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A small islet within the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, Jolly Buoy Island is in South Andaman, around 30 km from Wandoor Beach. Though the area falls under a government-protected zone, tourists can visit this islet that offers breathtaking views and water sports such as snorkelling and scuba diving. Even though there are no coconut or palm trees on this islet, there are dense tropical forests here that cover around 70% of the place. Besides this, the majestic coral reefs of Jolly Buoy Island present a visual kaleidoscope of colours and underwater formations.
How To Reach Jolly Buoy Island
Photo: Pertiwiputami / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
There are no roads that connect Jolly Buoy to the Indian mainland so travellers can only reach this islet by boat.
By Boat: The nearest airport to this island is the Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair. From Port Blair, you need to take a cab or a bus to Wandoor Beach, which is located around 30 kms from the airport. It takes almost an hour to reach the beach. From the beach, rent a speed boat to enjoy your day on the island. Also remember to book a return trip from Wandoor Beach itself as there are no vendors on Jolly Buoy Island.
Cost / Person: Starting from ₹1000
Time Of Departure: 9 AM
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Things To Do On Jolly Buoy Island
Jolly Buoy Island’s weather is perfect for water sports and activities like snorkelling, scuba diving, and glass bottom boat rides. Here are some of the best things you can do on this island.
1. Snorkelling
Photo: Subtle Cinematics / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
The crystal-clear and calm waters of Jolly Buoy Island provide ideal conditions for snorkelling. Tourists can get a glimpse of the rich and colourful corals and underwater marine population from up close for a memorable experience. The red and blue corals as well as the clown and zebrafish are some of the exotic species you should look out for while snorkelling here.
Cost / Person: Starting from ₹1000
2. Glass Bottom Boat Rides
Photo: Alina Kacharho / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
If snorkelling is not your cup of tea, you can opt for a glass bottom boat ride to view the exotic marine life here. This ride is suitable for both adults and kids and provides captivating views of colourful fish, sea turtles, aquatic creatures, and vibrant coral formations. It is advisable to book these rides in advance to secure a seat.
Cost / Person: Starting from ₹1000
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3. Scuba Diving
Photo: AshwiniShinde / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Get an adrenaline rush by scuba diving at Jolly Buoy Island and witness the beauty of the magnificent corals and underwater marine life. Remember to check the weather forecast in advance to avoid scuba diving during high tides at Jolly Buoy. You should also avoid touching the corals while scuba diving to help maintain the ecological balance of this pristine island.
Cost / Person: Starting from ₹1500
4. Jungle Treks
Photo: Quang Nguyen Vinh / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Though this is a small islet, it has a thick forest cover that spans around 70% of the total island area. With the help of an experienced guide, you can hike through this untouched green terrain and enjoy an adventure of a lifetime. Witness the beauty of this island’s biodiversity with a trek through these majestic forests.
Cost / Person: As per guide availability
Suggested Read: Beaches In Andaman
Places To Visit
Jolly Buoy has some of the most visually stunning marine life images and clear waters. Some of the popular places to visit on this island include:
1. Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park
Photo: Ritu Kulshrestha / Wikimedia Commons
Jolly Buoy Island’s location is part of the protected Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, which is home to a range of diverse marine life. Tourists can go snorkelling here to get a view of colourful fishes and hard and soft coral reefs. This park is also known for its turtle breeding centre where you can watch turtle hatchlings in action.
Entry Fees: ₹50 for Adults, ₹25 for kids and ₹500 for foreigners
Timings: 9 AM – 3 PM (Mondays Closed)
2. Wandoor Beach
Photo: WQ Photography / Shutterstock
Wandoor beach has the largest shoreline in Port Blair that stretches up to 15 kms. Some of the highlights of this beach include the coral sightings, a cave formed by high tides and a view of the majestic sunsets. There are also plenty of shops near the entrance of the beach where you can pick up souvenirs.
Entry Fees: ₹90 per person
Timings: 4 AM – 9 PM
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Where To Stay
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As this island comes under the Mahatma Gandhi Marine Park, there are no hotels or hostels here. Thus after exploring the islet, it is best to travel by boat to Wandoor beach or Port Blair and book a hotel there. Hotel Aqua Breeze, Hotel Serene Palace, Kanchan’s Nest, and more are a few good options in Port Blair. It is important that you book these hotels in advance, especially if you are visiting during peak season.
Best Time To Visit
Photo: Anshul Arora / Wikimedia Commons
The best time to visit Jolly Buoy Island is from October to April as the skies are clear during this time and there is minimal rainfall. Thus this pleasant weather provides the ideal setting to enjoy water activities like swimming, snorkelling, scuba diving and glass boat rides. However, it is best to check the weather forecast before planning your Jolly Buoy Island trip as weather patterns may vary. It is important to also note that the island remains closed for tourists for 6 months every year to preserve the coral reefs, so plan your trip accordingly.
Suggested Read: Snorkelling In Andaman
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Matthew Barra / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Tips For Travellers:
- Avoid visiting Jolly Buoy Island on a Monday as it is closed for maintenance purposes.
- No water facilities are available on the island, so carry your water bottle.
- As per Jolly Buoy Island tourism rules, tourists have to obtain a permit from the concerned authorities on Wandoor Island before visiting this islet.
- There are no ferries available after 9 AM. So, make sure you reach Wandoor beach on time to catch a boat to Jolly Buoy.
- The island is a protected ‘no plastic’ zone area, and you must remove all plastic bags and bottles prior to your visit.
- There are no changing rooms available on the island, so pack accordingly.
- There is no option of staying overnight on the island as the area closes at 2 PM.
Are you ready to witness the mesmerising charm of Jolly Buoy Island? Then, start planning your vacation to this islet with Trip XL and enjoy the scenic views and adrenaline-pumping water sports here. Exciting adventures await you on this island where the colourful marine life and spotless beaches provide a memorable escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Cover Photo: Dr.Ankit Parmar / Unsplash
