Table of Contents
- Introduction
- History and Importance
- Best Time to Visit
- Top Things to Do
- Travel Vlogging Guide to Long Island
- How to Reach
- Accommodation Options
- Estimated Costs
- Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
- Nearby Attractions
- Tips for Different Travelers
- General Travel Tips
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Long Island in the Andaman archipelago is a serene, forest-clad gem fringed with powdery beaches and mangroves. Far from the bustle of Port Blair and Havelock, it’s a dream setting for travel vloggers seeking unfiltered nature, local island life, and aquamarine waters without the crowds. From the trek to Lalaji Bay to boat rides through mangrove creeks and sandbar walks to Guitar Island, Long Island blends raw beauty with an offbeat vibe that looks incredible on camera—and feels even better in person.
History and Importance
Part of Middle Andaman, Long Island evolved from a small settlement and timber outpost into a quiet community ringed by protected forests and pristine beaches. Its importance today lies in conservation-friendly, low-impact travel—an alternative to busier islands—serving as a base for exploring Lalaji Bay, nearby North Passage Island’s Merk Bay, and uninhabited islets like Guitar Island.
Best Time to Visit
- October to May: Calmer seas, clear skies, excellent visibility for filming and snorkeling.
- June to September (Monsoon): Heavy rains, choppy seas, and possible boat cancellations; lush greenery but limited inter-island movement.
- Photography tip: Golden hours in winter months deliver soft light; water clarity is often best Feb–Apr.
Top Things to Do
Lalaji Bay Beach
- Trek 6–7 km through shaded forest trails from the village to a broad, uncrowded beach.
- Swim in calm sections when conditions permit; check local advice on currents and wildlife.
- Film ideas: Drone-like perspectives via elevated viewpoints on the trail (no-drone zones apply), shoreline timelapses, beach b-roll.
Guitar Island Sandbar
- Short boat ride from Long Island; at low tide, a snow-white sandbar appears.
- Perfect for cinematic walk sequences, minimalistic compositions, and hyperlapses.
Merk Bay (North Passage Island)
- Day trip by permitted boat; known for clear water, coral patches, and gentle snorkeling.
- Carry your own snorkel set; rentals are limited.
Mangrove Creek Boat Rides
- Glide through emerald tunnels with reflections ideal for symmetrical shots.
- Watch for kingfishers, herons, and mudskippers for wildlife cutaways.
Village and Jetty Evenings
- Capture everyday island life: fishing boats, sunset silhouettes, and starry skies.
Travel Vlogging Guide to Long Island
Legalities and Permissions
- Commercial filming may require permissions from local authorities; confirm in Port Blair.
- Drones: Flying without approvals is generally prohibited. India requires registration, pilot authorization (via Digital Sky), and local clearances. Many coastal/forest zones are no-fly—verify on arrival.
- Foreign nationals: Entry to Long Island is generally permitted, but regulations can change. Check current guidelines with the Andaman & Nicobar Administration before travel.
Gear and Power
- Essentials: Mirrorless/compact camera, action cam with waterproof housing, variable ND filters, lapel mic/wind muffs, lightweight tripod/mini travel tripod.
- Power: 2–3 spare batteries per camera, 10,000–20,000 mAh power banks, multi-plug extension; expect occasional power cuts.
- Moisture control: Dry bags, silica gel packs, and microfiber cloths for salt spray.
Storyboard and Shot List
- Opening: Jetty arrival, village walk-and-talk.
- Adventure: Forest trek sequences to Lalaji Bay (POV + cutaways), snorkeling b-roll at Merk Bay.
- Signature shots: Low-tide sandbar walk at Guitar Island, mangrove reflections, sunset timelapse.
- Sound: Capture ambient audio—waves, cicadas, boat engines—for immersive edits.
Connectivity and Data
- Mobile data can be patchy. Expect workable signal near the jetty/village; weak or none on remote beaches.
- Back up daily to SSD; do not rely on cloud uploads.
Safety and Leave No Trace
- Follow lifeguard/local guidance; avoid isolated swims in poor conditions.
- Do not film or approach wildlife closely; reefs and nests are sensitive.
- Pack out all trash; never collect shells/coral.
How to Reach
- Fly to Port Blair (IXZ): Daily connections from major Indian cities.
- Port Blair to Rangat (Middle Andaman):
- By road: Government bus or shared cabs via the Andaman Trunk Road (approx. 6–8 hours, subject to convoy timings).
- By ferry: Occasional government ferries; schedules vary. Check Directorate of Shipping Services (DSS) in Port Blair.
- Rangat to Long Island:
- Boats from Yeratta Jetty (Rangat) to Long Island run on select days; ~45–60 minutes.
- Occasional direct ferries from Port Blair to Long Island may operate; confirm latest DSS schedule.
- Buy tickets at DSS counters; carry ID and arrive early.
Accommodation Options
- Guesthouses and homestays near the village: Basic to mid-range rooms with simple amenities.
- Government/forest rest houses: Limited rooms; advance confirmation recommended.
- Electricity and water: Expect intermittent supply; some places use generators.
- Payments: Cash preferred; ATMs are limited—withdraw in Port Blair or Rangat.
Estimated Costs
- Transport:
- Port Blair to Rangat by bus/shared cab: INR 400–1,000 per person (one-way).
- Rangat to Long Island boat: INR 150–400 per person (one-way), depending on boat type/schedule.
- Stay: INR 1,000–3,000 per room per night (budget to simple mid-range).
- Food: INR 200–450 per meal at local eateries; seafood dishes slightly higher.
- Day trips/boats (indicative):
- Guitar Island/nearby sandbars: INR 2,000–4,500 per boat (shareable; negotiate locally).
- Merk Bay (North Passage Island): INR 4,000–8,000 per boat plus permits, if applicable.
- Guide/porter (optional): INR 800–1,500 per day.
Note: Prices fluctuate with season, fuel costs, and availability. Always reconfirm on the ground.
Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
Food
- Home-style thalis, fresh fish curry, fried fish, dal–sabzi, and rotis.
- Coconut water, bananas, and seasonal fruits for beach days.
- Vegetarians will find simple options; inform your host in advance.
Shopping
- Very limited; small general stores for snacks and basics.
- Avoid buying shells or coral—it’s illegal and harms ecosystems.
Culture
- A friendly community of settlers from diverse Indian backgrounds.
- Dress modestly in villages; ask before filming people.
Nearby Attractions
- Guitar Island: Uninhabited islet famous for its sandbar; best at low tide.
- North Passage Island (Merk Bay): Clear waters for snorkeling; permits and boat required.
- Rangat:
- Dhaninallah Mangrove Walkway
- Amkunj Beach (eco-park setting)
- Yeratta Mangrove Park
- En route from Port Blair:
- Baratang: Limestone caves and mud volcano (via guided trips)
Tips for Different Travelers
Families
- Book rooms in advance; larger family rooms are limited.
- Carry snacks, ORS, and kid-friendly sun protection.
- Choose calm-water timings for beach time; heed local advice.
Honeymooners
- Plan a sunrise trek to Lalaji Bay for privacy and soft light.
- Pack a light picnic and beach mat; facilities are minimal.
- Expect limited nightlife—embrace stargazing.
Friends/Backpackers
- Split boat costs for Guitar Island/Merk Bay to save money.
- Bring snorkel masks and fins; rentals are scarce.
- Respect camping restrictions; overnight beach camping typically requires permission.
General Travel Tips
- Safety: Currents vary; no permanent lifeguards. Check local conditions before swimming.
- Wildlife: Crocodile advisories can apply in mangrove zones—ask locals and obey signage.
- Cash and Connectivity: Carry enough cash; mobile data can be patchy.
- Eco-awareness: Use reef-safe sunscreen; do not litter; avoid trampling seagrass and coral rubble.
- Health: Pack motion-sickness meds for boat rides; carry a basic first-aid kit.
- Respect: Seek consent before filming people; avoid drones without proper permissions.
FAQs
Q: How many days do I need on Long Island for travel vlogging?
A: Two to three full days let you film the village and jetty, trek to Lalaji Bay, and take a day trip to Guitar Island or Merk Bay with enough time for multiple light conditions.
Q: Are drones allowed on Long Island?
A: Not without approvals. India requires drone registration and flight permissions; many coastal/forest areas are restricted. Check current rules, airspace maps, and obtain written permissions if eligible.
Q: Do I need special permits to visit Long Island?
A: Indian nationals typically do not need special permits for Long Island. Foreign nationals should verify current entry regulations with the Andaman & Nicobar Administration. Separate permissions/fees may apply for certain boat trips and protected areas.
Q: Can I rent snorkeling or diving gear on Long Island?
A: Rentals are very limited or unavailable. Bring your own mask, snorkel, and fins, or arrange rentals in Port Blair or Havelock before traveling onward.
Q: What’s the best time of day to film at Lalaji Bay?
A: Early morning for soft light, fewer footprints, and gentler winds; late afternoon for warm tones and silhouettes. Midday is best for underwater clarity if the sea is calm.
Conclusion
Long Island, Andaman, is an offbeat paradise where mangroves, sandbars, and quiet beaches meet small-island life. It’s ideal for travel vloggers who value nature-first experiences and cinematic seascapes. With careful planning around boats, permits, and connectivity, you’ll capture memorable stories—from the trek to Lalaji Bay to low-tide walks on Guitar Island—while keeping your footprint light.
