Table of Contents
- Introduction
- History and Importance
- Best Time to Visit
- How to Reach Jolly Buoy Island from Port Blair
- Top Things to Do on Jolly Buoy Island
- Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
- Nearby Attractions from Port Blair
- Accommodation Options (Base: Port Blair)
- Estimated Costs for a Day Trip
- Essential Tips and Rules
- Traveler-Specific Tips
- FAQs about Jolly Buoy Island
- Conclusion
Introduction
Jolly Buoy Island is one of the crown jewels of the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, famed for its glass-clear waters, vibrant coral gardens, and a strict eco-policy that keeps it pristine. A day trip from Port Blair brings you to a world of turquoise lagoons and living reefs—ideal for snorkeling and glass-bottom boat rides. With no shops or stays on the island, it’s a pure, nature-forward escape best planned as a half-day or day excursion.
History and Importance
Part of the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park (established in 1983), Jolly Buoy safeguards some of the Andaman’s healthiest coral reefs. To reduce pressure on the ecosystem, the park authorities rotate visitor access between Jolly Buoy and Red Skin Island. This conservation-first approach helps protect delicate coral species like staghorn and brain corals and marine life including parrotfish, clownfish, sea cucumbers, and giant clams.
The island is uninhabited and has long been a model for low-impact marine tourism in India. Policies like “no plastic” and restricted activities have kept the waters exceptionally clear—making Jolly Buoy a benchmark for coral-viewing experiences in the Andamans.
Best Time to Visit
- Peak season: November to May (clearest waters; calm seas).
- Monsoon: June to September (generally closed; sea conditions are rough).
- Rotational access: When Jolly Buoy is closed, Red Skin Island often opens instead as an alternative within the same marine park.
- Weekly closure: The marine national park is commonly closed on Mondays; schedules may vary—confirm locally before planning.
- Boat timings: Most boats depart Wandoor Jetty around 8:30–9:00 am and return by early afternoon (approximately 2:00–3:00 pm), weather permitting.
How to Reach Jolly Buoy Island from Port Blair
Step 1: Port Blair to Wandoor Jetty (Road, ~25 km)
- By taxi: 45–60 minutes depending on traffic.
- By bus: State transport buses run from Port Blair to Wandoor; allow ~1–1.5 hours.
Step 2: Wandoor Jetty to Jolly Buoy (Boat, ~30–45 minutes)
- Government-registered boats take visitors to the island in the morning and bring them back early afternoon.
- Seats are limited; book at least a day in advance via authorized counters or a licensed tour operator.
Permits and Tickets
- Entry permit to Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park is mandatory (issued by Forest/Environment authorities; available via designated counters in Port Blair/Wandoor or through approved operators).
- Carry a valid photo ID; foreigners should ensure valid entry permissions to the Andaman & Nicobar Islands as per current regulations.
- Some plastics may be prohibited or tagged for return; follow instructions at the jetty.
Top Things to Do on Jolly Buoy Island
Snorkeling over Coral Reefs
- Designated snorkeling zones near the beach reveal colorful coral gardens and schooling reef fish.
- Guided/snorkel-gear options are usually available via authorized providers; life jackets are provided.
Glass-Bottom Boat Rides
- Ideal for non-swimmers and families; view corals and marine life without getting wet.
- Options vary by duration (short to extended rides).
Beach Time and Nature Walks
- Enjoy powdery sands and serene lagoons; swimming is allowed only in marked areas.
- Short, supervised nature strolls around the designated visitor zone.
Photography and Wildlife Spotting
- Crystal visibility makes for vivid underwater and shoreline shots.
- Look for butterflyfish, angelfish, giant clams, sea cucumbers; do not touch or step on corals.
Note: To protect the ecosystem, activities like scuba diving, fishing, and collecting shells/corals are not permitted here. For scuba, consider Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) or North Bay.
Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
Food
- No food stalls on Jolly Buoy; carry snacks and drinking water in eco-friendly, reusable containers.
- Before/after the trip, try seafood thalis, grilled fish, and South Indian fare in Port Blair (Aberdeen Bazaar area and along the airport–Wandoor route).
- Vegetarian options are available in town; consider packing fruit and sandwiches for the excursion.
Shopping
- Shop in Port Blair’s Aberdeen Bazaar for handicrafts, coconut-shell items, and local spices.
- Avoid buying coral, shells, and marine curios—they are protected and often illegal to trade.
Culture and Etiquette
- The Andamans include protected tribal reserves—never attempt visits to restricted areas.
- Follow the marine park’s eco-rules strictly: no littering, no alcohol on boats/island, and carry all waste back.
Nearby Attractions from Port Blair
- Wandoor Beach: A calm, scenic beach near the jetty—nice for sunrise/sunset.
- Chidiya Tapu and Munda Pahad: Birding, sunset points, and a short trek (about 25 km from Port Blair).
- Cellular Jail (National Memorial): Historic site with evening light and sound show.
- Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island (Ross Island): Ruins, deer, and heritage walks; a short boat ride from Marina Park Jetty.
- North Bay Island: Snorkeling and sea walk options; good for adventure add-ons on a different day.
Accommodation Options (Base: Port Blair)
There is no accommodation on Jolly Buoy Island. Stay in Port Blair and day-trip to the island.
Where to Stay in Port Blair
- Budget (INR 1500–3000/night): Guesthouses near Aberdeen Bazaar or Phoenix Bay; simple rooms and local eateries nearby.
- Mid-range (INR 3000–7000/night): Boutique hotels around Haddo, Phoenix Bay, or Corbyn’s Cove area; better amenities and sea-view options.
- Upscale (INR 8000–15000+/night): Seafront resorts and premium hotels; ideal for couples and families seeking comfort.
Book early in peak season, especially if your travel dates are fixed around Jolly Buoy’s open window.
Estimated Costs for a Day Trip
Indicative per-person costs from Port Blair (subject to change; confirm latest rates):
- Road transfer (Port Blair–Wandoor–return): INR 300–600 by bus; INR 1500–2500 for a private cab (total, shareable).
- Boat ticket (Wandoor–Jolly Buoy–return): Approximately INR 1000–1500.
- Marine park entry/permit and environment fees: Approximately INR 100–200.
- Glass-bottom boat rides: INR 400–1500 depending on duration.
- Snorkeling gear/guide (if taken): INR 500–1000.
- Meals/snacks (carry your own): INR 200–500.
Sample Day-Trip Budgets
- Backpacker: INR 1800–2800 (bus + boat + basic glass-bottom + permits + snacks).
- Comfort: INR 3000–5000 (shared cab + extended glass-bottom or snorkeling + permits + better food).
- Family of 4: INR 8000–14000 (private cab + boat + mixed activities + permits + snacks).
Essential Tips and Rules
- No plastic policy: Use reusable bottles and containers. If authorities tag items, ensure you bring everything back.
- What to pack: Rash guard/long-sleeve swimwear, reef-safe sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, towel, aqua shoes, dry bag, light snacks, water.
- Safety: Follow lifeguard/guide instructions; wear life jackets; swim only in marked zones; beware of currents.
- Facilities: Limited shade and basic facilities only; no shops or restaurants on the island.
- Photography: Drones typically require prior permission; avoid flash on marine life; do not step on corals.
- Weather & cancellations: Boats operate subject to sea conditions; timings can change—keep the morning free.
- Closed days: Commonly closed on Mondays and during monsoon; verify current schedule.
Traveler-Specific Tips
For Families
- Choose early boats to avoid heat and get calmer seas.
- Pack extra water, snacks, hats, and a lightweight beach mat; shade is limited.
- Glass-bottom rides are great for kids; ensure child-sized life jackets.
For Honeymooners/Couples
- Opt for a weekday morning for a quieter experience.
- Carry a compact picnic and a dry bag for phones/cameras.
- Consider a premium glass-bottom session for longer reef viewing.
For Friends/Adventure Seekers
- Bring action cameras with floaty grips; confirm if mounts are allowed.
- Book snorkeling in advance with authorized guides; follow reef-safe etiquette.
- Plan add-on adventures on other days (sea walk at North Bay, scuba at Havelock).
FAQs about Jolly Buoy Island
Q: Do I need a permit to visit Jolly Buoy Island?
A: Yes. An entry permit to Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park is mandatory, along with boat tickets from Wandoor Jetty. Carry valid ID; check the latest process at official counters or through licensed operators.
Q: Is Jolly Buoy open year-round?
A: No. It typically opens in the dry season (around November to May) and closes during the monsoon. Access often rotates with Red Skin Island. The park is commonly closed on Mondays—confirm before planning.
Q: Can I buy food or water on the island?
A: No. There are no shops on Jolly Buoy. Bring your own water and snacks in reusable containers and take all waste back.
Q: Is snorkeling suitable for non-swimmers?
A: Yes, in designated areas with life jackets and guide supervision. Alternatively, choose glass-bottom boat rides for coral viewing without entering the water.
Q: Are drones or scuba diving allowed?
A: Scuba diving is not conducted at Jolly Buoy due to conservation rules. Drones generally require prior permissions; check regulations before carrying one.
Conclusion
A Jolly Buoy Island day trip from Port Blair is a carefully protected, low-impact marine experience—clear waters, living coral gardens, and tranquil beaches. Plan in season, secure permits and boat seats early, pack eco-friendly essentials, and keep the morning free. With snorkeling or glass-bottom viewing and a serene beach break, it’s one of the Andamans’ most rewarding nature excursions.
