Avis Island, also written Aves Island, is the small, quiet island that sits just off the harbour of Mayabunder in North Andaman. It is a short boat ride from the jetty, with clear water, coral reefs, coconut trees and an old lighthouse, and it is often called a peaceful escape from the mainland. Its beaches are not powdery sand but pieces of broken coral, which gives it a wild, natural character. For visitors who want a quiet day on the water in the north, it is one of the most appealing short trips.
Access to Avis Island has changed over the years, and it is not a normal tourist island with a regular ferry, shops or facilities. Because of that, this page is more cautious than most: it covers what to expect, how access works, the best time to go and how to plan, with honest notes on what to confirm. If you would rather have the boat, permissions and guide arranged for you, explore our Andaman tour packages, planned by Andaman Emerald Travels, a travel team based in the Andamans.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Off Mayabunder harbour, North Andaman |
| Reached from | Mayabunder jetty, by boat (about 20 minutes) |
| Known for | Quiet atmosphere, coral reefs, snorkelling, coconut trees, old lighthouse |
| Beach | Broken-coral shore rather than soft sand |
| Facilities | None; there are no shops, food or dive centres |
| Access | Controlled; permission is needed and rules can change |
| Suggested time | Half day, including the boat ride |
| Best season | Roughly November to April |
| Best for | Quiet seekers, snorkellers, photographers, offbeat travellers |
Avis Island is a small, mostly uninhabited island close to Mayabunder, visible from the harbour. It is known for its calm, clear water, healthy patches of coral and coconut trees, and for an old lighthouse on its shore. Because the beaches are made of broken coral rather than sand, walking barefoot is not comfortable, so wear sandals or water shoes. The lack of facilities adds to its feeling of remoteness: there is nothing here but sea, trees and sky.
Reefs around Mayabunder were badly affected by the 2004 seafloor uplift, so coral conditions vary from spot to spot. Some visitors and tourism sites describe good snorkelling off Avis Island, and there are no dive shops in the area, so snorkelling is the main activity. For a beach with softer sand in the same area, see Karmatang Beach.
Please read this before you plan. Sources describe access to Avis Island in different ways, and the situation can change:
Our team checks current access and arranges permissions for guests on our packages. If Avis Island is closed during your dates, we suggest alternatives such as a mangrove creek ride, Chengappa Bridge and Karmatang Beach.
Snorkelling is the main activity when conditions allow. The shallow water around the island has coral and reef fish, though the quality of the coral varies. Bring your own mask and snorkel if possible, wear a life jacket and stay with your guide. Visibility depends on the weather and tide.
A walk along the broken-coral shore is a quiet way to spend time, and a picnic in the shade of the coconut trees is simple and pleasant. Wear sturdy sandals, and carry out everything you bring in.
An old lighthouse stands on the island, reached by a walk of about 20 minutes through the forest from the landing point, according to the lighthouse authority. Access depends on conditions and permission, so ask your guide whether it can be visited.
The island, the harbour and the reefs make a peaceful subject for photographs, especially in the soft light of the morning. Sea birds and forest birds are common, so bring binoculars if you have them.
| Highlight | What It Is | Approx. Time Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Boat ride | A short crossing from Mayabunder jetty | About 20 minutes each way |
| Snorkelling | Coral and fish in shallow water | 30 to 60 minutes |
| Beach walk and picnic | Quiet broken-coral shoreline | 30 to 60 minutes |
| Lighthouse walk | A forest walk to the lighthouse, if permitted | About 20 minutes each way |
| Photography | Island, reef and harbour views | Throughout |
Timings are approximate and vary with weather, tides and access conditions.
The best season is roughly November to April, when the sea is calm and the water is clearer. Morning is the best time of day, with calmer water and softer light. Monsoon months bring rough seas and low visibility, and boat trips are often cancelled.
| Months | Season | What to Expect | Our Guides |
|---|---|---|---|
| October to November | Post-monsoon | Seas settling; visibility improving | October, November |
| December to February | Peak season | Calm seas and the clearest water | December, January, February |
| March to April | Summer | Warm and bright; start early | March, April |
| May to September | Monsoon | Rough seas; trips often cancelled | May, June, July, August, September |
You first need to reach Mayabunder, which lies about 240 km from Port Blair by the Andaman Trunk Road and about 136 km by sea, and is best seen as part of a longer northern journey that passes Rangat. From Mayabunder jetty, a boat to Avis Island takes about 20 minutes. If you are on one of our packages, we arrange the boat, the permission and the timing.
| Stage | What Happens | Things to Note |
|---|---|---|
| Port Blair to Mayabunder | Long road or sea journey, usually with a night in Rangat | Plan at least a day for the journey |
| Mayabunder jetty | Meet your boat and confirm permissions | Private boats need approval; no regular ferry |
| Boat to Avis Island | A crossing of about 20 minutes | Weather can delay or cancel the trip |
| Return to the jetty | Boat back to Mayabunder | Plan to return in daylight |
Convoy times, ferry schedules and access rules change, so confirm everything before you travel. Carry valid photo ID.
| Time | Plan |
|---|---|
| Morning | Boat to Avis Island if permitted: snorkelling and a beach walk |
| Midday | Return to Mayabunder for lunch |
| Afternoon | Chengappa Bridge and a mangrove creek ride |
| Late afternoon | Karmatang Beach for a quiet walk and sunset |
Looking for a ready-made plan that includes Mayabunder? Longer packages suit the north best: see our 6 nights 7 days and 7 nights 8 days Andaman packages. For more quiet places, read our guide to offbeat places in Andaman, or browse all Andaman destinations on our site.
Mayabunder and north Andaman stops 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 | Quiet 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 | Nature, snorkelling 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 a small island off Mayabunder harbour in North Andaman, about a 20-minute boat ride from Mayabunder jetty.
Yes. The island appears under both spellings, Avis and Aves, in guides and on official sites.
Access is controlled. Some sources say special permission from the forest department is needed, so confirm before you plan. Our team checks the current situation.
There is no regular public ferry that we can confirm. Boats are arranged privately with the necessary permissions.
Yes, when access is allowed and conditions are good. There are no dive shops in the area, so bring your own gear if you can.
No. The shore is made of broken coral, so wear shoes.
Roughly November to April, in the morning.
Longer packages that include Mayabunder can include it, subject to permission and weather. 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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