DESCRIPTION

Jolly Buoy and Red Skin Island are two of the most beautiful and popular destinations located in the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park in Wandoor Beach, India. These islands are known for their pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant coral reefs, making them a popular spot for both locals and tourists alike.

Jolly Buoy Island is the more popular of the two and is known for its white sandy beaches and clear blue waters that are perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving. The island is also home to a variety of marine life, including colorful coral reefs, fish, turtles, and even sharks. Visitors can take a glass-bottom boat ride to explore the marine life or simply relax on the beach and soak up the sun.

Red Skin Island is slightly less popular than Jolly Buoy Island, but is equally stunning. The island is known for its beautiful coral reefs and underwater flora and fauna, making it a popular spot for snorkeling and diving. Visitors can also take a boat ride around the island to explore the mangroves and spot some of the exotic bird species that inhabit the island.

Both Jolly Buoy and Red Skin Island are part of the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, which is home to a variety of marine life and is a protected area. Visitors to the islands are required to obtain a permit from the park authorities, which can be obtained from the park office in Wandoor Beach. The islands are open to visitors from October to May, with Jolly Buoy Island being closed on Mondays.
Overall, Jolly Buoy and Red Skin Island are must-visit destinations for anyone traveling to Wandoor Beach. With their beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and stunning marine life, these islands offer a truly unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages.

TIMINGS TO VISIT JOLLY BUOY ISLAND

Jolly Buoy Island is open for visitors from October to May every year, except during the monsoon season. The timings for visiting the island are from 8:30 AM to 2:00 PM, and visitors are required to return to Wandoor Beach by 3:00 PM. The island is closed on Mondays for maintenance purposes.

It is important to note that the number of visitors allowed on the island is limited, and a permit is required to visit Jolly Buoy Island. The permit can be obtained from the Directorate of Tourism, located in Port Blair, and it is advisable to book your permit in advance to avoid last-minute disappointments.

Additionally, it is advisable to check the weather forecast before planning your visit, as the island is closed during bad weather conditions. Visitors are also required to follow the rules and regulations set by the park authorities and respect the environment while visiting Jolly Buoy Island.

HOW TO REACH JOLLY BUOY ISLAND FROM PORT BLAIR

To reach Jolly Buoy Island from Port Blair, you can follow these steps:

By road: Hire a taxi or take a bus from Port Blair to reach Wandoor Beach, which is the base location for Jolly Buoy Island. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes.

By ferry: Once you reach Wandoor Beach, you can take a ferry from the Wandoor Jetty to reach Jolly Buoy Island. The ferry ride takes approximately 40-45 minutes. The ferry service is operated by the Andaman and Nicobar Administration and is subject to weather and tide conditions. The ferry operates on all days except Mondays, when Jolly Buoy Island is closed for visitors.

Permits: Visitors are required to obtain a permit from the park authorities(IPNT) to visit Jolly Buoy Island. The permit can be obtained from the park office in Wandoor Beach. It is advisable to obtain the permit in advance to avoid any inconvenience.