Local Andaman travel experts based in Port Blair, planning and delivering island holidays for over 18 years.

Plan your Andaman holiday with local experts based in Port Blair

Wandoor Beach - Gateway to Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park

Wandoor Beach sits about 25 kilometres from Port Blair and ranks among the most beautiful, easy-to-reach beaches in the Andaman Islands. With its long stretch of soft white sand, turquoise water, and quiet surroundings, it's also the official entry point to Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park. From the Wandoor Jetty, boats depart for the renowned Jolly Buoy Island and Red Skin Island both known for crystal-clear water, vivid coral reefs, and some of the best snorkelling in the region. Whether you're heading out on an island trip, taking a leisurely walk along the shore, or simply watching the sunset, Wandoor Beach belongs on every traveller's itinerary.

About Wandoor Beach of the Andaman Islands

Wandoor Beach is a broad, gently curved beach on the southwest edge of South Andaman Island, in the small village of Wandoor. The sand is wide, the water is usually calm, and the tree line behind the beach is dense enough to provide shade without the place feeling crowded. It faces west, which gives it decent sunset light in the late afternoon.

The beach is classified as a conservation zone, it sits directly at the entrance to Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, established in 1983, which covers 15 islands and roughly 281 square kilometres of protected reef and forest. Because of this, Wandoor does not have the beach shacks, water sports operators, or general commercial activity you would find at Corbyn's Cove. It is intentionally low-key.

One thing you will notice along parts of the shoreline: driftwood, dead tree stumps, and sections of reshaped sand that look different from a typical beach. These are remnants of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, which hit this coastline hard and permanently altered parts of the Wandoor shore. Most other beaches in Andaman do not carry this kind of visible coastal history, which makes Wandoor a somewhat unusual place to walk.

Quick Facts

  • Wandoor Beach is 25-30 km from Port Blair, about 45-60 minutes by road.
  • Main gateway to Jolly Buoy and Red Skin Islands inside Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park.
  • Jolly Buoy (Nov-Apr) and Red Skin (May-Oct) operate on a rotational basis.
  • Ferries to Jolly Buoy depart from Wandoor Jetty between 8:00-9:00 AM with advance booking.
  • West-facing beach known for sunset views; no entry fee or water sports.
  • Tsunami-affected driftwood and reshaped shoreline still visible.

The History of Wandoor Beach
- Gateway to Andaman's Marine Heritage

Wandoor Beach has long been an important coastal settlement in South Andaman, known for its natural beauty, fishing communities and proximity to some of the islands' richest marine ecosystems. Located around 25 kilometres from Port Blair, the area has traditionally served as a connection point between local villages and the surrounding islands.

The region gained greater significance with the establishment of the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park in 1983. Created to protect fragile coral reefs, mangrove forests, seagrass beds and diverse marine species, the park helped make Wandoor one of the most important ecotourism destinations in the Andaman Islands.

Over the years, Wandoor became the primary departure point for visitors travelling to Jolly Buoy Island and Red Skin Island, both renowned for their crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral formations. These islands continue to attract nature enthusiasts, photographers and marine life lovers from across India and abroad.

Although the area was affected by the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, Wandoor gradually recovered and remains one of the most scenic coastal destinations in the Andamans. Today, it is valued not only for its peaceful beach setting but also for its role in conserving the region's unique marine biodiversity for future generations.

Plan Your Wandoor Beach Tour with Our Local Experts

What to See on Wandoor Beach

Wandoor Beach offers a relaxed but layered experience that combines scenic beach walks, sunset viewing, birdwatching, nature photography and boat access to two of Andaman's most celebrated coral islands. Here is what to look out for during your visit.

Wandoor Jetty and boats departing for Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, Port Blair

Jolly Buoy Island Day Trip

A visit to Wandoor is incomplete without exploring Jolly Buoy Island. Famous for crystal-clear waters, coral reefs and life, it offers snorkelling opportunities.

Sunset at Wandoor Beach

As evening approaches, Wandoor Beach transforms into a sunset viewpoint. The shoreline, gentle sea breeze and colourful sky create an atmosphere.

Beach Walk & Tsunami Shoreline

Take a leisurely walk along Wandoor's wide sandy shoreline and observe the natural landscape shaped over time. The quiet surroundings make it ideal for photography.

Red Skin Island Day Trip

Red Skin Island offers clear waters, coral reefs and fewer crowds. It serves as a seasonal alternative to Jolly Buoy and attracts nature enthusiasts.

Wandoor Beach
- A Peaceful Coastal Escape in Andaman

Wandoor Beach is one of the most beautiful and tranquil beaches in South Andaman, located about 25 kilometres from Port Blair. Known for its long stretch of soft sand, turquoise waters and lush tropical surroundings, the beach offers a perfect retreat away from the busy tourist areas. Its calm atmosphere and scenic setting make it an ideal destination for families, couples and nature lovers.

Wandoor Beach Andaman

The beach is also the gateway to Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, one of the most important marine conservation areas in the Andaman Islands. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking sea views, leisurely walks along the shoreline and stunning sunsets that paint the sky with vibrant colours during the evening hours.

Whether you are looking to relax by the sea, explore nearby islands or simply enjoy the natural beauty of the Andaman Islands, Wandoor Beach offers a memorable experience. The best time to visit is between October and May when the weather remains pleasant and sea conditions are generally favourable for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Plan Your Wandoor Beach Visit

Tips for Visiting Wandoor Beach

  • Book the Jolly Buoy forest permit and boat ticket at least two days in advance, not on the day. The daily cap fills quickly in November to February.
  • Confirm which island is open before planning your trip, Jolly Buoy (November to April) and Red Skin (May to October) alternate. The Forest Department or your tour operator can verify this.
  • Wandoor Beach itself has limited facilities, a few basic stalls near the jetty and not much else. Carry water, food, and sun protection for a full day.
  • Do not swim near the mangrove edges of the beach. The area is classified as a crocodile zone by local authorities. Open water swimming in the central beach area is generally fine outside the monsoon months.
  • If you are only visiting the beach and not doing the island trip, late afternoon (4:00 PM onwards) is a good time, the ferry crowd has cleared out and the sunset light is better.
  • The drive from Port Blair to Wandoor through the forest is genuinely pleasant on a scooter. If you have a full day and want to combine beach time with the Jolly Buoy trip, renting a bike gives you the flexibility to stop along the route.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wandoor Beach is 25 to 30 km from Port Blair city centre depending on your starting point. The drive takes 45 to 60 minutes by road, passing through forested areas. Auto-rickshaws do not usually go this far, a taxi, cab booking, or rented bike/scooter is the practical option.

Yes. Wandoor Jetty is the only departure point for Jolly Buoy Island. Ferries leave between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM and return by around 2:00 PM. You need a park permit (₹75 for Indian adults) from the Forest Department or Directorate of Tourism in Port Blair, arranged at least a day before your trip. Boat fare is separate and varies by operator, roughly ₹850 to ₹1,800 per person.

No. Jolly Buoy Island is open roughly from November to April. From May to October, Red Skin Island opens instead. The two islands alternate on a seasonal schedule managed by the Forest Department, primarily to allow marine ecosystems to recover during the monsoon. Always confirm which island is open before booking.

No water sports operate at Wandoor Beach itself. The beach is undeveloped and conservation-focused. Water sports, snorkelling, glass-bottom boat rides, are available on Jolly Buoy and Red Skin Islands, reached by ferry from Wandoor Jetty.

Swimming is possible in calmer conditions, but Wandoor Beach does not have lifeguards and has no designated swimming area. The beach is also noted as a crocodile zone by local authorities, so swimming close to the mangrove edges is not advisable. The sea is calmer between November and March.

November to April. The sea is calm, ferries to Jolly Buoy run regularly, and the weather stays dry. If your main reason for visiting Wandoor is the Jolly Buoy day trip, plan for early November to February for the clearest water and easiest conditions.

Include Wandoor Beach in Your Andaman Itinerary

Wandoor works best as a full-day plan: leave Port Blair early, catch the morning ferry to Jolly Buoy, spend the late morning on the island, return to Wandoor by early afternoon, and stay for the sunset before driving back. That is a complete and unhurried day without needing a ferry to another island or an overnight stay.

Our team at Andaman Vacations India handles the Jolly Buoy permits, boat bookings, and transport from Port Blair so you do not have to coordinate three separate things on the morning of the trip. Tell us your travel dates and we will fit Wandoor into your Port Blair schedule with the logistics sorted.

More Places to Visit in Port Blair

View All

Related Travel Guides

View All

Discover helpful guides and travel tips related to Wandoor Beach.