Avis Island sits about 20 minutes off Mayabunder Jetty by local boat, and it is one of those outings that feels bigger than the time it takes. Locals call it Coconut Island for good reason, since much of the land is covered in palm groves, and the water around it stays clear enough to spot fish from the surface. It is uninhabited, lightly regulated by the forest department, and best treated as a relaxed half-day trip rather than a full day plan.
About Avis Island of the Andaman Islands
Avis Island is reached by a dunghi, the local wooden boat used around Mayabunder, with the crossing taking roughly 20 minutes from the jetty. The island itself is small, with a modest beach, clear shallow water, and coconut plantations that cover much of the interior.
Since the island falls under forest department oversight, visitors need permission before a boat trip can be arranged. This is usually handled by a local agent or boat operator and tends to be straightforward as long as it is sorted out in advance.
There is no permanent population, no shops, and no eateries on Avis Island, so a visit here is really about the beach, the boat ride, and a walk through the plantation, nothing more elaborate than that.
Quick Facts
- Avis Island is a small island about a 20-minute "dunghi" (local boat) ride from Mayabunder Jetty, often nicknamed Coconut Island for its dense plantations.
- The island falls under forest department control, so visitors need prior permission before heading out, which is usually arranged through a local agent or boat operator.
- Waters around the island are calm and clear enough to see fish near the surface, though the pebbly seabed makes it better suited to wading than swimming.
- Avis Island is uninhabited and has no restaurants or shops, so visitors carry their own food and water for the trip.
- It works best as a half-day outing from Mayabunder rather than an overnight stay, combining the boat ride, beach time, and a walk through the coconut groves.
The History of Avis Island
- Mayabunder's "Coconut Island"
Avis Island has long been known locally as Coconut Island, a name that comes directly from the rows of coconut palms planted across much of its land. Over the years, the plantation has remained the defining feature of the island, more than any built attraction or tourist facility.
Because the island is uninhabited and sits under forest department control, it has stayed largely undeveloped compared to other spots around Mayabunder. Access has occasionally been tied up with management and leasing arrangements over the years, which is part of why permissions are still required before a visit today.
What this means in practice is that Avis Island has kept much of its original character: a quiet beach, calm water, and a coconut grove that visitors can walk through without running into crowds or commercial setups.
For travellers passing through Mayabunder, it remains one of the more reliably peaceful stops on a North Andaman itinerary, simple, short, and largely unchanged.
What to See on Avis Island
Avis Island is small, but the boat ride, beach, and coconut groves together make for a satisfying few hours away from Mayabunder town.
Coconut Plantations
Walk through the dense coconut groves that cover much of the island and give it its "Coconut Island" nickname.
Clear Shallow Waters
See fish near the surface in the calm, clear water around the island, ideal for a slow wade rather than a swim.
Scenic Boat Ride
Enjoy the 20-minute dunghi crossing from Mayabunder Jetty, often one of the most memorable parts of the trip.
Quiet Beach and Picnic Spot
Spend a relaxed few hours on the small beach, ideal for a picnic, photography, or simply unwinding away from any crowds.
Forest Department Permission
- What Visitors Should Know
Since Avis Island is under forest department oversight, visitors cannot simply hire a boat and head out without prior approval. The permission process is usually handled through a local agent or boat operator in Mayabunder, and a boat is allotted once it comes through.
It is best to sort this out a day in advance rather than on arrival, since availability can depend on the season and how many boats are free on a given day.
Once the formalities are done, the trip itself is simple: a short ride out, a few hours on the island, and a ride back to Mayabunder before evening.
Book Your Avis Island VisitTips for Visiting Avis Island
- Arrange forest department permission and your boat in advance through a local agent rather than on the day of travel.
- Carry your own food and water, since there are no shops or eateries on the island itself.
- Wear footwear suited to a pebbly seabed if you plan to wade in, and avoid attempting to swim far from shore.
- Visit between November and February for the most pleasant weather and calmest boat crossing.
- Our team at AndamanVacation.com can help arrange the permissions and boat for Avis Island as part of your Mayabunder itinerary, alongside German Jetty and Karmatang Beach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Avis Island is reached by a local boat, known as a dunghi, from Mayabunder Jetty. The ride takes around 20 minutes and is one of the more enjoyable parts of the trip, since the water is clear enough to see marine life along the way.
Yes. Avis Island falls under forest department oversight, so visitors need prior permission before a boat is arranged. This is usually sorted out easily through a local travel agent or boat operator in Mayabunder.
The water is calm and clear, but the seabed near the shore has pebbles and stones, which makes swimming a bit uncomfortable and occasionally risky. Wading and enjoying the view tend to work better than a full swim.
No. The island is uninhabited and has no restaurants, shops, or other tourist infrastructure. Visitors should carry their own food, water, and anything else they might need for the few hours they spend there.
The nickname comes from the dense coconut plantations that cover much of the island. Walking through the groves is one of the more popular things to do alongside spending time on the beach.
Yes, especially for travellers who enjoy quiet, lightly visited spots. It is not set up for large groups or extended stays, but as a half-day boat trip from Mayabunder, it is a relaxed and scenic addition to a North Andaman itinerary.
Include Avis Island in Your Andaman Itinerary
Avis Island is not a high-profile stop, but it is a genuinely peaceful half-day trip that rewards travellers who enjoy quiet beaches and boat rides over crowded sightseeing. Our team at Andaman Vacations India has been planning North Andaman itineraries for over 25 years and can work Avis Island into your schedule alongside the other sights around Mayabunder.
Tell us your travel dates and group size and we will put together a North Andaman plan that covers Mayabunder, Diglipur and the surrounding sights in the right order.
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