Long Island in Andaman is one of the most offbeat locations in the archipelago. This destination is not yet discovered by many who know about the Andaman Islands. Fairly because of many reasons. The foremost reason that we see is the remote locality of Long Island and the poor connectivity of this destination. Besides, limited accommodation facilities are available on Long Island. Until 2023 this destination has decent popularity among foreign nationals. However, many Indian travelers don't plan Long island in their itinerary as a visit to Long Island will require 10 or more days' visit to Andaman.
Quick Links To Long Island
Long Island can also be considered as the gateway to many hidden and unexplored beaches like Lalaji Bay Beach, Guitar Island and Mark Bay Beach at North Passage Island. The exotic and untouched virgin beaches and the Lush green tropical forests make it a perfect combo for natural rejuvenation and it is a golden feather in the crown of Andamans. It can also be considered a paradise for bird lovers if visited during the right season and has a unique marine ecosystem too. We are glad that you are here, where we’ll let you know how you can plan a visit to this island.
How To Reach Long Island
Even though Long Island is remotely located, it is pretty nicely connected to other parts of the islands. Below various ways of reaching Long Island have been explained.
How to Reach Long Island from Rangat?
Bus From Port Blair to Rangat to Reach Long Island
The first and the most economical option to reach Long Island from Port Blair is to first reach Rangat and from there take a Government ferry to Long Island. You can reach Rangat by Government operated Bus from Port Blair at 4:30 AM. It takes around 8 hours to reach Rangat from Port Blair. This bus will pass through Andaman Grand Trunk Road to reach Yeratta Jetty at Rangat.
From Yeratta Jetty you will board a Government operated boat to Long Island. It usually takes one hour from Rangat to Reach Long Island in a boat. The point to note here is that the sailing of the ferry from Rangat to Long Island is not daily it operates on alternative days usually Tuesday-Thursday-Saturday at 09:00 AM & 04:00 PM.
However, this schedule can change anytime without any prior notice. Also, there is no booking of a ticket that can be done. The ferry sailing from Yerrata jetty is subject to weather conditions and sailing schedules.
By Private Cab From Port Blair To Rangat and Then To Long Island
The second way is to reach Rangat in a Personal vehicle from Port Blair and the driver will help you get the ticket for Government Ferry based upon the availability. As an alternative to the government ferry that goes from Rangat to Long Island, we have recently discovered a Chartered speed boat service to move from Rangat to Long Island.
You need to contact a local person for making the arrangements to visit Long Island because the online suggestions or bookings won’t work at all for Long Island as it is still not completely wireless. Ahead in this article, we’ll throw more light on what to expect from Long Island-based on our own experiences of the very recently conducted visits and surveys done by our core team.
How to Reach Long Island from Port Blair?
The first way to reach Long Island from Port Blair is to hire a private chartered boat to Long Island from Port Blair. This could be fun, however, a little expensive. In case you are a group of around 8-10 people then the tour will be fun and the cost will get divided as well. You could consider this option and sail through the archipelago of the islands before reaching Long Island. For fishing enthusiasts, you can consider game fishing during the trip as well.
If you are interested in game fishing, then make sure you inform your vendor in advance so that they get the boat equipped with fishing gear for making your journey more adventurous.
The second way is to take Government Ferry to move directly from Port Blair to Long Island.
This voyage, however, will be an entire day-long journey. The ferry follows the following route: Port Blair - Neil Island - Havelock Island - Rangat - Long Island. There’s a catch here that the sailing is not done every day and the ticket opens only on the day of departure. This means, for those who come on an extended vacation to Andaman, can consider this option. However, visiting Long Island could be difficult for travelers who are planning to visit Andaman for around 4 - 10 days. Considering, there are so many things to do in Andamans.
However, those who are repeat visitors to the Andamans and have seen everything else can take this as an option.
How to reach Long Island from Havelock and Neil Island?
From Havelock Island, you will have to take a Government Ferry to Long Island. This ferry is operational on alternate days. This is the same ferry that sails from Port Blair to Long Island and it takes a pit stop at Neil Island, Havelock Island and Rangat before moving to Long Island.
The same applies to visiting Long Island from Neil Island. The government ferry which we have discussed above also takes a pit stop at Neil, so from Neil Island also you need to take the same boat to Long Island.
What to Expect while visiting Long Island?
This island is a small rural settlement which is not connected by any road network to any of the islands. There is no blacktop road on the island. Only a concrete footpath connects different parts of the area. The road leading towards the wood is still a kaccha road (mud road). The Casuarina trees (popularly known as the Jhau tree or she-oak) alongside the footpaths make it an adoring natural walkway.
These trees also act as windbreaks for the island as it is amidst the open sea. Here in Long Island, all movements are on foot. There is no vehicle available which makes this island the best example of eco-tourism. One should not be expecting any luxury while entering this island. There are eco-stay options which we will discuss in our accommodation segment ahead.
Top Things to Do in Long Island
Long Island is a perfect example of an eco-tourism destination. Here you can indulge in activities that will bring you close to nature.
- Trek To Lalaji Bay Beach
A very remote location in Long Island that can be reached both by boat and by trekking. A trek from Long Island to Lalaji Bay will take around 2-3 Hours and you will have to pass through marshy land. Those who prefer a trek can follow the trekking trail to reach Lalaji Bay Beach. Boat options are also available from Long Island to Lalaji Bay Beach.
- Explore Long Island By Walk
One unique thing about Long Island is that there are no cabs to take you from one place to the other. The only mode to explore this island is by walk. Walk through paths made by locals to explore this island. A 3-4 feet concrete path is what connects the entire long island.
- Sunset at Guitar Island
Take a boat to guitar island to experience a mesmerizing sunset. Guitar Island is one unique destination in Long Island. Guitar island can be reached by a private boat from Long Island.
- Visit Mark Bay Beach and Drink Coconut Water
Another unexplored island in Andaman, this island can be reached only by boat. Take a boat ride to merk bay beach and drink from the biggest coconut that you might have ever seen in your life. The coconut here is quite big in size and very sweet as well.
- Spend time enjoying the beauty and serenity of Long Island
Honestly, finding a place like Long Island is very rare. The vibes here are different and it's to soak yourself in the calmness and the pure beauty that long island puts forward.
- Indulge in Nature Photography
Long Island provides ample scenic views. Make sure you capture these views to cherish for a lifetime.
Accommodation at Long Island?
In Long Island, you have a Government accommodation Surmai Resort and a private property named Blue Planet (Currently Closed). In any of these properties, you can spend your night. Just for detailing, the Surmai resort is fitted with basic amenities and it is therefore recommended for Indian travelers to go to this island or for any traveler who plans this trip as a family holiday.
The other one, Blue Planet is more of an eco hut of thatched roofing and walls and has only low-lying mattresses and mosquito nets as their major amenities which should okay for backpackers.
You will need assistance from locally-based companies to get your accommodation booked as online things won’t work properly for Long Island.
The accommodation facilities are very basic and kind of eco-stays so make sure that you are not expecting any luxurious or contemporary accommodation when on Long Island.
You have a stay option at Lalaji Bay beach, which is run under the forest department. These are non ac tented cottages.
Travel Itinerary to Long Island?
Tour Plan 1 To Visit Long Island
For those looking into a compact package to reach Long Island, here is one of the itineraries that will come in handy and recommended for people traveling to Andaman for less number of days and are planning to visit Long Island as well.
Day 01 - Port Blair to Rangat via Trip to Baratang Island
Early in the morning, We begin from Port Blair to Baratang Island and visit Limestone Caves. Overnight we stay at Rangat in Middle Andaman. During this day you can cover some sightseeing in Rangat as well. Locations such as Ambkunj Beach and Dhaninalah Mangrove Walkway can be covered on this day. Overnight stay in Rangat.
Day 02 - Rangat to Long Island - Day Tour and Return
We take a boat from Rangat to Long Island, the boat tickets have to be manually purchased which our team will get done. You will get on a boat to Long Island from Rangat (In case you are planning this trip on a day when the govt. the ferry doesn’t operate, then you’ll have to hire a private chartered fiber boat to get to Long Island.
Upon reaching Long Island you can spend some time in Long Island as a day tour. Post this, you return to Rangat from Long Island in the afternoon.
Note: A guide can accompany you during Long Island tour, however, that will be at an additional cost. Overnight stay in Rangat.
If you are visiting Long Island for a day tour then we recommend to hire a private boat so that so can see nearby places as well.
Day 03 - Rangat to Port Blair
Today, we return to Port Blair from Rangat. Overnight in Port Blair.
Note: Please note that Long Island has very limited resources and travelers have to not expect too much luxury at this destination. This is a remote location and travelers have to be flexible during the tour program.
Tour Plan 2 To Visit Long Island
For travelers who are having more days in hand, they can take out 3 nights and 4 days and plan a stay in Long Island. It's worth staying on Long Island.
Day 01 - Port Blair to Rangat via Baratang Island Limestone Caves
Early in the morning, We begin from Port Blair to Baratang Island and visit Limestone Caves. Overnight we stay at Rangat in Middle Andaman. During this day you can cover some sightseeing in Rangat as well. Locations such as Ambkunj Beach and Dhaninalah Mangrove Walkway can be covered on this day. Overnight stay in Rangat.
Day 02 - Rangat To Long Island via Govt Ferry or Private Boat - Overnight at Long Island
We take a boat from Rangat to Long Island, and the boat tickets have to be manually purchased which our team will get done. You will get on a boat to Long Island from Rangat. Upon reaching Long Island, proceed to respective accommodation (Pre-booking of accommodation is required).
Proceed to visit Lalaji Bay Beach, Guitar Island & Merk Bay Beach.
Note: A guide can accompany you during the Long Island tour, however, that will be at an additional cost. You need to charter a boat to visit all the 3 attractions on Long Island. Overnight stay in Long Island.
Day 03 - Visit Mark Bay Bay and Guitar Island and Return to Rangat in Private Boat
Today, we return to Rangat after visiting Mark Bay Beach and Guitar Island.
Day 04 - Return to Port Blair from Rangat
Refer to all the Long Island packages with detailed itinerary plans. This will help you to get an approximate cost for traveling to Long Island.
Note: Please note that Long Island has very limited resources and travelers have to not expect luxury at this destination. This is a remote location and travelers have to be flexible during the tour program.
