Jolly Buoy Island (Port Blair)
Jolly Buoy, Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, Port Blair 
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Is Jolly Buoy Island reopened?
Yep, Jolly Buoy Island has finally reopened its shores after a three-year closure due to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Jolly Buoy is truly an islet, a little slice of paradise in the Andamans, and is truly a feast for the eyes. Jolly Buoy Island is one of the 15 islands in Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park in which only two are open for tourists. The other one is Red Skin Island open for the other 6 months.
What’s So Special About Jolly Buoy Island?
- Coral Reefs in Jolly Buoy is an underwater masterpiece, offering a kaleidoscope of colors and intricate formations. Most unique and denser coral formations that supports one of the richest biodiversity in Andamans.
- 70% of the Island is covered with dense jungle even though there are no Coconut or Palm trees. How interesting is that!
- The waters around Jolly Buoy Beach are too shallow and transparent, providing a clear sight of the ocean floor and its vibrant marine life.
- Jolly Buoy presents one of the cleanest beaches as it is a preserved area and designated as a no-plastic zone.
How to Reach Jolly Buoy?
To Reach Jolly Buoy from Port Blair follow the below steps:
- Take a bus or cab to Wandoor Beach, accessible every hour from any bus stand via Bathubasti. The beach is 30 km from the airport, approximately a one-hour drive.
- To get to Jolly Buoy Island from Wandoor, you’ll need to hop on a shared boat, which takes about 35 minutes. The boat waits for you at Jolly Buoy and returns you to the starting point.
Wanna go to Jolly Buoy? Feel free to Contact Us.
Do We Need a Permit to Reach Jolly Buoy?
Without a doubt! You need to get a permit for Jolly Buoy as it’s a reserved island, and it’s issued two days before the scheduled event. This permit must be obtained from the Tourism Office in Port Blair, and you’ll need to provide a valid photo ID or passport for verification to secure it.
Don’t worry, we take care of all the hustle while you Book With Us.
Things to Do in Jolly Buoy Island
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Snorkeling
Jolly Buoy stands out with its shallow and ultra-clear waters, providing an incredible snorkeling experience. The untouched rich coral reefs and vibrant marine life, filled with dazzling colors, makes your dive truly extraordinary.
Cost: Starts from INR 1000
Read More: Snorkeling in Andamans.
2. Glass-bottom Boat ride:
The glass-bottom boat ride is the most preferred activity at Jolly Buoy, mainly because that doesn’t involve getting into the water and getting wet, making it more convenient. You can take in a panoramic view of the corals from the boat, especially since there are no facilities for changing clothes at Jolly Buoy.
Cost: Starts from INR 1000
Read More: Water Sports in Andaman
3. Jungle Trekking
Even though small, the island has a thick tropical forest that covers 70% of its total area. With the guidance of an experienced trekking guide, you can hike into an exciting trekking adventure. Immerse yourself in the vibrant green surroundings and the untouched terrain of the island during your trekking adventure.
Cost: Varies depending on guide availability
Read More: Trekking in Andamans
4.Read a Book Post Your Swim
Being a reserved area, only a restricted number of visitors are permitted daily, and it has one of the cleanest and most secluded beaches in Andamans. You can soak in the sun, take a leisurely stroll, or simply lay back in the white sand and read your favorite book, the choice is yours. Experience the peacefulness of nature while breathing in the fresh air.
Things to Know Before Reaching Jolly Buoy Island
- There are no food shacks in Jolly Buoy, so carry a bunch of munchies and a lot of water.
- Since it’s a protected area and a no-plastic zone, make sure to bring along non-plastic water bottles. Remember, throwing any trash around is a big no-no.
- There aren’t any changing rooms or spots on the island, so be sure to keep your clothes dry.
- The forest department will request a list of all the items you’re bringing to the island, so be sure to keep your packing light.
- Overnight stays aren’t an option since the island shuts down at 2 pm, and there is no available accommodation.
Basic Information
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Best Time to Visit
FAQs About Jolly Buoy Island
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How to reach Jolly Buoy from Port Blair?
You can take a cab from Port Blair to Wandoor Beach. From there, you can hop on a boat and get to Jolly Buoy.
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Are there restaurants on the Island?
There are no eateries on the island. So, we recommend you to pack your picnic baskets with some snacks & food.
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Should you pre- book boats to visit Jolly Buoy?
Yes, it is advisable to pre-book boats with a travel agency because the demand can be really high at times.
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Is the island open throughout the year?
No, the island is only open for 6 months in a year.
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Can you do snorkeling all by yourself in Jolly Buoy?
No, snorkeling by yourself is not allowed without the required permit.
Why Book With Us
Every member of the Go2andaman team is an Andaman-expert in their own right. As much as we love the islands, we also understand hospitality and great service.
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