Jolly buoy island is very famous for under water corals and the pristine clear beach. This place is one hour journey from Wandoor beach. Snorkeling and scuba diving are available here.
To reach Jolly buoy island people have to come to Wandoor beach. This is located in Mahatma Gandhi National Park. Wandoor beach is 30 Kms from Port Blair by road. This route is same for visiting Red Skin island also. Both Jolly buoy and Red skin are located at Mahatma Gandhi National park. The normal time leaving to Jolly buoy island at Wandoor beach is 9.00am. Make sure to reach Wandoor beach before 9.00am. All the ships leave at the same time and come back together.
Jolly buoy is a No Plastic zone. Before leaving to Jolly buoy island, people have to submit the list of all plastic items at Wandoor beach. They have to deposit a security amount of INR 100 against each plastic item. They will get the amount back after returning against producing the same items. Additional amount is also to be paid for each still and video camera.
In Jolly buoy island nothing is available. Visitors are supposed to carry all items required for them like, food, water etc... At Wandoor beach tender coconuts are available.
People visiting this place through travel agents will get everything packed and will be accompanied by one of the person. People have to carry swim suits or other wears suitable for Snorkeling and scuba diving. Jolly buoy is a no man's land. When we visited the place, only two motor boats (port charter boats) along with small boats (for coral view) brought all the visitors and everything returned back. Jolly buoy island is just like an end of the world place. Surrounding the Jolly buoy island there are other islands with thick forests. People can enjoy the running sea view between these islands.
Visitors can enjoy the under water coral view through snorkeling, Scuba diving or from the glass bottom boat. As a standard trip, while getting down from the ship and transferring to the island through small boats, visitors will be taken through a ride and will be shown these under water corals through glass bottom. This is for only a very short duration (5 to 10 minutes). People willing to see more of these can hire a boat independently and enjoy. Additional amount has to be paid (INR 50 to 100) for each ride for 30 to 45 minutes. Additional amount has to be paid also for snorkeling and scuba diving.
Corals of Andaman
The under water corals in Andaman island beaches are colourful and live. One can experience the live corals at Jolly buoy, red skin, North bay and other island beaches. Snorkeling and Scuba diving is a great experience in these marine world.
Jolly buoy and Redskin islands are in Mahatma Gandhi Marine National park. Each of these islands are open only 6 months in a year to protect the corals. Jolly buoy and Red skin islands are opened alternatively.
For visitors who are scared of snorkeling and Scuba diving, they can avail glass bottom boat facility to see corals while traveling inside the coral beach. 45 minutes to one hour package is available. The charges for these facilities vary depending upon the time visitors like to spend. For 30-45 minutes, INR 50 is the normal amount one can afford. Confirm which island is opened for visitors before planning Andaman trip. Wheather proof cameras are available for rent if people are interested in taking the photograph of under water corals. Travellers can even try to take photos while travelling glass bottom boats. This is possible with additional cost and also after getting down from the main ship while reaching the beach.
North bay coral beach is a little bit crowded as it is very nearer to Port Blair and all facilities are available. In Jolly buoy and Red skin, because these are remotely located islands, no facilities are available and people have to carry all related belongings along with them.
Don't try to carry these corals along with you as this is considered as an affence. Get the reciept from the shop if you have purchased any pearls or corals in Andaman. This may help if any checkings are done at Air port.
