If you are planning a visit to Andaman, the name Jolly buoy should be in your list.
This uninhabited virgin Island also home to Andaman’s state animal Dugong, which is an endangered species. If you are lucky enough you can witness this rare of the rarest mammal in its natural habitat. Dugong is also known as sea cow and is only strictly marine mammal which is herbivorous.
In the world, Jolly Buoy is famous for it rich underwater marine diversity, live corals, aquatic vegetation, sea grass beds and color fishes. The Nemo fish (Clown fish), famous among kids can be seen here easily. Jolly buoy is second to only Australia’s Great Barrier in rich marine aquatic diversity. The park is also home to birds like white-bellied sea eagle, Andaman Teal and Parakeets.
How to Reach?
Jolly buoy is 45min – 1 hrs journey from Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, Wandoor. Wandoor is approximately 30km from Port Blair city. Mahatma Gandhi National Park was established on 1983 for protection of marine life, nesting sea turtles and a total of 15 Virgin Islands scattered in 282 sq km were brought under this protection. Out these 15 Islands two are open for visitors, Jolly Buoy and Red Skin.
Regular bus service from State Bus Terminal, Aberdeen Bazaar operate daily basis. Buses drive straight to Wandoor stopping at all major bus stand and Wandoor beach being the last stop. Mahatma Gandhi National park is last second stop on this list. Bus charges may vary from INR 15.00 to INR 25.00 per person and journey length may vary from 1:45min to 2hr. The timing of buses can be an issue as they don’t follow a strict time pattern.
Private vehicle can also be hired for this trip. The trip package may include Jolly Buoy and Wandoor beach. The vehicle charge may vary from INR 1400.00 – INR 1500.00 carrying as many people as vehicles carrying capacity, make sure you are not over charged.
Jolly is plastic free Island, even mineral water bottles are not allowed to the island. If one wishes to carry water then a caution deposit of INR 200.00 which refundable, is to be paid at the embarkation counter. One the payment of this amount Milton Water bottle with fresh drinking water will be provided. Once is the island there is a petty Shop is operated by forest Department offering refreshments.
Jolly Buoy is closed on Mondays. Jolly Buoy is also closed for 6month during the monsoon seasons i.e. 15th May to 15th October for coral rejuvenation and feeding of fishes. During this time in-lieu of Jolly Buoy, Redskin Island is open for visitors. Both Island opens alternatively throughout the year offering visitors with a view to Andaman’s rich marine life.
Tickets and Permits:
Tickets to Jolly are available from IP&T (Indian Publicity Broadcasting & Tourism) regional office counter near District Court, Port Blair. Photo Identity Proof is mandatory to procure this tickets and permits. Identity cards such as Aadhar Card/Driving License/Passport are accepted readily. The ticket cost is INR 750.00. The forest permit costs INR 75.00 which mandatory along with boat tickets. Our travel experts in Pristine Andaman can help you with the tickets and permit. This is also brought in notice to the visitors that the availability of forest clearance and issuing of permit are very limited for a day which is a matter of concern.
Activities:
The trip to Jolly Buoy starts as early as 0630hrs. The first boat from Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park Jetty, Wandoor leaves at 0730hrs. The second boat follows the first an hour later. The boat takes visitors to an anchorage point near the coral Island and from there visitors board another Glass Bottom boat which will take them to the Jolly Buoy shores. This glass bottom boat takes the visitors to a Glass bottom ride before disembarking them to the shores of Jolly Buoy.
Once in Jolly Buoy, one can indulge in snorkeling and glass bottom ride. Snorkeling activities varies from INR 350.00 to INR 1200.00 per person depending upon the time. The Glass Bottom Ride charges may vary from INR 350.00 to INR 600.00 per person depending upon the time. It is also a swimmers paradise, so one can indulge in free swimming in and around the island with fishes. It is advised to have personal snorkeling kits for this trip which starts from INR 1200.00 in local markets. For non-swimmers the shallow shores of Jolly Buoy is perfect for dear ones to hold hand and walk around the knee deep turquoise water exploring the island. The silver sand beaches of Jolly beach offer a perfect place for sun basking.
As the day draws to end, the boat from Jolly leaves at 1330hrs reaches Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park via same route at 1430hrs.
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