Table of Contents
- Introduction
- History & Importance
- Best Time to Visit
- Top Things to Do
- How to Reach
- Accommodation Options
- Estimated Trip Costs
- Local Experiences: Food, Shopping & Culture
- Nearby Attractions
- Practical Tips & Rules
- Traveler-Specific Tips
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park in Wandoor, South Andaman, is where emerald islands meet living coral gardens. Spread across 17 islands, including the famous Jolly Buoy and Red Skin, the park protects vibrant reefs, seagrass meadows, mangroves, and nesting beaches for turtles. Day trips from Port Blair bring you to crystalline waters perfect for glass-bottom boat rides and snorkeling—an easy, family-friendly way to witness Andaman’s underwater world without intensive diving.
History & Importance
Established in 1983, Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park was created to conserve the rich marine biodiversity fringing South Andaman. The park spans roughly 280+ sq km of sea, reef, and island habitats centered around Wandoor.
- Ecology: Fringing coral reefs with hard and soft corals, seagrass supporting dugongs, mangroves protecting coastlines, and sandy beaches used by Green and Hawksbill turtles.
- Wildlife highlights: Parrotfish, butterflyfish, clownfish, giant clams, sea cucumbers, occasional reef sharks and rays, white-bellied sea eagles, herons, and kingfishers.
- Islands: Jolly Buoy and Red Skin are the primary visitor islands; Tarmugli, Boat, and others remain mostly for conservation.
- Why it matters: The park is a living classroom for responsible marine tourism and a crucial refuge for climate-stressed coral ecosystems in the Bay of Bengal.
Best Time to Visit
- Peak (November–April): Calm seas, clear visibility for snorkeling and glass-bottom rides.
- Shoulder (October & May): Good weather windows; occasional showers or swell.
- Monsoon (June–September): Rough seas and closures are common; Jolly Buoy/Red Skin usually shut in this period.
Note: For conservation and weather, Jolly Buoy and Red Skin open in alternate seasons (not usually at the same time). Confirm which island is open and boat availability a day or two in advance in Port Blair.
Top Things to Do
1) Glass-Bottom Boat Rides
The most accessible way to view coral gardens and reef fish. Great for kids, seniors, and non-swimmers. Operates at Jolly Buoy/Red Skin via licensed boats.
2) Snorkeling
Guided snorkeling reveals colorful corals and schools of reef fish in shallow lagoons. Lifejackets and basic instruction are provided; bring or rent a mask and snorkel.
3) Beaches & Nature Walks
Short designated trails and white-sand beaches on visitor islands offer quiet time, birdwatching, and photography. Stay within marked zones to protect dunes and nests.
4) Marine Interpretation Centre (Wandoor)
Before your boat ride, explore exhibits on corals, turtles, and mangroves at the interpretation centre near Wandoor Jetty for deeper context.
5) Responsible Photography
Capture reefscapes from boats, shoreline frames of mangroves, and changing water colors. Avoid flash underwater and never touch or stand on corals.
How to Reach
Getting to Port Blair
- By Air: Fly into Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ), Port Blair, from major Indian cities.
- By Sea: Long-distance passenger ships from Chennai/Kolkata/Visakhapatnam operate occasionally (3–4 days; schedule-dependent).
Port Blair to Wandoor (Park Gateway)
- Distance/Time: ~25–30 km; 45–75 minutes by road.
- Local Bus: Regular buses from Port Blair to Wandoor; budget-friendly.
- Taxi/Auto: Taxis are faster and convenient for early departures.
- Self-drive: Two-wheelers/cars can be rented in Port Blair; carry license and fuel early.
Boats & Permits
- Departure: Licensed boats leave from Wandoor Jetty to the designated island open that season (Jolly Buoy or Red Skin).
- Permits: Required for entry; available via the Forest/Department counters in Port Blair or Wandoor (carry government ID). Limited daily quotas.
- Operating Days: One weekly maintenance/closure day is common—confirm locally.
- Day Trips Only: No overnight stays on the islands; last return boat typically early afternoon.
Accommodation Options
There are no lodges on the park’s islands. Stay in Port Blair for choice, or in Wandoor for proximity.
- Wandoor area: Small beachside guesthouses and eco-stays; quiet and close to the jetty.
- Port Blair: Wide range of hotels/guesthouses from budget to upscale; dining and ATMs nearby.
Book accommodation during peak months (Nov–Apr) as boat permits and rooms can sell out.
Estimated Trip Costs
Indicative per-person/day costs (subject to change; check latest rates):
- Entry/Permit: ~INR 50–150 (Indian nationals); ~INR 250–500 (foreign nationals).
- Boat Transfer (Wandoor–Island–Wandoor): ~INR 800–1,500 per seat depending on season and boat type.
- Glass-Bottom Ride: ~INR 600–1,200 for a standard session; premium/longer rides higher.
- Snorkel Gear/Guide: ~INR 150–500 for masks, snorkels, lifejackets; guided sessions extra.
- Taxi Port Blair–Wandoor return: ~INR 2,400–3,500 (varies by vehicle and wait time).
- Accommodation: Budget INR 1,500–3,000; Mid-range INR 3,500–7,000; Premium INR 8,000+ per night (double).
Tip: Carry cash for small counters and boat operators; cards and ATMs can be unreliable around Wandoor.
Local Experiences: Food, Shopping & Culture
Food
- Seafood: Fresh fish, crab, and prawn curries in Port Blair; simple local eateries in Wandoor.
- Thalis & Snacks: Andaman-style fish thali, coconut water, samosas, and South Indian staples.
- On the islands: Food service is restricted; consume meals on the boat or before/after your trip. Pack reusable water bottles.
Shopping
- Handicrafts: Sagarika Government Emporium and local craft stores in Port Blair for wood and cane products.
- Marine Souvenirs: Avoid buying corals, shells, or turtle products—these are protected by law.
Culture
- A blend of communities from across mainland India resides in Port Blair; respect local customs and dress modestly around villages.
- Indigenous tribes in the Andamans are protected; travel to tribal reserves is prohibited without special permits.
- Marine conservation is central here—follow “no trace” travel principles.
Nearby Attractions
- Wandoor Beach: Quiet shoreline near the jetty—great for sunrise/sunset strolls.
- Chidiyatapu (Munda Pahad): Sunset point and short cliff-top walk; ~30 km from Port Blair.
- Cellular Jail (Port Blair): Historic complex with evening light-and-sound show.
- Samudrika Marine Museum & Anthropological Museum: Exhibits on Andaman marine life and cultures.
- Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island (Ross Island) & North Bay: Colonial ruins, deer, and water activities (outside the park).
- Mount Harriet National Park: Forest views and short treks across the bay from Port Blair.
- Swaraj Dweep (Havelock) & Shaheed Dweep (Neil): Famous beaches and snorkeling sites via ferry from Port Blair.
Practical Tips & Rules
- Permits first: Secure your permit and boat seat at least a day in advance during peak season.
- Timing: Boats leave in the morning and return early afternoon. Be at Wandoor Jetty early.
- What to wear: Rash guard or full-sleeve swimwear, reef-safe mineral sunscreen (zinc/titanium), hat, and water shoes.
- What to carry: Government ID, cash, dry bag, towel, reusable bottle, light snacks (consume responsibly; don’t litter).
- Plastic ban: Single-use plastics are restricted. Follow staff instructions and use designated bins.
- Marine etiquette: Don’t touch, stand on, or collect corals/shells; keep fins off the reef; no feeding fish.
- Safety: Use lifejackets; heed lifeguard/boatman guidance; beware of currents and jellyfish in some seasons.
- Drones & alcohol: Drones require special permissions; alcohol is not permitted on boats/islands.
- Connectivity: Mobile signal can be patchy around Wandoor; inform your hotel of your return time.
Traveler-Specific Tips
For Families
- Choose glass-bottom rides first; try shallow guided snorkeling if kids are comfortable.
- Carry snacks for children but keep the islands litter-free; bathrooms are limited—plan ahead.
- Bring motion-sickness tablets for boat-sensitive travelers.
For Honeymooners
- Visit on a weekday for quieter reefs and gentler crowds.
- Pair your day trip with a sunset at Chidiyatapu or a relaxed evening at Wandoor Beach.
- Pack a lightweight sarong and waterproof phone pouch for easy beach-to-boat transitions.
For Friends/Backpackers
- Use public buses to Wandoor to save costs; share taxis back if returning late.
- Bring your own snorkel mask for better fit and hygiene; rent fins locally if needed.
- Combine the park with a budget-friendly itinerary to Ross/North Bay or an onward ferry to Havelock.
FAQs
Q: Do I need a permit for Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park?
A: Yes. Entry permits are mandatory and issued by the Forest Department in Port Blair or at Wandoor. Daily visitor numbers and boat seats are limited, especially in peak season.
Q: Which is better to visit: Jolly Buoy or Red Skin?
A: Both offer clear waters and coral viewing. Jolly Buoy is often praised for visibility; Red Skin is the monsoon-season alternative. Only one is typically open at a time—check locally before planning.
Q: Can I scuba dive inside the park?
A: The standard visitor experience inside the park focuses on glass-bottom rides and snorkeling. Many organized scuba dives operate at designated sites outside core protected zones around Port Blair, Havelock, and Neil.
Q: Are food and plastic bottles allowed on the islands?
A: Single-use plastics are restricted. Carry reusable bottles and minimize packaged food. Consume snacks on the boat and dispose of waste properly at designated points.
Q: What if the weather turns bad?
A: Boat operations depend on sea conditions. Trips may be delayed or canceled for safety. Keep a buffer day in your itinerary and confirm the evening before your visit.
Conclusion
Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park is the Andamans’ most accessible window into thriving coral reefs, best experienced via glass-bottom boat rides and guided snorkeling from Wandoor. Visit between November and April for calmer seas, secure your permits early, and travel light with reef-safe gear. Respecting the plastic ban, marine etiquette, and day-trip timings ensures a safe, memorable, and low-impact encounter with one of India’s finest marine sanctuaries.
