Table of Contents
- Introduction
- History & Importance
- Best Time to Visit
- Top Things to Do on a Weekend
- How to Reach Long Island, Andaman
- Where to Stay
- Estimated Costs for a Weekend
- Local Food, Shopping & Culture
- Nearby Attractions
- Suggested 2-Day Weekend Itineraries
- Essential Travel Tips
- Tips for Different Travelers
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Looking for a quiet, nature-first weekend in the Andamans? Long Island is a small, lived-in island in Middle Andaman, best known for its powdery beaches like Lalaji Bay, boat trips to Merk Bay (North Passage), mangrove creeks, and starlit, no-neon nights. It’s less commercial than Havelock and makes a perfect 2-day escape from Rangat—or a detour on a longer Andaman itinerary—if you love snorkeling, forest walks, and calm waters.
History & Importance
Long Island sits between Rangat and North Passage Island. Historically, it supported a small settlement tied to forestry and fisheries; today, it’s valued for its quiet village life and access to pristine beaches and reefs. As a low-key base for Lalaji Bay and Merk Bay, it represents the Andamans at their most unhurried and eco-focused.
Best Time to Visit
- November–April (Peak/Best): Calmer seas, clearer water for snorkeling and boat trips. Sunny days with pleasant evenings.
- May–September (Monsoon): Heavy rain, rough seas, and possible ferry cancellations. Lush greenery but limited activities.
- October & early May (Shoulder): Transition months; check ferry schedules and sea conditions.
Top Things to Do on a Weekend
Lalaji Bay Beach
- One of the island’s star beaches with soft sand and turquoise water.
- Reach by forest trek (~5–6 km one way) from the village or by hiring a local boat (faster, tide-dependent).
- Great for beach time and shallow snorkeling on calm days.
Merk Bay (North Passage Island)
- A gorgeous, remote beach reachable by chartered boat from Long Island (weather and tide permitting).
- Snorkel in clear patches; watch for coral, reef fish, and excellent white-sand shallows.
Guitar Island Sandbar
- At low tide, a slender sandbar appears between tiny islets—perfect for photos and short walks.
- Generally combined with boat trips to Lalaji or Merk Bay.
Mangrove Creeks by Kayak/Boat
- Explore quiet creeks framed by mangroves; look for kingfishers, egrets, and mudskippers.
- Go with a local boatman or a guided kayak if available.
Forest Walks & Village Wandering
- Walk shaded trails to Lalaji Bay; enjoy village lanes, coconut groves, and coastal viewpoints.
- Sunsets are serene; star-gazing is superb on clear nights.
How to Reach Long Island, Andaman
From Port Blair
- Port Blair → Rangat (by road): 5.5–7.5 hours via the Andaman Trunk Road in shared jeeps or buses.
- Rangat (Yerrata Jetty) → Long Island (by ferry/boat): ~45–90 minutes depending on vessel and sea conditions.
- Ferry schedules: Operated by the Directorate of Shipping Services (DSS) and local boats. Frequencies vary by season; always check the latest timetable in Port Blair or Rangat and book early.
From Havelock/Neil
- Direct connections to Long Island are not regular. The practical route is via Rangat.
Getting Around on Long Island
- On foot: The village and trails are walkable.
- Boats: Hire locally for Lalaji Bay, Guitar Island, or Merk Bay (subject to weather/tide).
- Permits: Day visits typically don’t require special permits, but camping or special access may need Forest Department permission. Rules can change—confirm locally.
Where to Stay
- Guesthouses/homestays: Simple rooms with basic facilities; limited inventory—reserve ahead, especially in peak season.
- Eco-lodges: A few nature-focused stays may operate seasonally.
- Essentials: 24/7 power may not be guaranteed; mobile data can be patchy. Carry cash as card machines are rare.
Estimated Costs for a Weekend
- Port Blair ⇄ Rangat road transfer: ₹500–₹1,000 per person each way (bus/shared jeep).
- Rangat ⇄ Long Island ferry: ₹150–₹500 per person each way (vessel-dependent).
- Local boat trips (sharing reduces cost):
- Lalaji Bay/Guitar Island: ₹1,200–₹3,000 per person
- Merk Bay (charter): ₹2,500–₹5,500 per person
Rates vary by season, duration, group size, and fuel price.
- Stay (2 nights): ₹3,000–₹8,000 per room (budget to mid-range).
- Meals: ₹250–₹500 per meal per person in local eateries.
- Indicative weekend total (per person): ₹6,000–₹15,000 depending on transport, boat choices, and room type.
Local Food, Shopping & Culture
Food
- Simple island fare: fresh fish, rice, daal, seasonal veggies, eggs.
- Vegetarians will find basic options; carry snacks if you’re particular.
- Hydrate well—buy sealed water or use a purifier; consider a reusable bottle.
Shopping
- Very limited. This is not a shopping destination.
- Responsible choice: Do not buy corals, shells, or marine curios—collecting/selling is illegal and harmful.
Culture
- Small, close-knit community. Dress modestly in the village; ask before photographing people.
- Evenings are quiet; stargazing replaces nightlife.
Nearby Attractions
- North Passage Island (Merk Bay): Dazzling beach and snorkeling spots via boat from Long Island.
- Guitar Island: Low-tide sandbar walk; usually part of a boat circuit.
- Rangat: Yerrata Mangrove Park, Dhani Nallah mangrove boardwalk, Raman Bageecha beach areas.
- Baratang (en route to/from Port Blair): Limestone caves and mangrove boat ride; adds time to your transfer day.
Suggested 2-Day Weekend Itineraries
Itinerary A: Classic Beaches & Snorkel
- Day 1: Arrive Rangat → ferry to Long Island → check-in → evening walk through the village; sunset on a nearby beach; stargazing.
- Day 2: Early boat to Merk Bay with a stop at Guitar Island (tide/weather permitting). Snorkel, beach time, return by afternoon. Optionally kayak a mangrove creek if available.
Itinerary B: Trek & Lalaji Bay
- Day 1: Arrive and settle in → forest trek to Lalaji Bay → swim on calm days; return by boat (if arranged) or trek back.
- Day 2: Slow morning, village walk and photography → optional short boat ride around creeks/sandbar → ferry back to Rangat and continue your journey.
Note: Always time boat trips with tides and confirm last ferry timings back to Rangat if you’re not overnighting both days.
Essential Travel Tips
- Safety & Sea Conditions: Follow local advice on where/when to swim. Currents and tides change quickly.
- Crocodile advisories: Some Andaman beaches post warnings. Obey signage and local guidance.
- Cash & Connectivity: Carry sufficient cash; ATMs and card machines are scarce. Mobile data can be weak; BSNL has the broadest reach.
- Power & Charging: Expect occasional outages. Bring a power bank and headlamp.
- Eco-responsibility: No littering; carry back plastics. Use reef-safe sunscreen; do not touch corals or disturb marine life.
- Permits & Rules: Camping or special access may require Forest Department permission; confirm locally.
- Health: Pack personal meds, motion-sickness tablets for boats, and insect repellent.
Tips for Different Travelers
Families
- Choose calm-water times for beach play; insist on life jackets for all boat rides.
- Carry snacks and sunscreen; shade can be limited on sandbars.
Honeymooners
- Pick a quiet stay and plan one signature experience: sunset at a sandbar or a private boat to Lalaji Bay.
- Manage expectations: tranquility over luxury; limited dining options.
Friends/Backpackers
- Share boat charters to cut costs; start early to beat wind and crowds.
- Bring snorkel masks, dry bags, and compact towels to stay flexible.
FAQs
Q: Is Long Island good for a 2-day weekend trip?
A: Yes. Two days are enough for Lalaji Bay plus a boat circuit to Guitar Island and, weather permitting, Merk Bay. Add a night if you prefer a slower pace.
Q: Do I need permits to visit Long Island?
A: Regular day visits typically don’t require special permits, but camping or certain areas may need Forest Department permission. Verify locally as rules can change.
Q: Are there ATMs or good mobile networks?
A: ATMs are scarce and card acceptance is limited. Carry cash. Mobile connectivity is patchy; BSNL often works best.
Q: Can beginners snorkel at Lalaji or Merk Bay?
A: On calm days, yes—stay in shallow, clear areas, use a life jacket if unsure, and never touch corals. Go with a local guide for safety.
Q: What if ferries are canceled due to weather?
A: Have buffer time and flexible plans. Check schedules a day prior and early morning; consider alternate dates or routes via Rangat.
Conclusion
Long Island distills the Andamans into a quiet, weekend-friendly escape: serene beaches at Lalaji Bay, photogenic sandbars near Guitar Island, and clear-water boat runs to Merk Bay when the weather plays along. With simple stays, limited connectivity, and nature-forward days, it’s ideal for travelers who value calm seas, soft sand, and starry nights over crowds and nightlife.
