Jolly Buoy Island is one of the best places near Port Blair to see coral and tropical fish without needing to dive. This small, uninhabited island sits within the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, a protected area famous for its reefs, and it is known for clear water, soft sand and a peaceful setting. There are no hotels, no shops and no crowds on the shore, only the sea, the beach and the reef just off it.
Jolly Buoy is reached by boat from the jetty at Wandoor, about an hour’s drive from Port Blair. Because it is a protected area, entry is controlled and the island is not open every day or all year. This guide covers what to expect, the permit and access rules, the best time to go, how to plan your day and what to bring. If you would rather have the boat, permit and guide arranged for you, explore our Andaman tour packages, planned by Andaman Emerald Travels, a travel team based in Port Blair.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, off Wandoor, South Andaman |
| Reached from | Wandoor jetty, by boat |
| Type | Protected island within a marine national park |
| Known for | Coral reefs, snorkelling, glass-bottom boat views, clean white beach |
| Facilities | None on the island: no shops, food or shelter |
| Suggested time | Half to full day, including the drive and boat ride |
| Best season | Roughly November to April, subject to conditions |
| Before you go | A permit is required and access can change by day and season |
Jolly Buoy is one of the islands in the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, a protected area made up of about 15 islands of mangrove creeks, forest and coral reefs. The park was set up in the early 1980s to protect marine life, including corals and nesting sea turtles. Only a small number of its islands are open to visitors, and the number of people allowed each day is limited to protect the reef.
That control is part of what makes Jolly Buoy special. Compared with many popular beaches, it is quiet and clean, and the coral is in good condition. The main activity is looking at the sea life from the surface, through a snorkel or from a glass-bottom boat, while the rest of the day is spent on the sand.
Snorkelling is the highlight. Just off the beach, you can float over hard and soft corals, with colourful reef fish moving through them. The water is usually calm and the reef is close to shore, which makes it a good choice for beginners. Visitors are generally required to snorkel with a trained assistant, and life jackets are used. Visibility depends on the weather and the tide, so conditions vary from day to day.
If you prefer to stay dry, a glass-bottom boat lets you watch the reef through a clear panel in the floor. It is ideal for children, seniors and anyone who is not comfortable in the water. It is also a good way to understand what you are looking at before you snorkel.
The island’s beach is a soft strip of pale sand with clear shallow water. There is no shop or facility, so bring a towel, water and snacks. Sit in the shade, walk along the shore and enjoy the quiet.
Besides fish and coral, you may see sea cucumbers, starfish and other small creatures near the shore. Please look without touching, and never stand on coral or remove anything from the water or the beach.
For certified divers, scuba diving in the area may be possible, depending on permissions and operators. Ask our team in advance if you are interested.
| Highlight | What It Is | Approx. Time Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Boat ride | Short crossing from the Wandoor jetty | Around 30 to 45 minutes each way (varies) |
| Snorkelling | Coral and fish close to the shore | 1 to 2 hours |
| Glass-bottom boat | A dry way to see the reef | 30 to 45 minutes |
| Beach time | Quiet sand and shallow water | 1 to 2 hours |
| Drive from Port Blair | Road journey to Wandoor | About an hour each way |
Timings are approximate and vary with tides, weather and the boat used.
Jolly Buoy is within a national park, so you need a permit to visit. Daily visitor numbers are limited, and permits can sell out in peak season, so it is wise to book ahead. Please note these key points:
Our team handles the paperwork and checks current status for guests on our packages.
The best time to visit is roughly November to April, when the sea is calm and the water is clearer. Conditions can be good a little earlier and later, depending on the year. Monsoon months bring rough seas, low visibility and frequent boat cancellations, so the island is often not accessible then. Go in the morning, when the water is usually calmest.
| Months | Season | What to Expect | Our Guides |
|---|---|---|---|
| October to November | Post-monsoon | Seas settling; visibility improving | October, November |
| December to February | Peak season | Best weather and clearest water; book permits early | December, January, February |
| March to April | Summer | Warm days and good visibility; start early | March, April |
| May to September | Monsoon and transition | Rough seas and low visibility; trips often cancelled | May, June, July, August, September |
Jolly Buoy is reached from the jetty near Wandoor Beach, about 25 to 30 km from Port Blair. The road trip takes roughly an hour, and the boat ride across the water takes a short time more. If you are on one of our packages, we arrange the transfer, the permit, the boat and the guide.
| Stage | What Happens | Approx. Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Early departure | Leave your hotel in the morning for Wandoor | Early morning start |
| Drive to Wandoor | Road journey from Port Blair to the jetty | About 1 hour |
| Permit and boat | Entry formalities and boarding | 30 to 45 minutes |
| On the island | Snorkelling, boat ride and beach time | 2 to 3 hours |
| Return | Boat to Wandoor and drive back to Port Blair | About 2 hours |
Schedules, timings and rules change, so always confirm before you travel.
| Time | Plan |
|---|---|
| Early morning | Depart Port Blair for Wandoor |
| Morning | Permit, boat ride and arrival at the island |
| Late morning | Snorkelling or a glass-bottom boat trip |
| Midday | Packed lunch and beach time |
| Afternoon | Return boat and drive back to Port Blair |
Looking for a ready-made plan? Island excursions can be included in our 3 nights 4 days and 4 nights 5 days Andaman packages, subject to permits and weather. You can also browse all Andaman destinations on our site.
Island excursions can be arranged in 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 island trips |
| 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 | Snorkelling, diving and active 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 its coral reefs and clear water within the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, and it is one of the best snorkelling spots near Port Blair.
Yes. It is a protected area and permits are required. Daily numbers are limited, so book early. Our team arranges it for guests on our packages.
Access alternates with Red Skin Island and can also be closed for weather, safety or conservation reasons. The park is generally closed on Mondays.
Roughly November to April, when the sea is calm and the water is clear. Monsoon months are usually not suitable.
No. There are no facilities and overnight stays are not allowed. It is a day trip only.
Yes, with care. Life jackets and trained assistants are used for snorkelling, and a glass-bottom boat suits those who prefer to stay dry. Discuss your group’s needs with us first.
Trips can be cancelled for weather or rule changes. We always plan a backup, such as another island excursion, and will explain your options in advance.
Island excursions can be arranged on request, subject to permits 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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