Skip to content
- Introduction to Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park
- Located in Andaman and Nicobar Islands
- Established in 1983
- Situated near Wandoor (~30 km from Port Blair)
- Protects coral reefs, mangroves & marine biodiversity
- Includes 15 islands within ~281 sq km area
- Location & How to Reach
- Wandoor region, South Andaman
- Port Blair to Wandoor (~1–1.5 hrs by road)
- Nearest Airport: Port Blair (Veer Savarkar International Airport)
- Boat transfers from Wandoor Jetty
- Tourism Zones & Islands
- Jolly Buoy Island (clear coral visibility)
- Red Skin Island (seasonal alternate island)
- Limited daily visitor quota
- Rotational island access system
- Visiting Timings (Seasonal)
- Generally open October–May
- Closed/limited during monsoon (May–September)
- Day trips only
- Weather-dependent access
- Activity Types
- Glass-bottom boat ride
- Guided snorkeling sessions
- Scuba diving (nearby licensed operators)
- Marine interpretation & eco-tourism activities
- Permit & Booking Process
- Mandatory forest entry permit
- Boat booking via authorized operators
- Valid government ID required
- Limited daily visitor quota
- Marine Wildlife Highlights
- Green Sea Turtle & Hawksbill Turtle
- Clownfish & Parrotfish
- Brain coral & Staghorn coral
- Reef sharks (rare sightings)
- Best Time to Visit
- November–April: Calm seas & best visibility
- May–September: Rough seas & limited access
- Attractions Inside Marine Park
- Wandoor Beach
- Mangrove ecosystems
- Clear lagoons & coral reefs
- Island picnic spots
- Nearby Attractions
- Port Blair
- Cellular Jail
- Ross Island
- Havelock Island
- Accommodation Options
- Luxury beachfront resorts (Havelock)
- Mid-range hotels in Port Blair
- Budget guesthouses near Wandoor
- Travel Tips
- Book permits in advance
- Use biodegradable sunscreen
- Avoid touching corals
- Follow strict marine conservation rules
- Combine with 3–4 day island itinerary
- Marine NP vs Sundarbans Comparison
- Coral reef ecosystem vs mangrove delta
- Snorkeling + boat ride vs boat safari
- Marine life focus vs mangrove tiger habitat
- Island tourism vs riverine wilderness
- FAQs
- Is snorkeling safe?
- Do I need swimming skills?
- Is coral visible year-round?
- How long is the island trip?
- Sample 3-Day Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival & Cellular Jail visit
- Day 2: Marine Park island trip & snorkeling
- Day 3: Transfer to Havelock & beach leisure