Jolly Buoy Island - Andaman Escapades Pvt. Ltd.

Jolly Buoy Island, not just a day-trip away from Port Blair, but one of the most-loved quick escapes for tourists visiting the Andamans. It lies under the protection of Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, which means the island is managed carefully to balance visitor access with environmental conservation.

Here’s what sets expectations right from the start:

Visitors need an official permit to land on the island
Boats depart from Wandoor Jetty
located about 25–30 km from Port Blair city

So, an early start is a must.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning for another quick visit, Jolly Buoy offers a neat balance of ease and eco-conscious travel.

As part of this marine park, access to the island is restricted to protect its underwater life and fragile ecosystem.

Key facts about the island and its visitor rules:

The island follows a strict no-plastic policy and bans litter & pollution to preserve marine life.
Daily visitor numbers are capped; this helps prevent overcrowding and reduces human impact on wildlife and reef areas.

To make visiting easier, the MV Wave Rider Private Boat (Ferry to Book to visit JollyBuoy Island) offers a comfortable ferry service:

It’s a 50-seater catamaran, with options for indoor or deck seating for comfort during transit.
Onboard amenities include snacks, refreshments, and basic facilities — handy since there are no shops or food stalls on the island itself.
For travelers who book the Wave Rider tickets, the permit to visit the island is taken care of — so you don’t have to queue up, apply separately, or worry about paperwork.

In short, Jolly Buoy is set up for eco-friendly, responsible tourism, and using services like Wave Rider makes reaching it smooth and tourist-friendly.

Best Time & Seasonal Access

Jolly Buoy Island has a well-defined open season. For 2026, the usual window when tourists can visit runs roughly from 15 November to 15 May. This schedule isn’t arbitrary — it’s part of a broader conservation plan set up by the authorities to protect marine life and give the ecosystem time to regenerate.

During this period:

Sea conditions tend to be calm.
Water clarity and weather are more favorable — which helps for boat rides, glass-bottom boat tours, and general safety and comfort.

Because access is regulated:

Outside this window, the island remains closed to tourists, giving marine flora and fauna a rest period.
This seasonal approach also helps maintain the island’s environment — fewer visitors at once, less human disturbance, and better long-term preservation.

Why this matters for you (as traveller):
If you pick a date between November and May, you’re likely to have smoother ferry rides, clearer water visibility, and a more predictable trip. It’s also the time when ferry services to the island are active — outside these months, Jolly Buoy may be inaccessible.

So for a hassle-free, enjoyable visit, aim for that open-season window when planning your Andaman trip.

Travel Route & Ferry Info

Getting to Jolly Buoy from main stay points involves two main legs: by road from Port Blair to the ferry-departure point at Wandoor Jetty — then by boat from Wandoor to the island.

1. Port Blair → Wandoor Jetty

The road distance between Port Blair and Wandoor Jetty is around 25–30 km, which generally takes 45–60 minutes by car or taxi, depending on traffic.
Travel options include:
- Taxi or private car, fastest and most convenient for travellers with luggage or groups.
- Public transport or local buses — possible, but less flexible and may take longer, so less ideal if you have early ferry schedules.
Pro tip: Arrive at Wandoor Jetty well before the ferry departure time, ideally by 8:00 AM — that helps with permit checks, ticketing, and boarding preparations.

2. Wandoor Jetty → Jolly Buoy Island

Book ferry to Jolly Buoy Island from Wandoor Jetty to Jolly Buoy typically takes 30–45 minutes, depending on sea conditions.
Typical ferry departure from Wandoor is between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM — early morning start helps make the most of the day.
Return boats usually leave the island by 2:00–3:00 PM, with the full day-trip ending in the afternoon.
Boat options:
- Shared ferry/boat — budget-friendly, common among solo travellers or small groups. Less waiting time if you reach early, but depends on seat availability.
- Pre-booked / tour-package boats — if you prefer convenience: these usually include permit handling, set departure times, and maybe even hotel-pickup or organized transport. Good for hassle-free travel especially in peak season.

What’s Included & Booking Options

When planning a day trip to Jolly Buoy Island, choosing the right booking option can simplify most of your logistics. One of the popular choices is booking through official or partner services listed on Jollybuoyisland.com, where you can reserve your ferry seats and associated services. These arrangements commonly bundle basic travel needs into one ticket, which is helpful because Jolly Buoy is a regulated eco-destination with limited daily entry. Booking early also helps ensure you get a seat and secure your permits before they run out. Things Included with the Ticket:

Permit handling included: Instead of applying separately, permit issuance is handled as part of your booking if you use official or partnered tickets. This makes your trip easier to plan.
Ferry ride & seating: Packages generally cover the round-trip ferry or catamaran service from Wandoor Jetty, often with seating options like premium or flybridge cabins.
Snacks, drinks, and onboard services: Ferries like Wave Rider include welcome drinks, light snacks, and seating assistance.

For direct booking, travelers can use:

Official portal: Book directly through Jollybuoyisland.com for permits, seating, schedules, and other details.
Partner or travel sites: Various travel agencies listed on tourism platforms also can offer tickets that include pick-up, ferry, permits, and optional activities.

⚠️ Since Jolly Buoy allows only limited visitors per day to protect the environment, it’s highly recommended to book early, especially in peak months (November to May). Booking ahead not only secures your seat but also reduces the risk of running into scheduling or permit issues on the day of travel.

Activities During Your Day Trip

On your Jolly Buoy day trip from Port Blair, activities are structured to match the island’s status as a protected marine zone. Since the island is part of the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, certain types of activities are allowed under supervision to protect the corals and marine life. Most travelers enjoy a mix of simple water experiences and easy sightseeing after they reach the island.

Typical activities for visitors include:

Light snorkeling in designated zones: Snorkeling is offered at some locations near the island. In some instances, snorkeling directly from the island may need extra permissions or organized tours. However, some operator packages include short snorkeling experiences near the reef.
Beach time and light walking: Explore the island on foot, enjoy timed water dips in allowed shallow zones, or stroll along the shore. Guides and staff often provide basic information about the ecosystem.

Simple bookings or full-package deals are available from several local travel portals or directly via official booking channels.

Typical pricing can vary depending on what’s included:

Wave Rider & similar package pricing: Premium round-trip ferry tickets and permit bundles are usually around ₹1,800–₹2,500+ per person, depending on package features and seating class.
Independent permit cost (approximate): If you arrange permits separately and book basic boat tickets, the forest permit fee alone is typically around ₹75–₹100 for Indian nationals.
Peak-season demand: Since Jolly Buoy is open for limited months, advance bookings — at least a few weeks ahead — are strongly recommended if you aim to travel between November and May. Waiting until the last minute increases the chance that permits and seats are sold out.

Booking options include:

Direct booking at official or partner sites tied to the MV Wave Rider Private Boat or government ferry operators.
Travel agencies & hotel booking desks in Port Blair can also arrange permits, boats, and transport as a single package.
On-spot bookings at Wandoor Jetty are possible, but only if permits and ferry seats remain available — not typical in peak months.

Advance booking ensures permits, seats, and transport details are clear before your travel date, which makes the entire day trip experience less stressful and more predictable, especially for travellers who want a hassle-free itinerary.

Final Thoughts

The island’s protected status means travel involves some planning, but the extra steps result in a better experience overall, fewer crowds, a cleaner environment, and a better-managed trip.

Book Private Boat to Jolly Buoy Island through MV Wave Rider, which includes permit handling, ferry travel, and often onboard amenities, simplifies the process significantly — especially for first-time visitors who aren’t familiar with permit rules. These packages also help avoid last-minute delays at the Wandoor Jetty.