For those who want a fun, educational, and safe trip, Jolly Buoy Island is the place! Being one of the islands of the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park that is under protection, Jolly Buoy is a refuge without any signs of commercial exploitation, and the enforcement of the "no-plastic zone" is very strict. 

It allows you to see a very rare and totally clean natural environment. You can have an unforgettable adventure and at the same time the pretty aquatic scenes will become your relaxation.

This blog is indispensable to you as it shows you how to find your way through the permits that are obligatory, the amazing things that you can do, and the easiest way of making this heavenly place your own. So, let’s go and see this pristine island!

Jolly Buoy Island distance from Port Blair

The ride to Jolly Buoy takes you through two legs from the capital: first a drive with nice views, then a quick boat hop across.

Road Distance

Jolly Buoy sits close to Wandoor Beach, around 30 km from Port Blair. Travel time? Roughly one hour by personal vehicle or hired ride, winding through thick green forests.

From Wandoor Jetty, reaching Jolly Buoy Island means hopping on a ferry, or sometimes it’s a speedboat. That trip across water? Takes around 45 minutes, give or take.

Total Commute

Since it is known that ferries leave at around 9 a.m. Wandoor Jetty, you should be there at 8:30 a.m. for the permit check-in and hence leaving your hotel in Port Blair between 7:00 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. is the only option to allow time for the drive and check-in.

Why Jolly Buoy Island is Andaman's Premier Coral Destination

Jolly Buoy didn't just become famous by chance - it earned that spot thanks to solid protection efforts. The island sits right inside the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, so tight rules help keep nature intact.

Superior Clarity and Reefs

Cleaner water sticks around because there’s not much boat traffic or fishing messing things up, so you can see way deeper than usual. Plus, the coral formations pack together tightly - full of color, teeming with life, like a natural hub where sea creatures thrive unlike anywhere else nearby.

Vibrant Biodiversity

Watch closely for the island’s well-known creatures - swarms of bright parrotfish, inquisitive triggerfish, or better yet, those charming clownfish hiding in sea anemones like tiny hideouts.

The Untouched Experience

The trip feels wild and fresh - thanks to tight guest limits plus a zero-plastic rule that’s actually enforced. Hit Jolly Buoy, and you’re doing green travel without the hype, just real action.

The Essential Jolly Buoy Island Experience: Activities for Every Age

Jolly Buoy works well for each person in the family - everyone can check out the sea life without stress or hassle. Instead of crowded spots, it keeps things calm so kids and adults alike enjoy looking below the surface.

Glide Over a Coral Garden (Glass-Bottom Boat Ride)

This is the top thing to do on the island - perfect if you're traveling with little kids, older folks, or just want to keep your feet dry.

• Great for everyone, no matter your age: Hop on a unique boat that floats gently above the coral shallows. It's bottom’s got a big clear window, watch fish dart by like you’re right there underwater. The ride itself feels like flipping through nature’s own TV channel.
• Clear views: The water’s so clean it lets you see every bright color of coral and fish up close - no need to dive in at all.

Dive Into the Deep Blue (Snorkeling and Scuba)

Some folks in your crew might love paddling through the quiet, clear shallows to check out coral up close since it’s safe yet exciting. While others may just float and look down where fish dart around gently lit rocks.

Snorkeling’s super easy here. Top-notch views without any hassle. Plus, quick intro lessons usually come free when you buy a boat pass. 

Newbies? No problem. You’ll drift right over the coral, spotting colorful sea life practically at arm’s reach.

Snorkeling gear’s handy at the shore, though serious dives need a short trip out. Local guides run trips for licensed divers keen on checking out deep reef spots.

Leisure on the Pristine Beach

Once you're done splashing around, the shore becomes your quiet escape.

Relaxation & Photography

Chill out on the pale sand, formed from old corals. It’s perfect for unwinding, shaping mini castles, or having a low-impact outdoor meal. The bright clash of shoreline, blue-green waves, also dense coastal trees makes for killer photo moments.

Nature walks

Local guides might lead slow walks around the island. Check out the thick jungle covering nearly 70% of it. The pace stays calm, giving space to enjoy bird calls, clean breezes, plus huge trees, no hurry here.

Planning Your Perfect Day Trip at Jolly Buoy Island

Jolly Buoy feels like a dream spot, yet you’ve gotta prepare early since it’s off-limits without permission.

Timing: When and Why the Island Rotates

To give the fragile environment space to recover, Jolly Buoy runs every other day compared to Red Skin Island nearby.

Critical Info

Jolly Buoy usually runs half the year – often November through April or May. Check ahead to see if it’s Jolly Buoy or Red Skin that’s welcoming visitors when you plan to go.

Winter through early spring brings quiet waters so you get clear skies along with sharp views below the surface.

Island hours

Only open during daylight. Ferries usually leave Wandoor Dock from 8 to 9 in the morning. Get back before mid-afternoon, say around 14:00.

The Permit Process: Don't Go Without This!

To get into this guarded area, ask the Forest Department first - without approval, you can't go in.

A Forest Permit Is Required 

Get it from the IP&T office in Port Blair, ideally a day before you go.

Reaching the Jetty

Every journey starts at Wandoor Jetty, roughly 30 km away (about an hour by road) from Port Blair. 

To get there, you’ll need your own ride; options include taxis or buses. Once arrived, grab your boat pass on-site. After that, show both the ticket and entry permit before stepping onto the vessel heading to Jolly Buoy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is Jolly Buoy Island famous for?

Known for corals and crystal-clear waters, this spot bans plastic entirely while sheltering lively coral systems plus diverse sea creatures across the Andaman chain.

Q2. Why is Jolly Buoy Island closed?

The island shuts down for about half the year to protect the corals (usually from May through October) in rotation with Red Skin Island. This break gives the delicate sea life space to bounce back, so it can heal naturally over time.

Q3. How much is the ticket for Jolly Buoy Island?

The overall price includes a required Forest Permit and a boat ride from Wandoor Jetty usually costs around ?1,800 per person for Indian tourists and ?2,800 per person for foreign tourists.

Q4. How do I go from Port Blair to Jolly Buoy Island?

Once you’re in Port Blair, Jolly Buoy Island is like 30 km away. Your cab will take you to Wandoo Jetty. After that, you’ll need a ferry only. It’s about 45 minutes from there.

Q5. Do I need a permit to visit Jolly Buoy Island?

Yep, you’ve got to grab a required Forest Permit from the Forest Dept. Head to their office in Port Blair. Best to do it one day before you go, or earlier if possible.

Conclusion

So, Jolly Buoy Island? One of the best spots in the Andamans, hands down. Nature shines here, untouched, alive, thanks to strong protection efforts so your crew sees real wilderness up close. 

Plan smart, that’s how it works. Grab permits ahead of time, look into which islands are open when, and also follow the zero-plastic rule without fail; it keeps things safe for wildlife. Sure, sorting out details feels tricky sometimes but going with a guide smooths everything out. 

If you are willing to take the plunge, do not bother with complicated permits and logistics—just consider our Andaman family tour packages. The work is on us; the fun is on you!

Learn More: How to Prepare for a Trip