Long Island is one of the quieter and less-commercialised destinations in the Andaman Islands. Located in the North & Middle Andaman district, the island offers a slower and more natural experience than the busier tourist centres of the archipelago. Instead of large resorts, crowded markets and extensive tourist infrastructure, Long Island is known for its small island settlement, tropical greenery, sandy beaches and a relaxed coastal atmosphere. The island is also an important starting point for exploring nearby destinations such as Lalaji Bay Beach, Guitar Island and Merk Bay on North Passage Island.

What makes Long Island special is the sense of remoteness that visitors experience after arriving. The island has retained much of its traditional character, with forested surroundings and a relatively simple way of life. The route from Rangat to Long Island also adds to the experience, as the journey takes visitors through the waterways and mangrove landscapes of Middle Andaman.

The island has an interesting connection with the history of forestry in the Andamans. During the British period, Long Island developed as a timber-related settlement and included forestry facilities and a boat-building yard. Following Independence, settlers established a small community whose livelihoods were traditionally connected with activities such as fishing and agriculture.

For travellers who prefer nature, quiet beaches and destinations away from conventional tourist circuits, Long Island offers a refreshing change of pace. It is particularly suited to visitors who are comfortable with simple facilities and who want to spend time walking, exploring the coast and discovering the natural surroundings rather than following a packed sightseeing schedule.

How to Reach

Long Island is generally accessed through Rangat, in the North & Middle Andaman region. Travellers coming from Sri Vijaya Puram first need to reach Rangat and then continue towards Yeratta Jetty, from where boat services connect Rangat with Long Island. The official tourism information identifies Rangat as the main access point for the island.

From Sri Vijaya Puram to Rangat

Travellers can reach Rangat from Sri Vijaya Puram by road or government ferry, depending on the current transportation schedule.

By road, government buses operate between Sri Vijaya Puram and Rangat. The road journey is roughly 200 km and can take around 7–8 hours, depending on road conditions and the service being used. Bus tickets may be available through the official transport booking system or the reservation counter.

Government ferry services may also operate between Phoenix Bay Jetty and Rangat Jetty. Ferry schedules can change because of weather and operational conditions, so travellers should confirm the latest sailing information before planning the journey.

Rangat to Yeratta Jetty

After reaching Rangat, travellers need to proceed to Yeratta Jetty, which is approximately 9 km away. The journey by road generally takes around 20–30 minutes, depending on traffic and local conditions.

Yeratta Jetty to Long Island

From Yeratta Jetty, boat or ferry services connect travellers to Long Island. The journey passes through scenic coastal waterways and mangrove-covered areas before reaching the island.

Travel time can vary depending on the service and sea conditions. Current tourism information places the ferry journey at approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, while schedules and availability should always be checked before travelling.

Because Long Island depends heavily on boat connectivity, weather can have a direct effect on travel plans. It is therefore sensible to keep some flexibility in the itinerary rather than planning tight connections.

Things to See and Experience

Long Island is more about experiencing nature and the peaceful surroundings than visiting a long list of conventional attractions.

• Walk through the quiet island settlement and experience its relaxed atmosphere.
• Explore the beaches and coastal landscapes around Long Island.
• Visit Lalaji Bay Beach, one of the island's best-known natural attractions.
• Take a boat trip towards Merk Bay on North Passage Island.
• Explore Guitar Island, a distinctive nearby island known for its unusual shape and secluded coastal scenery.
• Enjoy the mangrove and coastal landscapes during boat journeys.
• Spend time birdwatching in the island's forested surroundings.
• Go swimming or snorkelling where conditions, local permissions and authorised operators allow.
• Photograph the beaches, forests, waterways and surrounding islands.
• Enjoy a slower island experience away from heavily commercialised tourist areas.

Long Island's appeal lies in the combination of forest, sea and relatively untouched surroundings. The island is also recognised as a destination for marine experiences, with Incredible India describing Lalaji Bay as a remote swimming and snorkelling location and highlighting the area's marine wealth and ecosystem.

Lalaji Bay Beach

Lalaji Bay Beach is one of the most recognised attractions associated with Long Island. Located in a relatively secluded setting, the beach is surrounded by tropical vegetation and offers the kind of quiet coastal environment that attracts visitors looking for an alternative to the more crowded beaches of the Andaman Islands.

The beach is known for its clear waters and sandy shoreline, while the surrounding greenery adds to its natural character. Reaching Lalaji Bay can itself be part of the adventure, with access involving either a boat journey or a forest trek depending on local arrangements and conditions.

Visitors should not expect a highly developed beach facility here. The remote character of Lalaji Bay is one of its main attractions, so carrying drinking water, sun protection and other personal essentials is advisable.

Merk Bay

Merk Bay, located on North Passage Island, is another beautiful destination that can be explored from the Long Island area.

The beach is surrounded by forest and clear coastal waters and is known for its peaceful setting. The journey to Merk Bay is normally made by boat, making the trip as much about the surrounding seascape as the destination itself.

The current Andaman Tourism beach information lists Merk Bay among the important beaches of the islands, while government tourism material also identifies North Passage Island as a nearby destination reached by boat from Long Island.

As with other remote island excursions, boat trips depend on sea conditions and local regulations. Travellers should follow the instructions of authorised boat operators and local authorities.

Guitar Island

Guitar Island is a small island near Long Island that attracts visitors because of its distinctive shape and secluded surroundings.

The island provides a different experience from the developed beaches found on the main tourist islands. Its appeal comes from its natural coastline, clear waters and quiet atmosphere. Visitors generally explore Guitar Island as part of a boat excursion from Long Island.

A visit here is best suited to travellers who enjoy small-island exploration, photography, swimming and spending time in natural surroundings. Since access is dependent on boat services and weather conditions, arrangements should be confirmed locally before setting out.

Long Island's Forests and Mangroves

The forests and mangrove ecosystems around Long Island are an important part of its character. The island's greenery creates a striking contrast with the surrounding blue waters and sandy coastline.

The journey between Yeratta Jetty and Long Island is particularly interesting because the route passes through mangrove waterways. Historical tourism planning documents for the islands also identify Yeratta Creek as a lush mangrove creek along the route towards Long Island.

These natural environments support a variety of plant and animal life and provide opportunities for birdwatching and nature photography. Visitors should enjoy these areas responsibly and avoid disturbing wildlife or damaging vegetation.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to explore Long Island is generally during the drier months, when sea conditions are more favourable for ferry and boat journeys and outdoor activities are easier to enjoy.

The broader Andaman Islands experience a tropical climate throughout the year, with warm temperatures even during the wetter months.

For Long Island, weather is particularly important because much of the travel involves boat transportation. Rain, strong winds or rough seas can affect ferry and boat operations. Travellers planning a trip during the monsoon period should therefore allow additional flexibility and confirm transportation before departure.

The months generally associated with the main tourist season can offer better conditions for beach visits, boat excursions, trekking and outdoor exploration. However, even during the preferred season, sea conditions can change, so boat schedules should always be confirmed locally.

Travelling Around Long Island

Long Island is different from the more developed tourist islands of the Andaman archipelago. Visitors should not expect a conventional network of roads and tourist vehicles.

Much of the settlement can be explored on foot, and the island's relatively simple infrastructure is actually part of its appeal. The official tourism description highlights the footpath connection between the jetty and village area and describes Long Island as one of the least commercialised inhabited islands in the region.

Walking is therefore one of the best ways to experience the island. It allows travellers to take their time, observe the local surroundings and enjoy the forest and coastal scenery without rushing from one attraction to another.

For destinations such as Lalaji Bay, Merk Bay and Guitar Island, boat travel is more practical and should be arranged through appropriate local operators.

A Different Kind of Andaman Experience

Long Island is not designed for travellers looking for large resorts, nightlife or a busy sightseeing circuit. Its attraction lies somewhere else.

Here, the experience is about waking up to a quiet coastal environment, walking beneath tropical trees, watching boats move through the surrounding waters and spending time on beaches where the atmosphere remains peaceful.

The island's relatively low level of commercialisation makes it particularly appealing to travellers interested in eco-tourism, nature, photography and slow travel. The official Andaman Tourism portal specifically describes Long Island as a destination for travellers seeking peace, natural beauty and an offbeat experience.

Visitor Tips

• Check the latest ferry and boat schedules before travelling.
• Keep some flexibility in your itinerary because boat services can be affected by weather.
• Carry sufficient drinking water, especially when visiting remote beaches.
• Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and light, comfortable clothing.
• Wear proper footwear if you plan to take a forest trail or walk to a secluded beach.
• Carry basic medicines and personal essentials.
• Keep some cash available because facilities may be limited compared with Sri Vijaya Puram or the larger tourist islands.
• Do not assume that every beach or island has restaurants, shops or changing facilities.
• Avoid carrying unnecessary single-use plastic.
• Do not leave bottles, food packaging or other waste on beaches or forest trails.
• Never damage coral, shells, vegetation or other natural features.
• Follow instructions from local boat operators, Forest Department officials and other authorised personnel.
• Do not enter restricted areas without permission.
• Check sea conditions before undertaking any boat excursion.
• If you plan to snorkel or swim, use an authorised operator where required and follow local safety instructions.
• Respect the local community and the island's quiet character.

Long Island is best suited to travellers who want to see a quieter and less commercial side of the Andaman Islands. Its combination of tropical forests, secluded beaches, mangrove waterways and nearby islands creates an experience that feels considerably slower than a conventional island holiday.

For visitors willing to travel a little farther and adapt to a simpler style of travel, Long Island offers the opportunity to spend time close to nature without the crowds associated with some of the better-known Andaman destinations.

Best for: Nature lovers, couples, photographers, birdwatchers, eco-tourism enthusiasts, slow travellers, adventure seekers and visitors looking for a peaceful island experience away from the usual tourist circuit.