Ross and Smith Islands

Ross and Smith lie off the northern tip of the Andamans near Diglipur, and they are connected by a tombolo, a natural sandbar that runs between them and is exposed at low tide so the two islands can be walked between, disappearing under water as the tide comes in. The sand is white and the water shallow and clear on both sides of the bar. Only Smith is generally open to visitors, with Ross reserved. Reaching them means a boat from Aerial Bay and a permit, and Diglipur itself is around three hundred kilometres from Port Blair by a road that includes the Jarawa convoy and vehicle ferries.

What you actually see

• The sandbar - a natural strip of sand joining the islands at low tide.
• The clear shallows - water on both sides of the bar.
• The white beach - undeveloped sand on the Smith Island side.
• The tide change - the bar submerging as the water rises.

When to go

November to April; the sandbar is only walkable at low tide, so timing follows the tide table. The monsoon brings rough seas and boats stop.

Honest expectations

Getting to Diglipur is a long journey, either an overnight road trip through the convoy or a ferry from Port Blair. Permits are needed and boat schedules are limited. Facilities on the islands are none.

Nearby

Diglipur lies south; Saddle Peak is nearby.