The Hidden Spot for Nature Lovers: Jolly Buoy Island
The area of Andaman Island is untouched by extensive tourism or development, as is the case with most other places. If you want to see blue waters, corals, and fish and enjoy complete relaxation, you should go to Jolly Buoy Island. Jolly Buoy is located at Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park in Wandoor. It gives people the idea that nature dominates everything.
We will guide you through all that you must know about Jolly Buoy Island, how to access it, what makes it magical, and why it should feature on nature lovers’ bucket lists.
Information regarding Jolly Buoy Island:
Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park in South Andaman is the limit at which Jolly Buoy Island covers just 0.71 square kilometers. Numerous tourists who are nature lovers, lovers of the sea, and nature photographers are attracted by the island’s transparent waters, colorful reefs, and countless sea creatures.
Unlike Neil and Havelock, there are no residents, restaurants, or resorts in Jolly Buoy. Because plastic and stay overs are not permitted here, the surroundings are not disrupted by human beings. Permission gives you an entry only if a guide is accompanying you and the number of tourists has been finalized before that.
Methods to reach Jolly Buoy Island:
Reaching Port Blair is the first step while visiting the Andaman Islands.
The trip will start in Port Blair, which is the Andaman and Nicobar Islands capital.
The second step is to proceed to Wandoor Jetty.
It would take approximately 25–30 km to drive from Port Blair to Wandoor Jetty. The journey is around 45 minutes to an hour in one direction. If you would prefer to feel safer or more peaceful you can take a taxi. And then there are strange public buses that might not be suitable for tourists.
Get all of this done in advance. To catch the ferry to Jolly Buoy, you have to be on the island by 8:00 or 9:00 AM.
Get your permit in advance.
You require a special permit from the Forest Department, as Jolly Buoy Island is located within a protected marine park.
Trips can also be arranged by following this process:
Bookings are occasionally available at the Wandoor Jetty.
Given that most people book tours between December and April, you obtain your permit as soon as you have registered. This is why you have to prepare your permits the previous day.
Don’t miss obtaining ferry tickets from Wandoor to Jolly Buoy. Trekkers pay approximately ₹950–₹1200 per head, and that is inclusive of the permit fee.
The main reason to visit Jolly Buoy Island:
1. No pollution and no disturbance
You will not be able to help but notice how clean and peaceful Jolly Buoy Island is the moment you step in. No hotel, no shop, no signs are there on the beach. No cars; nature is all that you have with you since there are not many people. Don’t take any plastic thing onto the beach with you. Everything plastic that you have must be left at the jetty, and your bags could even be searched. It keeps the island’s land and sea around it from being harmed.
2. This Is a Fantastic Spot for People Who Snorkel or Dive
You’ll often find snorkelers in Jolly Buoy due to the stunning beauty of its coral reefs. If you are trying snorkeling for the first time, it’s best to start in the calm lagoon.
There’s a lot of colorful and healthy coral here, and you may find various objects, including:
• Some clownfish living alongside sea anemones
• Coral being fed on by parrotfish
• Starfish are found at the ocean’s lowest points.
• Butterflyfish swimming about
Visiting the coral reefs by snorkeling is much like being part of a documentary, and experts are there to give you a chance to see farther under the water.
3. The company provides tours on glass-bottom boats.
A boat with a transparent base gives you the chance to view underwater life from above the water. You won’t need to dive, as you can simply relax in the boat and see the coral reefs below. They show you how to identify fish and, if you’re lucky, even a sea cucumber in the water!
On average, the process takes either 20 or 40 minutes.
On average, the program costs between ₹500 and ₹1000.
4. Spending days at the beach in peace.
The warm white sand at Jolly Buoy is different from the green forest surrounding it. Just sit under the trees, walk around to discover the site, or look for a place by the water where the waves calm you.
Since the beach is not crowded, you always feel like you have plenty of space to yourself, no matter how many people want to go.
Nature walks are good for you, and plants bring the same positive effects.
Although most people want to see the sea, don’t forget that the tropical forest surrounding the islands has its delights. There are short walking paths through the beautiful plants, ending at peaceful spots ideal for spotting birds.
Watch for:
Green Pigeon found only in the Andaman Islands
Black-naped Monarch
The White-bellied Sea Eagle
It’s also possible to spot rare butterflies and land crabs here. By taking some time off the beach, you’ll be able to see and enjoy the many different species of wildlife
Why Jolly Buoy Is the Most Popular With Nature Lovers:
Jolly Buoy is remarkable since few people visit, so it is not damaged by tourism.
On the island, the tourism season only takes place for around six months to protect nature.
Entrance to the area is regulated to make sure there are not too many visitors at any one time.
The place is free of trash, plastic, or pollution and follows simple moral rules.
A wide range of species, corals, fish, birds, and trees grow very well in this area.
It seems in these areas that nature embraces you, not the other way around.
Guide for the Items You Should and Shouldn’t Pack:
Items to Take on Trip:
• A driver’s license issued by your government
• Please use a bottle you can reuse, as plastic ones are not permitted.
• It’s better to eat food that has been packaged in paper over plastic.
• You should always bring sunblock and sunglasses.
• A towel and various sets of clothes.
• A case that will protect your devices against water.
• Prefer lightweight cotton hats and clothes.
• It is NOT advised to bring these things:
• Drinking alcohol or using products that have tobacco.
• Any collection of electronic speakers or devices that make loud sounds.
• It’s forbidden to fly drones in protected areas.
What Time Should You Visit:
Jolly Buoy is only open for a short time each year. Because of the rainy monsoon from May to October, the island is closed to help the ecosystem regain strength.
The best months for travel are November through April.
The months from December through February provide calm weather and great visibility over the water.
In March and April, the water is easy to see when snorkeling.
Don’t make travel plans until you check with local officials or experts whether the island is open to tourism.
Ways to Make Your Trip Wonderful:
It’s important to make your reservation early for these months, as the permits can sell out quickly.
Remember to pack your snacks, as it’s unlikely you’ll come across any stores.
Touching anything in the water, even lightly, can damage it, so let the corals be and keep your distance.
Do whatever the forest authorities or guides tell you to do; avoid doing anything else.
Senior guests in your group might like a glass-bottom trip better than snorkeling
How is Jolly Buoy Not the Same as Other Islands?
Shopping, dining, and comfortable resorts are not available on Jolly Buoy Island like on any other islands, such as Havelock Island and Neil Island. The area around the islands bans plastic. If you want to spend a night or dine on Neil Island or Havelock Island, you won’t need a permit, unlike on Jolly Buoy Island.
Investigating What Else Is There in Jolly Buoy Island:
Standing above the ocean near Jolly Buoy Island feels much like looking into an aquarium. Coral reefs are home to many animals and tell us of life and wonder. Strict environmental rules and a love for nature keep the reefs here healthy and beautiful.
As soon as you go below the water’s surface, you can appreciate the incredible sight.
• Brain corals are tiny and pretty in colorful shapes.
• Just as trees grow on land, staghorn corals live underwater.
• These animals move gently across the sea floor.
• Many of these sand frogs can be spotted by the bright color of their lips above the ground.
• Sergeant Majors and Angelfish all swimming and dancing together in the same direction.
Many guests who visit Jolly Buoy say that it brings on a calm feeling. The water slows your movement, so it’s easy to see how tiny you are in this large ocean world.
What is there to be affected?
Since these coral gardens have grown slowly and consistently, they need a lot of protection and care to maintain them.
Measures that are taken to protect these islands:
1. Jolly Buoy and Red Skin islands in the Andamans are switched between open and closed status every six months, according to a rule of the Forest Department. Red Skin is accessible to guests starting in May and lasting until October, and Jolly Buoy caters to visitors from November to April. As a result, all coral reefs on the islands can improve and expand.
2. Controlling the Number of People on Campus
On the majority of days, only a small number of visitors fit the daily limits. In turn, there is less crowding, and the environment benefits from tourism.
3. Eco-Policing
Officials from the forest service and eco-guides are available on the island all the time during the day. They make sure of that.
There will be no plastic included in your things.
After a disaster, there are no careless items of waste lying around in the open.
There is no harm done to the reef or its residents by tourists.
They help us be more than a group but people with a common purpose.
For those who love travel photography:
If you’re a professional photographer or only enjoy taking images, you won’t be disappointed at Jolly Buoy Island.
With the sunlight coming in through the trees, the sand looks surrounded by beautiful shadows.
Whether you’re a fan of nature or not, the mix of bright forest green and the perfect blue sea is sure to impress everyone.
With underwater photography, you can first capture clownfish, next explore beautiful corals, and lastly capture great views found below the surface.
It’s best to keep your phone in a waterproof case or to use a GoPro for great underwater images while you snorkel. Wherever possible, take a picture of Wandoor’s jetty at the rising sun and before the ferry covers the water.
What You Can Find (and Cannot Find):
Jolly Buoy is designed to be easy and clear to understand. That’s a big reason many love it, but it means you need to organize your trips ahead of time.
There are
• A simple area for changing.
• Restrooms near the landing zone built using environmental sustainability ideas.
• Areas that have set picnic tables under a roof.
• There are no shops and restaurants located in the city.
• There’s a weak telecom network in the region because most networks do not support it.
• Be sure to pack everything safely, and do not use plastic containers. Store your food in containers that are built from cloth or metal.
• Quite a few tourists decide to buy take-home meals wrapped in banana leaves or biodegradable paper.
• Don’t act as if you’re feeding the birds or fish because it causes a disturbance in nature.
Why you should visit Jolly Buoy Island:
Most people who visit Jolly Buoy feel relaxed, more clear-minded, and different when they return.
If things are calm, with no crowds, you can sit quietly and think. Even an hour or two can make people feel both humble and healed. Jolly Buoy is great for soothing tired or stressed feelings. Free, no counselor is required, and you enjoy many advantages from being part of an active ecosystem.
Expert Travel Advice:
• Try to bring biodegradable wet wipes so you are set to clean the area before moving on.
• Since there might be coral, choose to wear aqua shoes or sandals with straps on your feet.
• Bring along one light towel and a few Ziploc bags.
• It’s always wise to have motion sickness tablets if you feel like you might get nauseous on the ferry.
What else can you see around Jolly Buoy Island?
If you’re staying close to Wandoor, these sites can be included in your plans before or after your visit.
At the Mahatma Gandhi Marine Museum, find out more about coral, fish, and how to care for the sea.
As soon as Jolly Buoy closes for the day, Red Skin Island takes its place, bringing them together
Here’s Why You Shouldn’t Skip Jolly Buoy Island:
Because every other beach ends up online, Jolly Buoy Island offers us something different:
It’s an area that
• Proves that remaining silent is possible peacefully
• Demonstrates that nature doesn’t need anything added for our pleasure
• Shows you that you don’t have to spend a lot to experience feelings of wealth.
• When you enjoy fresh air, get up early, and don’t miss Wi-Fi—Jolly Buoy Island is much more than just a tourist attraction. That’s when you let your feelings take over.
Recap Checklist:
• It’s a dream destination for those who enjoy nature and snorkeling.
• You’re not allowed to bring plastic or set up a tent.
From November to April, the site is open for business.
• You can find the best coral reefs in the Andamans.
• Guests are required to get there by ferry from Wandoor Jetty if they’ve got the proper permit.
• Book your ferry and apply for your permit the day before your visit.
• Always remember to bring some containers you can use over and over again and bottles for water.
• Make sure to bring along light clothing, aqua shoes, and some sunscreen.
• Carry every camera and GoPro that is with you.
• Be ready to put your phone away and go outside.