Hidden deep within the untouched corners of the Andaman Islands, Mark Bay Beach on North Passage Island is one of the most pristine and least explored beaches in India.
While most travelers head to popular destinations like Havelock Island, fewer than 1% of tourists ever make their way to this spectacular hidden gem.
With powdery white sand, crystal-clear turquoise waters, vibrant marine life, and complete tranquility, Mark Bay Beach offers a rare opportunity to experience the Andamans in their purest form. For travelers who enjoy offbeat destinations, raw nature, and peaceful beaches, Mark Bay Beach is truly a once-in-a-lifetime destination.
Why Mark Bay Beach is So Special?
Many travelers who visit Mark Bay compare it with Radhanagar Beach on Havelock Island which is often considered the best beach in Asia.
But Mark Bay offers something even rarer: complete solitude. With less than 1% of tourists visiting this hidden paradise, the beach remains free from crowds and commercialization. There is virtually no commercial development here, allowing nature to thrive in its purest form. The crystal-clear waters are perfect for swimming and reveal a rich marine ecosystem filled with vibrant sea life.
Surrounded by peaceful surroundings and minimal human impact, the environment remains clean, quiet, and pollution-free. Because so few travelers reach this secluded location, Mark Bay Beach has preserved its raw natural charm, making it one of the most unspoiled and pristine beaches in the Andaman Islands.
Where is Mark Bay Beach?
Mark Bay Beach is located on North Passage Island, an uninhabited island in the Middle Andaman region of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
The island sits close to several notable places:
- Long Island – the main gateway to Mark Bay Beach
- Strait Island – home to the primitive Ongi tribe
- Guitar Island – another beautiful offbeat destination
One side of North Passage Island is covered with dense mangrove forests, creating a dramatic contrast between thick jungle and open turquoise seas.
How to Reach Mark Bay Beach?
Reaching Mark Bay Beach is an adventure in itself. Your journey begins with a boat ride from Long Island Jetty. On a clear day, the ride across the Andaman Sea takes around one hour, offering breathtaking views of surrounding islands and crystal blue waters.
Once you arrive at North Passage Island:
- The boat anchors near a small wooden jetty surrounded by mangrove forests.
- You walk along the narrow wooden jetty.
- From there, a 300-meter walk through a mangrove forest trail leads you to the beach.
Step 1: Reach Port Blair
Visitors first arrive at Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman Islands, via flights from major Indian cities.
Step 2: Travel to Long Island
From Port Blair, travelers take a government ferry to Long Island, which takes around 3 to 4 hours. Long Island acts as the base for visiting Mark Bay Beach.
Step 3: Boat to North Passage Island
From Long Island Jetty, hire a private charter boat to North Passage Island. Travel time: ~1 hour.
Because transport is limited, it is recommended to plan the trip in advance with local boat operators.
Do You Need a Permit?
Yes. Since North Passage Island is uninhabited and ecologically sensitive, visitors need a permit from the Forest Department. These permits can usually be arranged through local tour operators, boat operators from Long Island or travel agencies in Port Blair.
Best Time to Visit Mark Bay Beach
The best time to visit Mark Bay Beach is during the dry season from October to May in the Andaman Islands.
Avoid travel during the monsoon season as heavy rainfall and strong waves can make boat travel difficult, and trips may get cancelled due to rough sea conditions.
Facilities
Mark Bay Beach remains largely untouched by tourism development, which means facilities on the island are extremely limited. There are no resorts, restaurants, shops, or equipment rental services available, allowing the beach to retain its natural and unspoiled charm.
Visitors are advised to carry essential items such as drinking water, snacks, sunscreen, and snorkeling gear, as nothing can be purchased once you reach the island.
The only basic structure available is the wooden jetty where boats anchor, from which visitors walk through the mangrove forest to reach the beach. Since there are no accommodation options on North Passage Island, Mark Bay Beach can only be visited as a day trip. Travelers usually stay overnight at Long Island, which serves as the nearest base for exploring this remote and beautiful destination.
Mark Bay Beach on North Passage Island is one of the most beautiful and remote beaches in the Andaman Islands. From the scenic boat ride to the magical walk through mangrove forests, every step of the journey feels like an adventure.
If you’re someone who enjoys offbeat travel, untouched nature, and quiet tropical escapes, then Mark Bay Beach deserves a place on your Andaman itinerary.
Read More: Wandoor Beach, Port Blair
