The short answer
Parrot Island: what visitors should know first
Worth it if you are already staying at Baratang and like birds. The boat leaves late afternoon and returns after sunset, so day-trippers from Port Blair cannot realistically do it. Skip it if you are only visiting for the day.
Useful facts
Parrot Island facts at a glance
- Location
- Near Baratang jetty, Baratang Island
- Experience type
- Evening boat trip to watch a bird roost
- Known for
- Thousands of parrots returning to roost at dusk
- Time or schedule
- Late afternoon boats; one guide says not before about 4.15 pm
- Duration
- About 2 to 2.5 hours
- Practical constraint
- Needs an overnight stay; no late convoy back to Port Blair
Why it matters
Why Parrot Island is worth your time
Parrot Island is one of the few Baratang sights that has nothing to do with the road or the cave, and it is a pleasant change after a day of walking. Seeing thousands of birds arrive at one roost is a reminder that the mangrove and forest ecosystem here is working, not just scenery for the caves.
It is also a useful test of whether to stay overnight. If you want more than a rushed daylight run, an evening here, with the birds, the creek light and the quiet of an island with few facilities, is the best argument for it. Plan accommodation first, since lodging is scarce, and treat the trip as an extra, not the reason to make the journey.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
Parrots arriving at dusk
Birds stream in from the forest and settle on the island in noisy groups as the light fades.
- 02
Creek light
The boat ride itself, in low evening light on the water, is part of the appeal.
- 03
A quiet evening
After a long day of road and walking, it is a seated, undemanding activity.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Parrot Island is a small, uninhabited island near Baratang jetty. Official tourism material recommends the evening, when thousands of parrots return to roost. One guide says boats leave no earlier than about 4.15 pm and the trip takes around two and a half hours, so plan to be at the jetty well before that.
You travel in a small boat, usually shared, and stop at a distance from the island rather than landing. As the light falls, the parrots arrive in streams from the surrounding forest and settle noisily in the island's trees. The sky and the water carry most of the colour, so bring binoculars if you have them, and keep voices low so you do not disturb the birds.
Because you return in the dark or near dark, wear a light layer and use insect repellent. Do not stand or lean over the side of the boat, and keep hands inside, since the creeks hold saltwater crocodiles. If you are staying at Baratang overnight, this is the natural way to spend your evening.
Plan with confidence
Small decisions that make the visit easier.
- Arrange the boat in advance through your accommodation or operator
- Be at the jetty well before the departure time
- Carry binoculars, a light layer and insect repellent
- Keep hands inside the boat and voices low
- Plan an overnight stay; you cannot return to Port Blair afterwards
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Near Baratang jetty, Baratang Island
- Time needed
- About 2 to 2.5 hours for the boat trip
- Best time
- Dusk, from late afternoon; dry months are the most comfortable
- Walking level
- Easy
- Senior comfort
- The effort is sitting in a small boat and stepping on and off at the jetty, with no walking on the island itself. The late hour and a moving boat make it tiring for some. Carry a light jacket and insect repellent for the evening.
- Tickets and access
- Boats are arranged locally and usually shared or privately chartered. Ask your accommodation or operator about timing and rates, and book ahead, because the trip leaves in the late afternoon.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Parrot Island
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
The effort is sitting in a small boat and stepping on and off at the jetty, with no walking on the island itself. The late hour and a moving boat make it tiring for some. Carry a light jacket and insect repellent for the evening.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
Can I see Parrot Island on a day trip from Port Blair?
Not realistically. The roost is best at dusk, boats leave in the late afternoon, and one guide notes there is no return transport to Port Blair afterwards, so an overnight stay is needed.
Do you land on the island?
The island is uninhabited and visitors generally watch from the boat. Ask your boatman about local practice and follow their instructions.
How long is the boat trip?
One guide gives about two and a half hours in total, leaving no earlier than about 4.15 pm. Check current timing locally.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
