Table of Contents
- Introduction
- History & Importance
- Best Time to Visit
- Top Things to Do
- Nearby Attractions
- How to Reach
- Accommodation Options
- Estimated Costs
- Local Experiences: Food, Shopping & Culture
- Tips for Different Travelers
- Essential Tips for Visiting Beach Shacks in Long Island
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Long Island in the Andaman archipelago is a serene, forest-draped isle known for its powdery beaches, glassy coves, and a small, homegrown beach-shack scene. Unlike commercialized beach destinations, shacks here are simple, seasonal, and often run by local families. Expect fresh seafood, coconut-laced curries, and sunset chai rather than flashy signboards. This guide covers where you’ll find beach shacks on Long Island, what to eat, the best season to visit, nearby attractions like Lalaji Bay, and practical tips for a smooth, low-impact trip.
History & Importance
Long Island was once a quiet settlement with forestry and a small sawmill legacy; today it leans toward slow, eco-forward tourism. Beach shacks here are modest and typically non-permanent because of forest and coastal regulations that limit construction close to the shore. That low-key approach protects the island’s fragile beaches and supports local livelihoods with small-scale, seasonal food stalls and huts near the village and on popular day-trip beaches like Lalaji Bay.
The shack culture reflects the Andamans’ mixed settler heritage—expect Bengali- and Tamil-influenced recipes, island-style grilling, and a strong emphasis on freshly caught fish and coconuts.
Best Time to Visit
- Peak season: November to April for calm seas, clear water, and most shacks operating.
- Shoulder months: Late October and early May can be good but expect sporadic showers and fewer boats.
- Monsoon: May to September brings rough seas and rain; many shacks close or run limited hours.
- Best times of day: Early mornings for snorkeling and late afternoons for golden-hour snacks and sunset tea by the beach.
Top Things to Do
- Eat fresh at the shacks:
- Try tawa-fried fish, prawn curry with coconut, basic thalis, and banana fritters.
- Vegetarian plates are usually available (dal, sabzi, rice).
- Sunset sessions:
- Unwind with lemon tea or a fresh tender coconut near the village beach or on sunset-facing sands.
- Snorkel and swim (conditions permitting):
- Calm days around Lalaji Bay often offer clear, shallow reefs. Avoid mangrove zones and heed local advice.
- Trek to Lalaji Bay:
- A scenic forest path leads to one of Long Island’s most beautiful beaches; start early to avoid midday heat.
- Boat day-trips:
- Hire a local boat for Merk Bay (North Passage Island) and the Guitar Island sandbar when weather allows.
- Stargazing and quiet nights:
- With minimal light pollution, clear nights can be spectacular.
- Beach clean-ups:
- Join or initiate a quick clean-up with shack owners—waste must be carried back to the village.
Nearby Attractions
- Lalaji Bay, Long Island:
- Pristine, wide beach ideal for day visits, swimming on calm days, and picnics.
- Merk Bay (North Passage Island):
- Known for clear waters and snorkeling; boat trips depend on weather and local permissions.
- Guitar Island Sandbar:
- Thin ribbon of sand exposed at low tide; great for photos and a short wander.
- Rangat (on Middle Andaman, for transit):
- Dhani Nallah Mangrove Walk, Yeratta Mangrove Park, and Baludera Beach are accessible if you’re passing through.
How to Reach
- From Port Blair:
- By road to Rangat: 6–9 hours by government/STS bus or shared vehicle via the Andaman Trunk Road (timings vary).
- By ferry (when available): Government ferries operate to Rangat on select days; schedules change seasonally.
- From Rangat (Yerrata Jetty) to Long Island: Local ferry or fiber boat, typically 45–60 minutes, frequency depends on season and sea state.
- From Havelock/Neil:
- Occasional inter-island boats may run, but schedules are irregular. Most travelers route via Rangat.
- Notes:
- Check the Directorate of Shipping Services (DSS) timetable locally; last-minute changes are common.
- Carry a valid photo ID; foreigners should verify current entry rules and any island-specific restrictions before travel.
Accommodation Options
Long Island has limited stays clustered around the main village. Options are simple, with basic rooms or eco-huts. Beachside overnighting at Lalaji Bay is often restricted; treat it as a day trip unless you confirm permissions in advance.
- Guesthouses in the village:
- Simple rooms with fans, intermittent electricity, and bucket showers.
- Typical price range: INR 1,200–3,000 per night (season-dependent).
- Forest rest houses/eco-huts:
- Occasionally available; may require advance permission from local authorities.
- If fully booked:
- Base yourself in Rangat and visit Long Island as a day trip (subject to boat timings).
- Booking:
- Mostly offline—arrange through local operators in Port Blair/Rangat or by walk-in on arrival.
Estimated Costs
- Meals at beach shacks: INR 200–400 for veg thali; INR 350–800 for seafood plates (fish, prawn, crab when available).
- Drinks and snacks: INR 30–70 for tea/coffee; INR 40–80 for tender coconut; INR 50–120 for snacks.
- Rooms (village guesthouses): INR 1,200–3,000 per night for basic doubles.
- Boats:
- Village to Lalaji Bay (charter): approx. INR 1,500–2,500 per boat, return, depending on season and negotiation.
- Day trip to Merk Bay/Guitar Island: approx. INR 4,000–7,000 per boat, weather and fuel prices permitting.
- Transport:
- Port Blair to Rangat by bus/shared vehicle: INR 450–900 per seat.
- Rangat to Long Island ferry/boat: typically INR 50–200 per person (local ferries) or more for charter.
- Miscellaneous:
- Snorkel gear rental (if available locally): INR 200–500 per set.
- Forest/entry fees: If applicable, usually nominal; verify on the spot.
Local Experiences: Food, Shopping & Culture
Food
- Signatures: Tawa-fried reef fish, coconut prawn curry, crab (seasonal), fish curry-rice, pakoras, banana fritters.
- Veg-friendly: Dal, mixed vegetable curry, omelettes, salads (simple), fresh fruit.
- Diet notes: Inform the cook about spice levels and allergies; menus are short but flexible when catch allows.
Shopping
- Long Island’s village has small provision stores for basics (water, biscuits, sunscreen) rather than souvenirs.
- Buy keepsakes in Port Blair or Havelock; avoid shells/coral products to comply with conservation laws.
Culture
- A friendly mix of settler communities with fishing and forestry roots.
- Island etiquette: Greet locals, ask before taking photos, dress modestly away from the beach, and respect quiet evenings.
Tips for Different Travelers
Families
- Pick calmer hours (morning/late afternoon) for beach time; carry life jackets for kids.
- Shade is limited—bring hats, UV clothing, and plenty of water.
- Carry essential meds; medical facilities are basic.
Honeymooners
- Time sunsets at Lalaji Bay or the village beach for quiet moments.
- Pack light, reef-safe sunscreen, and insect protection for forest walks.
- Confirm boat timings the day before to avoid last-minute scrambles.
Friends & Backpackers
- Pool up for boat charters to lower costs; agree on return times clearly.
- Cash is king; ATMs and digital payments can be unreliable.
- Camping on beaches is generally not allowed—verify local rules and avoid lighting fires.
Essential Tips for Visiting Beach Shacks in Long Island
- Cash & Connectivity:
- Carry sufficient cash in small denominations; network can be patchy and UPI may fail.
- Safety in Water:
- No lifeguards; ask locals about currents and jellyfish, avoid swimming near mangroves, and follow any crocodile advisories.
- Sustainability:
- Carry a refillable bottle, refuse straws, and take your trash back to the village bins.
- Permits & Rules:
- Some areas may require simple forest/entry permissions or visitor logs; carry ID and comply with timings.
- Health & Weather:
- Hydrate, use reef-safe sunscreen, and plan around midday heat. Boat trips are weather-dependent.
- Alcohol & Noise:
- Alcohol availability is limited; respect local regulations and keep beaches quiet and clean.
FAQs
Q: Are beach shacks on Long Island open year-round?
A: No. Most shacks are seasonal, operating mainly from November to April when seas are calmer and visitor numbers rise.
Q: Where exactly can I find beach shacks on Long Island?
A: You’ll typically find simple eateries near the main village/jetty and, in season, temporary setups serving day-trippers at Lalaji Bay.
Q: Do shacks accept cards or UPI?
A: Usually not reliably. Carry cash, as connectivity can be patchy and digital payments may fail.
Q: Is vegetarian food available at the shacks?
A: Yes. Basic vegetarian options like dal, sabzi, omelettes, and rice are commonly available.
Q: Can I stay overnight at Lalaji Bay?
A: Overnight stays on the beach are generally restricted. Plan day visits and stay in village guesthouses unless you have confirmed permissions.
Conclusion
Beach shacks in Long Island, Andaman, embody the island’s gentle pace—fresh, simple meals, quiet sunsets, and a strong respect for nature. Time your visit for the dry season, base yourself in the village, and treat Lalaji Bay and nearby islands as rewarding day trips. With cash on hand, flexible plans, and mindful travel habits, you’ll enjoy an unhurried slice of Andaman life while helping keep these beaches wild and welcoming.
