{"id":2402,"date":"2024-07-30T16:21:26","date_gmt":"2024-07-30T16:21:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tripxl.com\/blog\/?p=2402"},"modified":"2025-02-26T05:06:46","modified_gmt":"2025-02-26T05:06:46","slug":"jolly-buoy-island","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tripxl.com\/blog\/jolly-buoy-island\/","title":{"rendered":"Jolly Buoy Island: Unveil The Enchanting Beauty Of Andaman’s Tropical Paradise"},"content":{"rendered":"

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.<\/em><\/p>\n

How To Reach Jolly Buoy Island<\/h2>\n
\"Tourists<\/div>\n

Photo: Pertiwiputami \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ Image For Representation Only<\/a><\/p>\n

There are no roads that connect Jolly Buoy to the Indian mainland so travellers can only reach this islet by boat. <\/p>\n

By Boat:<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n

Cost \/ Person:<\/strong> Starting from \u20b91000
\nTime Of Departure:<\/strong> 9 AM<\/p>\n

Suggested Read:<\/strong> Andaman And Nicobar Nightlife<\/a><\/p>\n

Things To Do On Jolly Buoy Island<\/h2>\n

Jolly Buoy Island\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

1. Snorkelling<\/h3>\n
\"Get<\/div>\n

Photo: Subtle Cinematics \/ Unsplash \/ Image For Representation Only<\/a><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Cost \/ Person:<\/strong> Starting from \u20b91000 <\/p>\n

2. Glass Bottom Boat Rides<\/h3>\n
\"Watch<\/div>\n

Photo: Alina Kacharho \/ Unsplash \/ Image For Representation Only<\/a><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Cost \/ Person:<\/strong> Starting from \u20b91000 <\/p>\n

Suggested Read:<\/strong> Adventure Sports In Andaman To Enjoy For A Fun Vacation<\/a><\/p>\n

3. Scuba Diving<\/h3>\n
\"Witness<\/div>\n

Photo: AshwiniShinde \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ Image For Representation Only<\/a><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Cost \/ Person:<\/strong> Starting from \u20b91500<\/p>\n

4. Jungle Treks<\/h3>\n
\"Hike<\/div>\n

Photo: Quang Nguyen Vinh \/ Pexels \/ Image For Representation Only<\/a><\/p>\n

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\u2019s biodiversity with a trek through these majestic forests.<\/p>\n

Cost \/ Person:<\/strong> As per guide availability<\/p>\n

Suggested Read:<\/strong> Trekking In Andaman<\/a><\/p>\n

Places To Visit<\/h2>\n

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:<\/p>\n

1. Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park<\/h3>\n
\"View<\/div>\n

Photo: Ritu Kulshrestha \/ Wikimedia Commons<\/a><\/p>\n

Jolly Buoy Island\u2019s location is part of the protected Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park<\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n

Entry Fees:<\/strong> \u20b950 for Adults, \u20b925 for kids and \u20b9500 for foreigners
\nTimings:<\/strong> 9 AM – 3 PM (Mondays Closed)<\/p>\n

2. Wandoor Beach<\/h3>\n
\"Soak<\/div>\n

Photo: WQ Photography \/ Shutterstock<\/a><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Entry Fees:<\/strong> \u20b990 per person
\nTimings:<\/strong> 4 AM – 9 PM<\/p>\n

Suggested Read:<\/strong> Places To Visit In Port Blair When You Travel Next Time<\/a><\/p>\n

Where To Stay<\/h2>\n
\"View<\/div>\n

Photo: Antony Trivet \/ Pexels \/ Image For Representation Only<\/a><\/p>\n

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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

Best Time To Visit Jolly Buoy Island<\/h2>\n
\"Jolly<\/div>\n

Photo: Anshul Arora \/ Wikimedia Commons<\/a><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Suggested Read:<\/strong> Snorkelling In Andaman<\/a><\/p>\n

Other Factors To Consider<\/h2>\n
\"Jolly<\/div>\n

Photo: Matthew Barra \/ Pexels \/ Image For Representation Only<\/a><\/p>\n

Tips For Travellers<\/strong><\/p>\n