Jolly Buoy Island
Jolly buoy island is one among the most visited destinations in the Andaman Islands. Jolly buoy island offers amazing coral reef. The reef at Jolly Buoy Island is something that you will not easily experience in any other parts of the islands. The reef and the coral life is amazing in Jolly Buoy. Jolly Buoy island comes under the Mahatma Gandhi marine national park. You will need permit and tickets to visit this island. Prior booking is a must for Jolly Buoy Island trip. Trip to Jolly Buoy is considered one of the best trip in Andaman Islands.
How To Reach Jolly Buoy Island
To reach Jolly Buoy first you need to reach Wandoor jetty which is approximately 30 Km from the main city in Port Blair. You need to start early around 7 AM to be able to take the boat to Jolly Buoy from Wandoor.
From Wandoor jetty, the boat leaves to Jolly Buoy. The boat takes approximately 40 minutes to reach Jolly Buoy from Wandoor Jetty in a boat.
Once you are in Jolly Buoy island you must avail Glass Bottom boat ride by paying extra. This is usually not included in the ticket cost, however, you need to avail the glass bottom experience once you reach Jolly Buoy.
The cost of the glass boat ride varies on time. Some rides are for 15 minutes, some for 30 minutes, and some for 1 Hour. We personally recommend you to go with the longest duration one when going for a glass-bottom ride at Jolly Buoy Island. The water is very clear at Jolly Buoy though it depends upon the weather on the day of your trip.
How to get Permits to Jolly Buoy?
Permits to Jolly Buoy Island is issued 1 day before the tour date. This permit has to be purchased from the Tourism Office in Port Blair. A valid Photo ID proof has to be submitted to obtain the permit. The permits can be purchased on your behalf by your travel advisor. You can contact us for assistance to book the permit and tickets or can book the Jolly Buoy trip online.
Timings To Visit Jolly Buoy
The route to Jollybuoy is the same as visiting Red Skin Island also. Both Jolly buoy and Red skin are located at Mahatma Gandhi National park. The normal time leaving for Jolly buoy island at Wandoor beach is between 8 AM to 9.00 AM. Make sure to reach Wandoor beach by 8.00 am. All the ships leave at the same time and come back together.
Things to Note – Jollybuoy is a No Plastic zone. Before leaving for Jolly buoy Island, people have to submit all plastic items at Wandoor beach jetty just before the entrance. You are not allowed to carry any plastic bottles to Jolly Buoy Island.
Visitors can enjoy the underwater coral view through a glass-bottom boat. Snorkeling is not allowed at Jolly Buoy Island. As a standard trip, while getting down from the ship and transferring to the island through small boats, visitors will be taken through a ride and will be shown these underwater corals through glass bottom.
People willing to see more corals can hire a boat independently and enjoy. An additional amount has to be paid for each ride for 30 to 60 minutes to view the corals.
At Jolly buoy, there is no proper place for changing the dress, especially for ladies and kids. Take care of your belongings while you are enjoying in the sea by keeping a person escorting your items. Eco huts are available at Jolly Buoy island where you can take shelter during heavy rain and Tourist land travel solutions pvt Ltd. Don’t forget to clean the place and collect all wastages and put it in a waste box or cover and bring these back.
Visitors can enjoy the Island upto 2.00pm and the return journey starts around 2.00 or 2.30pm. Jolly buoy and Red Skin island are opened for 6 months alternatively in a year to protect live corals. Before planning your Andaman & Nicobar trip, make sure that Jolly buoy island is open for visitors (if you are planning to see this island). When the Jolly buoy island is closed for visitors, usually Red skin island will be opened for visitors.