Jolly Buoy Island in Andaman: Paradise of Corals and Marine Life

Part of the 15 islands that form the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, Jolly Buoy Island, and the nearby Red Skin Island are the only two open to tourists which are the best places to visit in Jolly Buoy Island. The island’s unspoiled charm is well-preserved thanks to strict regulations enforced by the Andaman administration.  

Jolly Buoy Island in Andaman is special because it maintains a strict no-plastic policy, ensuring the island stays clean and unpolluted compared to other beaches of Andaman. Only a limited number of visitors are allowed at a time, making it a peaceful, quiet escape from the crowds.  

The island is not just about beaches—it’s a biodiversity hotspot. The colorful coral reefs surrounding Jolly Buoy Island are home to rich marine life, making it a paradise for underwater enthusiasts. On land, mangrove swamps, tropical rainforests, and wildflowers along the shore create a postcard-perfect landscape.  

Whether you want to sunbathe on the beach, snorkel to explore the corals or hike through the forest, Jolly Buoy Island in Andaman offers something for everyone. The island’s untouched beauty and environment make it perfect for nature lovers, offbeat Place travelers, and adventure seekers.  

If you’re planning a trip to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, don’t miss the chance to experience the magical beauty of Jolly Buoy Island in Andaman. It’s an escape into nature that you’ll remember forever!

How To Reach Jolly Buoy Island?

To reach Jolly Buoy Island, you have to plan effectively as this island is only accessible by boat. Here’s how you can reach the island.

• By Airways: The nearest airport to Jolly Buoy Island is Veer Sawarkar International Airport, which is approximately 30 km away from this island. This airport in Port Blair has connectivity to many major Indian Cities like Chennai, Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi, and Kolkata. Upon reaching the airport, you will have to take a taxi or bus to the Wandoor Jetty, from where you can board your boat to the Jolly Buoy Island.
• By Road: Once you reach Port Blair, you’ll first need to get to Wandoor Beach, which is approximately 30 kilometers (a 45-minute drive) from central Port Blair. Your transportation options include rented taxis, 2-wheelers, or auto-rickshaws, with taxis being the most convenient choice. While buses do operate to and fro, their timings can be unpredictable. Buses are available at an interval of 1 hour from any bus stand going through Bathubasti. You need to start early around 7 AM to be able to take the boat to Jolly Buoy from Wandoor.
• By Waterways: Once you arrive at Wandoor Beach, you’ll board a shared boat for the 35-minute journey to Jolly Buoy Island. You can book these boats at the cluster of boat offices at Wandoor Beach. Some operators do provide complimentary 10 mins of snorkeling sessions around the island, which requires you to show a govt. ID card. So, don’t forget to carry your ID card and ask for the complimentary service.

The same boat will bring you back, so it’s essential to book a return ticket in advance. Don’t worry about the boat wait; it’ll be ready and waiting for your return journey.

It’s important to note that a permit is required to visit Jolly Buoy Island, with different permit fees for Indian and foreign visitors. These permits are usually available a day before your trip, or if you’ve booked a tour package, your tour operator will provide them.

• Jolly Buoy Island Ferry Cost: INR 850 including permit charges
• Jolly Buoy Island Entry Ticket: The permit fee cost to visit Jolly Buoy Island is INR 50 for Indians and INR 500 for foreigners.

So, pack your sunscreen, snorkeling gear, and camera, and embark on this exciting journey to Jolly Buoy Island to experience its stunning natural beauty and colorful marine life.

Also Read: 18 Best Restaurants In Andaman To Relish In Coastal Food 2024