Wandoor

1 dayBest: Oct–MarBeaches#beach#snorkeling#gateway

Gateway to the Mahatma Gandhi Marine NP

Why this weekend?

Jolly Buoy boatBeach walksMangrove views

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The day-by-day plan

Day 1 · Marine park boats
- Morning permit & boat to Jolly Buoy
- Glass-bottom ride
- Reef snorkelling
- Lunch at the island kiosk
- Afternoon swim
- Return by the last boat

Geography & terrain

Wandoor is the village on the south-west coast of South Andaman, 29 km from Port Blair, where the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park begins — a scatter of 15-odd islands and islets in the turquoise water of the Andaman Sea, reached by boats from Wandoor's small jetty.

History & culture

The settlement grew as a fishing and timber village of the island's forest age, then became the park's doorstep when the Marine National Park was declared in 1983 to protect the reefs; its jetty now launches the daily boats to Jolly Buoy and Red Skin island, the park's two open coral islands.

Where to stay

Budget

₹1,200–2,800/night

Mid-range

₹2,800–6,000/night

Comfort

₹6,000+/night

Things to do

Jolly Buoy coral gardens
Red Skin island
Glass-bottom reef views
Wandoor beach
Boat ride through the islands

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: ₹3,500–9,500 (1 days)
Per day · Stay: ₹1,200–6,000/night
Per day · Food: ₹600–1,000
Per day · Transport: ₹800–1,200
Per day · Activities: ₹800–1,200

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

Boats run fixed morning schedules — be at the jetty by 8–9 am
The park closes for the monsoon (roughly mid-May to September) — plan October to April
Wear reef-safe sunscreen or rashguard; the corals are protected

Frequently asked questions

Jolly Buoy or Red Skin?

Jolly Buoy is the classic first choice — shallower, calmer water and gentle corals; Red Skin suits stronger swimmers. The park opens them on rotation.

Do I need a permit?

Yes — bought at the Wandoor park office with your ID; entry fees and a mandatory snorkel-guide fee apply.

Can I visit in monsoon?

No — the park is shut roughly May to September; the December–April window is the reliable season.