Middle Andaman's Quiet Secret
Long Island is a small island in Middle Andaman that rarely makes it onto a first-time visitor's itinerary — and that's exactly the point for the travellers who do seek it out. Its main draw is Lalaji Bay Beach, a pristine, little- visited stretch of sand reached partly on foot through forest and mangrove from the jetty.
Unlike the resort-lined shores of Havelock, Long Island has minimal tourist infrastructure — a handful of basic guesthouses rather than proper resorts. That's not an oversight; it's the reason the beaches here stay as untouched as they do, and it's precisely what draws backpackers and travellers chasing a genuine "undiscovered beach" experience within the Andamans.
It's usually reached from Rangat, making it a natural add-on for anyone already routing through Middle Andaman rather than a standalone destination in its own right.
🏝️ Long Island at a Glance
Planning a beach holiday? Explore our guide to offbeat beaches in India.
Best Time to Visit Long Island
The same seasonal pattern that governs the rest of the Andamans applies here — plan around the dry season and avoid the monsoon months.
Calm seas make the ferry crossing from Rangat comfortable and dependable, and beach conditions are at their best.
Still a reliable window with rising temperatures — a solid alternative if your dates don't line up with peak winter.
Ferry services to smaller islands like Long Island are the first to be disrupted or cancelled during rough seas.
Conditions are improving but can still be inconsistent — check current ferry schedules before committing to dates.
Our pick: December to February, when ferries from Rangat run most reliably and the beaches are at their calmest and clearest.
How to Reach Long Island
- By Ferry from Rangat: The most common route, departing from the jetty near Rangat (Yerrata), with a crossing of a couple of hours.
- By Ferry from Port Blair: Some schedules connect directly, though this depends on the current timetable — confirm locally rather than assuming a fixed daily service.
- On the island: Reaching Lalaji Bay involves a short walk through forest and mangrove from the jetty — comfortable shoes are enough, no special gear required.
Lalaji Bay Beach
Lalaji Bay Beach is Long Island's main draw — a genuinely pristine, little-visited stretch of sand reached partly by a short walk through forest and mangrove from the jetty rather than a direct drop-off. That extra effort is part of what keeps it quiet, gently filtering out anyone not committed to making the trip.
There's little in the way of built infrastructure here — no beach shacks or water-sports counters — just clean sand, clear water, and space to yourself that's increasingly hard to find elsewhere in the Andamans.
Merk Bay Beach
Merk Bay is Long Island's other notable beach — quieter still than Lalaji Bay, and a good option if you want an even more solitary stretch of coastline for the day. Facilities are minimal to non-existent, so bring water and anything else you'll need for the day.
Suggested Visit Plan (1-2 Days)
Long Island works best as a short, focused detour rather than an extended stay, given the limited infrastructure.
Arrival & Lalaji Bay
- ✓Ferry in from Rangat, settle into a guesthouse
- ✓Walk to Lalaji Bay Beach through the forest trail
- ✓Unhurried afternoon on the sand
Merk Bay & Departure
- ✓Morning at the quieter Merk Bay Beach
- ✓Simple lunch at a local eatery or guesthouse
- ✓Return ferry to Rangat
Food & Where to Stay
Accommodation on Long Island is minimal — a handful of basic guesthouses rather than resorts, which is part of its appeal for travellers seeking untouched beaches without the crowds.
- Guesthouse stays: Book ahead where possible; options are genuinely few and last-minute availability isn't guaranteed.
- Local eateries: A small number of simple restaurants serve basic meals — don't expect variety or café culture here.
- Guesthouse meals: Often the most reliable option, especially for dinner.
Budget Breakdown
| Expense | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ferry (Rangat round trip) | ₹300 | ₹300 | ₹300 |
| Guesthouse/night | ₹700 | ₹1,500 | ₹2,500 |
| Food/day | ₹350 | ₹600 | ₹1,000 |
| Local transport/day | ₹200 | ₹400 | ₹800 |
* Figures are per person, per day where applicable. Long Island is best budgeted as a short add-on to a wider Andaman Islands itinerary rather than a standalone trip.
Essential Tips for Visiting Long Island
- Confirm ferry schedules locally: Routes and timings from Rangat change more often than the main Havelock/Neil services.
- Book guesthouses in advance: Availability is genuinely limited — don't count on finding a room on arrival.
- Carry cash: Card payment options are minimal to non-existent on the island.
- Bring water and snacks to the beaches: Neither Lalaji Bay nor Merk Bay has shacks or vendors.
- Wear comfortable footwear: The walk to Lalaji Bay crosses forest and mangrove terrain.
- Combine it with Rangat: Long Island works best as a short detour from a Rangat-based leg of a wider Andaman itinerary.
✅ Do
- →Book your guesthouse ahead of arrival
- →Confirm ferry timings before travel day
- →Carry enough cash for your whole stay
- →Bring water and snacks to both beaches
- →Treat it as a short, focused detour
- →Pair it with a Rangat-based itinerary leg
❌ Don't
- →Expect resort-style comfort or dining
- →Assume last-minute rooms will be available
- →Rely on card payments over cash
- →Travel during monsoon months (May-Sep)
- →Plan a long multi-day stay without checking logistics
- →Expect beach shacks or water-sports counters
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I reach Long Island?
By ferry, most commonly from a jetty near Rangat (Yerrata), with the crossing typically a couple of hours. Some schedules also connect from Port Blair directly — routes and timings change, so it's worth confirming the current ferry schedule locally or through your accommodation before you travel.
Is Lalaji Bay Beach hard to get to?
Not difficult, but it does take a bit of effort — the beach is reached partly by a short walk through forest and mangrove from the jetty rather than a direct drop-off. That short walk is part of what keeps it quiet, since it filters out anyone not genuinely committed to getting there.
What's the accommodation situation on Long Island?
Minimal — a handful of basic guesthouses rather than resorts. This is precisely why the island stays untouched, but it also means you should book ahead where possible and keep expectations realistic about comfort and amenities.
How many days should I spend on Long Island?
Most visitors treat it as a 1-2 day stop, often as a detour from a Rangat-based itinerary rather than a standalone multi-day base — enough time to properly enjoy Lalaji Bay and Merk Bay without rushing.
Is Long Island worth it compared to Havelock or Neil?
It serves a different purpose. Havelock and Neil offer better infrastructure, more activities, and easier logistics; Long Island offers genuine quiet and largely untouched beaches in exchange for basic amenities and a bit more planning effort. It suits travellers who've already done the main circuit or specifically want a backpacker-style, off-the-beaten-path stop.
Are there restaurants on Long Island?
Very few — most food comes from your guesthouse or a small number of simple local eateries. Don't expect café culture or dining variety; it's part of the island's basic, unhurried character.
Published by the Kudozz Club editorial team · Last updated · How we research our guides
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