Things to do
Jolly Buoy. The clearest water you'll ever stand in.
Jolly Buoy Island, inside the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, is the Andamans' most protected — and most pristine — snorkelling island. No plastic is allowed on the island, visitor numbers are capped daily, and the result is visibility that regularly exceeds 20 metres.
Getting there
Jolly Buoy is reached by boat from Wandoor jetty, about 30 km from Port Blair. Entry permits are limited per day and must be arranged in advance — we handle permits, boat tickets and transfers as one package.
The reef
The island's fringing coral reef begins just off the beach. Snorkel straight from the sand, or take a glass-bottom boat over the deeper gardens — expect staghorn coral, anemones with clownfish, parrotfish and sea cucumbers in remarkable density.
Protected island rules
Jolly Buoy is a zero-plastic zone — all bottles and bags are checked at the jetty. There are no shops or restaurants on the island; carry drinking water in reusable bottles and pack a snack. The island is open roughly November to April; Red Skin Island substitutes in the off-season.
Who it's for
Because the reef starts in shallow, calm water, Jolly Buoy is ideal for first-time snorkellers, children and anyone who'd rather see coral from a glass-bottom boat than get wet.
Highlights
- Marine national park island
- 20+ metre visibility
- Glass-bottom boat option
- Zero-plastic protected zone
- Permits & boats arranged