Table of Contents
- Introduction
- History & Importance
- Best Time to Visit
- Top Hidden Beaches Near Baratang Island
- Practical Travel Information
- Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
- Nearby Attractions
- Tips & Safety
- Traveler-Specific Tips
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Baratang Island, tucked between South and Middle Andaman, is famed for its limestone caves, mangroves, and mud volcano. But venture a little farther and you’ll find a clutch of serene, little-known beaches—curved bays with driftwood art, sugar-white sandbars, and turtle-nesting shores. This guide maps the most beautiful hidden beaches near Baratang, how to reach them, when to go, and the practicalities you’ll need for a smooth, responsible trip.
History & Importance
Baratang sits along the Andaman Trunk Road (NH4), which cuts through the Jarawa Tribal Reserve—one of India’s most sensitive ecological and cultural corridors. The surrounding islands and beaches form part of the rich Andaman marine ecosystem of coral reefs, mangroves, and turtle nesting grounds. Many shores here remain uncrowded due to protected forests, limited boat permits, and minimal development—preserving the “castaway” feel that travelers come seeking.
Best Time to Visit
- Peak season (November–April): Dry weather, calmer seas, clearer water for snorkeling. Best time for beach-hopping.
- Shoulder (September–October): Occasional showers; fewer crowds; boat services generally resume.
- Monsoon (May–August): Heavy rainfall, choppy seas, possible boat cancellations. Beach access may be restricted.
- Turtle nesting (Dec–March): Especially at Cuthbert Bay (near Rangat); access is regulated for conservation.
Top Hidden Beaches Near Baratang Island
1) Baludera Beach (Baratang Island)
Why it’s special: A broad, crescent bay strewn with weathered driftwood and leaning palms—photogenic and tranquil.
- Access: About 8–12 km from Nilambur (Baratang) Jetty by local road; hire a cab or motorbike.
- Vibe: Quiet; limited stalls. Great for picnics, beachcombing, sunrise walks.
- Swimming: Often discouraged due to potential saltwater crocodile presence; heed local advisories.
- Best for: Serenity, photography, long walks.
2) Roglachang Beach (Baratang Island)
Why it’s special: Little-visited shoreline bordered by mangroves and forest, with a rugged, off-the-map feel.
- Access: Short forest walk (roughly 20–40 minutes) from the Baratang jetty area; ask locals for the current trailhead and conditions.
- Vibe: Raw and quiet, minimal facilities.
- Swimming: Not recommended; check tide and wildlife advisories.
- Best for: Nature lovers, solitude, birdwatching along mangroves.
3) Merk Bay Beach (North Passage Island)
Why it’s special: Powdery white sand and glassy blue water with good visibility on calm days—among the prettiest in Middle Andaman.
- Access: Typically by permitted boat from Long Island or Yeratta Jetty (Rangat). From Baratang, drive to Yeratta (approx. 2–3 hours) and take a charter/permit boat (30–45 minutes, sea conditions permitting).
- Vibe: Untouched; no permanent facilities—carry water and snacks.
- Activities: Snorkeling on calm days, shelling, lazy beach time. Always check for current restrictions.
- Best for: Day trippers seeking clear water and solitude.
4) Lalaji Bay Beach (Long Island)
Why it’s special: A long, curved arc of pale sand fringed by forest; classic “lost-in-time” Andaman beauty.
- Access: Reach Long Island via ferry from Yeratta Jetty (Rangat), then trek ~5–6 km through forest or hire a local dinghy (weather/tide dependent).
- Vibe: Secluded; basic eco-vibe; carry essentials.
- Activities: Swimming when conditions are calm, sunbathing, forest walks.
- Best for: Couples and slow travelers planning an unhurried day.
5) Guitar Island Sandbar (near Long Island)
Why it’s special: A narrow, gleaming sandbar shaped like a guitar that appears postcard-perfect at mid-to-low tide.
- Access: 15–30 minutes by small boat from Long Island; plan around tides.
- Vibe: No shade or stalls; ephemeral and pristine.
- Activities: Wading in shallow waters, drone/photography (observe local regulations), beach picnics.
- Best for: Photographers and groups looking for a unique stop.
6) Cuthbert Bay Beach (Rangat)
Why it’s special: A protected turtle-nesting beach with a conservation hatchery; wild and windswept.
- Access: About 70–80 km north of Baratang by road on NH4; nearest town is Rangat.
- Vibe: Natural, few visitors; guided night visits may be possible in season.
- Activities: Turtle watching (Dec–March) with permits/guides; not a swimming beach.
- Best for: Wildlife enthusiasts and responsible travelers.
Practical Travel Information
How to Reach Baratang and These Beaches
- From Port Blair to Baratang: 100–110 km by road via NH4 (Andaman Trunk Road). You’ll pass through the Jarawa Reserve and cross Middle Strait by vehicle ferry to Nilambur/Baratang Jetty. Typical travel time: 2.5–4 hours, depending on checks and ferry queues.
- Transport options: Government/private buses, shared jeeps, or private taxis from Port Blair. Private cabs save time and allow flexible stops.
- Boats & Permits: Many island/beach trips (e.g., Merk Bay) require forest/boat permissions, arranged via local boat unions, Forest Department, or tour operators. Carry valid photo ID.
- To Long Island/Lalaji/Guitar: Drive to Yeratta Jetty (near Rangat), take a ferry to Long Island, then trek or hire a dinghy. Check latest ferry schedules locally.
Accommodation Options
- Baratang Island: Very limited stay options near Nilambur Jetty and Baludera; mostly basic lodges or government-run guest houses. Availability can be seasonal.
- Rangat: Wider range of budget-to-mid options; convenient base for Cuthbert Bay and connecting to Yeratta Jetty.
- Long Island: A few simple guesthouses/eco-stays; ideal for early starts to Lalaji or Guitar Island.
- Port Blair: Best choice for comfort and variety if you prefer day trips and early departures.
Estimated Costs (Per Person, Indicative)
- Port Blair–Baratang transport: INR 600–1,200 (bus/shared); INR 6,000–9,000 per vehicle round trip (private cab).
- Boat trips (permits/charters): INR 800–1,500 for short local rides; INR 8,000–15,000+ for private charters to remote islands (cost shared among group).
- Ferry (Yeratta–Long Island): INR 50–200 depending on class and schedule.
- Accommodation: INR 1,000–3,500 (basic lodges/guesthouses); INR 4,000–8,000 (mid-range where available).
- Meals: INR 250–600 per simple meal; more for resorts in Port Blair.
Note: Prices fluctuate by season and fuel costs; always confirm locally.
Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
- Food: Expect hearty seafood thalis, fish fry, prawn curry, and coconut-infused gravies. Try banana chips, fresh tender coconut, and locally grown betel leaf (paan).
- Shopping: Minimal near Baratang. For shell crafts, woodwork, and spices, shop in Port Blair markets. Avoid buying coral or protected-shell products.
- Culture & Ethics: Respect the Jarawa Reserve—no stopping, photography, or interaction. Dress modestly in villages; ask before photographing people.
Nearby Attractions
- Limestone Caves (Baratang): Scenic boat ride through mangroves; short walk to striking stalactites/stalagmites.
- Mud Volcano (Baratang): A rare geological site with bubbling mud pools; quick visit.
- Parrot Island (near Rangat): Dusk roosting spectacle of thousands of parrots (seasonal; boat permits required).
- Amkunj & Morrice Dera Beaches (Rangat): Eco-friendly shorelines with nature trails and driftwood sculptures.
Tips & Safety
- Crocodile caution: Several creeks host saltwater crocodiles. Swim only where locals deem it safe and conditions are calm.
- Tides & weather: Plan sandbar/island visits around tides; monsoon seas can cancel boats.
- Permits & rules: Follow Forest/Coast Guard instructions; stick to designated areas; no drones without permission.
- Packing: Reef-safe sunscreen, hat, polarized sunglasses, insect repellent, quick-dry towel, water bottle, dry bag, snacks, small cash (ATMs/mobile network are limited).
- Leave no trace: Carry back all trash; avoid trampling dunes or turtle nests.
Traveler-Specific Tips
For Families
- Choose calmer beaches (Baludera’s gentler sections; Lalaji on calm days).
- Carry extra water, snacks, and sun protection; facilities are sparse.
- Prioritize safety over swimming; consider guided boat trips instead.
For Honeymooners
- Time a private boat to Merk Bay or Guitar Island for crowd-free hours.
- Stay overnight on Long Island for early, quiet access to Lalaji Bay.
- Pack a light picnic and a sarong; avoid leaving any waste behind.
For Friends/Groups
- Split private charters to remote shores to reduce costs.
- Carry snorkeling masks if conditions allow; always check local advice first.
- Keep a flexible Plan B in case of weather or permit changes.
FAQs
Q: Can I swim at the beaches near Baratang?
A: Exercise caution. Some areas have saltwater crocodiles and strong currents. Swim only where locals/authorities confirm it’s safe and seas are calm; otherwise enjoy beach walks and picnics.
Q: Do I need permits to visit Merk Bay or Long Island beaches?
A: Yes, boat trips typically require permissions handled through local boat associations or the Forest Department. Carry photo ID and follow the instructions of your operator.
Q: What’s the best base to explore these hidden beaches?
A: For day trips: Baratang or Rangat. For Lalaji Bay and Guitar Island, staying on Long Island offers the easiest early access. Port Blair is best for comfort if you don’t mind longer drive times.
Q: Are there restaurants on these beaches?
A: Most are undeveloped with little to no food stalls. Carry sufficient water and snacks, and take all litter back with you.
Q: What’s the ideal itinerary for one day from Baratang?
A: Early start for Baludera and Roglachang in the morning, lunch back near the jetty, and if time permits, drive towards Rangat for sunset at Amkunj or a pre-arranged boat to Parrot Island (seasonal).
Conclusion
Hidden beaches around Baratang reward patience with quiet shores, forest-fringed bays, and clear-water sandbars. With thoughtful planning—respecting permits, weather, and wildlife—you can pair Baratang’s classic sights with unhurried beach time at Baludera, Roglachang, Merk Bay, Lalaji Bay, Guitar Island, and Cuthbert Bay. Keep it light, leave no trace, and let the Andaman seascape set the pace.
