Mahatma Gandhi Marine NP

1 dayBest: Oct–MarForests#coral#snorkeling#marine park

Protected coral islands open to visitors

Why this weekend?

Jolly Buoy islandRed Skin islandSnorkelling

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The day-by-day plan

Day 1 · Reef day from Wandoor
- 8 am permit & boat
- Jolly Buoy snorkel
- Glass-bottom ride
- Lunch kiosk
- Second island or swim
- Last-boat return

Geography & terrain

The Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park spreads across the waters off Wandoor, 29 km from Port Blair, protecting 281 sq km of the Andaman Sea around 15 islands — from the coral flats of Jolly Buoy and Red Skin to the mangrove fringes and nesting beaches of the outer islets.

History & culture

Declared a national park in 1983, it was the Andamans' first marine protected area, created to shield the reef system from dynamite fishing and shell collection; two island visits a day, rotated between Jolly Buoy and Red Skin, keep the coral under constant but controlled feet and fins.

Where to stay

Budget

₹1,500–3,500/night

Mid-range

₹3,500–7,000/night

Comfort

₹7,000+/night

Things to do

Coral gardens
Table corals & fish schools
Island beaches
Mangrove creeks
Dolphin sightings (seasonal)

Eat & drink

Grilled reef fish
Coconut and seafood curries
Tropical fresh fruit platters

Getting there

Fly: Veer Savarkar Airport (IXZ), Port Blair
Train: No rail — island chain served by ferries
Road from Port Blair: road + ferry hub for all islands
Getting around: Autos and scooters on the islands; ferries between them

Budget snapshot

Total: ₹6,000–12,500 (1 days)
Per day · Stay: ₹1,500–7,000/night
Per day · Food: ₹600–1,000
Per day · Transport: ₹1,200–1,600
Per day · Activities: ₹2,500–2,900

Month by month

Jan · Best: 23–30°C · None rain
Feb · Best: 23–30°C · None rain
Mar · Good: 24–31°C · None rain
Apr · Good: 25–32°C · Light rain
May · Hot: 25–32°C · Moderate rain
Jun · Monsoon: 25–30°C · Heavy rain
Jul · Monsoon: 25–29°C · Heavy rain
Aug · Monsoon: 25–29°C · Heavy rain
Sep · Monsoon: 25–30°C · Heavy rain
Oct · Good: 24–30°C · Moderate rain
Nov · Best: 23–30°C · Light rain
Dec · Best: 23–30°C · None rain

Practical info

Language: Hindi / Bengali / Tamil (multi-language islands) (English understood in tourist spots)
Best window: Oct–Mar
Connectivity: Patchy off the main islands — download offline maps
UPI/cards widely accepted; keep small cash for hill and market stops

Practical tips

Rule of thumb: reef shoes + mask-snorkel beat renting — but rentals exist
The park rotates Jolly Buoy and Red Skin; accept whichever is open
Alcohol is banned on the islands — keep the trip dry

Frequently asked questions

Which islands are open?

One of Jolly Buoy or Red Skin on most days, rotated by the forest department to rest the reefs; both are similar in character.

Is snorkelling mandatory?

No — a glass-bottom boat is included for everyone; snorkel gear and a guide are optional on Jolly Buoy.

How long does the day take?

About 6–7 hours door to door from Port Blair — boats leave Wandoor in the morning and return by mid-afternoon.