Wandoor Beach is the quiet gateway to the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park and one of the most peaceful beaches near Port Blair. A long, calm shore backed by coconut palms and forest, it is far from the crowds, ideal for a slow walk, a sunset and a look at the reef-protected coast. Most visitors come for one of two reasons: to relax on the sand, or to catch the boat to the park’s islands, where the snorkelling and coral are some of the best in the south.
Wandoor lies roughly 25 to 30 km southwest of Port Blair, about a 45-minute to 1-hour drive along a scenic road. This guide covers what to see, an important safety note about the water, the Marine Interpretation Centre, how island trips work, the best time to go and how to plan your day. If you would rather have the transfers, permits and boats arranged for you, explore our Andaman tour packages, planned by Andaman Emerald Travels, a travel team based in Port Blair.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | About 25 to 30 km southwest of Port Blair (Sri Vijaya Puram), South Andaman |
| Travel time | Around 45 minutes to 1 hour by road |
| Type | Quiet public beach and gateway to a marine national park |
| Known for | Calm shoreline, sunsets, Marine Interpretation Centre, boats to Jolly Buoy and Red Skin |
| Entry | Free for the beach; charges apply for boat trips and permits |
| Suggested time | 1 to 2 hours for the beach; a half to full day with an island trip |
| Best season | October to May |
| Swimming | Not recommended; see the safety note below |
Wandoor is a small fishing village at the end of the road, and its beach has a relaxed, uncrowded feel. The sand is soft, the shoreline is long and the coconut palms and forest behind it give it a gentle, green setting. Wooden benches sit along the beach, and a large fallen tree near the middle makes a popular photo spot. Because the beach is not on the main tourist route, you will often have long stretches of it to yourself.
The beach is also the front door to the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, a protected area of about 15 islands, established in 1983 to protect marine life, including corals and nesting sea turtles. The park covers a large area, and only two of its islands are open to visitors: Jolly Buoy Island and Red Skin Island. Boats to both leave from the Wandoor jetty.
Although the water looks calm and inviting, swimming and wading at Wandoor Beach are not recommended. Saltwater crocodiles are present in the creeks and coastal waters of this area, and warning signs are posted. Attacks are rare, but the risk is real, so please follow local guidance, stay out of the water, keep children away from the edge and avoid staying on the beach after dark. For swimming, choose beaches such as Corbyn’s Cove or the island beaches inside the marine park, where activities are supervised.
The simple pleasure of Wandoor is the beach itself. Walk along the shore, sit on a bench under the trees, watch the boats and enjoy the breeze. It is a calm, restful place and a nice change from busier spots.
Wandoor is known for its sunsets, with soft light over the water and silhouettes of trees and boats. It is similar in spirit to Chidiya Tapu Beach, though quieter. Because the road back is long, plan to leave soon after the sun goes down.
Right at the entrance to the marine national park is a modern Marine Interpretation Centre. It uses dioramas and displays to explain marine life, coral reefs and the importance of conservation, and it has an auditorium. It is a good short stop before or after an island trip and helps you understand what you are about to see. Check its opening days and any entry fee before you go.
A short distance away is a quieter stretch of sand known as New Wandoor Beach, often described as a hidden gem. It is a peaceful spot for photographs and a quiet walk. Ask our guide for directions and current access.
The most popular reason to come to Wandoor is the boat trip to Jolly Buoy or Red Skin Island, where you can go snorkelling, take a glass-bottom boat ride and spend time on a quiet beach. Only one of the two islands is normally open at a time, and a permit is required. For the full picture, see our island guides.
| Highlight | What It Is | Approx. Time Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Beach walk | A long, quiet shoreline with benches | 30 to 45 minutes |
| Sunset | Soft evening light over the water | 45 minutes to 1 hour |
| Marine Interpretation Centre | Dioramas and displays on marine life | 30 to 45 minutes |
| New Wandoor Beach | A quieter nearby stretch of sand | 30 to 45 minutes |
| Island boat trip | Boat to Jolly Buoy or Red Skin Island | Half to full day |
Timings are approximate and vary with crowds, tides and weather.
Wandoor is the departure point for the park’s islands. Here is how they compare:
| Island | What It Offers | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Jolly Buoy Island | Snorkelling, glass-bottom boat and beach time | Seasonal; permit required |
| Red Skin Island | Snorkelling, glass-bottom boat and beach time | Seasonal; alternates with Jolly Buoy; permit required |
| Cinque Island | Sandbar, clear water and snorkelling | Restricted; special permission needed |
The park is generally closed on Mondays, and sources also mention restrictions on some other days, including Wednesdays. Permits and tickets usually need to be arranged at least a couple of days in advance, so plan ahead. Our team handles this for guests on our packages.
The best season is October to May, when the weather is dry and the sea is calm. For the beach, late afternoon into early evening is best for the light and cooler air. For island trips, go in the morning. Monsoon months bring rain, rough seas and cancellations of boat trips.
| Months | Season | What to Expect | Our Guides |
|---|---|---|---|
| October to November | Post-monsoon | Seas settling; green coast | October, November |
| December to February | Peak season | Clear skies and calm seas; book permits early | December, January, February |
| March to May | Summer | Warm and humid; start early | March, April, May |
| June to September | Monsoon | Rain and rough seas; trips often cancelled | June, July, August, September |
Wandoor is reached by road from Port Blair. The drive of roughly 25 to 30 km takes 45 minutes to an hour along a scenic route lined with coconut palms. Cabs and hired two-wheelers are the easiest ways to get there, and there are local buses with limited timings, with the last bus back usually leaving in the early evening. If you are on one of our packages, your private cab will take you directly and wait while you visit.
| Option | Best For | Things to Note |
|---|---|---|
| Private cab | Most visitors; flexible and comfortable | Arrange a pickup time, especially after sunset |
| Rented two-wheeler | Confident riders | Roads are quiet; avoid riding in the dark |
| Local bus | Budget-minded travellers | Limited timings; check the last bus back |
| Plan | What You Do |
|---|---|
| Beach and sunset (half day) | Drive down after lunch, visit the Interpretation Centre, walk the beach and stay for the sunset |
| Island day trip (full day) | Leave early, take the boat to Jolly Buoy or Red Skin, then return and relax on the beach |
| Combined plan | Morning island trip, lunch at Wandoor and a late-afternoon beach walk |
Looking for a ready-made plan that includes Wandoor and the marine park? See our 3 nights 4 days and 4 nights 5 days Andaman packages. You can also browse all Andaman destinations on our site.
Wandoor and marine park trips 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, sunsets 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 | Snorkelling and active island 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 about 25 to 30 km southwest of Port Blair, at the entrance to the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park.
It is not recommended. Saltwater crocodiles are present in the area, and warning signs are posted. Enjoy the beach from the sand instead.
The drive takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on traffic and stops.
The beach is free to visit. Charges apply for boat trips, permits and possibly the Interpretation Centre.
It is a modern centre at the entrance to the marine park, with dioramas and an auditorium that explain the park’s marine life and conservation.
Jolly Buoy and Red Skin are the two islands open to tourists, and they alternate by season. Cinque Island needs special permission.
October to May is best. Late afternoon suits the beach, and morning suits island trips.
Marine park trips 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.
C-43 WARD NO. 12, DIGNABAD, PORT BLAIR, South Andaman, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, 744101
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