Long Island, Andaman – Tourism FAQs (Everything You Need to Know)

Long Island is one of the Andaman archipelago’s most serene, offbeat escapes—famed for powdery beaches like Lalaji Bay, boat trips to Guitar Island and Merk Bay (North Passage Island), and a slow-island rhythm far from the crowds. Below is a comprehensive FAQ to help you plan an informed, responsible, and memorable trip.

At a Glance

• Region: North & Middle Andaman district
• Access hub: Rangat (Yerrata Jetty), with onward boats to Long Island
• Vibe: Quiet, rustic, nature-forward, limited facilities
• Highlights: Lalaji Bay, boat trips to Guitar Island & Merk Bay, snorkeling
• Best for: Nature lovers, slow travelers, photographers, couples, small groups

Getting There

Where is Long Island located?

Long Island lies off the east coast of Middle Andaman in the Bay of Bengal. It’s administratively part of the North & Middle Andaman district, north of Port Blair.

How do I reach Long Island?

• Common route: Port Blair → Rangat (by road or ferry) → Long Island (government ferry/fiber boat from Yerrata Jetty).
• Road + boat: Buses and private vehicles run Port Blair–Rangat via the Andaman Trunk Road (allow 6–8 hours; includes creek crossings by vehicle ferries). From Rangat, take a scheduled government ferry or fiber boat to Long Island (about 1–2 hours; timings vary).
• Direct ferries: Occasional inter-island ferries may include Long Island in their route. Schedules change—check locally at the Directorate of Shipping Services (DSS) counters in Port Blair/Rangat.

Tip: Arrive in Rangat by late morning to comfortably catch onward boats; services can be limited and weather-dependent.

Do I need to pre-book ferries?

Advisable. Government ferry seats are limited and may sell out in peak months. Purchase tickets at DSS counters or inquire via local tour operators/your accommodation. Carry an ID for bookings.

Permits & Regulations

Do I need a permit to visit Long Island?

• Indian nationals: Generally no special permit for Long Island; carry valid ID.
• Foreign nationals: Andaman & Nicobar Islands require entry permissions that are typically issued on arrival at Port Blair (and handled by accommodations/immigration). Rules can change—check the latest advisory before you travel. Some islands remain off-limits.

Are there additional permits for boat trips (Merk Bay/Guitar Island)?

Boatmen usually obtain necessary permissions (e.g., forest/park). Your operator will advise on current requirements and weather/tide constraints.

Best Time & Weather

When is the best time to visit?

• October–May: Preferred season with calmer seas and better water clarity.
• June–September (monsoon): Rough seas, intermittent heavy rain; boat schedules may be disrupted.

What’s the typical weather like?

Warm tropical climate. Day temperatures often 24–31°C. Humidity is high year-round. Sea conditions and visibility vary with wind and tides.

Sights & Activities

What are the must-see spots?

• Lalaji Bay Beach (Long Island): A long, white-sand arc backed by forest. Reach by a forest trail (several kilometers; carry water) or by hiring a dinghy when available.
• Guitar Island: A slender, uninhabited island with a sandbar—best visited by chartered boat during favorable tides.
• Merk Bay (North Passage Island): Powdery sand and clear, shallow waters—popular for a day trip from Long Island, weather and permissions permitting.

Can I snorkel or dive?

• Snorkeling: Yes—often off boat trips near reefs around Guitar/Merk areas and selected patches near Lalaji Bay. Carry your own mask/snorkel if possible; rentals are limited.
• Diving: There is typically no resident dive shop on Long Island. If diving is a priority, arrange from established hubs (Havelock/Swaraj Dweep or Neil/Shaheed Dweep) and plan Long Island as a separate leg.

Safety: Check currents, tides, and local advisories; avoid stepping on coral; never snorkel alone.

Is it suitable for families?

Yes for nature-loving families comfortable with basic infrastructure. Note the lack of lifeguards, limited medical services, and the need to supervise children near water and on trails.

Stays, Food & Facilities

What accommodation options exist?

Expect a small selection of simple guesthouses, eco-huts, and occasionally government-run rest houses. Rooms are basic (fans, mosquito nets; limited hot water). Book well in advance in peak season.

Are there restaurants?

Food is simple and homestyle—think thalis, fresh catch, tea snacks. Many stays offer meals on pre-order. Vegetarian options are generally available. Carry snacks if you have specific dietary needs.

Are ATMs, mobile networks, and Wi‑Fi available?

• ATMs: Often none on Long Island; bring adequate cash from Port Blair or Rangat.
• Mobile: Coverage is patchy; BSNL tends to work best, others may not. Expect call/SMS more than data.
• Internet: Unreliable or absent. Download offline maps and keep e-tickets/screenshots handy.

Is alcohol available?

Don’t count on it. Licensed shops are limited in the islands and usually not present on Long Island. If permitted by law, purchase in larger towns and consume responsibly where allowed.

On-Island Logistics

How do I get around Long Island?

• On foot: Primary mode—compact settlement and forest trails.
• Boats: For Lalaji Bay (dinghy when operating), Guitar Island, Merk Bay (charter/shared trips; weather dependent).
• Vehicles: Very limited; don’t expect taxis or autos like in bigger islands.

How many days should I plan?

• 2–3 days: Ideal to see Lalaji Bay and attempt one boat excursion (Guitar/Merk), with buffer for weather.
• Day trip from Rangat: Possible but rushed; staying overnight lets you enjoy the quiet and early light.

Safety & Responsible Travel

Is swimming safe?

Conditions vary. There are no lifeguards. Tides and currents can be strong; seek local advice before entering the water. Avoid swimming during rough seas or poor visibility.

Are there crocodiles or stingers?

Saltwater crocodiles inhabit parts of the Andamans. Heed all local warnings and signage; avoid mangrove edges and turbid estuaries. Jellyfish/stingers may be seasonal—ask boatmen or locals and consider protective swimwear.

What should I pack?

• Light clothing, hat, and a rain layer (if shoulder/monsoon season)
• Reusable water bottle; electrolyte packets
• Reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses
• Basic first-aid, personal medicines, insect repellent
• Snorkel set if you plan to snorkel (limited rental)
• Cash and copies of IDs/tickets

How can I travel responsibly?

• Leave no trace: Pack out all trash; avoid single-use plastics.
• Protect reefs: Don’t touch/stand on coral or collect shells; use reef-safe sunscreen.
• Respect wildlife: Keep distance; no feeding; minimize noise on nesting beaches.
• Cultural respect: Ask before photographing people; dress modestly in villages.

Costs & Practicalities

What are approximate costs?

• Ferries (Rangat ⇄ Long Island): Budget-friendly, but fares vary by vessel/class and change periodically.
• Boat charters (Guitar/Merk): Priced per boat or per person; depends on distance, fuel, and demand. Check locally and share boats to reduce cost.
• Accommodation: Basic guesthouses/eco stays typically in the budget-to-mid range for the Andamans.
• Meals: Simple thalis and fresh catch are affordable.

Note: Prices fluctuate seasonally; remote logistics and fuel affect rates.

Health & Emergencies

What about medical facilities?

Very limited on the island. Carry personal medications and a basic kit. For serious issues, you may need to travel to Rangat or Port Blair. Consider travel insurance that covers evacuations.

Is drinking water safe?

Ask your stay about potable water. Use filtered/boiled water where possible. A reusable bottle and purification tablets/filters are helpful.

Good-to-Know Extras

Electricity and power cuts?

Electricity may be intermittent. Charge devices when power is available and carry a power bank.

Are drones allowed?

Drone use in the Andamans is heavily regulated and often requires prior permission from authorities. Assume not permitted unless you have explicit approvals.

Photography etiquette?

Be mindful around government installations and jetties. Always ask before photographing locals. Respect signage regarding restricted areas.

Sample 3-Day Plan

Day 1: Arrival and Settle In

• Reach Long Island by afternoon; check in
• Evening walk to the jetty/beach; arrange next day’s boat (weather permitting)

Day 2: Boat Day

• Early start to Guitar Island and/or Merk Bay
• Snorkel, beach time, picnic (carry back all waste)

Day 3: Lalaji Bay and Departure

• Trek or boat to Lalaji Bay; return by noon
• Catch ferry back to Rangat and onward travel

Final Tips

Buffer time is your friend. Weather and boats dictate the rhythm here—plan flexibility into your schedule. Long Island rewards slow travel: fewer checklists, more sunrises, and the soft hush of an unhurried shore.