Jolly Buoy Island at a glance
Jolly Buoy Island lies in the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park near Wandoor, in the region of Port Blair (Sri Vijaya Puram). It is a day destination, not a place to stay: there is no accommodation on the island. A forest permit is required, and the number of visitors per day is limited.
Because the trip is seasonal and tied to a permit, you need to plan it before you go. If you would rather book it as part of a guided day, check Andaman island tours for the trips that include the boat and ask the provider how the permit is handled.
How to get your Jolly Buoy permit
The permit works as a booking. Apply early, because the daily limit can be reached.
1. Apply for the forest permit
The forest permit is arranged through the tourism department (IP&T). Booking in advance is recommended.
2. Use an authorised boat
Only authorised boats go to the island, and permits are checked at Wandoor before boarding.
3. Know the conditions
One application covers a maximum of 8 tickets. You must show ID when boarding. The permit form states that permits are not refunded, even if weather or a technical problem stops the boat. Read the terms before you pay.
Jolly Buoy and Wandoor trips
Boat trips and marine park days from Port Blair with live prices and availability. Check the season and the permit before you book.
Season and daily limit
The island is open from mid-November to mid-May and closed for the rest of the year. Actual opening days within the season can change, so confirm the date when you apply. The visiting window is about 09:00 to 14:00, with a maximum of 280 visitors per day. These figures can be adjusted, so check when you apply.
Since the permit is not refunded when weather stops the boat, pick a day with some flexibility if your schedule allows it. For the wider picture, see the best time to visit the Andamans.
Red Skin Island
Red Skin Island belongs to the same marine park and appears on the same national park permit form as Jolly Buoy. It is not a free-for-all island: you cannot just sail there. The two islands may alternate, so ask which one is open on your date and do not assume both are.
Diving in the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park carries an extra fee per person and day, ₹500 for Indians and ₹1,000 for foreigners (2026), plus prior permission from the conservation authority. Whether snorkeling is allowed can depend on the day, so check at booking.
What to bring and what to leave
There is no plastic on the island, so bring a reusable water bottle. Pack ID for boarding, sun protection and a swimsuit, and leave single-use plastic at your accommodation.
Ask what the permit price covers, including entry, camera and the boat, and check the current amounts when you apply. The permit for the marine park is separate from the Restricted Area Permit exemption for many islands. See our permits page for foreign visitors.
Jolly Buoy planning checklist
| Item | What applies |
|---|---|
| Season | Mid-November to mid-May |
| Visiting window | About 09:00 to 14:00 |
| Daily limit | 280 visitors |
| Permit | Forest permit via IP&T, checked at Wandoor |
| Tickets per application | Maximum 8 |
| Stay overnight | No accommodation on the island |
For most visitors, a booked trip within the season, with the permit sorted a few days ahead, is the safest way to see Jolly Buoy.
Jolly Buoy Island: frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit for Jolly Buoy Island?
Yes. A forest permit is required, and it is checked at Wandoor before boarding.
When is Jolly Buoy open?
From mid-November to mid-May, and closed outside the season. Confirm the date when you apply.
Can I stay overnight on Jolly Buoy?
No. There is no accommodation, and it is a day trip.
Can I get a refund if the boat does not run?
The permit form states there is no refund, even for weather or technical problems with the boat. Read the terms before you pay.
Can I snorkel at Jolly Buoy?
It can depend on the day, so check at booking. Bring a reusable water bottle, because there is no plastic on the island.