Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park
- Coral Reefs of Jolly Buoy & Red Skin

About Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park of the Andaman Islands

Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park lies along the south-western coast of South Andaman, with Wandoor village as its main entry point, about 29 to 30 km from Port Blair. The park covers roughly 281 square kilometres of sea, mangrove creeks and coastline, and encompasses fifteen islands grouped mainly into the Labyrinth and Tarmugli island clusters, including the better-known Jolly Buoy and Red Skin Islands.

The park was established in 1983 under the protection of the Andaman and Nicobar forest department, with the specific aim of conserving the coral reefs, mangrove forests and nesting grounds of sea turtles found along this stretch of coast. It remains one of the most ecologically significant marine protected areas in the Bay of Bengal, supporting a wide range of reef fish, corals and other marine life within its boundaries.

Because the park exists primarily to protect a fragile reef ecosystem, access to its islands is carefully managed. Visitor numbers are capped, certain islands are rotated in and out of use, and boats are suspended altogether during the monsoon or whenever the sea is too rough, so a visit here always comes with a degree of conservation built into the experience.

The History of Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park
- Protecting Andaman's Marine Wonders

Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park was established in 1983 to protect the rich marine ecosystems of the Andaman Islands. Located near Wandoor, around 25 kilometres from Port Blair, the park covers a group of beautiful islands, coral reefs, mangrove forests and seagrass beds that support an extraordinary diversity of marine life.

Created as one of India's important marine protected areas, the national park was designed to conserve fragile coral reefs and coastal habitats that were increasingly vulnerable to human activity. The protected area spans more than 280 square kilometres and includes several islands surrounded by crystal-clear waters.

The park is home to a remarkable variety of marine species, including sea turtles, dugongs, reef fish, starfish, molluscs and numerous coral species. Its thriving underwater ecosystems make it one of the most significant biodiversity hotspots in the Bay of Bengal and a valuable centre for marine conservation.

Today, Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park is one of the most popular eco-tourism destinations in the Andaman Islands. Visitors come to explore famous islands such as Jolly Buoy and Red Skin, enjoy snorkelling and glass-bottom boat rides, and experience the natural beauty of one of India's finest marine reserves.

Wandoor and Chidiya Tapu
- A Full Day on South Andaman's Coast

Wandoor and Chidiya Tapu sit on roughly the same southern stretch of South Andaman, which makes it easy to combine a morning at Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park with an evening at Chidiya Tapu's beaches and sunset point. Spend the morning out on the water at Jolly Buoy or Red Skin, then head back along the coast in the afternoon to watch the sun go down over Munda Pahar Beach.

Since boat departures to the islands are limited to the morning and permits need to be arranged in advance, this kind of combined day works best when it is planned ahead rather than decided on the spot. Building in a buffer for changeable sea conditions also helps, since the boat schedule can shift at short notice if the weather turns.

Our team at AndamanVacation.com regularly arranges Wandoor and Chidiya Tapu as a single South Andaman day trip for guests, handling the permits, boat bookings and onward transport so the whole day runs smoothly from the morning reef visit to the evening sunset.

Tips for Visiting Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park

• Book your permit and boat slot in advance. Daily visitor numbers are capped and the forest department often asks for permits to be arranged a day ahead, so this is not a place to turn up at without a reservation.
• Confirm which island is open before you travel. Jolly Buoy and Red Skin are typically opened on a rotational basis, so the island available on your visit may not be the one you expect.
• Check the weather the evening before. Boats to the islands are cancelled when seas are rough, and the entire park effectively shuts down during the monsoon months.
• Carry minimal plastic and avoid touching or standing on coral. Conservation rules here are strictly enforced, both for the reef's sake and for your own safety in the shallow water.
• Budget for the boat fare and any glass-bottom boat or snorkelling charges separately from the basic park entry fee, since these are billed individually.
• Our team at AndamanVacation.com handles permits, boat bookings and transport from Port Blair for guests visiting Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, so you do not have to navigate the rotational island schedule or last-minute weather changes on your own.

Include the Marine National Park in Your Port Blair Itinerary

Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park is the easiest way to see Andaman's coral reefs without heading out to Havelock or Neil Island, and it pairs naturally with a day spent exploring South Andaman's quieter coastline around Wandoor and Chidiya Tapu. Our team at Andaman Vacations India has been arranging permits, boat transfers and full Wandoor day trips for guests for over 25 years, so the logistics around rotational island access and weather-dependent schedules are handled before you even land in Port Blair.

Tell us your travel dates and we will build a South Andaman day around Jolly Buoy or Red Skin Island, with permits, boat slots and transport arranged in advance, so your visit goes ahead smoothly regardless of which island happens to be open.