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Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park: A Submerged Paradise

Discover vibrant coral reefs & diverse marine life at this protected Andaman Island paradise near Wandoor.

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Established in 1983, Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park protects the diverse marine life of the Andaman Islands, including vibrant coral reefs and nesting sea turtles. Located near Wandoor, it offers a unique opportunity to explore the underwater world through snorkeling, diving, and glass-bottom boat tours.

A brief summary to Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park

  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Book your boat tickets in advance, especially during peak season, as limited boats are available.
  • Pack snacks and water, as dining options are limited in Wandoor and on the islands.
  • Carry sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable shoes for walking on the beach and exploring the islands.
  • Note that the park is closed on Mondays.
  • Be aware that Jolly Buoy and Red Skin Islands alternate seasonally; check which island is open before you go.
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Getting There

  • Bus

    From Port Blair, take a public or private bus towards Wandoor. Buses depart frequently from the Aberdeen Market Bus Stand and take approximately 45 minutes to 1.5 hours to reach Wandoor. Bus fare is around ₹15. From Wandoor, proceed to the Wandoor Jetty to arrange for a boat tour to the park.

  • Taxi

    Hire a taxi from Port Blair to Wandoor, which is about a 45-minute drive. Expect to pay around ₹1500-₹2000 for a round trip. From Wandoor, proceed to the Wandoor Jetty to arrange for a boat tour to the park.

  • Boat

    From Wandoor Jetty, take a boat to either Jolly Buoy or Red Skin Island (depending on the season). Boat tickets cost approximately ₹300-₹650 per person, including a glass-bottom boat ride. An entry permit to the park is also required, costing ₹50 for Indian nationals and ₹500 for foreign nationals. Photography fee is ₹25. Note that there may be a fee of ₹100 for depositing plastic bottles.

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Discover more about Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park

Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, also known as Wandoor National Park, is a sprawling sanctuary established in 1983 to safeguard the precious marine ecosystems of the Andaman Islands. Located approximately 29 km from Port Blair, near the village of Wandoor, the park encompasses an area of 281.5 square kilometers, including open sea, creeks, and fifteen islands. The park was created under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 to protect marine life such as the corals and nesting sea turtles prevalent in the area. It was placed under the protection of the Chief Wildlife Warden of the forest department of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Within the park, Jolly Buoy and Red Skin Islands are the only two islands open to tourists, and they alternate seasonally to preserve biodiversity. These islands boast sparkling sandy beaches, mangrove creeks, and magnificent coral reefs. Visitors can explore the underwater world through snorkeling, scuba diving, or glass-bottom boat rides, revealing a kaleidoscope of marine life. The park is home to over 300 species of coral reef fishes, including clownfish, surgeonfish, butterflyfish, and angelfish. Lucky visitors might even spot dolphins, sharks, or the elusive dugong. The park also serves as a crucial nesting ground for sea turtles, including Green Sea, Hawksbill, Leatherback, and Olive Ridley turtles. Saltwater crocodiles also inhabit the park's creeks. To protect the park's delicate ecosystem, it has been declared a plastic-free zone. Visitors are encouraged to respect the environment and avoid disturbing the natural habitat.

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