Long Island Andaman Nicobar – How to Reach and What to Expect?

Long Island Tour – Why You Should Visit This Unspoiled Beauty?

Long Island is one of the most unexplored destinations in Andaman Islands because of several reasons. The most important reason being Long Island is a remote destination and it has poor connectivity. Along with it, it has limited facilities for accommodation. However, it has earned decent popularity among foreign tourists by 2019. A lot of travelers in India don’t plan to visit this island as it needs up to 10 days to explore Andaman Tourism.

Long Island is also known as the entryway to a lot of unexplored and hidden beaches like the Guitar Island, Lalaji Bay Beach, and Merk Bay Beach. The lush tropical greens and untouched and beautiful beaches make Long Island an ideal combo for rejuvenation. It is like a golden feather on the hat of Andaman. It is known as bird watchers’ paradise explored in the right season and its marine ecosystem also attracts the tourists as well.

Long Island – What to Expect?

It is a small rural settlement not connected to any islands or any road network. It doesn’t have black top road. It just has a concrete footpath connecting various parts of the region. It still has a mud road leading to the woods. These footpaths are capped by the Casuarina trees to add a natural charm. The island is located in the heart of open sea and these trees serve as wind breakers. All movements are done by foot on this island. No vehicle is available here to promote eco-tourism. This island is known for raw natural beauty and there is no luxury at all. You can find eco-stay options here.

Things to Do

You can have a great time witnessing the serenity and beauty of this island. You can just laze around on the beach, swim, take nature walks, enjoy island hopping in a chartered boat, and trek through nature walks. You can also capture beautiful nature and soak in the sun while viewing sunset.

Accommodation Options

There is a private property ‘Blue Planet" and Surmai Resort, which is a government accommodation here in Long Island. You can spend a night in one of these properties. Surmai Resort has more amenities and it is best for Indian travelers for a family holiday. Blue Planet is basically an eco hut with thatched walls and roofs. It has mosquito nets and low-lying mattresses which are ideal for backpackers. You may ask local operators for accommodation over there as you cannot get online booking here. It has very basic accommodation and eco-stays. Don’t expect too much luxury in Long Island.

Reaching from Rangat

By Bus – It is the most economical and first option to get to Long Island. You first have to reach Rangat and take a ferry operated by the government. A government bus runs from Port Blair at 4.30 AM to Rangat. The bus takes around 8 hours to get to Rangat as it goes along Andaman Grand Trunk Road. Then it takes you to Yeratta Jetty, Rangat. You will need to board a ferry to Long Island. It takes one more hour to reach Long Island. Keep in mind that the ferry operates on alternate days from Rangat to Long Island at 9.00 AM and 4 PM on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. But the schedule may vary due to certain conditions like weather. You cannot do advance booking.

Private Cab – You can also get to Rangat by private vehicle from Port Blair. You can get a ticket to the ferry with the help of a driver, which is subject to availability. You can also get there through a chartered speed boat, which is another great alternative. You have to ask local operators for bookings as online bookings won’t work here.

Reaching from Port Blair

You can hire a chartered boat from Port Blair to Long Island. It is the first way to get there. It could be a bit expensive but fun. If you are getting there in a group of 8 people or more, you can divide the cost and make it more exciting. This option is ideal to sail through the islands before getting to Long Island. You can also enjoy game fishing on this trip. You have to inform your operator beforehand to make arrangements for fishing gear on the board to add adventure to your journey.

If you are on a budget trip, you can take a government operated boat to move to Long Island directly. This journey would take the whole day because the ferry sails to Long Island via Neil Island, Havelock Island and Rangat. The boat also doesn’t sail every day and tickets are available only on the date of departure. If you have 4 to 10 days, getting there shouldn’t be difficult. You can enjoy a lot of things to do in Andaman.

Reaching from Neil and Havelock Island

You can take a government-run ferry from Havelock to Long Island. The same ferry operates on alternate dates which sail from Port Blair and it takes a halt at Havelock, Neil Island and Rangat before getting to Long Island. The same thing happens when you get there from Neil Island.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many days does it take to cover all major attractions from Long Island?

To visit Merk Bay Beach, Lalaji Bay Beach and Guitar island, at least one full day is enough in Long Island. From Long Island, you can book a private charter to visit all three places while enjoying island hopping.

Should I visit Long Island?

If you are in the lookout for exotic yet remote destinations in its natural form, don’t miss Long Island. It is the best place for nature photographers, backpackers, offbeat travelers and certified scuba divers.

Is Long Island a peaceful destination?

Yes, Long Island doesn’t have any vehicle presence to promote eco-tourism. You can walk around the whole island. It also has no proper mobile network and internet connectivity.

Andaman Bliss - Best Travel agent in Andaman Islands