Tucked inside the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, Jolly Buoy Island is one of the most tightly protected and visually stunning destinations in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. With crystal-clear lagoons, vibrant coral gardens, and a strict daily visitor cap, it’s less a typical beach outing and more a rare, curated encounter with untouched marine life.
Here’s everything you need to know before planning your trip.
What Makes Jolly Buoy Island So Special?
Unlike many beach destinations that stay open year-round and cater to unlimited footfall, Jolly Buoy Island operates very differently:
- Seasonal access only — the island is open to tourists for roughly six months a year, from mid-November to mid-May
- A strict daily visitor limit, capped at under 400 people a day to protect its fragile coral ecosystem
- A zero-plastic, zero-pollution policy, strictly enforced by forest officials
- No food stalls or shops on the island itself — all meals and refreshments are arranged aboard the vessel that takes you there
This exclusivity is exactly what makes Jolly Buoy special — you’re not visiting a commercialized tourist beach, but a genuinely protected marine sanctuary.
Where Is Jolly Buoy Island Located?
Jolly Buoy Island lies within the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, off the coast of South Andaman, and is reached by boat from Wandoor Jetty — roughly 25 km from Port Blair, typically accessible by cab or auto-rickshaw.
Best Time to Visit Jolly Buoy Island
The island is open for tourism only from mid-November to mid-May. Outside this window, the sister destination Red Skin Island — known for its striking red coral shoreline and calmer, family-friendly waters — opens instead, running roughly mid-May to mid-November.
If your travel dates fall outside Jolly Buoy’s open season, Red Skin Island is a strong alternative within the same marine park.
How to Get There: The Boat Journey
Most visitors reach Jolly Buoy Island via a catamaran day cruise departing from Wandoor Jetty. A typical day trip looks like this:
- Reporting time: Around 10:00 AM at Wandoor Jetty
- Departure: Roughly 10:30 AM
- Travel time to the island: About 45 minutes each way
- Time spent on the island: Approximately 3 hours
- Return to jetty: By mid-afternoon, around 3:30 PM
Onboard, modern catamarans typically offer both standard indoor seating and premium open-deck seating, along with a small café-style setup serving snacks, hot and cold beverages, and light meals — a convenient option since the island itself has no food outlets.
What to Expect On the Island
- Snorkeling in marked safe zones, with vibrant coral reefs and clear visibility
- Underwater photography opportunities, thanks to the exceptionally clear lagoon waters
- A peaceful, low-crowd atmosphere, kept intentionally uncommercialized
- Little to no mobile network, so it’s worth informing family or downloading anything you need in advance
Entry Permits and Booking
Since Jolly Buoy is inside a protected marine national park, visitors need a forest department permit to enter, in addition to their boat ticket. A few important points:
- Permits are typically limited in number and issued shortly before the travel date, often on a first-come, first-served basis
- It’s strongly recommended to book in advance through a registered operator, since permits can run out during peak season
- Carrying a valid photo ID is essential for boarding, as verification is required
What You Can and Can’t Bring
Because the island’s ecosystem is heavily protected, strict rules apply:
Do:
- Carry sunscreen, a towel, and a valid ID
- Follow crew and forest official instructions
- Respect posted timings and safe swimming zones
Don’t:
- Bring plastic items — these are checked and restricted by forest officials
- Touch corals or marine life while snorkeling
- Carry alcohol or smoking materials onto the island
Tips for a Smooth Jolly Buoy Island Trip
- Book early, especially during peak tourist season (December–February), since daily visitor numbers are capped
- Carry cash and essentials, since options on the island itself are extremely limited
- Wear reef-safe sunscreen where possible, to minimize environmental impact
- Keep swimming to marked safe zones only — currents and coral areas outside these zones can be unpredictable
- Charge your camera/phone in advance, since there’s little to no opportunity to charge devices once you’re on the water
FAQs: Jolly Buoy Island
Q1. When is Jolly Buoy Island open for tourists?
Jolly Buoy Island is open roughly from mid-November to mid-May each year. Outside this period, the nearby Red Skin Island is open instead.
Q2. How do I reach Jolly Buoy Island?
Visitors travel to Wandoor Jetty (about 25 km from Port Blair) and then take a boat cruise, which takes roughly 45 minutes to reach the island.
Q3. Do I need a permit to visit Jolly Buoy Island?
Yes. Since the island lies within a protected marine national park, a forest department entry permit is required in addition to your boat ticket. Permits are limited and best booked in advance.
Q4. Is food available on the island?
No, there are no food stalls on Jolly Buoy Island itself. Meals and refreshments are typically available onboard the boat before and after your island visit.
Q5. Is swimming allowed at Jolly Buoy Island?
Yes, but only within marked safe zones, for both safety and coral conservation reasons.
Q6. How long do visitors typically spend on the island?
Most day trips allow around 3 hours on the island itself, as part of a full-day cruise experience.
Q7. Is mobile network available on the island?
Network connectivity is very weak to non-existent, so it’s a good idea to inform others of your plans and download anything you need before departing.
Final Thoughts
Jolly Buoy Island isn’t just another Andaman beach stop — it’s a carefully preserved marine ecosystem that offers one of the clearest, most vivid snorkeling experiences in India, precisely because access is limited and protected. If your travel dates align with its short open season, it’s well worth planning ahead, booking your permit early, and giving yourself a full day to enjoy it.
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