North Bay Beach is famous for its picturesque scenic beauty, coral reefs, and an array of water sports activities. It's a popular tourist spot near Port Blair in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India, often recognized by the lighthouse featured on the Indian 20 rupee note.
North Bay Beach is easily accessible from Port Blair. Tourists can take a short boat ride from Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex to reach the beach. It usually takes about 15-30 minutes depending on the type of boat service chosen.
Visitors can indulge in various activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, sea walking, glass-bottom boat rides, and semi-submarine rides to explore the coral reefs. Besides water sports, tourists can enjoy sunbathing, beachcombing, and photography.
No special permit is required for Indian tourists to visit North Bay Beach. However, foreign nationals might require a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) which can be obtained on arrival at Port Blair or in advance from Indian Missions overseas.
Yes, there are basic facilities such as small eateries offering local cuisine, beach chairs, changing rooms, and lockers. Equipment for water sports can be rented at the beach.
The ideal time to visit North Bay Beach is during the winter months from November to February when the weather is pleasant and conducive for water sports and other beach activities.
There are no accommodation facilities on North Bay Beach itself. However, tourists can find a range of hotels and resorts in nearby Port Blair, where they can stay and visit North Bay Beach during the day.
Yes, there is a nominal entry fee to visit North Bay Beach, but the charges for various water sports activities are separate and vary according to the activity and provider.
Visitors should carry sun protection like sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses, along with a camera and extra batteries, a waterproof bag for gadgets, and an extra set of clothes if planning to indulge in water activities. It's also advisable to carry cash as ATMs may not be readily available.
North Bay Beach is generally safe for tourists. However, it is always important to follow safety guidelines, especially while participating in water sports. Visitors should heed the advice of instructors and lifeguards present at the beach.
