Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park at Wandoor is one of India’s most important marine protected areas and one of the easiest places in the Andaman Islands to experience coral reefs without travelling to a remote outer island. The park protects a group of islands, mangroves, coral reefs, seagrass habitat and tropical marine wildlife southwest of Port Blair.
The visitor experience is built around boat trips from Wandoor to islands such as Jolly Buoy and Red Skin, depending on the seasonal opening schedule. Clear water, reef fish, corals, sea turtles and glass-bottom-boat views are the main attractions. Saltwater crocodiles also occur in the wider marine landscape, so swimming and water activities are allowed only where authorised.
Entry is permit-based. The Andaman & Nicobar Wildlife rules list separate visitor and vessel charges for marine national parks, while the actual day-trip cost also includes the authorised boat fare and any snorkelling or glass-bottom activity.
| Particulars | Details |
| Destination | Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park |
| Location | Wandoor, South Andaman |
| Main gateway | Wandoor Jetty |
| Distance from Port Blair | About 25 km |
| Indian adult park entry | ₹50 per person per day |
| Child 5-12 years | ₹25 per person per day |
| Foreign visitor entry | ₹500 per person per day |
| Indian boat/ship permit component | ₹500 per vessel per day |
| Main tourism islands | Jolly Buoy and Red Skin, subject to seasonal opening |
| Main activities | Boat trip, glass-bottom viewing, authorised snorkelling |
| Best season | November to April |
| Recommended duration | Half day to full day |
Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park Timings
Tourism is tied to scheduled boat departures from Wandoor rather than a simple all-day gate. Visitors normally report in the morning, complete permit checks and travel by authorised boat to the island currently open for tourism.
Return timings are fixed by the boat operator and Forest Department. Weather and sea conditions can cancel or delay trips, especially during the monsoon.
Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park Ticket Cost
The current Andaman wildlife rules list ₹50 per day for an Indian adult, ₹25 for a child aged 5-12 and ₹500 for a foreign visitor entering a marine national park.
These are protected-area fees, not the full excursion cost. Boat fare, glass-bottom rides, snorkelling and operator charges are additional. Indian vessels also carry a separate permit component under the rules.
Jolly Buoy Island
Jolly Buoy is the most famous tourism island in the park because of its clear water and coral visibility. Plastic restrictions are strict and visitors should follow the instructions given at Wandoor before boarding.
Snorkelling and glass-bottom viewing are offered only under authorised arrangements. Visitors are not free to enter every reef or beach independently.
Red Skin Island
Red Skin is another designated tourism island and may operate when Jolly Buoy is closed or under seasonal rotation. It also offers coral and marine-life viewing.
The Forest Department controls which islands are open, so travellers should confirm the active destination for their date rather than assuming Jolly Buoy operates every day.
How to Reach Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park
By Road
Wandoor is about 25 km from central Port Blair and can be reached by bus, taxi or hired vehicle.
By Air
Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair is the nearest airport. From Port Blair, visitors continue by road to Wandoor.
By Boat
Authorised tourism boats depart from Wandoor Jetty after permit formalities.
Best Time to Visit
November to April generally provides the clearest and calmest marine conditions. Underwater visibility is more reliable outside the heavy monsoon.
Rain, strong wind and rough sea can affect operations at any time, so travellers should keep some flexibility in an Andaman itinerary.
How Much Time Is Needed?
A standard island excursion takes most of a day once road transfer, permit checks, boat travel and reef activities are included.
Visitors staying in Port Blair should avoid placing a flight departure or ferry transfer immediately after the marine-park trip.
FAQs
Q. Is Jolly Buoy always open?
No. Jolly Buoy and Red Skin can operate on seasonal or rotational schedules, so the active island must be confirmed for the travel date.
Q. Can visitors take plastic bottles to Jolly Buoy?
Plastic restrictions are strict. Visitors should follow the current Forest Department instructions given at Wandoor.
Q. Is scuba diving included in the normal ticket?
No. Scuba diving requires separate permission and fees and is not part of ordinary park entry.
Q. Can visitors swim anywhere they want?
No. Water activity is allowed only in designated areas under authorised supervision because the park is a protected marine ecosystem.
Q. Is the park suitable for children?
Yes, especially for glass-bottom viewing, but parents should follow boat and water-safety rules carefully.
Q. Are corals guaranteed to be visible?
Visibility depends on tide, sunlight and sea condition, although the park is well known for accessible reef viewing.
Q. Can the trip be done from Port Blair in one day?
Yes. Wandoor is close enough for a same-day excursion.
Q. Is the ₹50 Indian fee the full trip cost?
No. It is only the protected-area entry component. Boat and activity charges are separate.
