Table of Contents
- Introduction
- History and Importance
- Best Time for Sunset Cruises
- Top Things to Do on a Sunset Cruise
- Nearby Attractions
- How to Reach Long Island, Andaman
- Accommodation Options
- Estimated Costs
- Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
- Practical Tips for Sunset Cruises
- Tips by Traveler Type
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Sunset cruises around Long Island in the Andaman Islands are serene, small-boat journeys through glassy channels, mangrove-fringed inlets, and open sea where the sky melts into pinks and golds. With far fewer crowds than Havelock or Neil, Long Island offers an intimate setting—think quiet waters, silhouettes of Guitar Island’s sandbar, and the possibility of dolphins at play. Whether you’re a couple seeking a romantic evening, a family wanting a relaxed adventure, or friends chasing golden-hour photos, a sunset cruise here is all about unhurried island time.
History and Importance
Long Island has long been a quiet settlement in Middle Andaman, known for its pristine beaches like Lalaji Bay and easy access to nearby islets such as Guitar Island and North Passage Island (Merk Bay). As tourism evolved toward low-impact experiences, small-boat excursions—especially at sunset—emerged as a way to enjoy the archipelago’s beauty without overdeveloping the shoreline. Today, sunset cruises are typically run by licensed local boatmen, often coordinated via the jetty or accommodations on the island, offering community-led, nature-friendly experiences.
Best Time for Sunset Cruises
- Season: November to April offers calmer seas, clearer skies, and vibrant sunsets. October and May can also be pleasant but may see occasional showers.
- Monsoon (June–September): Seas are rougher, skies cloudier, and boat operations may be suspended due to safety. Sunsets can be obscured.
- Daily timing: Boats typically depart 60–90 minutes before sunset. Expect sunset around 5:00–5:30 pm in winter and 5:30–6:00 pm in late spring (check local times).
Top Things to Do on a Sunset Cruise
1) Glide past mangroves and sandbars
- Start near Long Island jetty and cruise through calm channels as fishermen head home—great for candid island-life photos.
- When tides and permissions allow, circle near Guitar Island’s sandbar for silhouettes against the sun.
2) Wildlife and sea-life spotting
- Keep watch for spinner dolphins and sea birds like white-bellied sea eagles and terns.
- Occasionally, plankton may produce a faint glow after dark; this is seasonal and not guaranteed.
3) Golden-hour photography
- Bring a polarizing filter and a microfiber cloth (sea spray is real).
- Shoot toward the horizon for silhouettes; switch to a wide-angle for sky colors and boat foregrounds.
4) Beach pause (if permitted and conditions safe)
- Some cruises include a quick landing on a quiet beach or sandbar just before sunset. This may require permits and is weather-dependent.
Suggested routes (indicative)
- Classic circuit: Long Island jetty → mangrove channel → open water viewpoint → return after sunset.
- Sandbar loop: Jetty → near Guitar Island sandbar → sunset drift → return.
- North Passage view: Weather/permits permitting, a broader loop toward North Passage Island from a safe distance.
Note: Exact routes depend on tide, weather, permits, and boat category. Your skipper will advise the safest plan.
Nearby Attractions
- Lalaji Bay Beach (Long Island): Powdery sands, turquoise water; superb for day visits and tranquil evenings.
- Guitar Island Sandbar: A photogenic, narrow strip that appears at favorable tides.
- Merk Bay, North Passage Island: Renowned for clear waters; day trips by permitted boat (not a sunset spot due to remoteness).
- Rangat (Middle Andaman): Dhaninallah Mangrove Walkway, Amkunj Beach Eco Park, and Yerrata Mangrove Park—great add-ons before/after Long Island.
- Panchavati Waterfall (seasonal): A refreshing inland detour near Rangat during/after monsoon.
How to Reach Long Island, Andaman
From Port Blair
- By road + ferry: 7–9 hours by bus/taxi along the Andaman Trunk Road to Rangat (Yerrata/Oralkatcha jetty), then a local government ferry (about 60–90 minutes) to Long Island.
- By government ferry (direct, infrequent): Occasional sailings may exist; schedules change—check locally a few days in advance.
From Havelock (Swaraj Dweep)
- By ferry (rare/infrequent): Direct services are limited and seasonal. Most travelers route via Rangat.
Local boats and permits
- Sunset cruises are usually arranged on licensed fiber boats via your stay or the jetty.
- Permits/permissions may be needed for certain islets or landings. The operator typically handles this.
- Weather first: Operations are strictly weather- and tide-dependent; last-minute changes are common.
Accommodation Options
- Eco-huts and cottages: Simple, nature-forward stays near the jetty or trails to Lalaji Bay.
- Guesthouses/homestays: Basic rooms with fan, limited Wi‑Fi; hot water not always guaranteed.
- Government/forest rest houses: Occasionally available; advance booking and permits may apply.
Good to know: Cash is preferred (limited ATM access), network is patchy (often BSNL-only), and power cuts can occur. Book stays before arriving, especially Nov–Apr.
Estimated Costs
- Sunset cruise (private boat, 60–90 min): ₹3,500–₹7,000 per boat (typically 4–8 guests); larger covered boats may cost more.
- Add-ons (where applicable): Landing/permit fees ₹50–₹500 per person; guide ₹800–₹1,500.
- Rangat ↔ Long Island ferry: ₹50–₹150 per person (government ferry, economy seating).
- Port Blair ↔ Rangat bus: ₹400–₹700 per person (standard to AC options).
- Accommodation: ₹800–₹2,000 (guesthouse) to ₹1,200–₹3,000 (eco-hut) per night.
- Meals: ₹150–₹300 for thalis; seafood dishes priced by catch/weight.
- Snorkel gear (if offered): ₹300–₹600 per set (availability varies).
Prices vary by season, demand, and fuel costs. Confirm inclusions (life jackets, drinking water, permits) before payment.
Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
Food
- Home-style thalis: Rice, dal, veggies, and fish curry at small eateries.
- Fresh seafood: Grilled or curry-style; pre-order with your stay for the freshest catch.
- Snacks for cruises: Pack fruit, nuts, and biscuits; carry back all waste.
Shopping
- On Long Island, shops are minimal—stock up in Rangat (snacks, sunscreen, cash) before boarding the ferry.
- Look for simple handicrafts/coir items in Middle Andaman; avoid shells/coral products (illegal to collect or buy).
Culture and etiquette
- Communities here include settlers from different Indian states; greet with a smile and ask before photographing people.
- Respect restricted/tribal areas; do not attempt visits beyond permitted zones.
- Keep noise low on the water—wildlife first, tranquility always.
Practical Tips for Sunset Cruises
- Safety: Wear life jackets at all times; follow your skipper’s seating and movement instructions.
- Packing: Light cover-up, hat, reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses with strap, quick-dry towel, water, and a dry bag for electronics.
- Footwear: Strap sandals or boat shoes; avoid slippery flip-flops.
- Seasickness: If prone, take motion-sickness tablets 30–60 minutes before departure (consult your doctor).
- Weather and tides: Be flexible—departures may shift for safety or best light.
- Sustainability: No littering; avoid single-use plastics; do not feed birds or fish; no touching corals if you enter the water.
- Lights and sound: Keep music low; avoid bright torches that disturb wildlife after dusk.
Tips by Traveler Type
Families
- Choose a covered boat with comfortable seating; aim for a 60–75 minute loop.
- Carry snacks, water, and a light jacket for kids; confirm life jackets in children’s sizes.
Honeymooners
- Opt for a private charter near Guitar Island or a quiet viewpoint.
- Request a short pre-sunset beach stop if tides/permits allow; bring a sarong and a tripod for couple shots.
Friends/Small Groups
- Split a larger boat for value; plan a golden-hour photo challenge or timed reels.
- If combining with snorkeling (daylight), schedule an earlier departure—avoid entering water at dusk.
FAQs
Q: How long is a typical sunset cruise from Long Island?
A: Most cruises last 60–90 minutes, departing about an hour before sunset. Longer loops depend on weather, tide, and permits.
Q: What does a private boat cost for sunset?
A: Expect ₹3,500–₹7,000 per boat, depending on size, cover, and route. Confirm if permits, water, and fuel are included.
Q: Is it safe for children and seniors?
A: Yes, on calm days with licensed operators. Ensure proper life jackets, choose a covered boat, and avoid landings if mobility is limited.
Q: Do boats run during the monsoon?
A: Operations are limited or suspended in rough weather (June–September). Always check locally on the day of travel.
Q: Can we see bioluminescence on these cruises?
A: It’s occasional and not guaranteed. If conditions align (dark, calm, plankton presence), a faint glow may be visible after dusk.
Conclusion
Sunset cruises in Long Island, Andaman, deliver quiet horizons, mangrove silhouettes, and a gentle rhythm far from busy tourist hubs. Plan during the calm season, book a licensed boat, and keep plans flexible around tides and weather. Paired with day trips to Lalaji Bay, Guitar Island, and nearby Rangat sights, this golden-hour sail becomes a highlight of any Middle Andaman itinerary.
