Table of Contents
- Introduction
- History & Importance
- Best Time to Visit
- Top Things to Do
- Nearby Attractions
- How to Reach
- Where to Stay
- Estimated Costs
- Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
- Traveler Tips
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Baratang Island, set between South and Middle Andaman, is famous for its limestone caves, mangrove creeks, and mud volcano. Less known is that the broader Baratang–Middle Andaman region also offers rewarding coral exploration at tranquil, uncrowded spots like Merk Bay (North Passage Island), Guitar Island sandbar, and the reefs off Long Island—each reachable on day trips from Rangat/Long Island, and combinable with a Baratang visit. This guide helps you plan a practical, eco-friendly coral-focused itinerary around Baratang’s neighborhood.
History & Importance
– The Middle Andaman archipelago hosts fringing reefs and patch reefs that support hard corals (Acropora, Porites), giant clams, sea cucumbers, and reef fish like sergeants, snappers, and clownfish.
– Areas such as North Passage Island (Merk Bay) are overseen by local forest and maritime authorities; access is controlled via boat permissions to protect sensitive habitats and nesting beaches.
– The road to Baratang passes alongside the Jarawa Tribal Reserve. Travelers must follow all regulations: no photography within reserve limits, no stopping, and no interaction. These rules help safeguard indigenous communities and the ecosystem.
Best Time to Visit
- Overall season: October to May.
- Peak underwater visibility: January to April (calmer seas, clearer water).
- Monsoon: June to September—rough seas, occasional closures; coral trips may be suspended.
- Timing in a day: Early mornings for boat runs and gentler surface conditions.
Top Things to Do
1) Snorkel the Merk Bay corals (North Passage Island)
– Access: By permitted day-boat from Long Island or Yeratta Jetty (near Rangat). Boats anchor in shallow, calm water ideal for beginners.
– What you’ll see: Hard coral gardens, giant clams, schools of fusiliers, butterflyfish, and occasional turtles. Depths typically 1–5 m.
– Tips: Wear a rash guard and reef-safe sunscreen; avoid touching coral and keep fins high to prevent contact.
2) Guitar Island sandbar snorkel and beach time
– A photogenic sandbar near Long Island with scattered coral patches and seagrass meadows. Great for relaxed snorkeling when tides align.
– Combine with a picnic and a short nature walk; watch for changing currents at the sandbar edges.
3) Lalaji Bay, Long Island
– A beautiful crescent bay with calm water and patch reefs around rocky points. Best visited with a local boatman who knows safe entry spots.
4) Baludera Beach, Baratang
– Long, quiet beach with gentle slope. Coral presence is limited; think beach walk, shell spotting, and mangrove scenery rather than true reef snorkeling.
5) Responsible coral exploration & nature watching
- Join guided snorkel sessions with local boatmen who know safe, low-impact entry points.
- Look for reef health indicators: branching corals, damselfish nests, and water clarity windows after low wind days.
- Carry a small mesh bag for your own waste; leave no trace.
Nearby Attractions
- Limestone Caves, Baratang: Mangrove-backed boat ride to striking cave formations.
- Mud Volcano, Baratang: A rare geological feature; short walk from the trailhead.
- Parrot Island (near Rangat): Dusk boat ride to watch thousands of parrots roost (seasonal; permits and timings apply).
- Yeratta Mangrove Boardwalk (Rangat): Elevated path through dense mangroves; interpretive signs.
- Aamkunj & Dhani Nallah beaches (Rangat): Eco-friendly beach fronts with turtle nesting in season (restricted zones apply).
- Long Island village walk: Wooden jetties, quiet lanes, coastal forest edges.
How to Reach
From Port Blair to Baratang
- By road: About 100–110 km via the Andaman Trunk Road (3–4 hours, conditions vary). Checkpoints exist; carry ID. Historically, a vehicle ferry across Middle Strait connects to Baratang Jetty—schedules can change, so confirm locally.
- By bus: Government and private buses run early morning; limited frequency, basic comfort.
Baratang to Rangat / Long Island (for coral trips)
- Baratang to Rangat: 70–90 km by road (approx. 2–3 hours).
- Rangat (Yeratta Jetty) to Long Island: Government ferry or local boats (about 45–75 minutes, weather dependent).
- Coral boat trips: Typically depart from Long Island or Yeratta with Forest Department permissions for North Passage/Merk Bay.
Note: Services and timings are subject to weather and departmental advisories; always reconfirm the day before.
Where to Stay
- Baratang: A handful of basic lodges/guesthouses near the jetty; convenient for caves and mud volcano, limited for coral trips.
- Rangat: Budget lodges and simple hotels around the market/Yeratta side; good base for boats to Long Island and day trips.
- Long Island: Rustic stays and forest guesthouses (limited inventory). Advance coordination needed; power and network can be intermittent.
For a coral-focused itinerary, staying in Rangat or Long Island offers easier early-morning access to boats.
Estimated Costs
- Private cab Port Blair–Baratang day return: INR 6,000–9,000 (vehicle/type dependent).
- Baratang limestone cave boat + entry: INR 800–1,500 per person (varies by season/group size).
- Rangat/Long Island to Merk Bay boat (charter): INR 3,000–6,000 per boat (duration and distance dependent; shareable among 4–6 people).
- Guided snorkeling (mask/snorkel/guide): INR 800–1,500 per person; bring your own gear for best hygiene and fit.
- Budget rooms (Rangat/Baratang): INR 1,000–2,500 per night; Long Island rustic stays: INR 1,500–3,500 per night.
Prices are indicative and fluctuate with season, fuel costs, and availability.
Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
Food
- Simple island thalis with fresh fish, lentils, rice, and seasonal vegetables.
- Seafood specials: crab curry, fried fish, and coconut-infused gravies (order ahead where possible).
- Snacks: coconuts, bananas, and basic bakery items—carry energy bars for boat days.
Shopping
- Very limited around Baratang/Rangat; small markets sell essentials.
- For souvenirs, plan time in Port Blair (shell craft and handicrafts from authorized outlets). Avoid buying coral or shells from beaches—this is illegal and harmful.
Culture & Etiquette
- Respect rules when passing the Jarawa Tribal Reserve: no photos, no stopping, no interaction.
- Dress modestly in village areas; seek permission before photographing locals.
- Carry back all non-biodegradable waste from islands and beaches.
Traveler Tips
General Coral & Safety Tips
- Gear: Bring well-fitting mask, snorkel, fins, and a buoyancy aid if you’re not a confident swimmer; rentals can be limited.
- Reef-safe sunscreen: Use zinc/titanium-based lotions and apply 20 minutes before water entry.
- Tides & weather: Check tide charts; avoid strong-current windows at sandbars.
- Wildlife: Do not touch coral or marine life; keep a minimum 3–4 m from turtles and rays.
- Health: Carry motion-sickness tablets for choppy crossings; hydrate and protect from sun.
For Families
- Choose calm, shallow sites like Merk Bay with boat support nearby.
- Life jackets for all; consider pool noodles for kids.
- Pack snacks, quick-dry towels, and a small first-aid kit.
For Honeymooners
- Plan a private charter to Guitar Island for sandbar time and quiet snorkeling.
- Aim for sunrise starts to enjoy empty beaches and low wind conditions.
- Carry a dry bag for phones/cameras; salt-safe photo gear helps.
For Friends/Groups
- Split private boat costs for Merk Bay/Long Island runs.
- Try a two-day loop: Baratang sights on Day 1, coral trips from Rangat/Long Island on Day 2.
- Coordinate lookout duties in water—buddy up and set clear meeting points.
Packing Checklist
- Rash guard, reef shoes, light towel, dry bag, spare mask strap, anti-fog.
- Hat, polarized sunglasses, reusable water bottle, compact rain jacket (Oct–Dec showers).
- Cash (ATMs sparse), government ID, offline maps, headlamp for early starts/returns.
FAQs
Q: Is Baratang itself good for snorkeling and coral?
A: Baratang’s immediate beaches have limited coral. For clear, shallow reefs, base yourself at Rangat or Long Island and take a permitted boat to Merk Bay (North Passage Island), Guitar Island, or Lalaji Bay.
Q: Do I need to be a strong swimmer to snorkel?
A: Not necessarily. Choose calm bays like Merk Bay, use a life jacket, and stay close to your boat/guide. Good-fitting gear and a buddy system are essential.
Q: Are there scuba dive operators near Baratang?
A: Dive infrastructure is limited around Baratang/Rangat. Most certified dive centers operate from Havelock (Swaraj Dweep), Neil (Shaheed Dweep), and Port Blair. Check locally if seasonal operators offer discovery dives from Long Island.
Q: Can foreign nationals visit these areas?
A: Yes, with a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) for the Andaman Islands (often issued on arrival at Port Blair). Some islands and zones have controlled access; follow current advisories and carry ID.
Q: How reliable are mobile networks and ATMs?
A: Patchy. Expect intermittent coverage (BSNL often best). Carry sufficient cash for boats, guides, and small eateries; card acceptance is limited.
Conclusion
Coral exploration near Baratang Island is best approached as a Middle Andaman circuit: experience Baratang’s caves and mangroves, then shift to Rangat/Long Island for calm, uncrowded reefs at Merk Bay, Guitar Island, and Lalaji Bay. Travel light, plan around tides and weather, respect local regulations, and you’ll find clear snorkel windows, healthy coral patches, and quiet beaches that reward the extra effort.
