Table of Contents
- Introduction: Cruise Options for Long Island, Andaman
- History & Importance
- Best Time to Visit Long Island
- Cruise & Ferry Options
- Top Things to Do on Long Island
- Nearby Attractions
- How to Reach
- Accommodation Options
- Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
- Tips for Travelers
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction: Cruise Options for Long Island, Andaman
Long Island, tucked between Rangat and North Passage in the Middle Andamans, is a serene, low-key paradise renowned for Lalaji Bay’s powdery sands, emerald creeks, and day-boat trips to Merk Bay and Guitar Island. While big ocean liners do not dock here, a mix of government ferries, local boats, and charter speedboats make reaching and exploring Long Island surprisingly rewarding for travelers seeking offbeat Andaman experiences.
History & Importance
Long Island developed as a small settlement supporting timber and forestry activities in the past. Today, it’s an eco-sensitive, community-centered island noted for its mangrove ecosystems and access to pristine beaches. Its importance lies in being a gateway to Lalaji Bay and day-cruise excursions to North Passage and Guitar Island—some of the most untouched stretches in the archipelago.
Best Time to Visit Long Island
- Peak season: November to March (calm seas; the most reliable ferry/boat operations).
- Shoulder: October and April (generally good weather; occasional showers).
- Monsoon: May to September (rough seas; possible cancellations; limited boat outings).
Cruise & Ferry Options
From Port Blair
There are no large “cruise ships” from Port Blair to Long Island. Travel relies on inter-island government ferries or a combination of road and short ferry hops.
- Direct government ferry (occasional): Port Blair → Long Island, typically 6–8 hours when scheduled. Limited frequency; not guaranteed year-round.
- Via Rangat: Port Blair → Rangat by government ferry (4–6 hours) or by road (8–9 hours), then Rangat (Yeratta Jetty) → Long Island by local ferry/boat (60–90 minutes).
- Private charters: Full private speedboat charters from Port Blair to Long Island are rare and expensive; more commonly arranged from Rangat.
From Rangat (Yeratta Jetty)
This is the most dependable route for travelers.
- Local government ferry/fiber boat: Yeratta Jetty (Rangat) → Long Island, ~60–90 minutes depending on vessel and tide.
- Frequency: Multiple services weekly in season; fewer in monsoon. Morning departures are common; return trips often afternoon.
- Tickets: Sold at the DSS (Directorate of Shipping Services) counters at Yeratta Jetty. Carry a valid photo ID.
From Havelock/Neil
Private high-speed catamarans (e.g., Makruzz, ITT Majestic, Sea Link) generally operate Port Blair ↔ Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) ↔ Neil (Shaheed Dweep) and do not serve Long Island. Occasionally, seasonal government ferries may route via Havelock/Mayabunder and stop near Long Island, but this is not a reliable option for planning. The practical route is to travel to Rangat first, then connect to Long Island.
Sightseeing Cruises around Long Island
- Lalaji Bay Beach: Reach by a forest trail hike (1.5–2 hours one way) or by small boat from Long Island Jetty (sea and permit conditions apply).
- Merk Bay (North Passage Island): Classic day-boat excursion for snorkeling, beach time, and birding; typically 30–45 minutes by boat from Long Island.
- Guitar Island Sandbar: Short boat ride (15–25 minutes) to a photogenic sandbar ideal for swimming and drone-free aerial-like shots with a wide-angle lens.
Note: All sightseeing boat trips are weather-dependent and may require forest/permits. Boats usually operate in the first half of the day to leverage calmer seas.
Schedules, Booking & Permits
- Schedules: Government ferry timings are published locally and can change without notice due to weather and operational needs.
- Booking: Purchase at DSS counters (Port Blair, Rangat/Yeratta). Some routes may offer limited e-ticketing; verify locally before travel.
- Permits: Indian nationals usually need no special permit for Long Island. Boat trips to Lalaji Bay/Merk Bay may need local permissions/boat tickets. Foreign nationals should confirm current entry regulations and any island-specific restrictions before travel.
- ID: Carry original photo ID for all ticketing and checks.
Estimated Costs
- Government ferry Port Blair ↔ Rangat: INR 400–800 per person (class-dependent).
- Government ferry Yeratta (Rangat) ↔ Long Island: INR 50–150 per person.
- Private speedboat/charter (Rangat ↔ Long Island): Approx. INR 6,000–15,000 per boat (one way), capacity-dependent.
- Day-boat to Lalaji/Merk Bay/Guitar Island:
- Join-in basis: INR 2,500–4,000 per person (when available).
- Private boat: INR 8,000–12,000 per boat (route and duration dependent).
- Permits/Conservation fees (if applicable): INR 50–500 per person/site.
Prices vary by season, fuel rates, and availability. Confirm on the spot.
Top Things to Do on Long Island
- Hike to Lalaji Bay: Forested trail leading to a wide, uncrowded beach with excellent swimming.
- Boat to Merk Bay: Snorkel over clear water, picnic on white sand, spot birds and reef life.
- Guitar Island Sandbar: Wade in shallow turquoise waters; best at mid-to-low tide and calm seas.
- Mangrove creek cruise: Short rides reveal lush creeks and birdlife.
- Jetty sunsets & stargazing: Low light pollution rewards night skies; carry a headlamp.
Nearby Attractions
- Rangat: Dhani Nallah mangrove boardwalk, Amkunj Beach, Morrice Dera picnic spot.
- Mayabunder: Karmatang Beach, Avis Island (day trips from Mayabunder).
- Baratang (en route from Port Blair): Limestone caves, mud volcano (requires separate arrangements).
- Diglipur (farther north): Ross & Smith twin islands, Saddle Peak trek (multi-day extension).
How to Reach
- Most reliable path: Port Blair → Rangat by road (8–9 hours along the Andaman Trunk Road; subject to convoy rules/vehicle ferries) → Yeratta Jetty → Long Island (60–90 minutes by ferry/boat).
- Alternative: Port Blair → Rangat by government ferry (4–6 hours) → connect to Yeratta → Long Island.
- Direct Port Blair → Long Island ferry: Occasional; check schedules locally.
Accommodation Options
- Budget guesthouses near the bazaar/jetty: Simple rooms, fans, basic amenities.
- Eco-stays/lodges (limited): Rustic vibe, intermittent power, sometimes solar-backed.
- Government/forest rest houses: May be available with prior booking; facilities vary.
Note: Options are limited compared to Havelock or Neil. Book ahead in season. Cash is often preferred; card acceptance is rare.
Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
- Food: Homestyle seafood thalis, fish curry, prawn fry, simple vegetarian meals at local eateries.
- Shopping: Very limited on Long Island; consider picking up essentials in Rangat. Avoid buying shells/coral.
- Culture: Small, close-knit community; evenings are quiet. Dress modestly in villages and around jetties.
- Connectivity: Mobile data can be patchy; BSNL may work best. ATMs are scarce—carry enough cash.
Tips for Travelers
Families
- Prefer morning boats for calmer seas; carry snacks and water for kids.
- Choose sheltered beaches and watch for currents; use life vests on boats.
Honeymooners & Couples
- Time your visit for weekday mornings to enjoy quieter beaches.
- Opt for a private boat to Merk Bay or Guitar Island for relaxed, crowd-free hours.
Friends & Backpackers
- Combine trek to Lalaji Bay with a boat return, if available, to vary the experience.
- Split private boat costs; confirm fuel surcharges before departure.
Packing List
- Reef-safe sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, light long-sleeves.
- Dry bag, quick-dry towel, aqua shoes, snorkeling mask (if you have one).
- Insect repellent, basic medicines, seasickness tablets.
- Cash (small denominations), photocopies of ID, power bank, headlamp.
Safety & Responsible Travel
- Always check the day’s sea conditions; respect skipper advice.
- Permits and protected zones are enforced—do not enter restricted areas.
- No littering; carry waste back to the main island for disposal.
- On ATR road transits, do not stop in tribal reserve areas or photograph tribes.
FAQs
Q: Do cruise ships go directly to Long Island, Andaman?
A: No. Large ocean cruise liners do not call at Long Island. Reach via Port Blair and connect by government ferry or local boats, most reliably through Rangat (Yeratta Jetty).
Q: How long is the ferry from Rangat to Long Island?
A: About 60–90 minutes depending on vessel type, tide, and weather.
Q: Can I book Long Island ferries online?
A: Online options are limited and change over time. Most travelers buy tickets at DSS counters (Port Blair or Yeratta Jetty). Carry a photo ID.
Q: What is the best month for boat trips to Merk Bay and Guitar Island?
A: November to March offers the calmest seas and most reliable boat operations, subject to daily weather.
Q: Are there ATMs and good mobile networks on Long Island?
A: Services are limited. Carry sufficient cash and expect patchy mobile data. BSNL can work better than others in some spots.
Conclusion
Reaching Long Island is part of the adventure: plan via Rangat and use government ferries or vetted local boats. Calm-season mornings bring the best conditions for cruising to Lalaji Bay, Merk Bay, and Guitar Island, where clear waters and quiet sands reward the extra effort. With simple stays, limited services, and stunning nature, Long Island suits travelers who value serenity over crowds.
