Barren Island
Barren Island – India’s Only Active Volcano
📍 HIGHLIGHTS
- 🌋 Destination: Barren Island, India’s Only Active Volcano
- 📏 Distance from Port Blair: ~138 KM
- ⛵ Transportation: By Chartered Boat
- 💰 Chartered Boat Cost: ₹25,000 per person
- ⏳ Trip Duration: 10 to 12 Hours
- 🔥 Major Attraction: Witness occasional volcanic eruptions
- 🎣 Activities: Game Fishing, Photography
- ⚠️ Caution: Unpredictable volcanic eruptions
Barren Island – India’s Only Active Volcano
About Barren Island
Barren Island, located 138 km northeast of Port Blair, is India’s only active volcano and the only one in South Asia. It rises 354 meters above sea level and has a 2 km-wide caldera formed by previous eruptions. The island is uninhabited, with only a few species of birds, bats, and rodents surviving its harsh conditions.
Visitors are not allowed to land on the island, but they can witness its smoking crater, lava formations, and marine biodiversity through boat tours. Scuba diving, sports fishing, and snorkeling are popular activities near the island’s volcanic reef.
Best Time to Visit Barren Island
- October to April – Best season with calm waters and pleasant weather.
- Avoid Monsoons (May to September) – Rough seas make boat trips difficult.
How to Reach Barren Island
- By Sea: Private chartered boats and live-aboard ships operate from Havelock and Port Blair.
- Permits: Special permission from the Forest Department is required.
- No Landing Allowed: Tours are boat-only, with no stops on the island
Things to Do at Barren Island
✅ Scuba Diving – Explore unique basalt formations and coral gardens.
✅ Sports Fishing – Catch giant trevally, tuna, and barracuda.
✅ Snorkeling – Observe thriving marine life near volcanic reefs.
✅ Boat Cruising – Witness volcanic smoke, past lava flows, and rugged landscapes.
Travel Tips for Visiting Barren Island
✅ Do’s
✔ Obtain Required Permits – Special permission from the Forest Department is mandatory.
✔ Book a Chartered Boat – Only authorized boats and live-aboard cruises can take you close to the island.
✔ Carry Essentials – Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, and motion sickness tablets for the boat ride.
✔ Follow Safety Instructions – Listen to your guide and boat crew for a safe trip.
✔ Respect Marine Life – Maintain a safe distance from corals and marine creatures while diving or snorkeling.
❌ Don’ts
❌ No Landing on the Island – Stepping on Barren Island is strictly prohibited. All tours are boat-based.
❌ Avoid Touching Corals – Coral reefs are fragile; do not touch, step on, or break them.
❌ No Littering – Keep the ocean clean; dispose of waste responsibly.
❌ Do Not Feed Wildlife – It disrupts the natural ecosystem.
❌ Avoid Monsoon Travel – The sea can be rough and unsafe from May to September.
Follow these tips for a safe and memorable visit to Barren Island! 🌋🚤
Frequently
Asked Questions
Visiting Barren Island is generally safe as long as you follow the safety guidelines and precautions set by the tour operators. However, due to the unpredictability of volcanic activity, it is important to check the current situation and weather conditions before planning a trip.
Yes, you need a permit to visit Barren Island which can be obtained through a registered tour operator. The permit is issued by the Forest Department of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
The best time to visit Barren Island is between November and February when the weather is pleasant and the sea is calm. However, it is important to check the weather conditions and volcanic activity before planning a trip.
You should pack light and comfortable clothing, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, insect repellent, a camera, and a waterproof bag for your belongings. It is also important to carry a valid ID proof and your permit for the trip.
No, swimming or snorkeling near Barren Island is not allowed due to the presence of active underwater volcanic vents which can cause sudden and dangerous changes in the water temperature and pH level.
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