Red Skin Island Tour 2026 | MV WaveRider Boat Booking
Red Skin Island is a popular island destination near Port Blair, known for its clear waters, peaceful surroundings, and protected marine environment. Located within the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, the island is regulated for conservation and allows limited visitors each day, making the experience calm and well managed.
The Red Skin Island Tour 2026 with MV WaveRider offers a comfortable and organized way to visit this seasonal island. The journey is conducted on a modern vessel with essential onboard facilities, ensuring smooth travel from Wandoor Jetty to the island while following all forest department guidelines.
About Red Skin Island
Red Skin Island is a small, uninhabited island located inside the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, around 25 km from Port Blair. Boat services to the island operate from Wandoor Jetty, which is the official entry point for the marine park.
The island is known for its clear shallow waters, visible marine life, and a shoreline influenced by naturally occurring red-colored formations. These conditions make it suitable for activities such as snorkeling, shallow-water swimming, and glass-bottom boat rides. Since the island remains undeveloped and plastic-free, visitors experience a clean and controlled natural setting that is suitable for families as well as first-time visitors.
Red Skin Island is open to tourists from 16th May to 14th November. During this period, Jolly Buoy Island remains closed as part of a rotational conservation plan. This seasonal arrangement helps protect marine life and maintains the ecological balance of the national park.
Why Visit Red Skin Island in 2026
Red Skin Island remains a well-managed island destination near Port Blair, offering a calm setting and controlled visitor access. As part of a protected marine park, the island follows strict conservation rules, which helps maintain clean surroundings and organized movement for visitors.
During the visit, travelers can take part in simple water-based activities and enjoy time along the shoreline without heavy crowding.
Key experiences at Red Skin Island include:
Snorkeling in approved areas under supervision
Swimming in shallow waters close to the shore
Time on clean, natural beach stretches
Glass-bottom boat rides for viewing marine life (subject to availability)
A major advantage of visiting Red Skin Island is its peaceful environment. Entry permits and fixed boat schedules limit the number of visitors, making the island quieter than many other nearby locations and suitable for families and relaxed day trips.
Meet MV WaveRider
MV WaveRider is a modern 50-seater catamaran built to offer a comfortable and safe journey to Red Skin Island. The vessel operates with an emphasis on passenger safety and responsible marine travel.
The seating layout allows flexibility and comfort during the journey.
Onboard features include:
Indoor seating with shaded comfort
Flybridge seating for open-air views
Wide decks for easy movement
To enhance the travel experience, MV WaveRider is equipped with essential onboard facilities.
Amenities available on board:
WaveBites Café serving snacks, beverages, and meal options
Clean and well-maintained washrooms
Trained crew for boarding assistance and onboard support
Together, these features make MV WaveRider a reliable and organized option for visiting Red Skin Island during the 2026 season.
How to Go to Red Skin Island
Red Skin Island is accessed by boat from Wandoor Jetty, which serves as the official departure point for visits to the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park. All boat movements to the island are regulated by the forest department to ensure controlled entry and environmental protection.
Wandoor Jetty is located about 25–30 km from Port Blair and can be reached by road using taxis, private vehicles, or two-wheelers. Visitors are advised to arrive at the jetty as per the reporting time mentioned on their booking confirmation.
Travel route to Red Skin Island:
Road travel from Port Blair to Wandoor Jetty
Boarding of authorized boats from Wandoor
Sea travel of approximately 30 minutes to the island
When traveling with MV WaveRider, the journey is conducted on a scheduled cruise with organized boarding and return timings. Required entry permits are checked before departure to ensure smooth processing at the jetty.
Important travel points to note:
Only permitted boats are allowed to operate inside the marine park
Entry is allowed for day visits only
Overnight stays on the island are not permitted
Visitors must carry valid photo identification
This structured travel system helps maintain safety, timing discipline, and a clean natural environment for all visitors.
Things to Do at Red Skin Island
Red Skin Island offers a limited and well-regulated set of activities focused on water-based experiences and time spent in a protected natural setting. Since the island lies inside a marine national park, all activities are conducted only in approved areas under supervision.
Visitors can either take part in guided activities or spend time along the shoreline during their visit.
Popular activities at Red Skin Island include:
Snorkeling in designated zones with safety support
Swimming in shallow waters near the shore
Glass-bottom boat rides to view marine life without entering the water (subject to availability)
Beach time for walking, sitting, and photography
For those who prefer a slower pace, the island also allows time to simply enjoy the surroundings.
Other ways to spend time on the island:
Short walks along the permitted beach area
Sitting near the water and observing marine movement
Relaxing during scheduled free time before return
Travel Time Overview
The journey to Red Skin Island is divided into two parts: road travel to Wandoor Jetty and sea travel from Wandoor to the island.
Estimated travel time from Port Blair to Red Skin Island:
Port Blair to Wandoor Jetty (by road): approximately 45 to 60 minutes
Wandoor Jetty to Red Skin Island (by boat): approximately 25 to 30 minutes
Travel times may vary slightly based on road conditions and sea movement. Visitors are advised to reach Wandoor Jetty as per the reporting time mentioned on their booking to ensure smooth boarding and permit verification.
Permits & Entry Rules
Red Skin Island is located inside the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, and entry is allowed only with valid permission issued by the forest department. These rules help control visitor movement and protect the marine environment.
All visitors must follow the guidelines provided at the jetty and on the island.
Key permit and entry rules:
A forest entry permit is mandatory for all visitors
Permits are verified at Wandoor Jetty before boarding
Entry is allowed only for day visits
Overnight stays on the island are not permitted
Visitor numbers are limited as per daily approval
Only authorized boats are allowed to operate inside the park
When traveling with MV WaveRider, permit coordination and boarding checks are managed in an organized manner to ensure smooth entry and return.
What to Carry
Red Skin Island has no shops, food stalls, or storage facilities. Visitors are advised to carry only essential items required for a day visit while keeping the environment clean.
Recommended items to carry:
Valid photo ID for permit verification
Reusable water bottle
Light snacks packed in non-plastic containers
Swimwear and a small towel
Hat or cap for sun protection
Comfortable footwear suitable for wet surfaces
Important notes:
Plastic bags, bottles, and disposable packaging are not allowed
Visitors must carry back all personal waste
Valuables should be kept minimal
Following these guidelines helps maintain the clean and regulated nature of Red Skin Island.
Tour Schedule & Timings
The Red Skin Island tour operates as a day trip with fixed departure and return schedules. Timings are planned to allow sufficient time on the island while ensuring safe travel within the permitted hours of the marine park.
Typical tour schedule with MV WaveRider:
Reporting at Wandoor Jetty: Around 10:30 AM
Departure from Wandoor Jetty: Around 11:00 AM
Arrival at Red Skin Island: Around 11:30 AM
Time spent on the island: Approximately 2 to 2.5 hours
Return departure from island: Early afternoon
Arrival back at Wandoor Jetty: Around 4:00 PM
Timings may vary slightly based on sea conditions and forest department instructions. Visitors are advised to follow the schedule shared at the time of booking.
Do’s and Don’ts for Visitors
Red Skin Island follows strict guidelines to maintain a clean and safe environment. Visitors are expected to cooperate with crew members and follow instructions during the visit.
Do’s:
Carry valid photo identification at all times
Follow crew and forest staff instructions
Use designated areas for swimming and snorkeling
Carry back all personal waste
Maintain silence and cleanliness on the island
Don’ts:
Do not carry plastic items or disposable packaging
Do not litter or leave any waste behind
Do not touch or disturb marine life
Do not remove shells, stones, or natural items
Do not step outside permitted visitor zones
Adhering to these guidelines ensures a smooth visit and helps preserve the area for future visitors.
Conclusion
Red Skin Island offers a well-regulated island visit near Port Blair, combining clean surroundings, controlled access, and simple water activities. The seasonal opening and visitor limits help maintain the natural condition of the area while providing a calm and organized experience.
Traveling with MV WaveRider adds comfort and structure to the journey, with scheduled timings, onboard facilities, and professional crew support throughout the trip. From boarding at Wandoor Jetty to the return journey, the tour is designed for ease and reliability.
For the 2026 season, advance booking is recommended due to limited daily permits and fixed seating capacity. To check availability:
Book Your Boat to Red Skin Island
Reserve your seat on MV WaveRider for a smooth and organized visit to Red Skin Island during the 2026 season. Daily permits and seats are limited.