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 500 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:
The cost of the ferry ride and boat transfer from Wandoor to the 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 only cover the ferry and boat transfer to the northern shore of the island, while higher-priced options may include extra 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 belongs to Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park and one need a permit from the Wildlife department paying the permit fees as follows:
Indians: (Included in the Base Ticket Price from Wandoor to Jolly Buoy)
Adults: Rs. 75/- per person per day
Children (Age 5-12 years) (Indians): Free
Foreigners: (Not Included in the Base Ticket Price from Wandoor to Jolly Buoy)
Adult: Rs. 1000/- per person per day
Children: Rs. 500/- per person per day
Foreign Yacht/Ship/Boat:
Rs. 5000/- per vessel per day
Indian Boat/Ship:
Rs. 2500/- per vessel per day
Additional Activities:
- For those wanting to explore the marine life further, a 1-hour glass-bottom boat ride to more exclusive coral sites is available for an additional ₹1,000 to ₹2,500 per person (Depends on the distance of the coral reef). Additional hours charged 500 Rs per person.
- Snorkeling boat trips around the island’s best snorkeling spots are another popular option, costing between ₹1,000 and ₹4,500 per person.
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 15-30 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, you can consult us. (+91-9875302209)
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.
