Ross Island Port Blair: Ferry, Seasons & Travel Guide

High-angle view through a cruise of people sailing on sea on a boat.

Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Dweep (formerly Ross Island) is a place where history, nature, and tranquillity come together. Once the administrative hub of the British in the Andamans, the island still carries echoes of its colonial past through ruined churches, officers’ quarters, and other relics now entwined with banyan roots. Strolling along its palm-fringed paths, you’ll often spot peacocks and deer moving freely against this dramatic backdrop of stone and silence. For travellers, timing matters—each season lends a different character to the island, from sun-drenched calm to monsoon mystique. Staying at Hotel Shompen makes the experience even easier, with its proximity to the Marina Park Jetty for quick ferry rides and the comfort of a restful base after your island explorations.

Seasonal Appeal of Ross Island

 
Winter (October-February)
This is the most popular time to visit. The weather is mild, the skies are clear, making nature walks and photography especially rewarding.

Summer (March-June)
Fewer visitors come in summer, so you’ll find more space on trails and at viewpoints. It’s warmer, but shaded paths and sea breezes keep walks pleasant in the early morning or late afternoon.

A person posing while inside an ancient church on Ross Island
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Summer (March-June)
Fewer visitors come in summer, so you’ll find more space on trails and at viewpoints. It’s warmer, but shaded paths and sea breezes keep walks pleasant in the early morning or late afternoon.

Monsoon (July-September)
After the rains, the island turns lush and green. With fewer crowds and ferry timings often shifting with the weather, it’s best to keep your plans flexible.


No matter the season, Hotel Shompen is a comfortable retreat - cool rooms and warm service welcome you after your Ross Island day trips.

Getting There: Port Blair to Ross Island

 
Ross Island lies around 2 km from Aberdeen Jetty in Port Blair, across calm waters. The short crossing is both quick and scenic, and for the best experience, it’s wise to start early—when the sea is calm and the morning light casts a gentle glow.

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A white and blue cruise in a water body during daytime

Ferry to Ross Island from Port Blair - What to Expect

 
Reaching Ross Island is part of the charm—the ferry takes just 10–20 minutes, a breezy ride over calm waters with views of Port Blair fading behind you. Boats usually start around 8:30 am, with trips through the late morning and returns until mid-afternoon. Mornings are the sweetest time to go: the air is cool, the light golden, and the crowds thinner. Book ahead in peak season, arrive at the jetty a little early, and keep a hat, water, camera, and ID handy. Schedules may shift with the tides and weather, but that’s all part of island time.

Why Hotel Shompen, Port Blair, Makes the Trip Easy

 
Hotel Shompen is well placed for Ross Island visitors. The hotel’s central location in Port Blair keeps jetties and ticket counters within easy reach, which means less time in transit and more time exploring. The property offers comfortable rooms, fuss-free dining and a helpful front desk that can arrange ferry info and day trips. Use the hotel as a base: pack snacks, set an early alarm, and let the staff advise on the best ferry slot. After a few hours on Ross Island, you’ll appreciate returning to a calm room and a meal.

A double bed with side tables and headboard with red and blue curtains on the windows inside one of the Rooms - Hotel Shompen
Dslr and jacket and other trip essentials on a wooden table

Travel Tips for Visiting Ross Island

 

Best overall season: Winter for clear skies and easy walking.

Tickets & schedules: Ferry counters and authorised tour operators list departures; verify times the day before.

Essentials to carry: Water, sunscreen, a hat, comfortable shoes, and a camera.

Respect the site:Ross Island is partly a protected area; stick to marked paths and avoid touching historical structures. 

Imagine stepping back in time at Ross Island, then returning to a cosy stay at Hotel Shompen. Ross Island Port Blair rewards those who time their trip and travel smart, so book your Port Blair stay today and make Ross Island the highlight of your Andaman trip!

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