Table of Contents
- Introduction
- History & Importance
- Best Time to Visit
- Top Eco-Adventures & Things to Do
- Nearby Attractions
- Practical Travel Information
- Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
- Travel Tips for Long Island Andaman
- Tips by Traveler Type
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Long Island in the Andaman Islands is a quiet, forested paradise where mangrove creeks open into powdery beaches and coral gardens. Far from the usual tourist circuit, it’s a natural playground for low-impact, eco-friendly adventures—think jungle treks to Lalaji Bay, boat rides to uninhabited sandbars, and snorkeling in calm, crystalline coves. If you’re seeking raw, off-grid Andaman beauty with a light footprint, Long Island delivers.
History & Importance
Long Island has long been a small settlement island in Middle Andaman, known for boat-building and forestry-related activities that dwindled after conservation rules tightened in the 2000s. The shift from extractive industries to conservation and community-based tourism has kept much of the island pristine. Today, Long Island is a gateway to protected beaches and reefs—especially Lalaji Bay on the island’s eastern side and nearby uninhabited islets like Guitar Island and North Passage (Merk Bay).
Best Time to Visit
- Peak season: November to April (calm seas, clear water, best for snorkeling, treks, and boat trips).
- Shoulder months: October and May (good weather windows; occasional showers or heat).
- Monsoon: June to September (rough seas, frequent ferry disruptions; not ideal for water activities).
- Typical temperatures: 24–32°C; humidity is high year-round. Early mornings and late afternoons are best for treks.
Top Eco-Adventures & Things to Do
Trek to Lalaji Bay Beach
- What to expect: A scenic forest trail (approx. 6–7 km one-way from the village; or shorter if you take a mangrove boat drop) leading to a wide, uncrowded white-sand beach.
- Why it’s eco-special: Dense evergreen canopy, birdlife, and a beach that often feels entirely yours.
- Good to know: Carry water, snacks, reef-safe sunscreen; avoid hiking after dark; check local tide and crocodile advisories for creeks.
Snorkeling at Lalaji Bay and Merk Bay
- Lalaji Bay: Calm days bring excellent visibility with patch reefs and reef fish near the headlands.
- Merk Bay (North Passage Island): A short boat trip from Long Island jetty; shallow coral gardens, occasional turtles, and very clear water on settled days.
- Tips: Bring your own mask and fins; hire a local boatman/guide; avoid stepping on coral and maintain buoyancy control.
Mangrove & Creek Kayaking
- Paddle through tidal channels around Long Island to spot mudskippers, mangrove roots, and kingfishers.
- Best time: Early morning or sunset on a rising tide with a local guide who knows the creeks.
Island-Hopping by Country Boat
- Guitar Island & Guitar Island Beach: A narrow, photogenic sandspit perfect for beachcombing and shell spotting.
- North Passage (Merk Bay): Uninhabited, postcard-perfect lagoon anchorage for picnics and snorkels (permits and lifejackets required).
Birdwatching & Nature Walks
- Look for Andaman drongo, collared kingfisher, white-bellied sea eagle, and emerald doves along forest edges.
- Quiet mornings yield the best sightings; carry binoculars and keep voices low.
Low-Light Magic
- Stargazing from isolated beaches is superb on clear nights; bioluminescence can occasionally appear on very dark, calm nights—leave no trace and avoid disturbing nesting fauna.
Suggested 2–3 Day Eco-Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrive, village orientation, sunset kayak through mangroves.
- Day 2: Early trek to Lalaji Bay; snorkel near the headlands; picnic and return by boat through creeks (tide-dependent).
- Day 3: Boat trip to Guitar Island and Merk Bay; easy snorkel session; return by afternoon ferry when available.
Nearby Attractions
- Rangat (Middle Andaman): Dhani Nallah Mangrove Walkway, Amkunj Beach (eco-park), Yeratta Mangrove Park.
- Guitar Island & Guitar Island Beach: Close to Long Island; ideal for half-day trips.
- North Passage Island (Merk Bay): Pristine beach and lagoon; day visits by permitted boat.
- Further afield: Baratang (limestone caves, mud volcano) to the south of Rangat; plan as a separate day or transit stop.
Practical Travel Information
How to Reach Long Island (Andaman)
- Port Blair to Rangat:
- By road: 6–8 hours via Andaman Trunk Road (shared jeeps/buses). Expect check-posts and variable road conditions.
- By ferry: Government ferries operate on select days (6–8 hours). Schedules change seasonally.
- Rangat to Long Island:
- Government ferry from Yeratta/Rangat Bay Jetty to Long Island (approx. 1–1.5 hours). Tickets at the jetty; carry ID.
- Chartered country boats may be available in fair weather (permits as required).
- Schedules & Permits: Check the Directorate of Shipping Services or local notice boards. Weather can cancel sailings—keep buffer days.
- Connectivity: Mobile signal is limited (BSNL most likely). Plan offline maps and keep important bookings printed.
Accommodation Options
- Guesthouses & Homestays: A small selection near the village/jetty, often basic (fan rooms, intermittent power). Pre-arrange by phone from Rangat/Port Blair.
- Forest/Rest Houses: Occasionally available with advance permission; standards vary.
- Camping: Sometimes permitted at Lalaji Bay with prior approval from local authorities; strictly follow leave-no-trace rules and carry out all waste.
- Dining: Simple eateries and thali joints in the village; seafood available when fresh catch arrives.
Estimated Costs
- Government ferry (Rangat–Long Island): INR 50–150 per person (class-dependent).
- Local boat to Lalaji/creeks: INR 800–2,000 round trip (distance/tide/negotiation dependent).
- Boat charter to Guitar Island/Merk Bay: INR 3,500–7,000 per boat (size, duration, fuel, and permits vary).
- Snorkel gear rental (if available) or guide: INR 300–1,000.
- Kayaking (guided, where available): INR 1,500–2,500 per person (2–3 hours).
- Accommodation: INR 1,000–2,500 per night (basic rooms). Limited mid-range options.
- Meals: INR 150–350 for thali/seafood plate at local eateries.
Note: Prices fluctuate with season, fuel costs, and availability. Carry sufficient cash; ATMs are not guaranteed on Long Island.
Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
- Food: Simple Andamanese-Bengali-style thalis, fresh fish curry, lentils, rice. Ask about the day’s catch; try coconut-based preparations.
- Shopping: Minimal on the island; basic provisions only. For souvenirs (shell craft, cane/bamboo), shop in Rangat or Port Blair.
- Culture: Life revolves around fishing, boatmaking, and small-scale trade. Be respectful when photographing people or boats; seek consent.
- Environment: Waste management is fragile—carry a reusable bottle, avoid single-use plastics, and pack out all trash.
Travel Tips for Long Island Andaman
- Permits & IDs: Carry ID for ferries. For North Passage/Merk Bay and some forest areas, secure local permissions via jetty/forest office.
- Safety in Water: Swim only in open sea areas deemed safe by locals; avoid creeks/mangroves due to possible saltwater crocodile presence.
- Sun & Hydration: Use reef-safe sunscreen, a wide-brim hat, and drink plenty of water. Heat and humidity are intense.
- Gear: Dry bag, snorkeling set, insect repellent, lightweight long sleeves, sturdy walking shoes/sandals, headlamp, and a power bank.
- Leave No Trace: Stick to marked trails, don’t touch coral, and avoid loud music on secluded beaches.
- Cash Only Mindset: Limited or no ATMs; many services are cash-based.
Tips by Traveler Type
Families
- Choose calm-water days for beach time; keep kids close near creeks and at low-visibility surf.
- Pack snacks, ORS, and a small first-aid kit; options on the island are limited.
Honeymooners & Couples
- Expect blissful seclusion over luxury amenities; plan for patchy power/internet.
- Time a sunset kayak or a private boat to Guitar Island for a romantic, low-impact outing.
Friends & Backpackers
- Arrive with flexible dates; ferries can change last-minute.
- Consider group boat charters to reduce costs; always prioritize safety gear and permits.
FAQs
Q: Do I need special permits to visit Long Island Andaman?
A: Indian nationals typically don’t need special permits for Long Island. Foreign tourists may need to follow standard Andaman entry rules; for specific beaches (like Merk Bay) and boat trips, local permissions and registrations at the jetty/forest office are usually required. Carry your passport/ID.
Q: Is snorkeling good for beginners on Long Island?
A: Yes—on calm days, Lalaji Bay and Merk Bay offer beginner-friendly, shallow sites. Go with a local guide, use a life jacket if needed, and avoid stepping on coral.
Q: Are there ATMs and reliable mobile networks?
A: ATMs are unreliable or absent on Long Island, and mobile signal is limited (BSNL works best). Bring sufficient cash and download offline maps.
Q: Can I camp on Lalaji Bay?
A: Limited, with prior permission from local authorities. Facilities are minimal—practice strict leave-no-trace and avoid lighting fires on the beach.
Q: What about saltwater crocodiles?
A: Crocodiles can inhabit creeks and mangroves across the Andamans. Avoid swimming in creeks, heed local advisories, and swim only where locals deem it safe in open sea areas.
Conclusion
Long Island rewards slow, mindful travel—forest treks, quiet beaches, and low-impact marine adventures framed by conservation. With simple stays, variable connectivity, and community-run boats, it’s an Andaman experience that feels authentic and wild. Come prepared, tread lightly, and you’ll find some of the archipelago’s most serene eco-adventures here.
