Barren Island

Barren Island: Trip to India’s Only Active Volcano

Have you heard about Barren Island? if not, you’re in for a treat.

Barren Island located in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, this fascinating destination is part of a chain of volcanoes stretching from Sumatra to Myanmar. Barren Island is home to India’s only active volcano! That has dropped in our backyard a lovely little geographical wonder that’s just magnifique!

Barren Island India is a wild spot in the Andaman Islands. As the name suggests it is an uninhabited Island and also prohibited from setting foot on, for pretty valid safety reasons,  active volcanoes, hot lava and all that jazz.

Where Is Barren Island Located?

Barren Island located in the eastern region of the Andaman Sea, approximately 140 km northeast of Port Blair, the union territory’s capital city. Barren Island is the emergent summit of a volcano that rises about 2,250 meters from the sea floor, poking 354 meters above sea level.

This remote volcanic island, part of the Andaman volcanic belt, is accessible only by charter boats, its isolated location and uninhabited terrain add to its raw beauty, offering a rare glimpse of India’s only active volcano.

Best Time to Visit Barren Island

The ideal time to visit Barren Island is between October to March and early April, a period marked by pleasant weather and calm seas, making it perfect for a smooth and enjoyable journey with charter boats. During these months, the visibility is excellent, both above and below the water, and the absence of strong winds or monsoon currents ensures safer travel and better opportunities for uninterrupted sightseeing, enhancing the experience for activities like snorkeling, game fishing, and observing the island’s unique volcanic Island landscapes.

How to Reach Barren Island?

Reaching Barren Island is an adventure in itself, as it is one of the more remote destinations in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Travel Details:

• Distance: Approximately 140 km northeast of Port Blair.
• Travel Time: To visit Barren Island is approximately 4–5 hours from Port Blair and 2–3 hours from Havelock Island by private charter boats, making Havelock the more convenient starting point.

2. Trip Duration:

Full-day trip to cruise around Barren Island volcano, with opportunities for activities like snorkeling and game fishing.

3. Transportation Options:

Private Charter Boats to Barren Island:

• Cost: INR 1,50,000 + taxes (max 8 persons).
  
• Includes: Fishing, snorkelling, and meals.

Shared Trips to Barren Island:

• Scheduled every Tuesday from Havelock Jetty at 5:30 AM.
  
• Cost: INR 25,000 per person, inclusive of activities and meals.

Note: 

• Passenger ferries do not operate to visit Barren Island.
  
• To visit Barren Island Volcano, prior permissions are required from the Department of Fisheries, Police Marine Force, Port Management Board, and Indian Coast Guard. These are typically arranged by day trip providers.
  
• You can also rent a private charter boat to cruise around the dormant volcano on Narcondam Island, which is famous for its endemic bird species like the Narcondam Hornbill.

When Was the Last Time Barren Island Erupted?

Barren Island has erupted more than ten times since its first recorded eruption in 1787. The last eruption began in 2017, making headlines with lava flows and ash emissions from its active vents. The central vent rose dramatically, ejecting bombs and spewing ash clouds into the sky. As hot lava flowed streaming down the slopes, it created a rare and thrilling experience for those who visited Barren Island that time. Periodic explosive activity and bursts from the steam vents near the central vent added to the spectacle, showcasing the power of this unique volcano still erupting today.

Reasons to Visit Barren Island

Barren Island India is where unique biodiversity meets a volcanic Island landscape, attracting both seasoned adventurers and curious travellers. It’s a day trip that ignites curiosity and promises an extraordinary experience. Here are a few reasons why a trip to visit Barren Island is worth a try.

1. Flora and Fauna of Barren Island

Can you imagine living on an Island with an active volcano? It’s not possible, right? Yet there is flora and fauna out there in the middle of nowhere. Believe us, there are groups of feral goats, bird species like pied imperial pigeon, rat species, flying foxes, bats and 51 types of insect species. Few hardy plant species also manage to live on these volcanic island terrains which are the only food source for these animals.

2. Game Fishing

Barren Island in India is the best spot for Game Fishing enthusiasts with some of the best fish worldwide. Like Yellow Fin Tuna, Marlin, Wahoo, and the classic Sail Fish. Game fishing is a top pick, highly recommended, and a super popular activity in the Andaman Islands.

3. Active Volcano

Get a rare and thrilling encounter with the fury of nature at Barren Island, India’s only active volcano. Get a chance to witness the powerful lava flow from the central volcanic cone and the island’s volcanic activity. The last eruption occurred in 2017 with red lava fountains.

4. Unspoiled Beauty

Barren Island India might sound empty, but it’s a hidden beauty with rough, untouched land that meets crystal clear blue seas, creating a unique view you won’t find anywhere. The absence of human habitation allows one to feel nature’s untouched beauty.

5. Geological Wonder

For geological survey, scientists or anyone fascinated by the Earth’s vigorous processes must visit Barren Island. You can witness this volcanic Island filled with rocks, craters, lava flow and an ever-evolving landscape, gaining a perception of the interesting world of geological formations.

6. Marine Life

Barren Island India is isolated from the busy world which offers a unique sense of peacefulness. The waters around Barren Island and its nutrient-rich volcanic soil due to lava flow are the reason for the wonderful marine life. Snorkeling and scuba diving here reveal a vibrant underwater world, with colorful corals, exotic fish, and even the chance to spot giant manta rays and sharks!

Note: Scuba diving and snorkeling require special permission from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Forest Department. This can be arranged through scuba operators or day trip organizers. Feeling confused? Don’t worry, Go2Andaman is here to help! Just reach out to us, and we’ll sort it all out for you.

G2A Tips

1. Plan and book your trip to Barren Island well in advance as this island is remote and has limited accessibility.
2. Pack essentials such as sunscreen, hats, water and snacks.
3. Charter boats can travel at high speed, so It’s advised to take a motion sickness tablet 30 minutes before travel in case you are prone to it.
4. Follow the guidelines provided by the operator of the charter boats.
5. Wear a life jacket throughout the trip to Barren Island if you are a non-swimmer.