- 13 March , 2025
Jolly Buoy Island – A Pristine Marine Paradise 🌊🌴
Jolly Buoy Island, part of the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, is a no-plastic zone renowned for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and rich marine biodiversity. It is a top destination for snorkeling, glass-bottom boat rides, and eco-tourism. Due to its ecological sensitivity, the island is open to visitors only for a few months each year, alternating with Red Skin Island.
🌟 Destination Highlights
✔ Distance from Port Blair Airport: 29 km
✔ Visiting Hours: 08:00 AM – 03:00 PM
🚢 Distance & How to Reach
📍 From Port Blair: Approx. 30 km
🚖 By Road: 30-minute drive to Wandoor Jetty
⛴ By Ferry: 45-minute government ferry ride from Wandoor Jetty
⏳ Total Travel Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
📝 Permit Required: Issued by the Forest Department (advance booking recommended)
⛴ Ferry Timings: Morning Departures Only (Return by afternoon)
🎟 Entry & Ticket Details
✔ Speed Boat Ticket: ₹1200 per person
✔ Forest Entry Ticket: ₹75 per person
✔ Eco-Tourism Deposit: Refundable fee for carrying reusable water bottles
⏳ Trip Duration
✔ Ideal Visit Duration: 6 to 8 hours
✔ Half-Day Trip: Includes ferry ride, activities, and leisure time
🏖 Facilities & Amenities
✔ Life Guard: Available
✔ Locker Room, Public Toilets, Changing Rooms: Available
✔ Food Options: Not Available (Carry eco-friendly snacks)
✔ Night Stay: Not Permitted
🌤 Best Time to Visit
✔ October to April: Best season with clear visibility and calm seas
❌ May to September: Closed due to monsoon and ecological preservation
🚢 How to Reach
✔ Travel Duration: Approx. 1 hour 15 minutes
✔ By Road: 30-minute drive from Port Blair
✔ By Ferry: 45-minute boat ride
🎟 Entry & Ticket Details
✔ Speed Boat Ticket: ₹1200 per person
✔ Forest Entry Ticket: ₹75 per person
⏳ Trip Duration
✔ Ideal Visit Duration: 6 to 8 hours
🏖 Facilities & Amenities
✔ Life Guard: Available
✔ Locker Room, Public Toilets, Changing Rooms: Available
✔ Food Options: Not Available
✔ Night Stay: Not Permitted
This location offers a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation, making it an ideal day trip from Port Blair! 🌴✨
🕒 Timings & Entry Fees
⏰ Visiting Hours: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM (Day trips only)
💰 Entry Fee: Applicable for permits and ferry tickets
🌱 Eco-Friendly Policy: No plastic is allowed; visitors must carry reusable water bottles with a refundable deposit
🌊 Major Attractions
🏝 Pristine Beach: Soft white sands and crystal-clear waters
🐠 Snorkeling Zone: One of the best coral reef ecosystems in the Andamans
🚤 Glass-Bottom Boat Ride: Ideal for non-swimmers to explore marine life
🌊 Marine Biodiversity: Spot clownfish, parrotfish, sea anemones, and more
🎯 Things to Do
✔ Snorkeling: Experience vibrant corals and diverse marine species
✔ Glass-Bottom Boat Ride: View marine life without getting wet
✔ Photography: Capture breathtaking underwater and landscape views
✔ Beach Relaxation: Enjoy sunbathing and a peaceful ambiance
🎒 Things to Carry
🎟️ Entry permit & ID proof
🩱 Swimwear & snorkeling gear (rental available)
🕶️ Sunglasses & hat for sun protection
🌊 Towel & extra clothes
💧 Reusable water bottle (compulsory as per eco-rules)
📷 Underwater camera (optional for photography lovers)
🔖 Travel Tips
✔ Arrive early to avoid rush and complete permit formalities
✔ Book ferry tickets & permits in advance due to limited availability
✔ Carry only reusable water bottles (Plastic is strictly banned)
✔ Follow eco-tourism guidelines to protect marine life
✔ Bring your own snorkeling gear if possible for better hygiene
🚫 Things to Avoid
❌ Carrying plastic bags, bottles, or wrappers
❌ Touching or damaging corals and marine life
❌ Overstaying beyond designated visiting hours
❌ Littering or leaving waste on the island
Why Visit Jolly Buoy Island?
✅ No-plastic zone with strict environmental regulations
✅ Crystal-clear waters & vibrant coral reefs
✅ Amazing snorkeling & glass-bottom boat experiences
✅ Rich marine biodiversity, including colorful fish and corals
✅ Part of the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park
This island is a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, making it an ideal eco-friendly day trip from Port Blair! 🌴✨
🌟 Destination Highlights
✔ Distance from Port Blair Airport: 29 km
✔ Closed on: Monday
✔ Visiting Hours: 08:00 AM – 03:00 PM
🌊 Jolly Buoy Island Tour Packages
Jolly Buoy Island Tour Itinerary (Day Trip from Port Blair)
📍 Tour Overview
Embark on an exciting day trip to Jolly Buoy Island, a no-plastic zone famous for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and rich marine biodiversity. Enjoy a scenic ferry ride, snorkeling, glass-bottom boat rides, and a relaxing beach experience in this protected marine sanctuary.
🕖 Detailed Itinerary
🚖 07:00 AM – Hotel Pick-up (Port Blair)
✔ Meet your driver and transfer to Wandoor Jetty (Approx. 1-hour drive)
✔ Complete entry formalities and collect permits
⛴️ 08:30 AM – Ferry to Jolly Buoy Island
✔ Board a government ferry for a scenic 45-minute ride
✔ Enjoy stunning views of Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park
🏝️ 09:30 AM – Arrive at Jolly Buoy Island
✔ Beach Relaxation – Stroll along the pristine white sandy beach
✔ Photography – Capture stunning landscapes & marine beauty
🤿 10:00 AM – Snorkeling Adventure (Optional)
✔ Explore colorful coral reefs and spot exotic fish
✔ Guided snorkeling available for beginners
🚤 11:00 AM – Glass-Bottom Boat Ride (Optional)
✔ Witness marine life & corals without getting wet
✔ Ideal for non-swimmers & families
🌿 11:30 AM – Nature Walk (Optional)
✔ Explore the lush green forest surrounding the island
✔ Spot exotic birds, reptiles, and unique flora
🍱 12:30 PM – Beach Picnic & Relaxation
✔ Enjoy a packed lunch while soaking up the scenic beauty
✔ (Note: No plastic items allowed as per eco-tourism rules)
⛴️ 02:00 PM – Return Ferry to Wandoor Jetty
✔ Board the ferry back to Wandoor Jetty
🚖 03:00 PM – Transfer Back to Hotel
✔ Drop-off at your hotel in Port Blair
✅ Tour Inclusions
✔️ Hotel transfers (Port Blair – Wandoor – Port Blair)
✔️ Speed Boat tickets
✔️ Entry permit for Jolly Buoy Island
✔️ Snorkeling & glass-bottom boat ride (if included in the package)
✔️ Eco-tour guide (if requested)
❌ Tour Exclusions
❌ Meals and beverages
❌ Personal expenses & extra activities
❌ Snorkeling gear rental (if not pre-included in the package)
🔖 Travel Tips
✔️ Carry only reusable water bottles (Plastic is strictly banned)
✔️ Wear comfortable beachwear & reef-safe sunscreen
✔️ Book permits in advance (Limited entry per day)
✔️ Follow eco-tourism rules to protect marine life
