Long Island Andaman Guide: Escape to the Offbeat Middle Andaman (2026)

Long Island Andaman Guide: The Secret of Middle Andaman

While 90% of travelers stay within the "Tourist Triangle" of Port Blair, Swaraj Dweep (Havelock), and Shaheed Dweep (Neil), the true "Green Paradise" of the Andaman archipelago lies further north. Welcome to the Long Island Andaman Guide, your manual for exploring one of the most serene and untouched destinations in the Bay of Bengal.

Long Island is a place where time doesn't just slow down—it almost stops. With barely any vehicles, no commercial noise, and a village-scale character, it offers a glimpse of authentic island life that mainstream hubs can no longer provide. If you are a seeker of empty beaches, forest trails, and raw marine beauty, this is your 2026 sanctuary.

1. A Legacy of Timber and Tribes: The History of Long Island

The history of the Andaman Islands—derived from the name "Handuman" (the Malay variation of Hanuman)—is a story of isolation and resilience. Historically, the area around Long Island was the domain of the indigenous Great Andamanese communities.

In the early 20th century, the island became a significant hub for the British colonial forestry department. It was essentially a "forestry camp" where settlers from mainland India—primarily Bengali, Tamil, and Ranchi communities—were brought in under rehabilitation schemes post-1947. These communities built the small, friendly village that exists today. While the colonial-era timber extraction has ceased, the island has reinvented itself as a beacon for low-impact, eco-friendly tourism.

2. Top Attractions: Lalaji Bay and Merk Bay

Long Island is the gateway to some of the most pristine coastal landscapes in the Middle Andaman district.

• Lalaji Bay Beach: Located on the west coast of the island, this is a secluded white-sand paradise fringed by ancient forests. You can reach it via a scenic 1.5-hour trek through the evergreen jungle or a short boat ride from the main jetty.

• Merk Bay (North Passage Island): Consistently ranked as one of the most beautiful beaches in Asia, Merk Bay is a 30-minute boat ride from Long Island. It is part of the Rani Jhansi Marine National Park and offers crystal-clear shallow waters that are safe for swimming and snorkeling.

• Guitar Island: A unique, guitar-shaped island with a stunning sandbar that appears at mid-to-low tide, perfect for photography and a private beach picnic.

3. Adventure in the Deep Green: Trekking and Snorkeling

As a "biological hotspot," Long Island offers more than just sunbathing.

• Forest Trekking: The 6-7 km trail to Lalaji Bay is a masterclass in tropical biodiversity. Look for kingfishers, herons, and sea eagles as you navigate the mangrove edges.

• Snorkeling Hotspots: The reefs around Merk Bay are a "Snorkel Wonderland," featuring vibrant coral kingdoms and frequent sightings of reef sharks, sea turtles, and occasionally, the elusive Dugong.

• Dolphin Spotting: On lucky mornings, you can spot pods of dolphins frolicking in the open sea during your boat transit between islands.

4. Logistics: How to Reach Long Island

To reach Long Island from Port Blair, take a government ferry from Phoenix Bay Jetty (approx. 4–5 hours, ~₹400) which sometimes operates via Havelock and Neil Islands. Ferries typically depart around 7:00 AM on specific days (usually Wed/Sat), with tickets bookable at the jetty or online. Alternatively, travel by bus/taxi to Rangat (4-5 hours) and catch a local ferry to Long Island.

For the most efficient for the remaining of your inter island trip for travel between Port Blair - Havelock - Neil Islands, use Nautika, the Andaman’s newest fast luxury ferry fleet, to bridge the major distances first. You can take a high-speed catamaran from Port Blair to Swaraj Dweep (Havelock) in just 90 minutes, maintaining a blazing speed of 24 knots. From the "Crown Jewel," you can then connect to Long Island via daily boats or private charters.

By using the gonautika.com platform, you can book your luxury seats in advance, ensuring you arrive at the primary hubs refreshed and ready for your offbeat adventure. Our youngest and fastest fleet is engineered for stability, allowing you to enjoy panoramic ocean vistas through floor-to-ceiling windows before you dive into the "Green Paradise."

5. Smart Travel Tips for the Offbeat Explorer

• Carry Cash: There are no ATMs on Long Island. Ensure you carry enough for your accommodation, boat hires, and local meals.

• Connectivity: BSNL is the only reliable network; other services are extremely patchy. Download your offline maps in advance.

• Pack Right: Carry reef-safe sunscreen, a light rain jacket, and plenty of insect repellent for the forest treks.

• Respect the Quiet: Long Island is a place for slow travel. Respect the local village culture and the pristine nature by treading lightly on the sands.