Andaman Tour Packages: Explore Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park

Located near Wandoor in the South Andaman district, Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park was established in 1983 with an aim to protect marine wildlife including sea turtles and numerous coral reefs. This marine park is sprawled across an area of 281.50 Sq. and is located 29 km from the capital city Port Blair (Shri Vijay Puram).

The massive marine national park comprises fifteen islands of mangrove creeks. Out of the fifteen islands, only two are open to tourists for exploration throughout the year. These two islands are Jolly Buoy Island and Red Skin Island. Tourists are allowed to spend time, enjoy glass boating, snorkelling etc. but nobody is allowed to for an overnight stay on these islands.  

Read below to find out more about Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, how to reach and things to do. 

How to Reach Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park 

The Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park is easily accessible and can be reached from Port Blair by road. You can take a state or private bus, or a cab from Port Blair to Wandoor. 

In fact, Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park can be reached by road from all major towns of the Andaman Islands. The buses from Port Blair to Wandoor are available every thirty minutes and operate between 06:00 AM to 8:00 PM. A drive from Port Blair to MG Marine National Park will take about 45 minutes. You can also opt for ferry services plying from Port Blair every 30 minutes. 

Things to do at Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park 

With abundant tropical beauty, wonderful marine life, and exhilarating water sports, Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park is one of the best places to visit in Andamans. Visitors here can do bird watching, snorkelling, scuba diving, sea walking, and photography. Let us look at these activities in detail:

1. Snorkelling: Explore the Colourful Marine Life 

Did you know that 300 species of marine coral reefs are found in Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park? And what better way to explore the beautiful corals than snorkelling. At this marine park, it is not just coral reefs that will leave you awestruck—there are also a variety of sea cucumbers, sea urchins, starfish, and a school of colourful fish that you can watch up close. Children under adult supervision, non-swimmers, and first-time snorkellers can easily find the right spots at Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park to do snorkelling. 

Cost of Snorkelling: INR 600 per person for 10 to 15 minutes of session

2. Scuba Diving: Explore the Depths of Sea 

Feel the adrenaline rush and thrill of diving deep into the waters of Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park. Witness the glorious marine life, aquatic plants, colourful fish, and sea turtles while scuba diving. The islands in this marine park are surrounded by fringing coral reefs. Some of the prominent corals you can spot while exploring marine life are staghorn corals, boulder corals, mushroom corals, brain corals, and star corals. All certified and trained divers can do scuba diving around the beaches of Red Skin and Jolly buoy islands. Make sure to be accompanied by a trained diving instructor. Make sure you are physically fit and healthy before you go in for a dive session. 

Cost of Scuba Diving: Starts at INR 3500 for a 30-minute session

3. Bird Watching: Watch Exquisite Indigenous and Migratory Birds

Whether you are an avifauna enthusiast or not, a trip to Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park offers many opportunities to spot elusive indigenous and exotic birds. Keep your binoculars ready to watch these beautiful creatures thrive in their natural habitat. If you want to do some bird photography, please keep the flash light off. The beautiful bird species that you can spot at  Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park are Andaman Cuckoo-Dove, whitebellied sea eagle, Andaman teal, whistling teal, parakeets and reef herons. The best and the most accessible island to watch birds in the marine park is Jolly Buoy island.

4. Boat Rides: Recreational Activity for All Age Groups 

Who doesn’t like a good boat ride, and that too on the crystal clear, aquamarine waters? A joyful, exhilarating and safe activity that all family members can enjoy. Most people opt for a banana boat ride that accommodates six people at one one time. A banana boat ride is an inflated banana-shaped tube where participants wearing life jackets sit together. This banana boat is tied behind a high speed boat which pulls the boat, creating splashes of water. 

If you don’t want to get wet or have an aversion with water, opt for a glass bottom boat ride. This activity will help you discover the depth of underwater and marine life without having to get wet. 

Cost of Boat Rides: 

• A glass bottom boat ride can cost anywhere INR 1,000 to INR 1,500 per person (approx)
• A banana boat ride can cost between INR 1000 to INR 1200 per person (approx)

5. Trekking: Walk the Hiking Trails in Lush Tropical Rainforest

Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park has hiking trails where you can trek and spend time amidst lush foliage. While trekking, you will come across exposed roots of trees that adds a slight challenge to the trek, but don’t worry—despite these roots, you will be able to complete  your trek. Make sure to wear comfortable and sturdy shoes that will help you walk comfortably. 

Private tour agencies include guided trekking tours in their Andaman tour packages making it easy for you to enjoy a trek. If trekking is not available, you can request to customize a package.  

Best Time to Visit the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park 

The best time to visit the  Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park is from November to May. During this period the temperature in the Andaman Islands is pleasant, ranging between 23 to 30 degree celsius. The balmy weather is suitable for all tourists and they can enjoy the best of this marine park. The sea temperatures also range between 28 to 29 degree celsius, making it favourable to participate in water sports.

Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park Timings and Entry Fee

The marine park is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The park is closed on Mondays. The boating timings are from 8:30 to 10:00 AM. 

Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, Andaman Islands *Entry Fee

• INR 50 for Adults
• INR 25 for Children
• INR 500 for Foreigners
• INR 25 for Camera Fee
• INR 300 per person for Red Skin Island
• INR 650 per person for Jolly Buoy Island

*Please note that the entry free are approximations and are subject to change. 

Dos and Dont’s in Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park 

If you want to explore Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park on your Andaman trip, here are some dos and don'ts to keep in mind:  

1. When scuba diving or snorkelling, be mindful of the coral reefs and marine life. Do not touch them or chase them. Let them thrive in their natural habitat undisturbed. Additionally, do not stand or walk on coral reefs. Breaking or touching coral reefs is strictly prohibited.

2. Plastic is banned in the marine park to protect the marine flora and fauna. Therefore, do not carry any plastic items to the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park. For carrying plastic bottles, one has to buy a ticket and the amount is returned when you bring the bottle back with you. 

3. It is important to be responsible with how you dispose of trash. Do not litter on the island and carry your trash (biodegradable or non-biodegradable) along with you.

4. Lighting fire is strictly prohibited in the Protected Areas, as it may cause forest fires or harm the marine environment. 

5. If you want to enter any Protected Areas, carry a valid permit issued by Chief Wildlife Warden or other authorized officers. 

6. Listen to your tour guide, authorised personnel, and follow the rules for your and your family’s safety.