Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park

Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park is a national park of India in Wandoor on the Andaman Islands. Situated 29 km. from Port Blair, the Park is located on the South Western coast of South Andaman. The National Park was established on 24th May 1983 with a total area of 281.50 km2 for the protection of marine life including corals and nesting sea turtles. The park is under the overall administrative control of the Chief Wildlife Warden of the forest department of A & N Islands administration.

The rich flora and fauna of the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park makes this park an ideal destination for the nature lovers. Rich marine life consists of variety of coral reefs, colorful fishes, molluscs, shells, starfish, turtles, salt-water crocodile etc. The park is home to birds like white-bellied sea eagle, parakeets, Andaman teal, heron, terns, waders and swifts. The Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park comprises of open sea, creeks and is a collection of 15 untouched islands with most alluring coral reefs and marine lives in the country. Out of these 15 islands, only 2 islands are open for tourists : Jolly Buoy Island and Red Skin Island. The islands are opened for 6 months alternatively in a year to protect live corals.

Jolly Buoy Island : Jolly Buoy Island is a part of Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park. It is very famous for under water corals and the pristine clear beach. This place is one hour journey from Wandoor beach by boat. The boats to Jolly Buoy Island leaves by 9.00 am. All the boats leave at the same time and come back together. Visitors can enjoy the underwater coral view through Snorkeling or from the Glass Bottom Boat.

Red Skin Island : Red Skin Island derived its name due to the abundance of red corals lining the coastal area of the island. The sea water appears reddish due to these corals and can be best seen on a glass floor boat, which make the journey to this island worthwhile. The island is a very small and has an extremely narrow beach which can be conveniently reached via a jetty from Wandoor Beach. The boats to Red Skin Island leaves by 9.00 am. All the boats leave at the same time and come back together. Visitors can enjoy the underwater coral view through Snorkeling or from the Glass Bottom Boat.