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.

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🌟 Destination Highlights

✔ Distance from Port Blair Airport: 29 km
✔ Visiting Hours: 08:00 AM – 03:00 PM

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🚢 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)

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🎟 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

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⏳ Trip Duration

✔ Ideal Visit Duration: 6 to 8 hours
✔ Half-Day Trip: Includes ferry ride, activities, and leisure time

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🏖 Facilities & Amenities

✔ Life Guard: Available
✔ Locker Room, Public Toilets, Changing Rooms: Available
✔ Food Options: Not Available (Carry eco-friendly snacks)
✔ Night Stay: Not Permitted

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🌤 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

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🚢 How to Reach

✔ Travel Duration: Approx. 1 hour 15 minutes
✔ By Road: 30-minute drive from Port Blair
✔ By Ferry: 45-minute boat ride

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🎟 Entry & Ticket Details

✔ Speed Boat Ticket: ₹1200 per person
✔ Forest Entry Ticket: ₹75 per person

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⏳ Trip Duration

✔ Ideal Visit Duration: 6 to 8 hours

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🏖 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! 🌴✨

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🕒 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

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🌊 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

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🎯 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

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🎒 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)

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🔖 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

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🚫 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

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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

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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

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🌊 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.

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🕖 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

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✅ 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)

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❌ Tour Exclusions

❌ Meals and beverages
❌ Personal expenses & extra activities
❌ Snorkeling gear rental (if not pre-included in the package)

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🔖 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