Merk Bay Beach is one of the lesser-known coastal destinations of the Andaman Islands, located on North Passage Island in the Middle Andaman region. The beach is known for its powdery white sand, clear turquoise waters and peaceful natural surroundings. Unlike the more developed beaches of South Andaman, Merk Bay remains a quiet and relatively untouched destination, making it especially appealing to travellers who enjoy nature and offbeat island experiences. The official Andaman & Nicobar Tourism website describes Merk Bay as a pristine beach with rich marine biodiversity and identifies it as a destination for swimming, snorkelling, photography and wildlife observation.

Merk Bay is generally visited from Long Island, which acts as a gateway to several smaller and less-commercialised destinations in the area. The official tourism information lists Merk Bay along with Lalaji Bay Beach and Guitar Island as attractions that can be explored from Long Island by boat.

The beach is particularly attractive because of its combination of white sand, shallow-looking turquoise water, tropical greenery and isolation. There are no major commercial developments on North Passage Island, so the experience is centred around the natural landscape rather than shops, restaurants or large tourist facilities.

How to Reach

Merk Bay Beach is located on North Passage Island, an uninhabited island near Long Island.

Travellers first need to reach Long Island. The island can be accessed from the Rangat side through Yeratta Jetty, with government ferry and boat services operating subject to weather and sea conditions. The current official tourism information states that the government ferry journey from Yeratta Jetty to Long Island takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, while private charter boats can provide a faster alternative when available.

From Long Island, Merk Bay is reached only by boat. There is no direct road or trekking route to the beach. The current Andaman Tourism information estimates the boat journey from Long Island to Merk Bay at approximately 30–40 minutes, passing through mangrove areas and open waters.

Because North Passage Island is uninhabited, visitors should arrange the boat journey and return transfer in advance. Weather, tides and sea conditions can affect the journey, so the day's sailing arrangements should be confirmed with the local boat operator.

A Remote Island Beach

One of the biggest attractions of Merk Bay is its remote and peaceful character.

The beach does not have the busy atmosphere found at some of the popular tourist beaches in the Andaman Islands. Instead, visitors can enjoy a relatively quiet shoreline surrounded by natural vegetation and open sea.

The absence of large-scale development makes the beach particularly suitable for travellers who want to spend time in a natural setting. The experience is less about a long list of commercial activities and more about enjoying the island landscape, swimming where safe, observing marine life and taking in the surroundings.

White Sand and Turquoise Water

Merk Bay is known for its powdery white sand and turquoise-coloured water.

The clear coastal water creates a striking contrast with the bright shoreline, particularly on sunny days when the sea can appear in different shades of blue and green.

The official tourism department describes Merk Bay as having powdery white sand, turquoise waters and rich marine biodiversity.

The appearance of the beach can naturally change with tides, weather and sunlight. Visitors should therefore enjoy the landscape as a natural environment rather than expecting it to look exactly the same throughout the day.

Swimming at Merk Bay

Swimming is one of the activities associated with Merk Bay Beach. The official tourism information lists swimming and sunbathing among the experiences available at the beach and describes its coastal waters as clear and shallow in suitable areas.

However, visitors should not assume that all areas are safe for swimming at all times. Sea conditions can change because of tides, currents, wind and weather.

Before entering the water, visitors should ask their local boat operator, Tourist Information Centre or Forest Department staff about the day's conditions and safe swimming areas. The official tourism guidance specifically recommends checking local safety information before swimming or diving.

Children should be supervised closely, and swimming should be avoided if conditions become rough.

Snorkelling and Marine Life

Merk Bay is also recognised as a snorkelling destination.

The clear water can provide opportunities to observe reef fish and other marine life when visibility and sea conditions are suitable. The official tourism website identifies vibrant coral reefs and reef fish among the attractions associated with the beach.

Visitors should approach snorkelling responsibly. Coral reefs are delicate ecosystems, and even accidental contact can cause damage.

While snorkelling:

• Avoid standing on coral.
• Do not touch marine animals.
• Do not collect coral or shells.
• Maintain a comfortable distance from wildlife.
• Follow the instructions of the boat operator or guide.
• Leave the marine environment exactly as you found it.

The aim should be to observe the underwater environment without disturbing it.

Dolphin and Dugong Sightings

Merk Bay is also noted for the possibility of dolphin and dugong sightings. The official Andaman Tourism website identifies both as potential wildlife attractions associated with the beach.

Wildlife sightings, however, are naturally unpredictable. There is no guarantee that visitors will see dolphins or dugongs on every trip.

If marine animals are spotted, boats should maintain an appropriate distance and avoid chasing or surrounding them. Wildlife observation is best enjoyed patiently and without interference.

The Boat Journey

The boat ride from Long Island to Merk Bay is an important part of the experience.

The route moves through the coastal environment around Long Island and North Passage Island, including mangrove-lined waterways and open sea. The transition from the quiet waterways to the open coastal landscape provides changing views throughout the journey.

The official tourism website describes the route as a scenic boat ride of approximately 30–40 minutes from Long Island.

For photographers, the journey itself can provide opportunities to photograph mangroves, open water, small islands and coastal scenery.

Photography

Merk Bay is particularly suitable for nature and landscape photography.

The combination of white sand, turquoise water, tropical greenery and open skies creates a naturally photogenic setting. The boat journey also offers opportunities for photographs of the surrounding islands and mangrove waterways.

Visitors interested in wildlife photography may also carry binoculars or a camera with a suitable zoom lens.

When photographing dolphins, dugongs or birds, visitors should avoid getting too close or asking the boat operator to chase wildlife for a photograph.

Beach Walks and Relaxation

Merk Bay is a good place for a quiet walk along the shoreline.

The beach's relatively undeveloped character allows visitors to slow down and appreciate the natural surroundings. Walking along the sand, sitting near the water and observing the changing colours of the sea can be more rewarding here than trying to fill the visit with too many activities.

Because the island is remote, visitors should also allow enough time for their return boat journey and avoid wandering beyond permitted areas.

Things to See and Experience

• Relax on the white sandy beach.
• Enjoy the clear turquoise waters.
• Swim where local conditions indicate it is safe.
• Try snorkelling in permitted areas.
• Observe reef fish and marine life.
• Look out for dolphins and dugongs from the boat.
• Take a scenic boat ride from Long Island.
• Explore the shoreline on foot.
• Photograph the island's natural landscape.
• Enjoy a peaceful day away from crowded tourist destinations.
• Observe the surrounding mangrove and coastal ecosystem.

Best Time to Visit

The generally preferred period for visiting Merk Bay and the wider Long Island region is October to May.

The official Long Island tourism information identifies October to May as the best season, when calmer seas and more reliable ferry conditions generally make travel easier.

The official Merk Bay page also recommends enjoying the beach during the daytime, with the suggested visiting window around 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, as boats generally return before evening.

During the monsoon, heavy rainfall and rough seas can affect ferry and boat operations. Visitors should therefore check current weather and sea conditions before travelling.

Best Time of Day

Merk Bay is best treated as a daytime excursion.

The official tourism information currently recommends visiting between approximately 8:00 AM and 3:00 PM, with boat operators generally returning before evening.

Morning hours can be comfortable for travelling, swimming and snorkelling, while the afternoon provides time to relax and photograph the beach before beginning the return journey.

Since North Passage Island is uninhabited, visitors should not plan to remain on the island after the arranged boat service unless specifically authorised and safely arranged.

Permits and Access

An important point for travellers is that North Passage Island is uninhabited, and access to Merk Bay requires the appropriate permission.

The current official Andaman Tourism information states that a permit is required and that permits can be obtained through the Forest Department or through tour operators at Long Island or Sri Vijaya Puram.

Visitors should arrange this before travelling rather than assuming that the beach can be accessed independently.

Access may also be subject to weather, environmental restrictions and instructions from the Forest Department or local administration.

Facilities

Merk Bay is a remote natural destination and should be approached with that expectation.

Visitors should not expect the type of facilities available at the major developed beaches of the Andaman Islands. There are no large commercial areas, shopping facilities or extensive food and beverage services on the uninhabited island.

It is therefore important to carry:

• Drinking water
• Food or snacks
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Personal medicines
• A basic first-aid kit
• Waterproof bags for electronic equipment

Most importantly, visitors should carry all waste back with them.

Responsible Tourism

The natural character of Merk Bay is one of its greatest attractions. Keeping the beach clean and undisturbed is therefore everyone's responsibility.

Do not leave plastic bottles, food packets, fishing line or other waste on the beach or in the sea. Avoid damaging vegetation and never remove coral, shells or other natural materials.

If you snorkel, do not stand on coral reefs or touch marine life. Coral can be damaged very easily, and recovery can take a long time.

Wildlife should also be observed responsibly. If dolphins or dugongs appear, allow them to move freely and avoid chasing them with boats.

The 2025 draft Beach Tourism Guidelines classify Merk Bay, North Passage, Middle Andaman as a forest beach, reinforcing the need for careful and responsible use of the destination.

Visitor Tips

• Arrange the Merk Bay boat trip in advance.
• Confirm the required Forest Department permit before travelling.
• Check the latest weather and sea conditions.
• Confirm the return boat timing from North Passage Island.
• Carry sufficient drinking water and food.
• Wear comfortable beach footwear.
• Carry sunscreen, sunglasses and insect repellent.
• Keep phones and cameras protected from seawater during the boat ride.
• Ask local operators about safe swimming and snorkelling areas.
• Wear a life jacket during the boat journey as instructed.
• Do not swim in rough or uncertain conditions.
• Do not touch coral or marine animals.
• Do not collect coral, shells or other natural materials.
• Do not feed dolphins, dugongs, fish or birds.
• Never chase marine animals for photography.
• Take all plastic and other waste back with you.
• Avoid loud music and unnecessary disturbance.
• Follow Forest Department and local authority instructions.
• Leave enough time for the return journey before evening.

Merk Bay and Long Island

Merk Bay is best explored as part of a wider Long Island itinerary.

Long Island is one of the less-commercialised inhabited destinations in the Andaman Islands and serves as a gateway to several smaller natural attractions. The official tourism department specifically identifies Lalaji Bay Beach, Guitar Island and Merk Bay as destinations that can be explored from Long Island by boat.

This makes Long Island particularly interesting for travellers who want to spend more time exploring the quieter side of Middle Andaman.

A trip to Merk Bay can be combined with other Long Island experiences depending on boat availability, weather, tides and the time available.

A Secluded Coastal Escape

Merk Bay Beach offers a simple but memorable island experience. There are no large resorts or busy tourist streets here. Instead, visitors find white sand, turquoise water, tropical surroundings and a peaceful coastline.

The journey by boat from Long Island adds to the sense of adventure, while the possibility of seeing dolphins, dugongs and reef fish makes the destination particularly appealing to nature lovers.

For travellers willing to go beyond the usual Andaman tourist circuit, Merk Bay provides a chance to experience one of the quieter coastal landscapes of Middle Andaman.

Best for: Nature lovers, beach lovers, snorkelling enthusiasts, photographers, wildlife watchers, couples, eco-tourism travellers, adventure seekers and visitors looking for a peaceful offbeat island experience.

Travel Note: Merk Bay is on uninhabited North Passage Island, so it should be treated as a planned day excursion rather than a conventional beach visit. Permits, boat arrangements, weather conditions and return timings should be confirmed before travelling.