The short answer
Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park: what visitors should know first
Worth a half day if you want protected reef rather than a resort beach. Go in the dry season, book through the forest department or a registered operator, and confirm which island is open and whether the park is closed that day before leaving Port Blair.
History and context
The story behind Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park
The park lies in the Wandoor area of South Andaman and was notified in 1983 under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. It takes in around 17 islands (some accounts say about 20 islands and rocks) and the channels between them.
Most of its reefs are fringing reefs. Only a small part of the park is open to tourists; the rest is kept for conservation and research.
Useful facts
Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park facts at a glance
- Location
- Wandoor, South Andaman, about 20 km south-west of Port Blair
- Established
- 1983, under the Wildlife Protection Act 1972
- Area
- About 281.5 sq km, of which roughly 29 sq km is land
- Experience type
- Boat trip, snorkelling, glass-bottom boat
- Tourist islands
- Jolly Buoy and Red Skin; which is open varies by season
- Visitor note
- Permit needed; plastic banned; closed one day a week, so check
Why it matters
Why Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park is worth your time
The park was created in 1983 under the Wildlife Protection Act to protect coral reef and the creatures that depend on it, including nesting sea turtles on the Twin Islands. It covers about 281.5 sq km, of which only around 29 sq km is land, and the rest is sea and reef. That makes it one of the few places near Port Blair where the reef is formally protected rather than simply visited.
For a traveller, it is the easiest route to see the Andaman reefs without the ferry to Havelock. Visitor numbers are controlled so the coral is not trampled, which is why permits, plastic checks and rotating island access exist. Treat those rules as part of the experience.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
Fringing reef snorkelling
Shallow coral close to the island shore, suitable for beginners with a life jacket and guide.
- 02
Glass-bottom boat
A dry way to see coral and reef fish, useful for children and anyone who dislikes open water.
- 03
A protected reef
The park exists mainly for conservation, so expect rules on plastic, numbers and which island is open.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
The park starts at Wandoor, a small fishing village with a jetty roughly 20 km from Port Blair. Most visitors take a taxi from town, collect their entry permit and board a boat for one of the open islands, historically Jolly Buoy or Red Skin. Which one is open changes with the season and with conservation decisions, so ask at the jetty rather than assuming. Arrive early: permit numbers are limited and the last boats return in the afternoon.
Once there, the usual activities are snorkelling on the fringing reef and riding a glass-bottom boat over the coral. Reef fish are the main draw; turtles nest in the park, but that is not something to expect on a day trip. Gear and guides are normally arranged through the operator, and snorkelling is optional. Wandoor beach itself, back on the mainland, is a quiet place for a walk while the rest of the group is on the water.
Carry your own water, sun protection and a change of clothes, and leave plastic behind. A day here pairs poorly with a same-day Ross Island trip because the boats leave from different jetties; give it its own morning.
Plan with confidence
Small decisions that make the visit easier.
- Confirm the open island and closed day with the forest office or operator
- Leave early to secure a permit
- Carry water, sun protection and no plastic
- Keep a spare change of clothes
- Ask what the boat price includes before paying
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Wandoor, about 20 km south-west of Port Blair by road
- Time needed
- Half a day to a full day including the road to Wandoor and the boat trip
- Best time
- November to April for calmer seas and clearer water; mornings are best
- Walking level
- Easy
- Senior comfort
- The island visit itself is mostly beach and shallow water, but the day involves a road transfer, stepping from a jetty onto a small boat and a rocking crossing, with little shade or seating. Glass-bottom boats suit those who prefer not to get in the water; carry water and a hat.
- Tickets and access
- Entry to the islands needs a forest department permit, usually bought at the Wandoor counter or arranged by the boat operator. Daily numbers and the island that is open vary by season, and fees are not listed here; confirm with the forest office or your operator. Plastic is not allowed on the islands and bags may be checked.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
The island visit itself is mostly beach and shallow water, but the day involves a road transfer, stepping from a jetty onto a small boat and a rocking crossing, with little shade or seating. Glass-bottom boats suit those who prefer not to get in the water; carry water and a hat.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
How far is the park from Port Blair?
The Wandoor jetty is about 20 km south-west of Port Blair by road, roughly a 45 minute to one hour taxi ride depending on traffic.
Do I need a permit?
Yes, entry to the islands is permitted by the forest department. Fees and daily limits are not fixed in this guide; confirm at the Wandoor counter or with your operator.
Can I stay on the islands?
No. Visits are day trips only and the boats return in the afternoon.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
