Staghorn Corals and Tropical Fishes
Beyond its numismatic celebrity, North Bay Island is South Andaman's premier day-accessible coral reef sanctuary. The island is encircled by an extensive fringing coral reef system that flourishes in warm, clear, sunlit waters just a few dozen meters from the sandy beach. The reef comprises a kaleidoscopic diversity of hard and soft coral species, including expansive colonies of branching staghorn corals (*Acropora*), massive brain corals (*Faviidae*), table corals, and delicate sea anemones.
Snorkelers exploring the calm reef flats will find themselves surrounded by schools of dazzling tropical marine life. Inquisitive clownfish (anemonefish) dart among stinging sea anemone tentacles, while neon-blue parrotfish graze on coral algae, sergeant majors swirl in coordinated schools, and yellow butterflyfish glide through sunlit coral arches. The calm, protected waters inside the bay provide ideal viewing conditions, particularly during low-tide morning hours when water clarity reaches its zenith.
Underwater Adventures: Sea Walking, Scuba, and Semi-Submarines
North Bay Island has pioneered accessible underwater marine adventure in the Andaman archipelago. The flagship experience here is Underwater Sea Walking. Outfitted with specialized transparent glass helmets that pump a constant supply of breathable air from floating pontoons, non-swimmers and families can walk along the sandy seabed six to seven meters below the surface, surrounded by swirling schools of colorful reef fish feeding directly from their hands.
For travelers who prefer to stay dry while observing the marine kingdom, North Bay features semi-submarine vessels and motorized glass-bottom boats. Passengers sit in comfortable, air-conditioned underwater viewing cabins equipped with large panoramic glass viewing ports submerged five feet below the water line. Watching green sea turtles glide gracefully over coral gardens and observing massive sea cucumbers resting on the sandy floor without getting wet provides an exhilarating experience for senior citizens and young children alike.
North Bay features fragile fringing living coral reefs; never step on living coral heads, touch sea anemones, or collect coral fragments or seashells, which carries heavy fines under the Wildlife Protection Act. Sea-walking and introductory scuba diving are subject to medical clearance; individuals with asthma, heart ailments, or ear pressure issues must consult on-site dive instructors.
Beachfront Atmosphere, Shaded Canopy, and Local Stalls
The beachfront of North Bay Island buzzes with energetic coastal island life. A crescent of golden-white sand extends along the base of steep forested hills covered in tropical hardwoods, wild pandanus trees, and coconut palms. Rustic thatched-roof beach huts and wooden changing rooms line the shore, providing comfortable shade from the tropical sun.
Local island vendors operate cheerful beachside stalls serving refreshing tender coconuts (*daab*), fresh cut pineapples, fried coastal fish, and steaming cups of ginger chai. Visitors can browse handcrafted seashell jewelry, wooden tribal artifacts, and authentic Andaman souvenir t-shirts. The island's pedestrian pathway extends beyond the busy water sports zone to quiet, uncrowded rocky coves where travelers can relax in quiet contemplation.
Travel Logistics, Aberdeen Ferry, and Timing Advice
North Bay Island is accessed via passenger speedboats and catamarans departing from the Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex (Aberdeen Jetty) in Port Blair. The boat crossing takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes, offering scenic views of the Port Blair skyline, the naval base, and the rugged slopes of Mount Harriet. Tour boats generally operate on combined schedules, allocating three to four hours at North Bay before transferring passengers to neighboring Ross Island.
The optimal season to visit North Bay runs from October through May, when the northeast monsoon recedes, sea conditions are calm, and underwater visibility is crystal clear. During the heavy southwest monsoon months (June to September), water sports and snorkeling are frequently suspended due to turbulent surf and reduced water transparency. Visitors should pack comfortable swimwear, quick-dry towels, reef-safe sunscreen, waterproof phone cases, and sufficient cash, as digital payment terminals can experience erratic cellular connectivity on the island.
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