The Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park is a coral and island reserve off Wandoor, in South Andaman district of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It protects a cluster of small islands and the reefs between them, and most visitors come for a half-day snorkelling trip to one of its two reef islands, Jolly Buoy or Red Skin, reached by boat from Wandoor jetty. This is a different place from the Marine National Park in the Gulf of Kutch, Gujarat; the two share a theme but nothing else.
The Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, near Wandoor about 25–30 km from Sri Vijaya Puram (formerly Port Blair), is a protected marine reserve where visitors snorkel and ride glass-bottom boats over living coral. Only Jolly Buoy or Red Skin island is open at a time, on a rotating basis, to rest the reefs.
Key takeaways
- The park sits off Wandoor, South Andaman district, roughly 25–30 km (about a one-hour drive) from Sri Vijaya Puram, the renamed capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
- Two reef islands take turns: Jolly Buoy is usually open roughly November to mid-May and Red Skin roughly mid-May to November, alternating for coral conservation — always reconfirm the current open island before you go.
- Access is by forest-approved boat from Wandoor jetty; a Forest Department permit is required, with a limited daily quota that can sell out in peak season.
- Jolly Buoy is run as a plastic-free zone — plastic bottles and packaging are collected or deposited at the jetty before you board.
- Trips typically run mornings and the islands close by early afternoon; visits are day-only, with no food stalls or stay on the islands.
- Indian visitors need no special permit for this part of the Andamans; foreign nationals still need a Restricted Area Permit, issued on arrival at Port Blair airport.
About the park and quick facts
The Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park is a group of small islands and their surrounding reefs off Wandoor, on the west coast of South Andaman, within the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It was created to protect coral reefs, the marine life around them, and nesting beaches. Most of its islands are closed to the public; the forest department opens only one small island at a time for supervised day visits.
The headline experience is snorkelling and glass-bottom boat viewing over shallow coral, rather than a trek or a drive-through safari. To keep the point of difference clear: this is the Andaman park, not the Marine National Park in the Gulf of Kutch, Gujarat. Both are marine parks, but they are on opposite coasts of India.
| Where | Off Wandoor, South Andaman district, Andaman and Nicobar Islands |
|---|---|
| Gateway town | Sri Vijaya Puram (formerly Port Blair), about 25–30 km away |
| Main draw | Snorkelling and glass-bottom boats over coral at Jolly Buoy or Red Skin island |
| Open islands | One of Jolly Buoy / Red Skin at a time, rotating for reef recovery |
| Typical hours | Morning departures; islands close by early afternoon (around 2 pm per operators) |
| Weekly closure | Commonly closed on Mondays (reconfirm locally) |
| Permit | Forest Department permit required; limited daily quota |
Best time to visit
The best time to visit the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park is the drier, calmer window from roughly October to February, when seas are flatter and underwater visibility for snorkelling is at its best. The monsoon months bring rough water and the park’s tourist activities typically scale back or pause.
Because the two islands rotate, the “best time” also depends on which island is open. Check the current open island (see below) alongside the weather before you fix dates.
| Period | Conditions | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| October–February | Driest, calmest seas, best clarity | Snorkelling and glass-bottom trips |
| March–May | Warm and humid, usually still workable | Trips before monsoon; watch the island changeover |
| June–September | Southwest monsoon, rough sea, activities reduced | Generally the weakest window for boat trips |
How to reach the park
You reach the park by travelling first to Sri Vijaya Puram (formerly Port Blair) and then driving about 25–30 km south-west to Wandoor jetty, where the park boats depart. There is no direct long-distance transport to Wandoor; everything routes through the capital.
By air: The islands’ only commercial airport is Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ) at Sri Vijaya Puram, about 4 km from the city centre. It connects to mainland cities such as Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Delhi and Hyderabad; route lists change each season, so confirm current flights before booking.
By sea: Passenger ships also connect the mainland (Chennai, Kolkata and Visakhapatnam) to the capital, but sailings are infrequent and take days; most visitors fly.
Local leg to Wandoor: From the capital you can take a hired taxi or a local/tourist bus to Wandoor. Buses and taxis run through the morning so you can reach the jetty before the first boats.
| From | Distance | Typical mode |
|---|---|---|
| Veer Savarkar airport (IXZ) | ~30 km | Taxi, about an hour |
| Sri Vijaya Puram city | ~25–30 km | Taxi or local bus |
| Wandoor jetty to open island | By sea | Forest-approved boat, roughly 30–40 min |
Jolly Buoy and Red Skin: which island is open
Only one island — Jolly Buoy or Red Skin — is open to visitors at any time, and the forest department alternates them roughly every six months so each reef can recover. Travel guides and operators consistently describe Jolly Buoy as open in the drier half of the year (roughly November to mid-May) and Red Skin in the other half (roughly mid-May to November).
The exact changeover dates shift year to year and are set by the administration, often around mid-May and mid-November. As a dated example, one Andaman operator noted that as of 15 May 2025, Red Skin was open and Jolly Buoy was closed for seasonal coral conservation. Because November is itself a changeover month, treat the current open island as something to confirm, not assume — call the Forest Department office or a licensed operator in the capital before you travel. If the island you planned around has just closed, the trip simply runs to the other one from the same Wandoor jetty.
Jolly Buoy is additionally run as a plastic-free island: visitors hand over or deposit plastic bottles and packaging at the jetty, and the reef here is often described as the park’s showpiece for snorkelling when it is open.
Things to see and do
The main things to do are snorkelling over the reef and riding a glass-bottom boat to see coral and fish without getting in the water — both are the reason the park exists, and both happen on whichever island is open. Beyond that, the day is deliberately low-key: there is no resort, no watersports arcade, and no overnight stay on the islands.
- Glass-bottom boat ride: A short ride over shallow coral, suitable for non-swimmers, children and anyone who prefers to stay dry.
- Snorkelling: Best when the water is flat and clear; gear is usually available for rent near the jetty or on the island.
- Beach and reef walk: Limited, supervised time on the open island’s beach; stay within marked areas and off the coral.
- Wandoor beach: The mainland beach beside the jetty is pleasant for a short stop while waiting for or returning from the boat.
| Experience | Who it suits | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Glass-bottom boat | All ages, non-swimmers | Short ride over coral; often bundled with the island trip |
| Snorkelling | Confident in water | Needs calm, clear conditions; follow guide instructions |
| Island beach time | Everyone | Day-only; no shops or food stalls on the island |
A suggested day plan
This is a half-day trip best done as an early start from the capital, leaving the afternoon free. A rough plan:
- Early morning: Leave Sri Vijaya Puram by taxi or bus to reach Wandoor jetty with time to spare before the boats.
- At the jetty: Collect your Forest Department permit, deposit plastic items, and board the forest-approved boat to the open island.
- On the island: Snorkel and take the glass-bottom boat; spend supervised time on the beach. Carry your own water and snacks.
- Early afternoon: Return to Wandoor before the island closes, then drive back to the capital.
- Afternoon onward: Pair the trip with Chidiya Tapu or a capital-city sight (see nearby places).
Where to stay
There is no accommodation inside the park, and only very limited lodging at Wandoor itself, so nearly everyone stays in Sri Vijaya Puram (formerly Port Blair) and makes the park a day trip. The capital has the widest spread of rooms, from budget guesthouses to higher-end hotels and resorts.
- Budget: Guesthouses and small hotels in the capital, roughly ₹1,000–₹2,500 per night (indicative planning estimate, as of November 2026 — reconfirm).
- Mid-range: Standard hotels, roughly ₹2,500–₹6,000 per night (indicative).
- Higher-end: Resorts and premium hotels, often ₹7,000 and up (indicative).
Book ahead in the October–February peak, when rooms and the park’s daily permit quota both fill up. These bands are planning estimates, not quoted tariffs; confirm live rates with the property.
Food to try
There is no food on the islands, so you carry your own; eating is done back in the capital or at Wandoor. The Andaman food scene leans on seafood and a mix of South Indian, Bengali and North Indian cooking brought by settler communities.
- Fresh seafood (grilled or curried fish, prawns, crab) — the obvious regional strength.
- South Indian staples (idli, dosa, filter coffee) — widely available and reliable for an early start.
- Coconut-based curries and tropical fruit — common across island menus.
Pack a simple packed meal and plenty of water for the boat trip itself, since the island has no stalls.
Budget breakdown
A park day trip is inexpensive on fees but shaped by how you cover the capital-to-Wandoor leg and whether you book a package. The table below is a per-person planning estimate for the park day only (not flights or hotel), as of November 2026. Government fees below are indicative figures reported by travel guides, not an official tariff opened this session — reconfirm at the counter.
| Item | Indicative cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Forest Department entry permit | ~₹50 | Reported figure; foreign visitors may pay more |
| Camera permit | ~₹25 | Reported figure, per camera |
| Boat / island ticket | ~₹300 and up | Varies by island and operator |
| Plastic deposit | ~₹100 (refundable) | Returned when you show your bottles on leaving |
| Snorkel gear rental | ~₹300 | If not included in a package |
| Capital–Wandoor transport | ₹ varies | Cheap by bus; higher by private taxi |
Full-service operator packages that include transport, permits and activities are commonly quoted from around ₹1,275 to ₹1,600 per person (operator websites, indicative). Assumptions: solo traveller, self-arranged transport, one open island, no overnight on the island.
Permits, fees and rules
You need a Forest Department permit to enter the park and visit the open island, issued at the counter at Wandoor jetty (some operators arrange it in the capital). The daily number of permits is capped — travel guides cite around 150 a day on a first-come basis, sometimes raised in peak season — so arriving early or booking a day or two ahead matters.
Andaman entry permit: Indian nationals do not need a special permit for this part of the Andamans, including the Wandoor day trip. Foreign nationals still require a Restricted Area Permit (RAP), which is issued on arrival at Veer Savarkar airport and covers the main tourist islands for 30 days.
Plastic and eco rules: Jolly Buoy is a plastic-free zone; plastic bottles and packaging are collected or held against a refundable deposit at the jetty and must leave with you. Do not touch, stand on or collect coral, shells or marine life — the whole point of the rotating islands is reef recovery.
Timings and closure: Trips are morning-only and the island closes by early afternoon (operators cite about 2 pm); the park is commonly closed on Mondays. Overnight stays on the islands are not allowed. Reconfirm all fees, the quota, the weekly closed day and the current open island with the Forest Department before you travel — these change.
Practical tips
- Connectivity: Mobile network and data are patchy around the islands and at sea; do not rely on a signal at Wandoor or on the boat.
- Cash: Carry enough cash for permits, tickets and transport. ATMs and reliable UPI are in the capital, not at the jetty.
- Health: The nearest full hospital facilities are in Sri Vijaya Puram, not at Wandoor — carry any personal medication with you.
- Swimming safety: Snorkel only where and when the guides allow; sea conditions change and currents can be strong.
- Solo and women travellers: The trip is supervised and group-based; as anywhere, keep valuables minimal and stay with the group on the boat and beach.
- Packing: Reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, water, a packed meal, a dry bag, and a non-plastic water bottle for Jolly Buoy. Bring your own snorkel gear if you have it.
Nearby places
The park pairs easily with other South Andaman sights, most of them on the way back toward the capital.
| Place | Distance from Wandoor | Why go |
|---|---|---|
| Chidiya Tapu | Same South Andaman coast | Birdwatching and sunset point |
| Sri Vijaya Puram (capital) | ~25–30 km | Cellular Jail, museums, ferries to other islands |
| Wandoor beach | At the jetty | Quiet beach stop beside the park gateway |
Frequently asked questions
Which island is open in the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park right now?
Either Jolly Buoy or Red Skin is open at a time, never both. Guides place Jolly Buoy’s season around November to mid-May and Red Skin’s around mid-May to November, with the switch set by the administration. Because dates shift, confirm the current open island with the Forest Department or a licensed operator before you travel.
Do I need a permit to visit the park?
Yes. Every visitor needs a Forest Department permit to enter and reach the open island, issued at the Wandoor jetty counter with a limited daily quota. Indian nationals need no separate Andaman permit, but foreign nationals require a Restricted Area Permit, issued on arrival at Veer Savarkar airport for the main islands.
How do I get to the park from Port Blair (Sri Vijaya Puram)?
Travel about 25–30 km south-west from Sri Vijaya Puram (formerly Port Blair) to Wandoor jetty by taxi or local bus, roughly an hour’s drive, then take a forest-approved boat to the open island. There is no direct transport to Wandoor; everything routes through the capital, so start early to catch the morning boats.
What is the best time to visit?
The calmest, clearest window is roughly October to February, when flat seas give the best snorkelling visibility. The June–September southwest monsoon brings rough water and reduced activities. Also check which island is open for your dates, since Jolly Buoy and Red Skin alternate across the year.
Can I snorkel, and is it safe for non-swimmers?
Yes to snorkelling when conditions are calm, with gear available to rent. Non-swimmers are well served by the glass-bottom boat, which shows the coral without entering the water. Follow the guides on where and when to swim, as currents and sea conditions vary and overnight stays are not allowed.
Is the park the same as the Gulf of Kutch Marine National Park?
No. The Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park is in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, off Wandoor near Sri Vijaya Puram. The Marine National Park in the Gulf of Kutch is in Gujarat, on India’s west coast. They are separate protected areas with different access, seasons and rules.
Last updated and sources
Go if you want a short, low-key reef day of snorkelling and glass-bottom boating rather than resorts or watersports; best booked early in the dry October–February window, around whichever island is currently open.
Last updated: 4 November 2026. Fees, timings and permits change — reconfirm with official sources before you travel.
Sources: Wikivoyage: Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park; Go2Andaman: Jolly Buoy Island; Go2Andaman: Red Skin Island; Veer Savarkar International Airport (Wikipedia); Onmanorama: Port Blair renamed Sri Vijaya Puram (Sept 2024); Nicobar Times: gazette notification on the renaming. Fee and timing figures are indicative figures reported by these travel guides, not an official tariff verified this session; the current open island and the daily permit quota must be reconfirmed with the Andaman and Nicobar Forest Department. Accessed November 2026.
