Home / Destinations / Top 8 Best Places to Visit in Port Blair / Jolly Buoy Island

Jolly Buoy Island

HIGHLIGHTS

Distance from Port Blair Airport: 29 Km
Closing day: Monday
Visiting Time: 0800 Hrs – 1500 Hrs
Transportation Options: By Vehicle 30 Minute and then By Ferry 45 minute journey from Port Blair.
Speed Boat Ticket Cost: 1000/- pp
Forest Entry Ticker: 50/-pp
Trip Duration: 06 to 08 Hour
Major Attraction: Corals & Water Sports
Activities: Swimming / Glass Bottom Boat Ride / Snorkeling/Photography/Relaxing
Life Guard: Available
Locker room/Public Toilets/Changing Room: Available.
Food option: Not Available
Night Stay: Not Permitted

Jolly Buoy or Red Skin Island

DESCRIPTION

Jolly Buoy and Red Skin Island are two of the most beautiful and popular destinations located in the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park in Wandoor Beach, India. These islands are known for their pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant coral reefs, making them a popular spot for both locals and tourists alike.

Jolly Buoy Island is the more popular of the two and is known for its white sandy beaches and clear blue waters that are perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving. The island is also home to a variety of marine life, including colorful coral reefs, fish, turtles, and even sharks. Visitors can take a glass-bottom boat ride to explore the marine life or simply relax on the beach and soak up the sun.

Red Skin Island is slightly less popular than Jolly Buoy Island, but is equally stunning. The island is known for its beautiful coral reefs and underwater flora and fauna, making it a popular spot for snorkeling and diving. Visitors can also take a boat ride around the island to explore the mangroves and spot some of the exotic bird species that inhabit the island.

Both Jolly Buoy and Red Skin Island are part of the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, which is home to a variety of marine life and is a protected area. Visitors to the islands are required to obtain a permit from the park authorities, which can be obtained from the park office in Wandoor Beach. The islands are open to visitors from October to May, with Jolly Buoy Island being closed on Mondays.
Overall, Jolly Buoy and Red Skin Island are must-visit destinations for anyone traveling to Wandoor Beach. With their beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and stunning marine life, these islands offer a truly unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages.

TIMINGS TO VISIT JOLLY BUOY ISLAND

Jolly Buoy Island is open for visitors from October to May every year, except during the monsoon season. The timings for visiting the island are from 8:30 AM to 2:00 PM, and visitors are required to return to Wandoor Beach by 3:00 PM. The island is closed on Mondays for maintenance purposes.

It is important to note that the number of visitors allowed on the island is limited, and a permit is required to visit Jolly Buoy Island. The permit can be obtained from the Directorate of Tourism, located in Port Blair, and it is advisable to book your permit in advance to avoid last-minute disappointments.

Additionally, it is advisable to check the weather forecast before planning your visit, as the island is closed during bad weather conditions. Visitors are also required to follow the rules and regulations set by the park authorities and respect the environment while visiting Jolly Buoy Island.

HOW TO REACH JOLLY BUOY ISLAND FROM PORT BLAIR

To reach Jolly Buoy Island from Port Blair, you can follow these steps:

By road: Hire a taxi or take a bus from Port Blair to reach Wandoor Beach, which is the base location for Jolly Buoy Island. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes.

By ferry: Once you reach Wandoor Beach, you can take a ferry from the Wandoor Jetty to reach Jolly Buoy Island. The ferry ride takes approximately 40-45 minutes. The ferry service is operated by the Andaman and Nicobar Administration and is subject to weather and tide conditions. The ferry operates on all days except Mondays, when Jolly Buoy Island is closed for visitors.

Permits: Visitors are required to obtain a permit from the park authorities(IPNT) to visit Jolly Buoy Island. The permit can be obtained from the park office in Wandoor Beach. It is advisable to obtain the permit in advance to avoid any inconvenience.

ACTIVITIES AT VISIT JOLLY BUOY ISLAND

Jolly Buoy Island, located in the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, is a popular destination for water sports and adventure activities. Here are some of the activities you can enjoy during your visit to Jolly Buoy Island:

Snorkeling: Jolly Buoy Island is famous for its crystal-clear waters and coral reefs. Visitors can enjoy snorkeling and explore the rich marine life, including colorful fish, sea anemones, and sea turtles.

Scuba Diving: Scuba diving is a popular activity for adventure enthusiasts visiting Jolly Buoy Island. Visitors can explore the underwater world and witness the vibrant coral reefs and marine life.

Glass Bottom Boat Ride: Visitors can take a glass-bottom boat ride and witness the stunning underwater beauty of Jolly Buoy Island. The boat ride offers a panoramic view of the coral reefs and marine life without getting wet.

Beach Picnic: Jolly Buoy Island is surrounded by white sandy beaches and offers a perfect spot for a beach picnic. Visitors can relax and soak up the sun while enjoying the scenic beauty of the island.

Nature Walk: Visitors can take a nature walk and explore the lush green forests surrounding the Jolly Buoy Island. The island is home to several species of flora and fauna, including exotic birds, animals, and reptiles.

Overall, Jolly Buoy Island offers a perfect blend of adventure and nature, and visitors can enjoy a range of activities during their visit.

TRAVEL TIPS FOR JOLLY BUOY ISLAND

Jolly Buoy Island is a popular tourist destination in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands of India, known for its pristine beaches, clear waters, and coral reefs. Here are some travel tips to help you make the most of your visit:
Plan ahead and book your trip in advance as only a limited number of visitors are allowed on the island each day.
Carry a valid ID proof and necessary permits for the visit, which can be obtained from the Forest Department office in Port Blair.
Pack light and bring only essentials like sunscreen, insect repellent, a hat, and comfortable clothing. Avoid carrying plastic bottles, bags, or any other non-biodegradable items that can harm the environment.
Respect the local culture and do not disturb the marine life or litter on the island.
Follow the instructions of the lifeguards and tour guides, and avoid swimming in areas with strong currents or rocky terrain.
Take care of your belongings and avoid leaving them unattended on the beach.
Carry enough cash as there are no ATMs or payment facilities on the island.
Enjoy the scenic beauty and take plenty of photographs, but avoid touching or disturbing the coral reefs or marine creatures.
Return to the boat on time and follow the designated route to avoid getting lost or left behind.
Finally, ensure that you carry a small bag to bring back any trash with you to keep the island clean and preserve its natural beauty.

MUST KNOW BEFORE YOU VISIT FOR JOLLY BUOY ISLAND

Plan ahead: Jolly Buoy Island is a popular tourist destination, and ferry tickets and permits are subject to availability. It is advisable to plan your visit in advance and book your tickets and permits at least a few days prior to your visit.
Check the weather: Jolly Buoy Island is closed to visitors during monsoons and bad weather conditions. It is advisable to check the weather forecast before planning your visit.
Carry cash: There are no ATMs or cash machines on the island, so it is advisable to carry enough cash for your expenses, such as food, drinks, and souvenir shopping.
Respect the environment: Jolly Buoy Island is a protected area, and visitors are not allowed to carry plastic items or food to the island. Additionally, visitors should avoid touching or damaging the coral reefs and marine life. It is essential to respect the environment and follow the rules and regulations set by the park authorities.
Be prepared for a long day: Visiting Jolly Buoy Island involves a long day trip, including transportation, ferry ride, and exploring the island. It is advisable to carry enough water and snacks, wear comfortable clothing and footwear, and be prepared for a full day of adventure.
Be careful while snorkeling: Snorkeling in Jolly Buoy Island can be an exhilarating experience, but it is essential to be careful while exploring the marine life. Visitors should avoid touching the coral reefs and marine life, as it can cause damage to the ecosystem. Additionally, visitors should follow the instructions of the snorkeling guide and avoid swimming alone in deep waters.
Carry a waterproof bag: Since visitors are likely to get wet while snorkeling and exploring the island, it is advisable to carry a waterproof bag to protect your belongings.

Overall, following these travel tips can help you enjoy your visit to Jolly Buoy Island and make it a memorable experience.

Frequently
Asked Questions

Jolly Buoy Island is a protected marine reserve located in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands of India. The island is known for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and abundant marine life.

To get to Jolly Buoy Island, visitors must take a ferry or boat from Wandoor Beach on the main island of Andaman. The island is accessible only during certain months of the year when it is open to tourists.

Jolly Buoy Island is a popular destination for snorkeling, Glass Bottom Boat Ride and other water sports. Visitors can rent snorkeling equipment and explore the coral reefs and marine life that inhabit the waters surrounding the island.

Yes, Jolly Buoy Island is considered safe for swimming and snorkeling. However, visitors should follow the rules and guidelines set by the park authorities and avoid straying outside of designated areas.

Yes, there are some restrictions on visiting Jolly Buoy Island to protect its delicate ecosystem. Visitors are not allowed to bring any plastic items, including water bottles, bags, or straws. They are also not allowed to bring any food or drinks to the island. Visitors should also avoid touching or disturbing the marine life and coral reefs.

Jolly Buoy Island is open to tourists only during certain months of the year, usually from November to May. The best time to visit the island is during the winter months, from November to February, when the weather is cool and dry, and the waters are clear.

No, there are no accommodations available on Jolly Buoy Island. Visitors are allowed to visit the island only during the day and must return to the mainland before sunset.

Visitors should bring their own snorkeling equipment, sunscreen, towels, and other essentials. They should also bring plenty of water and snacks, as no food or drinks are available on the island.