Table of Contents
- Introduction
- History & Importance
- Best Time to Visit
- Top Things to Do
- How to Reach Red Skin Island
- Accommodation Options
- Estimated Costs
- Local Experiences (Food, Shopping, Culture)
- Nearby Attractions
- Travel Tips
- Tips by Traveler Type
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Red Skin Island, Andaman: A Clear-Water Coral Escape
Red Skin Island sits inside the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park near Wandoor, about 30 km southwest of Port Blair. Known for gin-clear waters, living coral gardens, and easy snorkeling, it’s a seasonal twin to Jolly Buoy Island, opening when its counterpart rests. Expect a back-to-nature day: pristine beach, marine life at arm’s length, and strict eco-rules that keep the reef thriving.
History & Importance
Part of the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park (established in 1983), Red Skin Island helps protect Andaman’s fragile coral reefs, seagrass beds, and diverse marine fauna. To reduce ecological pressure, authorities typically rotate public access between Red Skin Island and Jolly Buoy Island. The island operates under strict conservation rules—no plastic, no fishing, no night stays—so coral polyps, clownfish, parrotfish, and giant clams can flourish just off the shore.
- Location: Inside Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park (Wandoor range)
- Access: Controlled by the Forest Department via permits
- Significance: Living reef showcase and conservation model
Best Time to Visit
Red Skin Island generally opens when Jolly Buoy is closed, often between May and October, subject to sea conditions. Schedules can change with the monsoon; always reconfirm locally.
- Peak clarity and calmer days: Early May to mid-June; September to October (weather permitting)
- Closed: During rough seas, conservation blocks, and usually on Mondays
- General Andaman fair-weather season: October to May (if Red Skin is closed then, Jolly Buoy often operates instead)
Top Things to Do
- Snorkeling from shore or boat: See branching and boulder corals, reef fish, and giant clams. Life jackets and snorkel gear are commonly available via operators.
- Glass-bottom boat rides: A great choice for non-swimmers and families to view corals without getting wet.
- Beach time and photography: White sands, translucent water, and forested backdrops make for stunning frames.
- Nature walk along designated stretch: Short, shaded strolls under coastal forest; stick to marked zones.
Note: Scuba diving is not conducted here; this is a low-impact, day-only island with no permanent tourist facilities.
How to Reach Red Skin Island
- Fly to Port Blair (IXZ): Daily flights connect from Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Delhi.
- Port Blair to Wandoor Jetty: 25–30 km; 45–60 minutes by taxi. Public buses to Wandoor also run from Port Blair’s STS bus stand.
- Permits: Required from the Forest Department. Obtain through:
- Tourist Information/Forest counters in Port Blair
- Forest Range Office at Wandoor
- Authorized tour operators
- Boat to Red Skin Island: Shared boats depart Wandoor typically between 9:00–9:30 AM and return by ~2:00 PM. Crossing time: 30–45 minutes (weather-dependent).
Important: Daily capacity is limited. Book permits/boat seats at least a day in advance in season. Carry original photo ID.
Accommodation Options
There are no stays on Red Skin Island. Base yourself in Port Blair or near Wandoor.
- Near Wandoor: Small beachside resorts, eco-stays, and guesthouses; convenient for early boat departures.
- Port Blair: Wide range from budget lodges to upscale hotels; better dining and transport options.
Indicative nightly rates (double occupancy):
- Budget: INR 1,500–2,500
- Mid-range: INR 3,000–6,000
- Upscale: INR 8,000–15,000+
Estimated Costs
- Entry/permit fee: ~INR 50–150 per person (varies by nationality/park policy)
- Boat (shared, round-trip): ~INR 1,000–2,500 per person (season- and demand-dependent)
- Glass-bottom boat ride: Short ~INR 500–1,000; extended ~INR 1,500–2,500
- Snorkel gear rental: ~INR 200–400; fins extra
- Guide/snorkel assistant (optional): ~INR 500–800 per group
- Transport Port Blair–Wandoor: Taxi round-trip ~INR 1,000–1,800; bus ~INR 30–60 one-way
Typical day-trip budget: INR 1,500–4,000 per person excluding accommodation and flights.
Local Experiences (Food, Shopping, Culture)
Food
- No eateries on Red Skin Island—carry a packed lunch and ample drinking water in reusable bottles.
- Near Wandoor/Port Blair, try seafood thalis, grilled fish, crab, and prawn curries; vegetarian South Indian meals are widely available.
Shopping
- Head to Aberdeen Bazaar (Port Blair) for handicrafts, coconut-shell items, spices, and souvenirs.
- Avoid buying corals, seashells, and turtle products—collection and trade are illegal and harm marine ecosystems.
Culture
- Respect conservation rules and protected areas. Indigenous communities across the archipelago are legally protected—no visits or photos in restricted zones.
- Responsible travel is the norm: carry back all waste; use reef-safe practices.
Nearby Attractions
- Jolly Buoy Island: Sister island with outstanding visibility; opens when Red Skin is closed.
- Wandoor Beach: A serene, palm-framed beach; starting point for park boats.
- Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park Museum (Wandoor): Quick intro to local marine life.
- Chidiya Tapu: Sunset point and birding area ~25 km from Port Blair.
- Cellular Jail (National Memorial): Heritage site and moving sound-and-light show in Port Blair.
- North Bay & Ross Island (Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island): Day trips from Port Blair for history and watersports.
Travel Tips
- Permits first: Secure permits and boat seats at least a day in advance; carry government ID.
- Go early: Morning seas are calmer and visibility is better.
- No plastic policy: Single-use plastic is banned. Bring a reusable bottle; your baggage may be checked.
- What to pack: Rash guard or full-sleeve swimwear, hat, polarized sunglasses, quick-dry towel, reef-safe mineral sunscreen (zinc/titanium), water shoes, waterproof phone pouch.
- Safety: Wear life jackets during boat rides and snorkeling; follow demarcated swim zones and guide instructions.
- Facilities: Expect basic washrooms at best; no restaurants. Carry snacks and water.
- Weather watch: Operations are weather-dependent; schedules can change last-minute due to sea conditions.
- Leave no trace: Do not touch or stand on corals; do not feed fish; take back all trash.
Tips by Traveler Type
- Families with kids: Choose glass-bottom rides; ensure snug life jackets; pack extra snacks, hats, and oral rehydration salts.
- Honeymooners: Aim for a weekday to avoid crowds; book a private or semi-private glass-bottom session for quieter reef viewing.
- Friends/Groups: Consider chartering a boat for flexibility; split costs on guides and extended glass-bottom tours.
- Photographers: Bring a polarizing filter and a basic underwater housing; shoot mid-morning for best color.
- Non-swimmers: Opt for extended glass-bottom tours; try guided shallow-water snorkeling with flotation aids.
FAQs
Q: Do I need a permit to visit Red Skin Island?
A: Yes. Permits are issued by the Forest Department with limited daily capacity. Arrange through official counters in Port Blair/Wandoor or via authorized operators, and carry your original ID.
Q: When is Red Skin Island open?
A: It typically opens when Jolly Buoy is closed, often May–October, but exact dates vary with sea conditions and conservation schedules. It’s usually closed on Mondays.
Q: Are there restaurants or shops on the island?
A: No. It’s a protected area with no commercial facilities. Carry packed food and water in reusable containers.
Q: Is Red Skin Island suitable for non-swimmers?
A: Absolutely. Glass-bottom boat rides offer clear reef views without entering the water. Non-swimmers can also try guided shallow snorkeling with life jackets.
Q: Can I carry plastic bottles or buy shells?
A: Single-use plastics are banned and baggage checks are common. Buying corals, shells, or turtle products is illegal and harmful to the environment.
Conclusion
Red Skin Island delivers a classic Andaman day: clear waters, thriving corals, and a gentle eco-ethic that keeps nature center stage. With simple planning—permits, early boats, and a plastic-free kit—you’ll enjoy effortless snorkeling or glass-bottom views, quiet beaches, and a conservation success story just off Port Blair’s coast.
