Parrot Island is one of the most magical sunset experiences in the Andamans. This small, flat, uninhabited island off Baratang Island is covered in mangroves and tall trees, and as the sun goes down, thousands of parakeets and parrots fly in from all directions to roost for the night. The sky fills with bright green wings and loud chatter, then the noise fades as the birds settle and the colours of the sunset deepen. It is a simple, wild and unforgettable sight.
Parrot Island can only be reached by boat from Baratang in the late afternoon, which means it works best as an overnight stop rather than part of the usual day trip from Port Blair. This guide covers what to expect, how the boat trip works, the best time to go, safety points and how to plan your visit. If you would rather have the stay, boat and timing arranged for you, explore our Andaman tour packages, planned by Andaman Emerald Travels, a travel team based in the Andamans.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Off Baratang Island, Middle Andaman, reached from the Nilambur (Baratang) jetty |
| How you get there | Small motor boat from the Baratang jetty, about 20 to 30 minutes each way |
| Known for | Thousands of parakeets returning to roost at sunset, mangrove boat ride |
| Best time of day | Late afternoon into sunset; boats usually leave around 4 to 4:30 pm |
| Permit | No special permit; you only pay for the boat |
| Best season | Roughly October to April; November to February is often called the best |
| Suggested time | About 2 to 3 hours including the boat ride |
| Best for | Bird lovers, photographers, couples, nature lovers, offbeat travellers |
Parrot Island is a flat, low island of dense green trees and mangroves, with no buildings, no people and no facilities. Its fame comes from the birds. Each evening, large flocks of parakeets and parrots, often of several kinds, fly in over the water from the forests of Baratang and settle in the trees on the island to sleep. The sound comes first, a rising chorus of shrieks, then the sky fills with moving green. For about half an hour, the island is alive with birds, and then it falls quiet.
Because the show happens only at dusk, the island is not a place you can pop into at any time of day. Midday visits show only trees. The reward comes if you time it properly. For a daytime counterpart on the same island, see the limestone caves and mangrove creeks.
Boats leave from the Nilambur (Baratang) jetty in the late afternoon, usually timed so that you reach the island just before sunset. The ride lasts around 20 to 30 minutes and passes through open water and mangrove channels. Local boatmen run small motor boats, which are basic but suited to the short crossing. Because only a few boats go each day, it is wise to arrange your trip in advance, especially in peak season.
| Highlight | What It Is | Approx. Time Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Boat ride | A short crossing through mangroves and open water | 20 to 30 minutes each way |
| Parakeet roosting | Thousands of birds returning at dusk | 30 to 45 minutes |
| Sunset views | Colours over the sea from the boat | 30 to 45 minutes |
| Birdwatching | Parakeets and other mangrove birds | Throughout the trip |
| Photography | Flocks, sunset and silhouettes | Throughout the trip |
Timings are approximate and vary with the tide, season and weather.
The usual day trip from Port Blair leaves very early and returns to the city before dark, which means you cannot catch the parakeets at sunset. To see them, you will normally need to spend a night at Baratang. This also gives you time to enjoy the island at a slower pace, without rushing back through the tribal reserve convoy. Hotel options at Baratang are limited, so book well in advance, especially from December to February.
| Plan | What You Do | Things to Note |
|---|---|---|
| Day trip from Port Blair | Caves, creeks and mud volcano, then return | Usually cannot include Parrot Island |
| Overnight at Baratang | Daytime sights, then the Parrot Island boat at sunset | The best way to see the parakeets |
| Part of a longer north trip | Stop at Baratang on the way to Rangat and beyond | Allows time for sunset and an early start the next day |
The best time of day is late afternoon into sunset, around 4 to 6:30 pm depending on the season. The best months are usually November to February, when the weather is cooler and the sea is calm, though October to April is also good. Monsoon months bring heavy rain and rough water that can stop boats, and sunset views are often hidden by cloud. Because the island is described as seasonal in some sources, confirm availability before you plan.
| Months | Season | What to Expect | Our Guides |
|---|---|---|---|
| October to November | Post-monsoon | Clearing skies; calm sea returning | October, November |
| December to February | Peak season | Best weather and sunsets; book boats early | December, January, February |
| March to April | Summer | Warm and clear; good visibility | March, April |
| May to September | Monsoon | Rain and rough sea; trips often cancelled | May, June, July, August, September |
You first need to reach Baratang. Most travellers go by road from Port Blair, join the convoy through the tribal reserve, cross the water by ferry and arrive at the Nilambur jetty. From there, a small boat takes you to Parrot Island at the right time of day. If you are on one of our packages, we plan the overnight stay, the boat and the timing around the sunset.
| Stage | What Happens | Things to Note |
|---|---|---|
| Port Blair to Baratang | Early start; convoy through the reserve; ferry crossing | Follow all convoy and reserve rules |
| Stay at Baratang | Daytime sights and rest | Limited hotels; book early |
| Jetty to Parrot Island | Boat leaves in the late afternoon | Few boats each day; arrange in advance |
| Return to the jetty | Boat back soon after sunset | Check lighting and safety with the boatman |
Convoy times, ferry schedules and boat availability change with weather and local conditions, so confirm everything before you travel. Carry valid photo ID.
| Time | Plan |
|---|---|
| Day 1 early morning | Leave Port Blair and join the convoy |
| Day 1 late morning | Mangrove creek boat ride and limestone caves |
| Day 1 afternoon | Mud volcano, then a short rest before heading to the jetty |
| Day 1 late afternoon | Boat to Parrot Island and watch the sunset roost |
| Day 1 evening | Return to your stay for dinner and rest |
| Day 2 morning | Quiet stop at Baludera Beach, then continue north or return to Port Blair |
Looking for a ready-made plan that includes an overnight at Baratang? See our 4 nights 5 days and 5 nights 6 days Andaman packages. For more wild places, read our guide to offbeat places in Andaman, or browse all Andaman destinations on our site.
Baratang excursions are part of many of our packages. Every traveller has different needs, so we offer a package for each:
| Traveller Type | Package | What It Offers |
|---|---|---|
| Couples | Andaman honeymoon packages | Romantic stays and private transfers |
| Families | Andaman family packages | Comfortable, child-friendly plans |
| Friends and colleagues | Andaman group packages | Shared planning for large parties |
| Value-focused travellers | Andaman budget packages | Affordable trips that cover the highlights |
| Government employees | Andaman LTC packages | Plans designed for LTC travel |
| Thrill seekers | Andaman adventure packages | Creeks, caves and offbeat excursions |
Not sure which suits you? Reach out through our contact page for a customised itinerary.
See what travellers say about us on Andaman Emerald Travels on Google, then call +91 9933245630 or send an enquiry for a free quote on your Andaman tour packages.
It is known for the sight of thousands of parakeets and parrots flying in to roost on the island at sunset.
It is a small uninhabited island off Baratang Island in Middle Andaman, reached by boat from the Nilambur (Baratang) jetty.
Around 20 to 30 minutes each way, in a small motor boat.
No special permit is required. You pay for the boat, and you should arrange it in advance.
Late afternoon into sunset, mainly from November to February, though October to April is also good.
Usually not, because the day trip returns before sunset. Most visitors stay overnight at Baratang.
The island is a roosting site, so visitors normally watch the birds from the boat.
Packages with an overnight stop at Baratang can include it on request. Couples often choose a honeymoon package, families a family package and adventure lovers an adventure package. Our team can customise any plan.
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