If you’ve seen those impossibly clear turquoise-water photos from Andaman and wondered “where exactly is that?” — chances are you were looking at Jolly Buoy Island. Tucked inside the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, this tiny island is one of the most protected, most talked-about, and most Instagrammed spots in the entire Andaman & Nicobar chain.
But here’s the catch: it’s not open all year, entry is capped at a few hundred people a day, and permits sell out fast. So if you’re planning a trip, you need to get your timing right.
This guide covers everything — when to go, how to get there, how much it costs, and what to expect on the day — so you don’t end up disappointed at the jetty.
What Makes Jolly Buoy Island So Special?
Jolly Buoy Island isn’t your typical beach destination. It’s a protected marine ecosystem inside a national park, which is exactly why it feels so untouched compared to Andaman’s more commercial beaches.
Here’s what sets it apart:
- Living coral reefs right off the shore — perfect for snorkeling and underwater photography
- Zero-plastic policy strictly enforced by forest officials
- Limited daily entry (only 388 visitors a day), which keeps crowds low and the ecosystem healthy
- No shops or food stalls on the island itself — it’s kept completely natural
Because access is so tightly controlled, a visit here genuinely feels different from a regular island-hopping trip.
Best Time to Visit Jolly Buoy Island
This is the part most people get wrong, so pay attention.
Jolly Buoy Island is open for tourism only from 15 November to 15 May each year. Outside this window, the island is closed to protect its ecosystem during the monsoon and breeding season.
- 15 Nov – 15 May: Jolly Buoy Island open
- 16 May – 14 Nov: Jolly Buoy closed; Red Skin Island (its sister island, also inside the same national park) opens instead
So if you’re travelling between May and November, you’ll actually be visiting Red Skin Island — which has its own charm, with red coral shorelines and calmer, family-friendly waters.
Tip: If your travel dates fall right at the edge of these windows, check current status before booking, since exact opening/closing can shift slightly year to year.
How to Reach Jolly Buoy Island
Getting there involves two legs — road, then boat.
Step 1: Reach Wandoor Jetty
All cruises depart from Wandoor Jetty, about 25 km from Port Blair. You can get there by:
- Prepaid taxi from Port Blair airport or hotel
- Auto-rickshaw (for shorter, local stays)
Plan for roughly 45 minutes to 1 hour of road travel, depending on where you’re staying.
Step 2: Take the Ferry/Cruise
From Wandoor, boats like the MV Wave Rider — a 50-seater catamaran — take you across to the island.
- Wandoor to Jolly Buoy Island: ~45 minutes
- Wandoor to Red Skin Island: ~30 minutes
Typical Day Schedule
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 10:00 AM | Reporting time at Wandoor Jetty |
| 10:30 AM | Boat departure |
| ~11:15 AM | Arrival at the island |
| ~3 hours | Free time to explore/snorkel |
| 3:30 PM | Return arrival at Wandoor |
Jolly Buoy Island Ticket Price 2026
Pricing depends on the seat type you choose onboard.
| Sector | Seat Type | Price (Indians) | Price (Foreigners) | What’s Included |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jolly Buoy | Premium Seat | ₹1,600 | ₹2,525 | Permit, welcome drink, snacks, coconut water |
| Jolly Buoy | Flybridge Seat | ₹2,500 | ₹3,425 | All Premium benefits + open-deck Flybridge access + meals |
| Red Skin | Premium Seat | ₹1,600 | ₹2,525 | Permit, welcome drink, snacks, coconut water |
| Red Skin | Flybridge Seat | ₹2,500 | ₹3,425 | All Premium benefits + Flybridge access + meals |
Child policy: Kids below 2 years travel free; above 2 years pay full fare.
How to Book Your Jolly Buoy Island Permit
This is the step people underestimate. Since the national park caps daily visitors, permits are limited and issued only 2 days before the travel date, on a first-come-first-serve basis.
Here’s how the process usually works:
- Book online in advance through an authorised operator (like jollybuoyisland.com) to reserve your seat
- Carry a valid ID proof — this is mandatory for boarding
- Permit confirmation comes closer to your travel date, since forest permits are issued only 2 days prior
- Reach the jetty on time — reporting is at 10:00 AM sharp
Cancellation policy to know:
- Full refund if the permit isn’t issued
- No refund for cancellations within 48 hours of departure
- Weather-related cancellations are refunded, minus the ₹75 permit charge
What to Expect Onboard: MV Wave Rider
The cruise itself is part of the experience. MV Wave Rider is a catamaran with:
- 44 indoor seats + 6 open-air Flybridge seats
- Onboard Wave Bites Café serving tea, coffee, juices, snacks, and combo meals (veg and non-veg options)
- Basic amenities like washrooms
- Crew-assisted boarding at the jetty
Since there are no food stalls on the island itself, all your meals and snacks need to be planned around what’s available onboard.
Do’s and Don’ts at Jolly Buoy Island
Because this is a protected marine park, a few rules are strictly enforced.
Do:
- Carry sunscreen, a valid ID, and a towel
- Follow crew and forest official instructions
- Stick to marked safe zones if you plan to swim or snorkel
Don’t:
- Carry any plastic items — forest officials do check
- Touch corals or marine life
- Bring alcohol or cigarettes onto the island
Quick Practical Tips
- Mobile network is very weak to non-existent on the island — let people know in advance
- Island stay time is around 3 hours, so plan your snorkeling and photos accordingly
- Best months for calm seas are typically December to February
- Book a few days ahead where possible, since permits are capped and can run out during peak season
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I reach Wandoor Jetty? By cab or auto-rickshaw from Port Blair — it’s about 25 km away.
What is the best time to visit Jolly Buoy Island? November to May, when the island is officially open for tourism.
How do I book the MV Wave Rider cruise? You can book directly through the official website.
What’s included in the cruise ticket? Your permit, a welcome drink, snacks, coconut water, and seat-based benefits.
Is food available on the island? No, the island itself has no shops or food stalls. All food is served onboard via the Wave Bites Café.
How long does the trip take? About 45 minutes each way to Jolly Buoy, or 30 minutes to Red Skin Island, with the full day trip wrapping up by around 4 PM.
Is swimming allowed? Yes, but only within marked safe zones.
Can I carry plastic items? No — it’s strictly checked and restricted by forest officials.
Is there mobile network on the island? Very weak or none, so plan accordingly.
How long can I stay on the island? Around 3 hours before the return journey.
Final Thoughts
Jolly Buoy Island isn’t the kind of place you can just show up to — it takes a bit of planning around dates, permits, and booking windows. But that’s exactly what keeps it so pristine. If you time it right and book ahead, you get a rare, uncrowded slice of Andaman’s best marine life, without the tourist chaos of more commercial beaches.
If your travel dates fall outside the November–May window, don’t worry — Red Skin Island, its sister destination, offers a similarly beautiful (and slightly less crowded) experience the rest of the year.
