Wandoor & Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park: A Guide (2026)

This protected sanctuary is an archipelago of over 15 islands and is home to some of the most vibrant, untouched coral reefs and richest marine biodiversity in the region. A trip here is a must-do for nature lovers and anyone serious about witnessing the best underwater life the Andamans have to offer.

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1. What is the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park? 2. Wandoor Beach: The Scenic Starting Point 3. The Jewels of the Park: Jolly Buoy & Red Skin Islands 4. How to Plan Your Day Trip to the Marine Park 5. Connecting Your Eco-Tour to the Main Islands

PC: Indiano Travel

Just an hour's scenic drive from the hustle of Port Blair lies a region of incredible natural beauty and ecological importance: Wandoor. This area is not just home to a picturesque beach, but it serves as the official gateway to one of the Andaman Islands' greatest treasures—the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park.

This protected sanctuary is an archipelago of over 15 islands and is home to some of the most vibrant, untouched coral reefs and richest marine biodiversity in the region. A trip here is a must-do for nature lovers and anyone serious about witnessing the best underwater life the Andamans have to offer.

This guide will explain everything you need to know to plan your visit to Wandoor and the incredible islands within the marine park.

PC: Andaman Tourism

1. What is the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park?

Established in 1983, the MG Marine National Park is a protected area created to conserve the region's stunning coral reefs and diverse marine life. The park is a cluster of islands, open sea creeks, and tropical forests. For tourists, the main attractions are two specific islands that are opened on a rotational basis: Jolly Buoy and Red Skin.

2. Wandoor Beach: The Scenic Starting Point

Your journey to the marine park begins at Wandoor.

  • The Beach: Wandoor Beach itself is a wide, beautiful stretch of sand with calm, clear waters. It is known for its picturesque shoreline, dotted with the skeletal trunks of trees uprooted by the 2004 Tsunami, creating a unique and striking landscape.

  • Wandoor Jetty: This is the functional heart of the area. It is from this jetty that all authorised boats depart for the day trips to Jolly Buoy and Red Skin Islands.

3. The Jewels of the Park: Jolly Buoy & Red Skin Islands

These two uninhabited islands are the main reason visitors flock to Wandoor.

  • The Island Rotation System: To protect the fragile coral ecosystem from overuse, only one of these islands is open to tourists at a time, typically for a six-month period, before they are switched. You must check which island is open during your travel dates.

  • What Makes Them Special: Because they are strictly protected, the coral reefs at both Jolly Buoy and Red Skin are exceptionally pristine and vibrant. The water clarity is among the best in the Andamans, offering an unparalleled underwater viewing experience.

  • The Main Activities: The only activities permitted here are those that allow you to appreciate the reef with minimal disturbance:

    • Snorkeling: Considered some of the best snorkeling in the Andamans.

    • Glass-Bottom Boat Rides: The perfect way for everyone to see the magnificent corals.

PC: Wikipedia

Read about: Jolly Buoy Island: A Guide to Andaman's Pristine Coral Paradise

4. How to Plan Your Day Trip to the Marine Park

A trip to Jolly Buoy or Red Skin requires more planning than a regular beach visit.

  1. Arrange Your Permit: A Forest Permit is mandatory to enter the national park. This must be obtained at least one day in advance from the tourism office in Port Blair.

  2. Book a Tour (Recommended): The easiest way to manage this is to book a day-trip package with a registered tour operator in Port Blair. This will typically include your hotel transfers to Wandoor, all permits, and the boat fare.

  3. Adhere to the No-Plastic Rule: This is extremely important. The marine park is a strict no-plastic zone. You are not allowed to carry plastic water bottles, bags, or even food wrappers. You must transfer water into reusable bottles and carry any snacks in non-plastic containers. Your bags will be checked at Wandoor Jetty.

  4. The Journey: The trip starts with a 1-hour drive from Port Blair to Wandoor Jetty. From there, it's about a 30-40 minute boat ride to the designated island. Boats typically leave around 9:00 AM and return by 2:30 PM.

5. Connecting Your Eco-Tour to the Main Islands

The Marine National Park at Wandoor offers a glimpse into the Andamans' protected underwater wonders and is a perfect day trip from Port Blair. After experiencing these pristine reefs, your journey continues to the famous islands of Havelock and Neil.

The main island-hopping journey is best done on a fast and comfortable private ferry. Booking your tickets in advance on GoNautika for a premium ferry like Nautika ensures your travel between the main tourist hubs is as well-planned and seamless as your eco-tour to the marine park.

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