The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are home to more than 300 islands within it each being a haven for beach lovers. If you are looking forward to beaches in Andaman with minimal crowds, Merk Bay Beach should be on your list. This underrated gem is an explosion of colours and marine life. With the blue waters and sky, the white sand and kush green mangrove forest would leave you in awe of its beauty. Located at a short two-hour ride from Long Island, you can spend your day admiring the beauty and serenity of this beach.
Things To Do At Merk Beach Bay
Apart from the serene views, there are many other activities that you can enjoy at Merk Bay Beach. Being home to the most exotic corals and undiscovered treasures of the mangrove forests, here are some of the exciting activities you can enjoy:
1. Snorkeling
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The crystal clear blue water of the Merk Bay beach is the perfect destination to take a dive and explore the underwater treasures. With no prerequisite training in scuba diving, get mesmerized by nature’s beauty at its best. Get a view of colourful fishes, crabs, and coral reefs. Make sure to get yourself a guide and proper snorkelling gear, as no gear providers are available at Merk Bay Beach.
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2. Swimming
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Take a deep dive into the clear blue waters of the island. The stunning turquoise waters have a slightly warm temperature that relaxes your mind and body. the green lush backdrop of mangrove forests and white sands experience life amidst the background colour. Please beware if there are kids with you, make sure they do not go into the deep waters. It’s okay if you do not know how to swim, you could always take a book and read while sitting on the beach.
3. Nature Walks
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Enjoy walks on the beach filled with the sweet fragrances of flowers and the sea. If you are lucky, you might spot a dolphin as well. The beach is not so popular among tourists, so you can enjoy it the most. In the evening, get the most magnificent sunset view, which looks like Mother Nature’s canvas itself. You can even collect seashells for your memory. This low-key spot can help you soothe your mind as you breathe in the ocean breeze.
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4. Scuba Diving
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Dive into the waters to find living and dead coral reefs. Andaman and Nicobar Islands are home to exquisite coral reefs and marine animals. If you think that scuba diving is only for those who know how to swim then you are wrong. Anyone with gears under the supervision of an expert can go scuba diving. Make sure to go with an expert if you are going scuba diving. Be careful with kids. The experience will surely be interesting.
Places To Visit Near Merk Beach Bay
Merk Bay Beach, located in the northern islands of Andaman, has several nearby attractions you cannot miss. Here are some of the most popular places:
1. Guitar island
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As the name suggests, Guitar Island is uniquely shaped like the guitar. Located at a short distance of 6 km from Merk Bay beach, this place is rarely visited by tourists. It is an uninhabited island; hence, you can explore nature in its wild form here. You can walk around the beach and enjoy solitude or swim if you are adventurous. There are mangrove forests which you can visit after your walk and swim.
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2. Cellular Jail
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Constructed by the Britishers in Port Blair, the cellular jail is a testimony of the physical torture and resilience of our freedom fighters. Popularly known as Kala Paani, you should not miss their sound and light show about the history of atrocities inflicted on Indians. They have affordable tickets. Do check out their website before going and plan accordingly. They also have a ticket and schedule for the light and sound show.
3. Elephant Beach
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Located at a distance of 32 km from Merk Bay beach, Elephant Beach is one of the best beaches in Andaman. Situated on Havelock Island, this beach is known for its outdoor activities like scuba diving, glass bottom boat rides, kayaking, and banana boat riding. It is considered the water sports haven of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. So do not forget to try water sports while in Elephant Beach.
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Merk Bay Beach: Things To Remember
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The Merk Bay Beach would leave you mesmerized with its tranquillity and beauty. However, to ensure that it remains like it, visitors must also remember a few guidelines:
- Make sure to carry back all the trash you have.
- Do not disturb the wildlife. Take a backseat and enjoy the view without causing any harm.
- Do not touch or pluck any coral reefs. They are living creatures found only in a few places. Respect the beauty of the place and see it from a distance.
- carry sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen. If you want to go snorkelling, get the equipment as well.
- Carey insect repellents and other essentials on the Merk Bay beach.
- While looking for accommodation, choose sustainable hotels that promote eco-friendly stays. Some resorts also organize conservation activities that can enhance visitors’ knowledge about the marine habitat and make them more conscious of the environment.
- Remember the emergency numbers and the number of your boat operator in case of any issue.
How To Reach Merk Bay Beach
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You can reach the beach by taking a local bus or ferry to Yatra Jetty. Once you reach Yatra Jetty, take a 1 hour trip by boat or ferry the Long Island. Now you must hire a private charter boat to reach Merk Bay Beach. Ensure to pre-book the boats as they are few and unavailable.
As you get off the boat, you will walk through dense mangrove forests for a few kilometres to reach the beach area. It is best to visit the beach during that time as navigating through the forests in the dark would be impossible. Make sure to book your journey back from Merk Bay Beach to Long Island.
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How To Reach Andaman Nicobar Islands
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By Air: Port Blair is the main international airport of Andaman. Domestic flights from major Indian metropolitan cities like Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Visakhapatnam are available here. There is no direct international flight connecting Port Blair to the world yet. If you come from abroad, you can fly to any of these metropolitan cities and then reach Port Blair.
By Ship: If you are looking forward to a more adventurous journey and have some extra time in hand, you can take a ship from Chennai, Kolkata, or Visakhapatnam. It is a 3—to 4-day journey; only 4 ships go out in a month. You must book your ticket in advance, as the tickets are limited. Choose according to the itinerary, ship durations, and facilities being offered.
Best Time To Visit Merk Bay Beach
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Winters are the best time to enjoy Merk Bay Beach. The temperature ranges from 20 to 30 degrees Celsius with clear skies and less humidity. You can visit from November to February in the winter months. Andaman and Nicobar Islands are in the tropical zone and experience high summer temperatures. It is also a good time to visit the beach as there is no rainfall so you can enjoy various beach activities. The temperature ranges between 24 to 38 degrees Celsius with high humidity. You can enjoy basking in the sun or escaping the scorching heat with a dive into the blue water. The monsoon months from June to September experience high rainfall and high tidal waves with a rough sea making it difficult to explore outdoor activities.
Further Read: North Bay Island
Whether you are a beach person or not, the Merk Bay beach will make you fall in love with its untarnished sand, blue water and vibrant environment. The serenity of this beach is unparalleled and will leave you calm and clear by the end of your trip. If you are an avid fan of nature and marine life, go ahead and plan a trip to Andaman and reconnect yourself with the islands’ natural beauty.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Merk Bay Beach
Can kids go to Merk Bay beach?
Merk Bay beach is for all age category visitors. You can enjoy your time in the waters swimming, bathing in the sun, and snorkelling.
Where is Merk Bay Beach located?
Merk Bay Beach is located on North Passage Island in the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago, India.
Can I stay in Merck Beach bay?
No, the northern islands are not surrounded by any hotels. You can stay in hotels in other areas of the Andaman and Nicobar islands.
Are there any permits to visit Merk Bay Beach?
Yes, permits are required for both foreigners and Indians. You can get the Restricted Area Permit (RAP) from the airport at Port Blair itself.
Which other beaches in Andaman are famous?
There are several beaches in Andaman which would leave you captivated with their beauty. Havelock beach, Radhanagar beach, Lalaji Bay beach, Aam Kunj beach, Karmatang beach and many other beaches are there to explore.
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