Merk Bay Beach
Discover Merk Bay Beach in Andaman – blue water, white sand, coral reefs, and peaceful surroundings. Learn how to reach Merk Bay Beach from Port Blair or Havelock with Andaman TravelCare.
About Merk Bay Beach
Looking for a peaceful beach away from the crowd? Merk Bay Beach in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is the perfect escape. Surrounded by blue waters, white sands, and calm natural beauty, this beach lies on North Passage Island near Long Island. It’s an ideal destination for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone seeking quiet moments by the sea. Plan your visit today!
Where is Merk Bay Beach Located?
Merk Bay Beach is located on North Passage Island, between Middle Andaman and North Andaman. It lies close to Long Island and Strait Island, two of the most scenic places in the region. The beach is part of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which are known for their beautiful beaches and coral reefs.
The beach is not commercialized, so visitors can experience its untouched beauty. Surrounded by tropical greenery, white sandy shores, and calm blue water, Merk Bay offers a peaceful setting for anyone seeking natural beauty.
How to Reach Merk Bay Beach
From Port Blair
To visit Merk Bay Beach, travelers first need to reach Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman Islands. From Port Blair, you can take a government ferry or private boat to Long Island. The Port Blair to Long Island route takes around 4 to 5 hours by boat, depending on the sea conditions.
From Long Island to Merk Bay Beach
From Long Island Jetty, travelers can hire a local boat to Merk Bay Beach on North Passage Island. The boat ride usually takes 30 to 45 minutes and offers beautiful views of the sea and nearby islands. This is the only way to reach the beach, as there are no roads or direct ferry connections.
From Havelock to Merk Bay Beach
If you are coming from Havelock Island, you will first need to travel to Long Island by ferry. The route from Havelock to Merk Bay Beach involves a transfer at Long Island Jetty, followed by a short boat ride to North Passage Island.
Why Visit Merk Bay Beach
A Peaceful and Unspoiled Destination
Merk Bay Beach is one of the most beautiful and least crowded beaches in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Unlike the more popular tourist spots, it offers a peaceful atmosphere surrounded by blue water and white sand. The clean shoreline and natural charm make it perfect for travelers who want to relax away from the crowds.
Natural Beauty and Coral Reefs
The beach is known for its soft white sand and crystal-clear sea. Beneath the surface, you’ll find colorful coral reefs and diverse marine life, making it an ideal place for snorkeling and swimming. Visitors can enjoy the beauty of nature without any commercial distractions.
A Protected Marine Area
Merk Bay Beach is part of a protected marine zone, which helps preserve its ecosystem. The area’s limited human activity ensures that the coral reefs, water quality, and natural habitats remain untouched and healthy.
Perfect for Day Trips
Whether you’re traveling from Port Blair, Long Island, or Havelock Island, a trip to reach Merk Bay Beach is rewarding. The journey includes scenic boat rides and beautiful island views, making it an experience to remember for nature lovers and explorers.
Things to Do at Merk Bay Beach
Enjoy the Natural Beauty
The beach is famous for its clear blue water, soft white sand, and quiet surroundings. It is perfect for nature lovers who want to relax or take a walk along the shore.
Snorkeling and Swimming
The shallow waters near the shore are ideal for snorkeling and swimming. You can see colorful fish, coral reefs, and other marine life in the clear water.
Bird Watching
North Passage Island is also home to many rare birds. Visitors often spot tropical birds and sea eagles while exploring the island.
Photography and Picnics
Merk Bay Beach is one of the best places in Andaman for photography. The mix of forest, sea, and sky creates beautiful backdrops. You can also enjoy a picnic on the sand and spend a peaceful afternoon surrounded by nature.
Best Time to Visit Merk Bay Beach
The best time to visit Merk Bay Beach is from October to April, when the weather is pleasant and the sea is calm. During this time, the visibility is good for snorkeling and exploring coral reefs.
The monsoon season (May to September) brings heavy rain and rough seas, so boat trips may not always be available. Visitors are advised to check timings to visit and confirm boat schedules before planning their trip.
Stay Options Near Merk Bay Beach
Since Merk Bay Beach is located on North Passage Island, there are no hotels directly on the beach. Most visitors stay on Long Island, which has eco-huts, forest guesthouses, and small resorts.
Long Island offers basic but comfortable stay options surrounded by nature. Visitors can take a short boat ride to Merk Bay Beach during the day and return by evening.
Travel Tips for Visiting Merk Bay Beach
- Always carry drinking water and light snacks since there are no shops on North Passage Island.
- Boat rides depend on weather conditions, so check with local operators before traveling.
- Carry snorkeling gear or ask your travel provider if they can arrange it.
- Plan your visit early in the day to return before evening since there are no overnight stays allowed on the island.
Why Book with Andaman TravelCare
- Experienced Local Operators: Our team knows the Andaman Islands well, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable visit to Merk Bay Beach.
- Private Boat Transfers: We arrange reliable and safe transfers from Long Island Jetty or nearby islands to make your trip convenient.
- Customized Itineraries: Whether you’re traveling from Havelock to Merk Bay Beach or Port Blair to Long Island, we tailor your schedule to suit your needs.
- Licensed Guides: Learn about the North Passage Island ecosystem and local marine life with the help of our knowledgeable guides.
- Transparent Pricing: We offer clear information about all tour inclusions, from transport to entry permits, with no hidden costs.
- Hassle-Free Assistance: From ticket bookings to travel updates, our team supports you throughout your journey.
FAQs
Where is Merk Bay Beach located?
Merk Bay Beach is located on North Passage Island in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, near Long Island and Strait Island.
How to reach Merk Bay Beach from Port Blair?
You can take a ferry or private boat from Port Blair to Long Island, then hire a smaller boat from Long Island Jetty to Merk Bay Beach.
How long does it take to reach Merk Bay Beach from Port Blair?
The journey takes around 5 to 6 hours in total, including the boat transfer from Long Island to North Passage Island.
Can I visit Merk Bay Beach from Havelock Island?
Yes. To travel from Havelock to Merk Bay Beach, take a ferry to Long Island and then a boat to North Passage Island.
What is the distance from Merk Bay Beach to Port Blair?
The Merk Bay Beach and Port Blair distance is approximately 90 to 100 kilometers by sea, depending on the route taken.
What are the Merk Bay Beach timings?
There are no fixed Shindagha Museum timings since it’s a natural beach, but visits are usually made during daylight hours between 8 AM and 4 PM.
Is there an entrance fee for Merk Bay Beach?
There is no entrance fee to visit Merk Bay Beach, but visitors need to pay for boat transfers and forest permits if required.
What is the best time to visit Merk Bay Beach?
The best time to visit is from October to April, when the sea is calm and the weather is pleasant.
Are there coral reefs near Merk Bay Beach?
Yes, the area is rich in coral reefs and marine life, making it ideal for snorkeling.
Can I stay overnight at Merk Bay Beach?
No. Overnight stays are not allowed on North Passage Island. You can stay at Long Island and visit during the day.
Is Merk Bay Beach suitable for families?
Yes, it is safe for families, but children should always be supervised near the water.
Are there restaurants or cafes near Merk Bay Beach?
No. Visitors should carry their own food and water since there are no facilities on the island.
Do I need permission to visit Merk Bay Beach?
Foreign visitors may need to obtain an island permit, which can be arranged through local tour operators or Andaman Tourism.
What makes Merk Bay Beach unique? I
It is one of the few beaches in Andaman that combines white sand, coral reefs, and blue water with total peace and privacy.
Who can help arrange a trip to Merk Bay Beach?
Andaman TravelCare provides complete travel assistance including ferry bookings, private tours, and transfers to Merk Bay Beach.