Table of Contents

• Introduction
• History and Importance
• Best Time to Visit
• Top Things to Do on the Secret Islands
• Nearby Attractions and Day Trips
• How to Reach
• Where to Stay
• Estimated Trip Costs
• Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
• Travel Tips and Responsible Travel
• Tips for Families, Honeymooners, and Friends
• FAQs
• Conclusion

Secret Islands near Long Island, Andaman: A Quiet Explorer’s Guide

North of Port Blair, Long Island serves as a sleepy gateway to some of the Andamans’ least-trodden beaches and islets. Think powdery sandbars, lagoon-flat water, and boat rides where the only company is a pod of dolphins. This guide uncovers the secret islands and day-trip gems around Long Island—Guitar Island, Small Guitar Island, Merk Bay at North Passage Island, and the exclusive Strait Island—plus practical details to help you plan a smooth, low-impact escape.

History and Importance

Long Island and its neighboring islets sit within the Middle Andaman region, a mosaic of tropical forests, mangroves, and coral-fringed beaches. Historically, these waters connected scattered settlements via inter-island ferries and small community boats. The “secret” moniker is less about mystery and more about remoteness: limited accommodation, infrequent ferries, and minimal commercial development have kept mass tourism away.

• Cultural sensitivity: Nearby Strait Island is home to members of the Great Andamanese community. Landing is restricted and photography of tribal people is prohibited.
• Conservation value: Shallow reefs and seagrass beds around North Passage and the sandbars near Guitar Island nurture juvenile fish, turtles, and migratory birds.

Best Time to Visit

• November to April: Calm seas, clear visibility, best for boat trips, snorkeling, and sandbar walks.
• January to March: Peak water clarity; excellent for spotting corals and reef fish at Merk Bay.
• May to September: Monsoon winds and rough seas often limit boat operations. Always check local advisories.
• Tides matter: Low tide reveals the iconic sandbar at Guitar Island; plan your visit around tide charts.

Top Things to Do on the Secret Islands

1) Guitar Island and Small Guitar Island

• Sandbar strolls: Walk the pearly sand strip that emerges at low tide between the two islets.
• Beach time: Swim in shallow, glassy water; carry a dry bag and water shoes.
• Photography: Aerial-drone look without the drone—long, minimalist beachscapes with turquoise gradients.
• Good to know: Absolutely no facilities. Pack water, snacks, shade, and carry back all trash.

2) Merk Bay, North Passage Island

• Snorkeling: Calm, clear lagoon with soft corals and reef fish. Visibility is best in the morning.
• Dolphin sightings: Occasional pods on the channel crossing; keep your camera ready.
• Beach picnics: A perfect half-day laze on a gently shelving white-sand cove.
• Permits and checks: Boatmen typically coordinate forest/jetty permissions; carry a valid ID.

3) Strait Island (View From Boat Only)

• Respect restrictions: Landing is not allowed; do not request stopovers. Observe from a distance and avoid photographing people.
• Wildlife watching: Look for sea eagles and flying fish along the route.

Suggested half-day boat plan

• Early morning departure from Long Island jetty.
• First stop at Merk Bay for snorkeling and beach time.
• Return via Guitar Island for a low-tide sandbar walk.
• Back to Long Island by early afternoon as winds pick up.

Nearby Attractions and Day Trips

• Lalaji Bay Beach (Long Island): Reachable by forest trail or local boat; calm, scenic sweep ideal for a swim and siesta.
• Yerrata Mangrove Park (Rangat): Boardwalks and birding about 1–2 hours away by ferry/road transfers.
• Panchavati Waterfall (Rangat): Seasonal cascade for a freshwater cool-off.
• Baratang (farther south): Limestone Caves and Parrot Island evening roost (long day trip if you’re transiting through Rangat).

How to Reach

• Fly to Port Blair (IXZ): Daily flights from major Indian cities.
• Port Blair to Rangat:
  • By road via Andaman Trunk Road: 6–8 hours by bus/shared jeep/private cab.
  • By government ferry (when scheduled): Check latest timings at ticket counters.
• Rangat to Long Island: Government ferries operate from Rangat/neighboring jetties to Long Island (about 1–2 hours). Schedules change; confirm locally a day prior.
• Boats to the secret islands: Hire local fiber boats from Long Island jetty to Guitar/Small Guitar and Merk Bay. Start early; return before afternoon winds.

Note: Weather and tides drive operations. Carry a government-issued photo ID for boat permissions and jetty checks.

Where to Stay

• Long Island: Limited guesthouses and basic stays may be available near the jetty. Options can be seasonal and sparse.
• Forest rest houses: Occasionally available with prior permission; check locally.
• Rangat (backup): Wider choice of budget lodges and simple hotels if Long Island is full.

Book flexible, and always reconfirm availability by phone before you travel onward from Rangat.

Estimated Trip Costs

• Port Blair → Rangat (one-way): Bus/shared jeep: INR 500–1,200; private cab: INR 6,000–9,000; ferry (if running): INR 400–800.
• Rangat → Long Island ferry: INR 100–250 per person.
• Boat charter (from Long Island):
  • Guitar/Small Guitar Island: INR 1,500–3,000 per boat.
  • Merk Bay (North Passage Island): INR 4,000–7,000 per boat.
• Accommodation: INR 1,500–3,500 per room per night (basic stays).
• Meals: INR 200–400 per person per meal (simple local eateries).
• Snorkel gear rental (if available): INR 200–500; best to bring your own.

Costs vary by season, boat size, and fuel prices. Confirm inclusions (life jackets, snorkel time, waiting) before departure.

Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture

• Food: Simple thalis, fish curry-rice, and chai at small eateries near Long Island jetty. Pack a picnic for island trips.
• Shopping: Minimal on Long Island. Stock up in Rangat (snacks, sunscreen, cash).
• Culture: Friendly islanders with seafaring routines. Dress modestly in villages and respect quiet hours.

Travel Tips and Responsible Travel

• Permits and rules: Your boatman usually handles local permissions; carry ID. Do not request landings at restricted islands (e.g., Strait Island).
• Safety: Wear life jackets. Avoid swimming beyond the lagoon edge at Merk Bay; currents strengthen near channel drop-offs.
• Wildlife: Heed any crocodile advisories, especially after heavy rains. Do not feed or chase marine life.
• Weather and tides: Plan early departures; check tide charts for the Guitar sandbar.
• Leave no trace: Pack in/pack out. Use reef-safe sunscreen and avoid stepping on corals.
• Connectivity and cash: Patchy networks (often BSNL only). Carry sufficient cash; ATMs are more reliable in Rangat.
• Essentials: Hat, UV shirt, water shoes, dry bags, electrolytes, motion-sickness pills, insect repellent.

Tips for Families, Honeymooners, and Friends

Families

• Choose calm-weather mornings and stick to lagoon zones for swims.
• Carry snacks, shade, extra water, and a basic first-aid kit.
• Small children should use properly fitting life jackets on boats and at beaches.

Honeymooners

• Time your visit to Guitar Island for low tide and soft light for photos.
• Arrange a private boat with flexible waiting time for a relaxed beach picnic.
• Bring a lightweight beach throw and dry bag for cameras.

Friends/Backpackers

• Combine Lalaji Bay trek with a boat hop to Guitar Island for a full day outdoors.
• Split boat charters to keep costs low; confirm the return time and contingency plans.
• Respect local rules—no campfires or camping on beaches without formal permission.

FAQs

Q: Do I need special permits to visit Merk Bay and Guitar Island?

A: Tourists typically don’t need a separate permit if traveling with a licensed boatman who coordinates local permissions. Carry a government photo ID, and expect routine checks at jetties.

Q: Can I land on Strait Island?

A: No. Landing is restricted due to tribal protection. Boats may pass by at a respectful distance without stopping.

Q: Is snorkeling gear available on Long Island?

A: Availability is limited and inconsistent. Bring your own mask, snorkel, and fins for the best experience and fit.

Q: Are there food stalls on Guitar Island or Merk Bay?

A: No. These are uninhabited or undeveloped beaches. Carry sufficient water, snacks, and sun protection, and take all trash back with you.

Q: What about mobile network and payments?

A: Expect weak or patchy connectivity (often BSNL only). Most services are cash-based; withdraw money in Rangat before heading to Long Island.

Conclusion

The secret islands around Long Island reward slow travelers with clear lagoons, empty sandbars, and quiet boat rides. With simple planning around tides, early starts, and basic supplies, you can enjoy Guitar and Small Guitar Islands, snorkel serene Merk Bay, and appreciate the region’s cultural sensitivity from a respectful distance. Keep it light, low-impact, and you’ll find some of the Andamans’ purest coastal moments here.