VANAMCOVE 
Mahatma Gandhi Marine NP
Protected coral islands open to visitors
Why this weekend?
The day-by-day plan
- 8 am permit & boat
- Jolly Buoy snorkel
- Glass-bottom ride
- Lunch kiosk
- Second island or swim
- Last-boat return
Geography & terrain
The Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park spreads across the waters off Wandoor, 29 km from Port Blair, protecting 281 sq km of the Andaman Sea around 15 islands — from the coral flats of Jolly Buoy and Red Skin to the mangrove fringes and nesting beaches of the outer islets.
History & culture
Declared a national park in 1983, it was the Andamans' first marine protected area, created to shield the reef system from dynamite fishing and shell collection; two island visits a day, rotated between Jolly Buoy and Red Skin, keep the coral under constant but controlled feet and fins.
Where to stay
Budget
₹1,500–3,500/nightMid-range
₹3,500–7,000/nightComfort
₹7,000+/nightThings to do
Coral gardens
Table corals & fish schools
Island beaches
Mangrove creeks
Dolphin sightings (seasonal)
Eat & drink
- Grilled reef fish
- Coconut and seafood curries
- Tropical fresh fruit platters
Getting there
- Fly
- Veer Savarkar Airport (IXZ), Port Blair
- Train
- No rail — island chain served by ferries
- Road from Port Blair
- road + ferry hub for all islands
- Getting around
- Autos and scooters on the islands; ferries between them
Budget snapshot
- Total
- ₹6,000–12,500 (1 days)
- Per day · Stay
- ₹1,500–7,000/night
- Per day · Food
- ₹600–1,000
- Per day · Transport
- ₹1,200–1,600
- Per day · Activities
- ₹2,500–2,900
Month by month
Practical info
- Language: Hindi / Bengali / Tamil (multi-language islands) (English understood in tourist spots)
- Best window: Oct–Mar
- Connectivity: Patchy off the main islands — download offline maps
- UPI/cards widely accepted; keep small cash for hill and market stops
Practical tips
- Rule of thumb: reef shoes + mask-snorkel beat renting — but rentals exist
- The park rotates Jolly Buoy and Red Skin; accept whichever is open
- Alcohol is banned on the islands — keep the trip dry
Frequently asked questions
One of Jolly Buoy or Red Skin on most days, rotated by the forest department to rest the reefs; both are similar in character.
No — a glass-bottom boat is included for everyone; snorkel gear and a guide are optional on Jolly Buoy.
About 6–7 hours door to door from Port Blair — boats leave Wandoor in the morning and return by mid-afternoon.
Protected coral islands open to visitors
Take the break. We'll take the planning.
Tell us your dates, budget and travel style — we'll build your Mahatma Gandhi Marine NP plan with day-by-day routing, stays, food and bookings.