ABOUT THE ISLANDS
Jolly Buoy Island (Open: 15th November – 15th May)
Known for its vibrant coral reefs and glass-clear lagoons, Jolly Buoy is the crown jewel of Andaman’s marine parks. It is a no-plastic, no-pollution island with a limited daily entry of 388 visitors to protect its fragile ecosystem.
- Ideal for snorkeling & underwater photography
- Zero plastic zone
- Limited tourist capacity ensures exclusivity
Red Skin Island (Open: 16th May – 14th November)
Red Skin Island is equally mesmerizing with its red coral shoreline, calm turquoise waters, and abundant marine life. Less crowded than Jolly Buoy, it offers an offbeat experience for explorers.
- Red coral shores
- Family-friendly, safe for kids
- Natural beauty with peaceful surroundings
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MV WAVE RIDER EXPERIENCE
MV Wave Rider is a luxury 50-seater catamaran designed for unmatched comfort, safety, and eco-tourism.
- Premium 44 indoor seats & 6 Flybridge open deck seats
- Onboard Café AYAAM serving snacks, beverages & combo meals
- Modern facilities including washrooms & eco-friendly amenities
- Assisted boarding at Wandoor Jetty by our professional crew
Cruise Timings (Expected time of departure):
- Reporting Time: 10:30 AM
- Departure Time: 11:00 AM
- Arrival Time: 04:00 PM
Sectors & Durations:
- Wandoor – Jolly Buoy Island: 45 minutes (Nov – May)
- Wandoor – Red Skin Island: 30 minutes (May – Nov)
About Jolly Buoy Island & The Marine National Park
A protected paradise and one of the most beautiful places to visit in the Andaman Islands. Jolly Buoy Island, located inside the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park near Shri Vijaya Puram (Wandoor), is widely regarded as one of the most pristine, untouched, and ecologically preserved islands in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Known for its crystal-clear waters, living coral reefs, powdery white sands, and vibrant marine biodiversity, it offers a natural experience unlike anywhere else in India.
The Forest Department strictly regulates entry to protect this fragile ecosystem. As a result, the island is open only from 15 November to 15 May. For the remaining six months, Red Skin Island opens from 16 May to 14 November, ensuring year-round access to at least one destination in the park.
Together, Jolly Buoy and Red Skin Islands form two of the most must-visit places in Andaman, especially for travelers who want to experience nature in its purest form.
Location & How to Reach
- Located in Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, Shri Vijaya Puram (Wandoor)
- Distance from Port Blair: 25–30 km
- Travel time: 25–30 minutes
- All vessels depart from Wandoor Jetty
- Accessible via cabs, hotel vehicles & tourist transport
Visitors must report early morning for boarding, permit verification, and briefing.
| Island | Open Months | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Jolly Buoy Island | 15 Nov – 15 May | Calm sea, peak clarity, coral health |
| Red Skin Island | 16 May – 14 Nov | Alternate island to protect reefs |
This rotation ensures reef regeneration and environmental sustainability.
What Makes These Islands Special
- No plastic allowed
- No shops or restaurants on the island
- No cooking or commercial activity
- Limited daily permits (~388 people)
- Controlled visitor entry
- Regular forest monitoring
Activities You Can Enjoy
- Beach Relaxation: Soft white sand & shallow lagoons.
- Swimming: Clear turquoise water.
- Glass-Bottom Boat Session: Coral reefs and marine life.
- Photography: Stunning landscapes & natural lighting.
- Nature Walks: Forest-led eco briefings.
- Eco Learning: Coral protection & marine awareness.
Food & Facilities
The Forest Department does not allow:
- No shops
- No restaurants
- No coconut vendors
- No cooking
- No packaged snacks
- No plastic packets
Wave Rider offers WaveBites Café onboard, including:
- Hot drinks & beverages
- Juices & snacks
- Pre-ordered continental meals
Mobile Network Availability
- Very limited or no mobile network
- No internet
- Weak BSNL/Airtel in rare spots
- Jio mostly doesn’t work
- Inform family before departure
Why Choose Wave Rider
- Forest permit included
- Premium seating & flybridge seats
- WaveBites Café onboard
- Professional crew
- Smooth 30–45 min ride
- Organised document handling
- Family-friendly
⭐ Top Things to Do in Andaman
- Visit Jolly Buoy Island
- North Bay & Elephant Beach
- Snorkeling & underwater activities
- Semi-submarine ride
- Sunset cruises
- Cellular Jail Light & Sound show
- Scuba diving in Havelock
- Mangrove kayaking
⭐ Must-Visit Places in Andaman
- Jolly Buoy Island
- Red Skin Island
- Havelock (Swaraj Dweep)
- Radhanagar Beach
- Ross Island
- Baratang Limestone Caves
- Elephant Beach
- North Bay
- Neil Island
- Wandoor Beach
- Cellular Jail
- Chidiyatapu
- Ross & Smith Island (Diglipur)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How to reach Wandoor Jetty?
You can reach by cab or auto from Port Blair. It’s about 25 km away.
What is the best time to visit Jolly Buoy Island?
November to May is ideal, when the island is open for tourism.
How do I book MV Wave Rider?
Bookings can be done directly at www.jollybuoyisland.com
What is included in the cruise package?
Permit, welcome drink, snacks, coconut water, and seating benefits.
Is food available on the cruise?
Yes, Wave Bites Café onboard offers snacks, beverages, and combo meals.
How long is the trip?
To Jolly Buoy – 45 min. To Red Skin – 30 min. Entire cruise returns by 4 PM.
What months is the island open?
Jolly Buoy: Nov–May. Red Skin: May–Nov.
Are food or shops available?
No. The island is protected. All food arrangements are onboard your vessel.
Is swimming allowed?
Yes, but only in marked safe zones.
Can we carry plastic?
No. Forest officials check and restrict plastic items.
Is mobile network available?
Very weak or none.
How long is the island stay?
Around 3 hours.