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 BeachA 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 WalkOne 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 IslandTake 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 WaterAnother 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 IslandHonestly, 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 PhotographyLong 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.
