Jolly Buoy Beach

Reach Jolly Buoy only by boat — take a 30-minute ride from Wandoor Jetty, which is roughly 45 minutes by car from Port Blair. There is no parking on the island itself; leave your vehicle at Wandoor Jetty before boarding. Marine National Park entry fees apply at the jetty: INR 50 for Indian nationals and INR 500 for foreign nationals, collected for park conservation. The island is open 06:00–15:00 daily during the dry season; no overnight stays are permitted under any circumstances.

Snorkelling is the main event — the shallow coral reef begins almost from the shoreline, making it accessible even for beginners. Nearby Wandoor Beach, about 9.5 kilometres away, is the embarkation point for all Marine National Park boat trips and worth a short walk in its own right. If Jolly Buoy is closed on your travel date, Redskin Island Beach (8 km) operates as the alternate marine park destination and features a narrow sand spit with live coral. Chidiya Tapu Bird Sanctuary, about 10 kilometres away, rounds out a full day with mangrove birding and a lighthouse at the southernmost point of South Andaman.

There is no food or drink available on the island — bring everything you need and carry all waste back with you. Hotel Kangaroo, about 13.5 km from the jetty area, and Cafe 7 Eleven, around 14.6 km away, are the closest dining options for a meal before or after your trip.

Wild Grass Resort (4.4/5, 170 reviews) sits about 8.4 km from the jetty and is the closest rated stay to the departure point. Big Tree Cottages (4.9/5, 74 reviews) at 8.9 km has the highest guest rating in the area and suits travellers who want something intimate. For larger resort options, Symphony Samudra Beachside Jungle Resort And Spa and Silver Sand Sea Princess Beach Resort are both around 9.6–9.8 km away and carry strong review volumes.

Shoot from the waterline at low tide in the early morning — the crystal-clear water over white sand produces clean, colour-saturated frames before the day-trip boats arrive. The reef edge, visible just beneath the surface from shore, makes a strong foreground element for wide-angle shots looking out toward the open water.

The island closes entirely from June through September due to monsoon conditions — do not attempt to visit during those months. Jolly Buoy also alternates with Redskin Island on a rotational permit schedule, so confirm the island is open before making the trip to Wandoor. Once on the island: do not touch or collect coral, do not fish, and do not discard food waste in the water — these are Marine National Park rules, not suggestions. Snorkel gear is available for rent on site, though personal gear restrictions may apply, so check with the boat operator in advance. Boat capacity is limited; arrive at Wandoor Jetty early to secure a spot.