Fodor's Expert Review Jolly Buoy Island

Part of Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, Jolly Buoy's clear waters are wonderful for snorkeling or gazing at the fish and coral through a glass-bottomed boat; there's also a lovely beach for simply lazing around. The island is accessible to tourists from October to March; for the rest of the year, Red Skin Island in the same park is open instead. To reach Jolly Buoy, take a taxi for 30 minutes to Wandoor and then a half-hour boat ride to the island. Only a limited number of permits are available to Jolly Buoy each day, so check with the Port Blair tourist office the day before you plan to visit. Bring your own snacks and water as there are no facilities on the island, and carrying any sort of plastic is prohibited for environmental reasons.