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Sankara Subramanian from Bangalore, India CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park

National Park

Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park off the Andaman coast near Wandoor protects coral reefs, mangroves and small islands; visitors book snorkeling, glass‑bottom boat trips and day excursions to numbered islands.

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In this guide

Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park essentials

Address: Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, Wandoor, South Andaman, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, India
Website: andaman.gov.in
Hours: Wandoor visitor access typically daylight hours; boat trips operate roughly 7:00am-4:00pm (seasonal).
Admission: Permits and boat trips vary; day-trip boat tickets from Port Blair to Jolly Buoy/Jolly Buoy-style islands typically ₹600-₹2,000 per person (seasonal). Park entry and permit fees are administered by the Andaman & Nicobar Forest Department; prices vary by nationality and island.
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About Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park

Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park is a protected marine area in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, off the southern coast of South Andaman near Wandoor. It encompasses a group of small islands and surrounding coral reefs that are important for marine biodiversity.

Visitors commonly go for snorkeling, glass-bottom boat tours, shallow diving and intertidal exploration; the park includes beaches, coral patches and mangrove stands. Several islands within the park, including Jolly Buoy and Red Skin, are popular day-trip destinations from Port Blair.

The park was established to protect coral reef ecosystems, marine fauna and island habitats and is managed under Indian wildlife and marine protection rules. Access to the park and specific islands is regulated and subject to permit requirements to minimise environmental impact.

The park lies off the south coast of South Andaman, roughly 25 to 35 km by sea from Port Blair, and is reached from the Wandoor area by boat.

  • Permits and regulations: Entry to the park and to certain islands typically requires permits and is regulated by local authorities to protect coral reefs and marine life.
  • Best time to visit: Best underwater visibility and favourable conditions for snorkeling are usually found in the dry season months, outside the monsoon period.

What to See#

  • Jolly Buoy Island: Jolly Buoy Island is one of the park’s islands noted for clear water and coral reefs, commonly visited on day trips for snorkeling and glass-bottom boat trips.
  • Red Skin Island: Red Skin Island is another park island close to the main mainland entry point and is frequently included in snorkeling and wildlife-spotting excursions.
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park

Best visited in the dry season (November-April) for calm seas, clear snorkelling, and regular boat services.

Winter (Nov-Feb)
Nov-Feb · 24-30°C
Calmest seas and clearest water for snorkeling; high season for boat trips from Port Blair.
Spring/Monsoon shoulder (Mar-Apr)
Mar-Apr · 26-33°C
Warmer water and fewer crowds before the southwest monsoon begins; some operators still run island trips.
Monsoon (May-Oct)
May-Oct · 25-30°C
Rough seas, many islands closed to tourists; park patrols remain but visitor access is limited.

Weather & Climate near Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park

Climate

Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park's climate is classified as Tropical Monsoon - Tropical Monsoon climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 22°C to 32°C. Heavy rainfall (2496 mm/year), wettest in September with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 63 Moderate
Best Time to Visit
FebruaryMarchJanuary
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
33°
Warmest Month
24°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Excellent 22° - 29° 26° 39 mm partly cloudy 75% 2.1 m/s 1.9 very high 11.4h
February Ideal 22° - 30° 26° 25 mm mostly sunny 72% 1.9 m/s 2.2 extreme 11.7h
March Excellent 23° - 31° 27° 44 mm some cloud 71% 2.0 m/s 2.5 extreme 12.0h
April Very Good 24° - 32° 31° 116 mm partly cloudy 72% 2.0 m/s 2.6 extreme 12.3h
May Good 25° - 31° 31° 291 mm overcast 79% 2.6 m/s 2.0 very high 12.5h
June Good 24° - 30° 27° 316 mm overcast 83% 3.0 m/s 1.9 very high 12.7h
July Good 24° - 29° 27° 321 mm overcast 84% 2.6 m/s 1.9 very high 12.6h
August Good 24° - 29° 27° 330 mm overcast 84% 2.7 m/s 2.0 extreme 12.4h
September Good 24° - 29° 26° 377 mm overcast 83% 2.1 m/s 2.0 extreme 12.1h
October Good 23° - 29° 26° 310 mm overcast 81% 1.7 m/s 2.0 extreme 11.8h
November Good 24° - 29° 26° 223 mm partly cloudy 79% 1.8 m/s 1.8 very high 11.5h
December Very Good 23° - 29° 26° 104 mm partly cloudy 77% 2.3 m/s 1.7 very high 11.3h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park

From Port Blair, take a taxi or bus to Wandoor (roughly 25 km, about 45-60 minutes by road). Boats to the park’s islands depart from Wandoor Jetty; book boat tickets and park permits through licensed local operators or the Forest Department in Port Blair. Sea conditions can cancel trips - check with the operator the evening before.

Tips for Visiting Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park

  • Book boat transfers from Port Blair (Wandoor jetty) at least one day in advance during peak season.
  • If visiting Jolly Buoy or Red Skin, bring reef-safe sunscreen and a lightweight snorkel set - glass-bottom boats are unreliable.
  • Arrive at Wandoor early to watch fishing boats and avoid the sun-heavy midday return crossing.
  • Respect no-anchoring zones and coral-reef signs: fines are enforced by forest department patrols.