Table of Contents
- Introduction
- History and Importance
- Best Time to Visit Long Island, Andaman
- Top Things to Do
- Nearby Attractions
- How to Reach
- Where to Stay and Estimated Costs
- Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
- Tips by Traveler Type
- Essential Travel Tips
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Long Island in the Middle Andaman is an underrated emerald gem known for its pristine Lalaji Bay, mangrove creeks, quiet villages, and access to the gorgeous Merk Bay at North Passage Island. If you’re seeking clear waters, empty beaches, and a slow-island rhythm, this is where the Andamans feel truly wild. Knowing the best time to visit Long Island helps you catch calm seas, great snorkeling visibility, and reliable ferries.
History and Importance
Long Island has historically been a small settlement connected to Rangat by local ferries, with livelihoods tied to fishing, boat-building, and forestry (now highly regulated for conservation). It serves as a quiet base to reach untouched beaches like Lalaji Bay and nearby uninhabited islets. The island’s value today lies in low-impact ecotourism—trekking under dense canopy, paddling through mangroves, and exploring vibrant reefs with minimal crowds.
Best Time to Visit Long Island, Andaman
Overall best time: November to April for calm seas, sunny skies, and clear water—ideal for boat trips to Lalaji Bay and Merk Bay, snorkeling, and beach time.
Seasonal breakdown
- November–February (Peak Pleasant): 24–30°C (75–86°F). Low rainfall, gentle winds, good ferry reliability. Water visibility is often 10–20 m. Best months for snorkeling and relaxed treks.
- March–April (Warm and Clear): 26–32°C (79–90°F). Hotter afternoons but excellent sea conditions; start early for hikes. Visibility remains good; fewer crowds than Dec–Jan.
- May (Shoulder Heat): 27–33°C (81–91°F). Humid with possible pre-monsoon showers. Seas can be choppy on some days; good deals on stays. Keep buffer time for boat trips.
- June–September (Monsoon; Least Recommended): 25–30°C (77–86°F). Frequent rain, rough seas, and possible ferry cancellations. Treks can be muddy; leeches/mosquitoes likely. Visit only if you’re flexible and prepared for weather-related changes.
- October (Improving Shoulder): 25–31°C (77–88°F). Rains taper; seas steady by late month. A great time if you want fewer visitors and lower prices.
Best month by interest
- Snorkeling/boat trips: December–March
- Trekking to Lalaji Bay: November–February for cooler walks
- Photography and empty beaches: October–November, late April
- Budget-focused travelers: October, May (watch weather)
Top Things to Do
- Trek or boat to Lalaji Bay: A serene, powdery beach framed by forest. Trek is roughly 5–6 km one way through shaded paths; or hire a local boat when seas are calm.
- Day trip to Merk Bay (North Passage Island): Known for aquamarine water and healthy reefs; great for snorkeling on calm days. Go with licensed boatmen.
- Mangrove kayaking: Paddle quiet creeks near the jetty at high tide to spot juvenile fish and birdlife.
- Village walk: Meet friendly islanders, see wooden boats under repair, and slow down with tea at simple eateries.
- Sunset at the jetty: Gentle colors, bobbing boats, and silhouettes of forested islets.
- Beach camping (with permission): Possible in some seasons with Forest Department approval; rules change, so verify locally.
Nearby Attractions
- Guitar Island: A sand-spit island often clubbed with Merk Bay trips on calm days.
- Rangat (base town): Amkunj Beach (eco-park seating), Dhani Nallah Mangrove Walkway, and Yeratta Mangrove Park.
- Baratang (longer day from Rangat): Limestone Caves and mangrove boat ride; plan an early start.
How to Reach
Nearest airport: Veer Savarkar International Airport, Port Blair (IXZ).
Typical route
- Port Blair → Rangat (Middle Andaman):
- By road: 6–8 hours by government bus or private car via Andaman Trunk Road (timings can vary).
- By sea: Government ferries operate on select days; schedules change—check locally.
- Rangat (Yeratta Jetty) → Long Island: 45–90 minutes by government ferry or licensed boat. Tickets are sold at the jetty; carry ID and arrive early.
Notes: Direct ferries from Port Blair to Long Island are infrequent/seasonal. Always confirm the latest Directorate of Shipping Services (DSS) schedules in Port Blair or Rangat. Keep a buffer day in monsoon.
Where to Stay and Estimated Costs
Accommodation on Long Island: Limited and simple—expect basic guesthouses, a government-run rest house, and occasional eco-stays. Online inventory is sparse; many travelers base in Rangat if Long Island is full.
Indicative price ranges (per night)
- Budget (basic lodges/guesthouses): INR 1,000–2,500
- Mid-range (better rooms in Rangat): INR 2,500–5,000
- Eco-stays (when available): INR 4,000–8,000
Daily trip costs (approx., per person)
- Meals (local eateries): INR 250–600 per meal
- Rangat → Long Island ferry: INR 100–300 one way (varies by boat/class)
- Boat to Lalaji Bay/Merk Bay: INR 2,000–5,000+ total per boat depending on distance, season, and negotiation (share with others to reduce cost)
- Port Blair → Rangat (road): Bus INR 400–800; private car INR 7,000–10,000 per vehicle
Cash is important. ATMs are limited or absent on Long Island; withdraw in Port Blair or Rangat.
Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
Food
- Simple island fare: rice, dal, vegetable thalis, omelets, and fresh seafood (fish curry, crab, prawns) when available.
- Expect basic cafés/tea stalls near the jetty; dinner may be early. Inform your host in advance for meals.
Shopping
- Very limited—think essentials only. For souvenirs (shell crafts, spices, honey), shop in Port Blair or Havelock before/after your Long Island visit.
Culture
- Laid-back settlement life with influences from mainland India. Respect local customs and privacy.
- Sensitive ecosystems and tribal reserves exist elsewhere in the archipelago—do not attempt visits to restricted areas.
Tips by Traveler Type
Families
- Choose Nov–Feb for mild heat and smoother seas.
- Carry snacks, ORS, hats, sunblock, and insect repellent; facilities can be sparse on excursions.
- Life jackets for all boat rides; avoid long open-sea trips in rough weather.
Honeymooners/Couples
- Plan 2–3 nights with one full day each for Lalaji Bay and Merk Bay.
- Sunrise walks, picnic setups, and golden-hour photos are beautiful in Dec–Feb.
- Choose stays with reliable power and hot water; confirm in advance.
Friends/Backpackers
- Travel in shoulder months (Oct, May) for fewer crowds and better rates.
- Split boat costs and carry snorkeling gear to save on rentals.
- Be flexible with ferries; keep buffer days.
Essential Travel Tips
- Permits: Indian nationals don’t need special permits for Long Island. Foreign travelers typically receive entry permissions on arrival at Port Blair; rules evolve—verify the latest guidelines before travel.
- Ferry schedules: Timings change and seats are limited. Buy tickets early at DSS counters; carry original ID.
- Connectivity: Mobile data is patchy. BSNL has the widest coverage; others may be intermittent.
- Cash only: Limited/no ATMs on Long Island. Withdraw in Port Blair/Rangat.
- Power and water: Expect occasional outages. Carry a power bank and refillable bottle.
- Eco-responsibility: No littering; avoid single-use plastic; use reef-safe sunscreen.
- Monsoon caution: Boats can be canceled; keep plans flexible and heed local advice.
- Health & safety: Basic medical help available in Rangat; carry personal meds and a small first-aid kit.
FAQs
Q: What is the absolute best month to visit Long Island?
A: January or February typically offer the most reliable mix of calm seas, clear water, and pleasant temperatures.
Q: Is Long Island good for snorkeling compared to Havelock?
A: Yes—on calm days Long Island’s Lalaji Bay and nearby Merk Bay have excellent, less-crowded reefs. Havelock has more operators and easier logistics, while Long Island feels wilder and quieter.
Q: Can I stay overnight near Lalaji Bay?
A: Beach camping is sometimes allowed with Forest Department permission, but regulations change. Most travelers day-trip from Long Island’s settlement or stay in basic guesthouses.
Q: Do ferries run during monsoon?
A: They operate subject to weather. Cancellations and delays are common from June to September—keep buffer days and check schedules locally.
Q: Are there ATMs and card payments on Long Island?
A: Expect cash-only transactions. Withdraw in Port Blair or Rangat before you sail.
Conclusion
For clear seas, reliable ferries, and relaxed island days, plan your Long Island trip between November and April, with January–February as standouts. Build in time for the Lalaji Bay trek, a boat to Merk Bay, and unhurried sunsets at the jetty. With simple stays, sparse crowds, and rich nature, Long Island rewards travelers who keep it light, eco-friendly, and flexible.
