Jolly Buoy Island - Andaman.
Andaman's Most Protected Marine Paradise.

About Jolly Buoy Island of the Andaman Islands

Jolly Buoy Island lies about 30 kilometres south of Port Blair, accessible via a road drive to Wandoor followed by a short ferry crossing. The island sits within the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, a protected area spanning 281 square kilometres of ocean, islands and coral ecosystems that were established in 1983.

What makes Jolly Buoy genuinely special is not just its beauty but its condition. Because it falls inside a national park with strict regulations, the coral reefs here have been protected from the kind of damage that has affected so many other dive and snorkel destinations across Southeast Asia. You will find hard corals, soft corals, brain corals and staghorn corals growing in formations that have taken decades to reach their current size.

The marine life that calls these reefs home is equally impressive. Parrotfish, clownfish, sea turtles, giant clams, moray eels and countless species of reef fish are regular sightings for snorkellers who wade into the shallow lagoon surrounding the island.

The island itself has a pristine white sand beach fringed by tropical forest. There are no hotels, no restaurants and no permanent buildings here. That is entirely the point. Jolly Buoy remains one of the few places in India where nature has been left completely undisturbed, and you feel that the moment you step off the ferry.

Quick Facts

• Jolly Buoy Island is part of Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, a protected marine biodiversity zone in Andaman.
• Accessible only from November to May, it alternates with Red Skin Island for tourism visits.
• Famous for crystal-clear waters and some of the best-preserved coral reefs in Andaman.
• Strict no-plastic zone to protect the fragile marine ecosystem and coral life.
• A completely uninhabited island with no permanent infrastructure, ensuring a pristine natural environment.

The History of Jolly Buoy Island
- A Protected Marine Paradise of Andaman

Jolly Buoy Island is one of the most celebrated attractions within the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park in South Andaman. Surrounded by crystal-clear waters and thriving coral reefs, the island has become a symbol of marine conservation and sustainable tourism in the Andaman Islands.

The island forms part of a protected marine ecosystem established when the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park was created in 1983. The park was designed to preserve fragile coral reefs, mangrove forests, seagrass meadows and the diverse marine species that inhabit these waters.

To protect its delicate environment, Jolly Buoy Island follows strict conservation measures. Plastic items are prohibited, visitor numbers are regulated and tourism activities are carefully monitored. These efforts have helped maintain the island's exceptional underwater visibility and healthy coral formations over the years.

Today, Jolly Buoy Island attracts visitors from across the world who come to experience its vibrant marine life, colourful coral gardens and pristine natural beauty. Accessible by boat from Wandoor Jetty, the island remains one of the finest destinations in the Andaman Islands for snorkelling, glass-bottom boat rides and nature-based tourism.

Plan Your Jolly Buoy Island Tour with Our Local Experts

Jolly Buoy Island vs Red Skin Island
- Which One Should You Visit?

This is one of the most common questions we get from visitors planning their Andaman trip. The honest answer is that both islands are worth visiting if your schedule allows. But if you can only visit one, the choice largely depends on when you are travelling.

Jolly Buoy is open from November to May and is generally considered to have the superior coral coverage and clearer water. The snorkelling experience here is a step above what you find at Red Skin. If you are visiting during the winter or spring months, Jolly Buoy is the one to prioritise.

Red Skin Island takes over from June to October when Jolly Buoy closes for the monsoon. Red Skin has its own charm, slightly denser forest cover and equally clear water, though the coral formations are less dramatic. If your trip falls during the shoulder or monsoon season, Red Skin is still a rewarding visit. Our team can advise you on which island will be open during your specific travel dates.

Plan Your Jolly Buoy Island Visit

Tips for Visiting Jolly Buoy Island

• Start early. The ferry from Wandoor departs in the morning and the island closes in the early afternoon. An early start gives you the most time on the island and the calmest sea conditions for snorkelling.
• Carry your own lunch and drinking water in non-plastic containers. There are no food stalls or shops on the island and plastic is strictly banned. This rule is enforced seriously.
• Apply reef-safe sunscreen only. Regular chemical sunscreens are harmful to coral and the forest department actively discourages their use. Biodegradable, reef-safe options are widely available in Port Blair markets.
• Do not touch or stand on the coral. It looks solid but coral is a living organism and even a single touch can cause damage that takes years to repair. Stay above it and observe from a respectful distance.
• Book your ferry and permits in advance, particularly between December and February when demand is highest and spots fill up days in advance.
• Our team at AndamanVacation.com handles all logistics for your Jolly Buoy visit including transport from Port Blair, forest department permits, ferry bookings and snorkelling equipment arrangements. You arrive, you explore, you leave with memories. We handle everything else.

Include Jolly Buoy Island in Your Andaman Itinerary

Jolly Buoy Island is one of those experiences that almost every Andaman visitor mentions when they come home. Our team at Andaman Vacations India has been organising day trips to Jolly Buoy for over 25 years and we include it as a highlight in every Port Blair itinerary we design. We know the best departure times, which guides know the reef well and how to make sure your visit does not feel rushed.

Tell us your travel dates and we will confirm which island is open, arrange all permits and transport and build a Port Blair day itinerary around your visit to Jolly Buoy or Red Skin Island.