If you are searching for a serene, untouched tropical getaway, Avis Island near Mayabunder in North Andaman is a destination that will leave you spellbound. Known for its placid waters, lush coconut plantations, and golden sandy beaches, Avis Island offers a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and natural beauty-far away from the crowded tourist hubs.
Mayabunder Island – The Gateway to Hidden Paradise
Mayabunder Island is one of the most unique and offbeat places in the Andamans, offering eccentric charm and unequalled natural beauty. This relatively uninhabited destination is dotted with coconut plantations, mangrove-lined beaches, lush forests, and the famous German Jetty. The island is also a turtle nesting ground, making it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts.
Despite its small size, Mayabunder is rich in diversity, drawing visitors to explore its tidal creeks, exotic wildlife, and serene beaches. It is located in the northern portion of the Middle Andaman Islands, about 240 km from Port Blair, and spans a land area of around 38 hectares.
Major attractions of Mayabunder include:
- Karmatang Beach: India’s only turtle nesting ground.
- Interview Island: Known for freshwater caves and feral elephants.
- Ray Hills: Adventure activities and elephant rides.
- Austin X Beach: Trekking through virgin forests and wildlife spotting.
- German Jetty: Historical harbor built during WWII.
Avis Island – The Coconut Island of Mayabunder
Avis Island is one of the most popular and picturesque destinations in Mayabunder. Famous for its serenity, placid waters, and tropical charm, the island is often called the ‘Coconut Island’ due to its abundance of coconut trees along the beach. The unpopulated beach creates a marooned island vibe, making visitors feel like they have discovered a secret paradise.
A fun fact: Avis Island is privately owned by the Co-op Society Limited Plantation, which means you may need prior permission to enter. Local travel agents or guides can easily arrange this. The island has only one village, where locals engage in growing paddy, vegetables, spices, coconuts, and horticultural crops.
How to Reach Avis Island
Reaching Avis Island is relatively hassle-free and makes for a perfect day trip from Mayabunder:
- By Boat: Local boats called ‘dunghis’ operate from Mayabunder Jetty, taking about 20 minutes to reach Avis Island. The waters are crystal clear, offering a view into the vibrant underwater world during the ride.
- From Port Blair: Avis Island is about 140 km from Port Blair. Visitors can travel via Port Blair to Mayabunder by bus, taxi, or ferry, then continue by boat.
The journey itself is an adventure, with turquoise waters, mangrove-lined shores, and glimpses of small islets along the way.
Avis Island Mayabunder Gallery
The Avis Island Experience
Stepping onto Avis Island, you are greeted by calm, shallow waters, a creamy golden beach, and hundreds of coconut trees swaying in the breeze. The island is a heaven for nature lovers, photographers, and beachcombers.
You can spend hours relaxing under coconut palms, strolling along the sand, and observing tropical birds. The island’s natural beauty creates a deep sense of peace and emotional rejuvenation, making every moment feel magical.
Prominent Attractions at Avis Island
- Coconut Plantations: The island is dotted with lush coconut groves, offering shade and a tropical aesthetic.
- Snorkeling & Underwater Life: The shallow, transparent waters make snorkeling an unforgettable experience. Bright corals, colorful fish, and marine life abound, creating a vibrant underwater paradise.
- Beach Photography: Golden sands, turquoise waters, and coconut trees make the island perfect for photography and memorable vacation snaps.
- Solitude & Exclusivity: Being privately owned and lightly visited, the island gives visitors a rare sense of exclusivity-a privilege few get to experience.
Nearby attractions to consider include: Karmatang Beach, Havelock Island, Interview Island, Barren Island, and Neil Island.
Best Time to Visit Avis Island
Avis Island enjoys a tropical climate year-round, but the best months for a visit are late October to early May. During these months, the weather is dry, the waters are calm, and the island is perfect for beach activities.
- Summer (March – May): 24°C – 36°C. Hot but ideal for sunbathing.
- Monsoon (June – September): 23°C – 35°C. Heavy rains, muddy roads; not ideal for visiting.
- Winter (October – February): 20°C – 30°C. Best season for sightseeing, snorkeling, and beach leisure.
Why Visit Avis Island?
Avis Island is a well-rounded destination, perfect for beach bums, nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts, and photographers. The combination of sun, sand, lush coconut plantations, clear waters, and exclusivity makes it an unforgettable escape from the city bustle.
Whether you are snorkeling among corals, walking barefoot on the sandy beach, or simply soaking in the tropical sunshine, Avis Island offers an emotional and rejuvenating experience that stays with you forever.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Avis Island is about 30 km from Mayabunder town. Local boats, called ‘dunghis’, operate from Mayabunder Jetty and take approximately 20 minutes to reach the island. From Port Blair, visitors can travel by bus, taxi, or ferry to Mayabunder and then continue by boat.
Yes. Avis Island is privately owned by a cooperative plantation society, but getting permission is easy through local travel agents or guides.
Avis Island is known for its placid beaches, crystal-clear waters, abundant coconut plantations, and snorkeling opportunities. Its uninhabited and serene charm makes it unique.
You can enjoy snorkeling, swimming, beachcombing, eco-trekking, nature photography, and relaxing under coconut trees.
The island itself has no hotels or resorts. Visitors can stay in Mayabunder town, which offers guesthouses, small hotels, and eco-friendly cottages.
Yes. The shallow waters and calm beaches make it safe for families. Always supervise children while swimming.
The ideal time is late October to early May. Monsoon months (June–September) are not suitable due to heavy rains and rough seas.
Yes, the island is privately owned by a cooperative plantation society, and visitors must obtain permission before entry.
Yes. Most visitors spend a full day exploring beaches, snorkeling, and enjoying the natural surroundings.
Nearby destinations include Karmatang Beach, Havelock Island, Interview Island, Barren Island, Neil Island, and Ray Hills Eco-village.
Avis Island offers pristine beaches, coconut plantations, snorkeling adventures, solitude, and uninhabited tropical charm, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and beach enthusiasts.