Andaman Tourism Opens: The Andaman & Nicobar administration has announced that all tourist spots in the South Andaman district will be opened for tourism activities with immediate effect 8 Feb 2022.
The tourists are allowed to visit Baratang/North & Middle Andaman on production of double dose covid certificate/ All other passengers viz. unvaccinated and partially vaccinated passengers (those who have taken only 1S1 dose of COVID vaccine) shall have to produce RT-PCR negative test report
General Guidelines defined for traveling to Andaman Islands during COVID :
What are the guidelines for testing for tourists coming to Andaman after August 03 2021?
On arrival at Port Blair :
1. The tourists need to carry COVID-19 negative test report from mainland based 1CMR approved lab using Reverse Transcriptase-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RTPCR). However, the sample for RTPCR test should have been taken within 48 hours prior to starting the journey from the origin station. (For e.g. if the tourist takes a flight from Delhi at 0600 hrs. on 1st September, 2021, the sample for RTPCR test should have been taken not before 0600 hrs. on 30th August, 2021).
2. The tourists/visitors on arrival at Port Blair airport have to undergo mandatory Covid-19 screening with RTPCR test free of cost. Thereafter the tourists/visitors are allowed to move to their respective hotels. However, they will have to be under quarantine at Port Blair in their hotel rooms until the result of RTPCR tests are received. In case of RTPCR positive test results, the tourists/visitors shall remain in
institutional quarantine in hotels notified by the Hoteliers Association in consent with the A&N Administration, on rates as specified or to the designated hospital/ Covid-19 care centre on case-to-case basis.
3. Tourists may also have to undergo random Rapid Antigen Test conducted from time to time on payment basis as prescribed by A8N Administration.
What if the tourists test positive after arriving at the Andaman Islands?
If the tourists tests positive during their stay in the Islands, he/she will need to undergo institutional isolation as per existing health protocols. The
cost of such isolation for govt. facility will be paid by the tourists as fixed by the administration from time to time.
If the patient wants to stay at hotels, he/she can stay in the hotels if all the conditions below are met:
a) Patients are not symptomatic and not more than 60 years old.
b) Request/ undertaking is made by patient in writing.
c)lf allowed by doctors.
Hotels will make necessary arrangements to designate a part of their rooms for institutional isolation for this purpose.
Located in Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, Jolly Buoy Island is home to colorful corals and rich underwater life. Whether you want to go for snorkeling or get a sun-kissed tan, its beaches are perfect for both. Please note that night stays or camping is not allowed on this island. The island promises you a long stretch of pristine white sandy beaches with hues of turquoise waters fringed with a drool-worthy coastline. It is located near Wandoor, a short drive of 30 kilometers from Port Blair. Rich in exotic corals and marine life, the island is adorned with surrealism and tranquility where one can find nature in its purest form. It is covered with mangrove swamps and tropical rainforests that provide it with a tranquil landscape and a touch of incredible appeal. You can enjoy the spellbinding beauty of nature here and enjoy seclusion at its best.
To know everything about Jolly Buoy Island, go through this blog that comprises all the important details you need to know about visiting there.
How to reach Jolly Buoy Island?
You can reach the Andaman Islands only by flights as there are no rail or road routes available. The airport is in Port Blair, the capital city, and is well-connected with all the major cities in India like Chennai, Kolkata, and Delhi.
To reach Jolly Buoy Island, you need to take a boat from Wandoor Beach, which is located 30 kilometers southwest of Port Blair. You have to take a taxi from Port Blair to reach Wandoor Beach. Travelers traveling to Jolly Buoy Island need to take a road trip from Port Blair to Wandoor Beach. The route is a scenic drive covered with a lush green forest. Keeping the map of Jolly Buoy Island with you is highly recommended. From the Wandoor beach, take a ferry ride to reach the island. You can also choose to do snorkeling for a while as it is included with the ferry ride.
Best time to visit in Jolly Buoy Island
You cannot visit this island at any time of the year like other islands in the Andaman Islands. It remains closed for six months in the year for the preservation of the corals. In 2019, the island was open from November to April. During these months, the temperature remains moderate, neither too hot nor too cold. Therefore, you can easily engage yourself in different enthralling water sports during this time. You are required to obtain a proper permit from the Wandoor beach along with the ferry ride for entering the Jolly Buoy Island. Moreover, Jolly Buoy Island is closed on Mondays.
Things to do in Jolly Buoy Island
Jolly Buoy Island is a one-stop destination to enjoy various adventures in the lap of nature. It is nestled away from pollution and dirt. To get an insight into the best adventures to enjoy in Jolly Buoy Island, stroll through the list below:
Snorkeling
On your Jolly Buoy Island tour, snorkeling would be the most fantastic adventure activity to get indulged. The island gives amazing underwater opportunities to snorkelers for enjoying exotic corals and marine life in the turquoise waters of the island. The place is highly rich in corals and has crystal clear waters. You can appreciate the beauty of marine life from close and capture the memories forever in your heart and mind.
Glass Bottom Boat Ride
If you are a little faint-hearted and don’t want to go under the water, then this activity is specially designed for you. A glass-bottom ride will allow you to experience the exotic marine world without indulging in arduous activities like snorkeling and scuba diving. The activity is extremely popular among kids as they get to witness the real beauty of the underwater world. These special boats have a glass enclosure through which you can have a look into the underwater world while sitting in the boat.
Scuba Diving
You should make the most of your Jolly Buoy Island trip by undergoing a scuba diving adventure. Keep your fear aside and let your adrenaline rush get high. Get bewildered at the beauty of nature by having a glimpse of the colorful world of marine flora and fauna. One thing to note is that you should know the weather conditions beforehand undertaking scuba diving. It is not recommended to try it during the high tides at Jolly Buoy Island. It can be dangerous.
Enjoy sunbathing
Under the glistening rays of the sun, the spellbinding scenic landscape of the island calls for nothing but just relaxing and enjoying sunbathing. This is the best place for soaking yourself in the sunshine and admiring the pristine aura of natural beauty. You can also go for swimming at its beach.
Pro tips for travellers while visiting Jolly Buoy Island
Planning a trip to Jolly Buoy Island
You can easily plan a trip to Jolly Buoy by gathering the below-mentioned three important permissions and tickets:
Places to stay in Jolly Buoy Island
It is a very small island, which is protected by the forest department. Thus, there are not places to stay there at night. You will be required to leave the island in the evening.
Where to eat in Jolly Buoy Island?
You can easily find snack bars and small cafeterias near Wandoor Beach. There are currently no places to eat in Jolly Buoy Island.
You have to go and explore this marvel of Andamans. The island has adventures that an adrenaline junkie seeks as well as pure beauty that a nature enthusiast looks for. It is the perfect spot for both. If you want to enjoy everything that it has to offer, then you should visit here when the weather is pleasant so that you can try all the water sports as well. You can go for all the thrilling activities and also relax at the turquoise beach without worrying about rain. You can relax at the shimmering beach while getting the perfect tan.
There are no palm or coconut trees on Jolly Buoy Island, but it has a small yet dense tropical forest that covers as much as seventy per cent of the island. Also, it can be easily trekked through with the help of a local guide. The beach is only present on one side of the island. The rest of the sides open up to a cliff that ends in water. That is why, you should not stand near the edge of the jungle. The island is a protected zone. The whole place is a no-plastic zone. Visitors have to submit the list of all plastic items they are taking with them. You are not allowed to leave any plastic or other belongings on the island as it might affect biodiversity.
As a result of several efforts, Jolly Buoy Island has the densest and unique coral population in Andamans that supports one of the richest biodiversity in the isles. Adventure lovers can explore the wide variety of coral species housing some of the most vibrant and beautiful fishes. The water near the Jolly Buoy Beach is very shallow and clear. Therefore, allows for a clear view of the sea bottom and all the underwater dwellers. During low tide, the water becomes so shallow sometimes that the corals are almost out of the water. At that time, snorkeling is not allowed. But there is absolutely no need to worry about that. There are plenty of rental boats available on the island that will take you deeper into the sea for an unforgettable experience.
With this blog, you are well-equipped about each and every important detail about Jolly Buoy Island. Now you can go and feel its real charm in person. Appreciate one of the Andaman Islands’ most popular beach destinations and enjoy wonderful views of the scenery. Adventure lovers are specially going to love this magnificent island as here, you can have fun enjoying the thrilling adventures.
Have you made bookings for hotels and now looking for a reliable vehicle for harbour transfers? Be absolutely relaxed! Andaman Island Travels is the one-stop destination to book a car for your harbour transfers or sightseeing on the island. The pre-arranged transportation will be provided to you between the port and your desired destination, whether it is a hotel, cruise port, or another local point of interest. Plan your trip to Jolly Buoy Island in the Andamans right away and get ready to feel the adrenaline rush.
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