Jolly Buoy Island is one of the most sought-after island hopping destinations in the Andaman Islands, renowned for its stunning white sand beaches embracing a shallow turquoise lagoon, impressive marine life and vibrant coral reefs. Located within the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, it is a paradise for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike. To visit, you need a permit, which is available for both Indian and foreign nationals (with different fee structures), and the boats to the island depart from Wandoor Beach.
The island is accessible by ferry, with the journey taking about 30 to 45 minutes, and there are several activities you can enjoy. Snorkeling is a top attraction, allowing you to explore the colorful coral reefs and marine life at a cost of around INR 1000 to 2500 per person.
For those who prefer to stay dry, the glass-bottom boat ride provides an excellent opportunity to view the underwater world without getting wet. Scuba diving is also available for those seeking a deeper dive into the marine ecosystem.
One of the unique features of Jolly Buoy Island is that it remains closed to tourists on Mondays for conservation reasons. The best time to visit is from November to May, when the island is open, while Red Skin Island is accessible in the off-season.
The island is also a no-plastic zone, so visitors are encouraged to pack only the essentials, such as water, snacks, and swimwear.
A trip to Jolly Buoy is typically combined with visits to nearby attractions like Chidiya Tapu and Munda Pahad.
For detailed planning, including permits and ferry timings, check local travel agencies or book a guided tour that will handle the logistics.
How to Reach Jolly Buoy Island
To visit Jolly Buoy Island in the Andaman Islands, the journey begins at Wandoor, a coastal town approximately 30 km from Port Blair. From Wandoor, ferries take visitors to the anchoring point off the fringing coral reefs surrounding Jolly Buoy Island. Once at the anchoring point, small fiber boats are used to reach the island’s shore.
Jolly Buoy Trip Ticket Price & Timing
Ferry Timings:
- Ferries to Jolly Buoy Island depart from Wandoor Jetty at approximately 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM.
- The ferry ride takes about 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the sea conditions.
- It’s highly recommended to arrive at the jetty at least 30 minutes prior to departure to ensure a smooth boarding process.
Ticket Prices:
The cost of the ferry ride and boat transfer from Wandoor to Jolly Buoy Island generally ranges from ₹1,800 to ₹4,000. The exact price varies depending on the season and the package inclusions. Packages with lower prices typically cover just the ferry and boat transfer to the northern shore of the island, while higher-priced options may include additional activities, such as a 15 to 60-minute glass-bottom boat ride to explore the shallow reefs around the island.
Jolly Buoy Island Permit Fees:
Jolly Buoy Island is part of the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, and visitors are required to obtain a permit from the Wildlife Department. The permit fees are as follows:
For Indians:
- Adults: ₹75 per person per day (included in the base ticket price)
- Children (Age 5-12 years): Free
For Foreigners:
- Adults: ₹1,000 per person per day (not included in the base ticket price)
- Children: ₹500 per person per day
For Foreign Yacht/Ship/Boat:
- ₹5,000 per vessel per day
For Indian Boat/Ship:
- ₹2,500 per vessel per day
Tour Duration:
- The overall tour duration for Jolly Buoy Island is typically around 5 to 6 hours. Here’s how the day is usually broken down:
- Ferry Ride to Jolly Buoy Island: The journey takes 30 to 45 minutes each way. The boats are comfortable, and the ride offers beautiful views of the Andaman Sea.
- Time on the Island: Once on the island, visitors generally have 3 to 4 hours to enjoy the various activities the island has to offer, such as:
- Snorkeling: Jolly Buoy Island is known for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs, making it an ideal spot for snorkeling. This activity is suitable for both beginners and experienced snorkelers.
- Glass-bottom Boat Ride: For those who prefer to stay dry, a glass-bottom boat ride is available, providing an opportunity to view the stunning marine life and corals beneath the surface.
- Beach Relaxation: The island has beautiful, secluded beaches where visitors can unwind, enjoy a picnic, or take a swim.
- Nature Trail: Visitors have the chance to explore the island’s lush vegetation and observe its diverse wildlife along the Nature Trail. The trail features informative signage, providing an immersive experience of the island’s unique ecosystem.
- Return Ferry Ride: After a fun-filled day, the return ferry departs at around 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM, bringing visitors back to Wandoor Jetty. The return journey also takes 30 to 45 minutes.
Other Considerations:
- Advance Booking: Since Jolly Buoy is a popular tourist destination, especially during peak seasons (November to May), it’s recommended to book ferry tickets in advance to secure your spot.
- No-Plastic Policy: Jolly Buoy Island follows a strict no-plastic policy to preserve its pristine environment and protect marine life. Visitors are encouraged to carry reusable items such as water bottles and to avoid any plastic waste.
- Amenities: The island is relatively undeveloped in terms of amenities, but there are basic facilities available like restrooms, changing rooms, and small kiosks offering snacks and drinks. It’s a good idea to carry your own essentials such as sunscreen, towels, and personal items.
- On October 5, 2024, during the 70th Wildlife Week celebrations, the Department of Environment and Forests inaugurated a new Nature Trail on Jolly Buoy Island. Spanning 1.7 kilometers, this trail is designed to promote eco-tourism and provide visitors with an immersive experience of the island’s rich biodiversity. The trail features informative signage, benches, and eco-huts, offering amenities that encourage eco-conscious tourism. The signage provides detailed information about the local flora and fauna, their roles in maintaining the ecosystem, and their importance to the environment.
Best Time to Visit:
- (2025) Jolly Buoy Island is open to visitors from November 16, 2024, to May 15, 2025.
- The best time to visit Jolly Buoy Island is during the winter months, from November to February, when the weather is pleasant, with cool temperatures and calm seas. The island is typically closed from May to October due to the monsoon season, when the waters are rough, and ferry services may not be operational.
Inclusions of a Typical Day Trip to the Jolly Buoy Island:
A typical day trip to Jolly Buoy Island includes several key inclusions in the base price. The ferry ride from Wandoor to the island’s anchoring point is covered, followed by a small boat transfer to the island itself. Visitors can enjoy a 15-60 minute glass-bottom boat ride over shallow coral reefs as part of higher-priced packages. The trip also includes lunch during the visit, and a variety of additional activities, such as extended glass-bottom boat rides and snorkeling, are available for an extra cost.
For more details on pricing and activities and booking Jolly Buoy Island Boat Trip Ticket, you can consult us. (+91-9830020125)
Overall, Jolly Buoy Island offers a blend of natural beauty and adventure activities, making it a memorable experience for those looking to explore the Andaman Islands’ marine life.
