Red Skin Island is one of the two snorkelling islands open to visitors in the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park near Port Blair, and it is a quiet, beautiful alternative to the busier water-sports spots. A small, forest-covered island with a soft beach and shallow reef, it offers clear water, colourful fish and a chance to see a protected marine ecosystem up close. There are no hotels, no shops and no crowds, only the sea, the sand and the reef.
Red Skin Island is reached by boat from the jetty at Wandoor, about an hour’s drive from Port Blair. Because it lies inside a protected area, entry is controlled, and it is open to tourists only at certain times of the year. This guide covers what to expect, the permit and access rules, how Red Skin differs from Jolly Buoy, the best time to go and how to plan your day. 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, quiet beach |
| Facilities | None on the island: no shops, food or shelter |
| Suggested time | Half to full day, including the drive and boat ride |
| Open to visitors | Seasonally; it alternates with Jolly Buoy Island |
| Before you go | A permit is required, and access can change by day and season |
Red Skin is one of about 15 islands in the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, a protected area of reefs, creeks and forest set up in the early 1980s to safeguard marine life, including corals and nesting sea turtles. Only two of the park’s islands, Red Skin and Jolly Buoy Island, are open to tourists, and the two take turns so that each reef can recover while the other receives visitors.
That rotation is part of what keeps the reef healthy. Daily visitor numbers are limited and entry is regulated, which means the shore stays clean and the coral is in better condition than at many easier-to-reach beaches. A visit here is a day of simple pleasures: a boat ride, time in the water, a quiet beach and a packed lunch.
The two islands offer a very similar experience, and which one you visit depends on the season rather than your preference:
| Feature | Red Skin Island | Jolly Buoy Island |
|---|---|---|
| Park | Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park | Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park |
| Departure point | Wandoor jetty | Wandoor jetty |
| Activities | Snorkelling, glass-bottom boat, beach time | Snorkelling, glass-bottom boat, beach time |
| Open | Seasonally, when Jolly Buoy is closed | Seasonally, when Red Skin is closed |
| Permit | Required | Required |
| Facilities | None | None |
Sources describe the rotation in different ways, some as every six months and some as alternating periods, so check which island is open for your dates before you plan.
Snorkelling is the main activity. The reef lies close to the beach in shallow water, so beginners can see coral and fish without going far from the shore. Snorkellers usually go with a trained assistant and wear a life jacket. Visibility depends on the weather and tide, and can be lower in the months when this island is typically open, so ask your guide for the day’s conditions.
If you prefer to stay dry, a glass-bottom boat lets you watch the reef through a clear panel. It suits children, seniors and anyone not comfortable in the water, and it is a good way to see the corals before or after a swim.
The island has a quiet strip of sand and shallow water. Bring a towel, water and snacks, then walk the shore and sit in the shade of the trees. Because there are no shops, plan your food and drink in advance.
Before the boat leaves, many visitors stop at the museum and interpretation centre at the Wandoor jetty. It explains the park’s marine life and why it is protected, and it makes a good short introduction to what you will see.
| Highlight | What It Is | Approx. Time Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Drive to Wandoor | Road journey from Port Blair | About 1 hour each way |
| Boat ride | Short crossing from the Wandoor jetty | 30 to 45 minutes each way (varies) |
| Snorkelling | Coral and fish near 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 |
Timings are approximate and vary with tides, weather and the boat used.
Red Skin is within a national park, so you need a permit to visit. Daily numbers are limited, and permits can sell out in busy periods, so it is wise to book ahead. Key points:
Our team handles the paperwork and checks current status for guests on our packages.
Red Skin is typically open in the months when Jolly Buoy is closed, which can include part of the monsoon and the period just after it. Conditions in these months vary, with rain, wind and lower visibility more likely than in peak season, and boat trips may be cancelled. If you are travelling in the main tourist season, from about November to April, Jolly Buoy is usually the island that is open, so check which one applies to your dates.
| Months | Typical Access | What to Expect | Our Guides |
|---|---|---|---|
| October to November | Often a changeover period | Seas settling; confirm which island is open | October, November |
| December to February | Usually Jolly Buoy | Best weather; Red Skin often closed | December, January, February |
| March to May | Changeover period | Warm and clear; confirm which island is open | March, April, May |
| June to September | Often Red Skin | Rain and wind; visibility and trips can vary | June, July, August, September |
This table is a general guide only. The rotation can change by year, so always confirm before booking.
Red Skin 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 adds 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.
Port Blair 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, clear water and quiet beach within the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, and it is one of only two snorkelling islands open to tourists there.
It alternates with Jolly Buoy Island so each reef can recover. Only one of the two is normally open to visitors at a time.
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.
The experience is very similar. The better choice is simply whichever island is open on your dates.
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 North Bay Island, 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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