Table of Contents
- Introduction
- History and Importance
- Best Time to Visit
- Top Things to Do
- How to Reach Long Island (Andaman)
- Accommodation Options
- Estimated Costs
- Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
- Nearby Attractions and Getaways
- Practical Travel Tips
- Traveler-Specific Tips
- FAQs about Long Island (Andaman)
- Conclusion
Introduction
Long Island in the Andamans is the kind of place where time slows, mangroves whisper, and empty white-sand arcs end in turquoise shallows. Tucked between Rangat and North Passage Island, it’s a serene base for reaching Lalaji Bay, Guitar Island, and Merk Bay—quiet beaches that feel truly off the radar. If you’re hunting for hidden gems in the Andamans, Long Island is where the trail turns to soft sand and the crowds disappear.
History and Importance
Long Island is a small, close-knit settlement in the North & Middle Andaman district. Historically tied to forestry and small-scale maritime livelihoods, the island has gradually shifted toward low-impact nature tourism. Its importance today lies in its pristine ecosystems—mangrove creeks, tropical forests, and healthy coral patches—and its role as the jump-off point to some of the most secluded beaches in the archipelago.
- Gateway to lesser-known beaches: Lalaji Bay (Long Island), Guitar Island, and Merk Bay (North Passage Island).
- Rich biodiversity: calm lagoons, seagrass beds, mangroves, nesting shorebirds, and coral life suitable for snorkeling in clear conditions.
- Community life: a handful of shops, modest guesthouses, and boatmen who know the creeks and currents intimately.
Best Time to Visit
- November to April: Dry season, calmer seas, clearer water—best for boat trips, snorkeling, and the trek to Lalaji Bay.
- January to March: Peak visibility underwater; ideal for day trips to Merk Bay and Guitar Island sandbar.
- May to September: Monsoon brings heavy rain and rough seas; boat cancellations are common. Travel flexibility is essential.
Tip: Start sea trips before noon when winds are lighter and channels calmer.
Top Things to Do
1) Trek or Boat to Lalaji Bay (Hidden-Gem Beach)
Walk under forest canopy and along a mangrove-lined path to reach Lalaji Bay—an expansive, powdery beach with glassy shallows.
- Trek: Around 6–7 km one way from the village; carry water, snacks, and good footwear.
- Boat: Hire a local dinghy to save time (check sea conditions); mornings are best.
- What’s special: Long arcs of near-empty sand, gentle swimming in fair weather, picnic-friendly shade.
2) Boat Trip to Guitar Island and Merk Bay (North Passage Island)
Guitar Island is a sandbar that appears like a guitar shape from above; Merk Bay offers luminous water and soft white sand.
- Depart from Long Island jetty with a licensed boatman.
- Highlights: Pristine water, shelling, possible snorkeling on calm days.
- Note: Permits and weather clearance may be required; follow your boatman’s guidance.
3) Snorkeling and Reef Wanders
On the right tide and visibility, sheltered patches near Merk Bay can be surprisingly colorful.
- Bring your own mask, snorkel, and fins; rental options are limited.
- Always use a buoy marker and follow safety calls from local crew.
- Choose reef-safe sunscreen and avoid touching corals.
4) Kayak or Slow-Boat Through Mangrove Creeks
Glide over mirror-calm creeks to watch mudskippers, crabs, and kingfishers. Early mornings or late afternoons are magical.
5) Sunset at the Long Island Jetty
End the day where fishing boats bob in golden light and silhouettes of neighboring isles line the horizon.
6) Village Walks and Easygoing Evenings
Meet local shopkeepers, sip fresh coconut water, and learn island life rhythms. Expect early nights—this is a place that sleeps with the stars.
7) Night Sky and Occasional Bioluminescence
On moonless nights, the Milky Way can be vivid. Very occasionally, faint bioluminescence appears in still, dark shallows—never guaranteed but unforgettable if you catch it.
How to Reach Long Island (Andaman)
- Fly to Port Blair (Veer Savarkar International Airport).
- Port Blair to Rangat:
- By road: 6–8 hours via Andaman Trunk Road; check current timings and any regulations for stretches near reserved areas.
- By government ferry (when operating): Around 6–7 hours. Check schedules at Directorate of Shipping Services (DSS) counters.
- Rangat (Yeratta Jetty) to Long Island:
- Government boat: Approximately 1–1.5 hours; not always daily—confirm the day before.
- Private/charter boats: Possible in fair weather; arrange locally with licensed operators.
Important: Sea schedules are weather-dependent. Always reconfirm departures and return boats. Carry a government-issued ID.
Accommodation Options
- Government/Forest Rest Houses: Basic rooms with simple facilities; bookings often routed via local tourism/forest offices (Rangat/Port Blair). Limited inventory.
- Homestays and Eco-Huts: Small, family-run stays offering island meals and guidance. Power and Wi‑Fi may be limited.
- Where to book: Andaman Tourism information counters, local operators in Rangat, or direct phone coordination shared by boatmen/shops on arrival.
Notes:
- There are no large resorts; options are few and fill up in peak months (Dec–Mar).
- Carry cash; ATMs are not reliably available on Long Island.
- Electricity can be intermittent; confirm backup arrangements if needed.
Estimated Costs
- Port Blair → Rangat (bus/jeep): INR 500–800 per person; government ferry (when available): approx. INR 400–900 per person.
- Yeratta Jetty (Rangat) → Long Island: Govt boat INR 100–250 per person; private boat charter INR 3,000–5,500 per boat (weather-dependent).
- Stay on Long Island:
- Homestays/basic guesthouses: INR 1,200–2,500 per night.
- Eco-huts/better rooms (limited): INR 3,000–6,000 per night.
- Meals: INR 200–400 per person per meal (simple island fare).
- Boat trip to Guitar Island/Merk Bay: INR 6,000–9,000 per boat (split among group); permits/guide extra if applicable (INR 200–1,000).
- Guide for Lalaji Bay trek (optional): INR 500–1,000.
Prices fluctuate with season, fuel costs, and availability; confirm locally before committing.
Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
Food
- Fresh-catch seafood: Grilled fish, prawn curry, crab (seasonal).
- Simple thalis: Rice, dal, sabzi, fish/egg add-ons.
- Coconuts, bananas, biscuits, and basic snacks are common; specialty items are limited—carry any dietary essentials.
Shopping
- On-island: Very basic provisions; not a shopping destination.
- Best for souvenirs: Port Blair handicraft emporiums or markets in Rangat for bamboo/mangrove-themed crafts.
Culture and Etiquette
- Respect early-to-bed rhythms; minimize noise at night.
- Dress modestly in villages; beachwear is fine on beaches.
- Never attempt to visit restricted tribal areas anywhere in the Andamans.
Nearby Attractions and Getaways
- Guitar Island: A photogenic sandbar near Long Island; best on calm, mid-to-low tide windows.
- Merk Bay (North Passage Island): Powdery sand, clear water; popular for day picnics and gentle snorkels in fair weather.
- Dhani Nallah Mangrove Walk (near Rangat): Long wooden boardwalk through mangroves to a quiet beach.
- Amkunj Beach Eco-Park (Rangat): Driftwood art and wave-watching on a pebbly stretch.
- Cutbert Bay (Rangat): Seasonal turtle nesting zone (observe guidelines).
- Baratang (en route from Port Blair): Limestone Caves and Mud Volcano—possible as part of a broader Andaman itinerary.
Practical Travel Tips
- Permits and Rules: Some neighboring islands and beaches may require local permissions. Check with the Forest Department/boatmen.
- Cash Only Mindset: No dependable ATMs on Long Island; withdraw in Port Blair or Rangat.
- Connectivity: Mobile data is patchy; BSNL tends to work better than others in Middle Andamans.
- Sea Safety: Trips are weather-dependent; wear life jackets, avoid rough-sea days, and heed local advice.
- Swimming Caution: Avoid murky creek mouths and heed any crocodile advisories; there are no lifeguards.
- Sun and Hydration: Hat, long sleeves, reef-safe sunscreen, and 2–3 liters of water per person for treks.
- Leave No Trace: Carry back all trash; avoid single-use plastics; do not touch corals or shells with living organisms.
- Medical Kit: Carry personal medicines, motion-sickness tablets, and a basic first-aid kit—pharmacies are limited.
Traveler-Specific Tips
For Families
- Choose boat trips on calm mornings; confirm return timing the same day.
- Carry snacks, rehydration salts, and sun protection for kids.
- Pick shaded picnic spots at Lalaji Bay; supervise near water at all times.
For Honeymooners and Couples
- Opt for a private boat to Guitar Island for quiet hours on the sandbar.
- Stay in an eco-hut or homestay with a balcony/porch—stargazing is special here.
- Plan a late-afternoon beach visit for cooler light and fewer visitors.
For Friends and Backpackers
- Split boat charters to reduce costs; travel with a dry bag and headlamp.
- Consider the trek one way and boat the other between Lalaji Bay and the village.
- Wild camping is not permitted without explicit authorization—verify locally and respect all rules.
FAQs about Long Island (Andaman)
Q: How many days should I spend on Long Island?
A: Two to three days allow time for Lalaji Bay, a boat trip to Guitar Island/Merk Bay, and an easygoing village day for sunsets and mangroves.
Q: Are there ATMs or card payments on Long Island?
A: ATMs are not reliable and card acceptance is rare. Carry sufficient cash from Port Blair or Rangat.
Q: Can foreigners visit Long Island?
A: Yes, Long Island is generally accessible to foreign travelers with valid ID. Certain nearby islands or zones may require permissions—check locally and follow all regulations.
Q: Is snorkeling gear available to rent?
A: Rental options are limited. It’s best to bring your own mask, snorkel, fins, and a compact float/marker. Some boatmen may have basic gear.
Q: Can I camp overnight at Lalaji Bay?
A: Overnight camping typically requires permission from local authorities and is not generally encouraged. Most travelers visit as a day trip and return to Long Island village to stay.
Conclusion
Long Island is the quiet side of the Andamans—a place of mangrove creeks, hushed forests, and beaches that still feel undiscovered. From the trek to Lalaji Bay to sandbar hours at Guitar Island and luminous waters at Merk Bay, its hidden gems reward slow travel and simple comforts. Come prepared, travel light on the land and sea, and you’ll find the Andamans at their most tranquil here.
