Islands of Andaman & Nicobar | India's Emerald Islands

Fri 22-08-2025 09:38

Wed 29-07-2026 23:57

Long Island

The Hidden Gem of Andamans - Overview

Long Island: The Hidden Gem of the Andamans

Long Island lies off the eastern coast of Middle Andaman in the North & Middle Andaman district and is accessible via the port of Rangat. Well connected by footpath road from the jetty to the village area, the island remains one of the least commercialised inhabited islands, offering visitors a peaceful and offbeat experience.

Long Island serves as a gateway to hidden destinations such as Lalaji Bay Beach, Guitar Island, and Merk Bay (on North Passage Island), which is visited from Long Island by boat. Its pristine beaches, lush tropical forests, rich birdlife, and diverse marine ecosystem make it an ideal destination for nature lovers and eco-tourism.

History of Long Island

Long Island remained an isolated island before the British Empire transformed it into a strategic timber extraction hub with forestry camps and a boat-building yard.
After 1947, settlers from mainland India established a quiet, self-sustaining community focused on fishing and agriculture, successfully preserving the island's small boat-building yard, alongside a school, a bank, a wireless station, a hospital, and forest and police offices.

Island Location

Open Map

Emergency Numbers

Police	100
Fire	101
Ambulance	108
Tourist Helpline	1363
Coast Guard	1554

How To Reach

Long Island is accessible via Rangat, combining road and boat travel. Visitors first reach Rangat from Sri Vijaya Puram, then proceed to Yeratta Jetty for onward boat services to Long Island.

Step 1: Travel to Rangat

By Road: Government buses operate from Mohanpura Bus Terminus, Sri Vijaya Puram to Rangat Bus Stand. The journey covers approx. 200 km, taking 7–8 hours. Tickets can be booked at the Bus Terminus reservation counter or online through the ANTS Portal.
By Ferry: Government ferries operate from Phoenix Bay Jetty, Sri Vijaya Puram, to Rangat Jetty. Tickets can be booked online through the DSS E-Ticketing Portal (subject to weather conditions).

Step 2: Rangat to Long Island

From Rangat, proceed to Yeratta Jetty (approx. 9 km, 20–30 minutes) by road.
Government Ferry/Boat: From Yeratta Jetty to Long Island, journey takes approximately 1–1.5 hours, twice daily (subject to weather conditions).
Private Charter Boat: Available from Yeratta Jetty, taking around 45 minutes. Tickets can be purchased at the Yeratta Jetty counter with a valid photo ID.

Merk Bay Beach

Explore Beach

Lalaji Bay Beach

Explore Beach

Bird Watching

Explore Experience

Trekking Routes

Explore Experience

Travel Information

Best Time to Visit

Best Season (October to May)

Calm seas and reliable ferry schedules make this the ideal window for the crossing, diving, and the Lalaji Bay trek.

Monsoon (June to September)

Heavy rain and rough seas can suspend ferry services and make trekking difficult; services may be irregular.

Year-Round Destination

Temperature: 23°C – 31°C.
A warm, stable tropical maritime climate prevails throughout the year.

Food and Stay

Accommodation

Long Island has very limited accommodation, normally APWD Guesthouses at the jetty area and private resorts available near Lalaji Bay Beach.

Culinary Delights

Dining options are simple and few, generally attached to the island's guesthouses or the eco-resort, offering fresh seafood and basic home-style meals.

Getting Around Long Island

There is no road network on Long Island — the village and jetty are connected only by a narrow concrete footpath, and all sightseeing beyond the village is reached on foot or by boat. Local boat operators near the jetty can be engaged for trips to Lalaji Bay, Guitar Island, and Merk Bay.

Entry Permits and Visitor Regulations

Indian Nationals

A valid government-issued photo ID is required for travel and guesthouse check-ins.

Foreign Nationals

Foreign nationals must carry a valid Passport, Indian Visa (including e-Visa), and identification documents during their stay.