Long Island

Long Island in the Andaman Islands

Long Island is part of the Andaman archipelago and falls under the North and Middle Andaman administrative district in the Indian Union Territory of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Located approximately 80 km (50 miles) north of Port Blair, it lies just 47 nautical miles away by sea and spans an area of about 18 square kilometers.

Despite its modest size, Long Island is a well-developed village with a population of around 2,000. It boasts several modern amenities that are rarely found in other Bay Island settlements. The island is equipped with its own power station, a state-of-the-art boat building yard, a senior secondary school, a bank, communication facilities, a hospital, a forest range office, and a police outpost—making it a unique and self-sufficient community. Remarkably, Long Island functions entirely without a traditional road network.

Instead, a narrow four-foot-wide concrete path links the various sections of the Panchayat area, starting from the main jetty. The route, shaded by Casuarina trees, provides a serene walkway leading to the government school and police station. Residents traverse these pathways daily to reach workplaces, schools, temples, and administrative offices.

Essential Information

Known For:
Long Island is famed for its lush greenery, coconut groves, and unspoiled natural charm. It serves as a gateway to lesser-known gems such as Guitar Island and Merk Bay Beach at North Passage Island.

Entry Fee:
Not applicable.

Best Time to Visit:
Between December and February, when the weather is most pleasant.

Noteworthy Features

The island features several rare facilities including its own power source, a modern boat construction yard, school, bank, hospital, wireless communication, and administrative services—all without having a conventional road system.

Things to Do

• Enjoy swimming in pristine waters

• Relax on tranquil beaches

• Explore nearby islets via private boat tours

• Embark on nature trails and light treks

• Witness breathtaking sunsets

• Capture nature and wildlife photography

Traveler Tips

• Long Island remains unconnected by standard roadways to the rest of the archipelago.

• There are no asphalt roads; movement across the island is via a network of pedestrian footpaths only.

Getting There

Travelers can reach Long Island either by chartering a private boat from Port Blair or by taking a government-operated ferry that offers direct connectivity to the island.