Barren Island is located in the Andaman Sea, around 140 kilometres northeast of Port Blair. It is also India's only active volcano and is a sight to behold. Barren Island is known for its stark landscape and crystal-clear waters. Though setting foot on the island is prohibited, you can enjoy its beauty from a boat or seaplane. The surrounding ocean waters are an adventurer’s paradise. Here, divers can witness a world of unique lava formations and vibrant marine life. This makes Barren Island a premier destination for underwater explorations.
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Barren Island is nestled in the Andaman Sea. It is home to South Asia's only confirmed active volcano. It is situated about 140 kilometres northeast of Port Blair. The island offers a fascinating glimpse into nature's glory. The volcano here has a long history of eruptions. It first erupted in 1787, with the latest activity recorded in 2017 and 2018. The island is also famous for its barren landscapes and remains uninhabited. This adds to its charm, making it a popular destination for adventurers and nature lovers alike.
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Barren Island, with its secluded charm and volcanic nature, offers an adventure like no other. Being surrounded by the clear and warm waters of the Andaman Sea, the island is an excellent spot to witness different marine life. Here, you can find manta rays, coral gardens, and unique basalt formations, making it a great spot for scuba diving. The contrast of the island's black sandy beaches against the blue sea adds a dramatic touch to its beauty. The island is accessible only by boat or seaplane, with necessary permits. However, a visit to Barren Island is definitely worth it, offering a rare chance to nature in its most raw form. Barren Island is a huge reminder of nature's ability to create and destroy. it also offers a unique glimpse into the planet's natural processes.
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Highlights
• Witness the beauty of Barren Island, the only active volcano in South Asia, located in the Andaman Sea.
• Observe the rare animals that live on the island, including feral goats and flying foxes.
• Dive into clear waters to see underwater lava formations, manta rays, and coral gardens.
• Feel the thrill of fishing in the surrounding waters, famous for their rich marine life and game fish.
• Capture the beauty of black sandy beaches and the dramatic landscape shaped by volcanic activity over time.
• Experience Barren Island's remote and untouched natural beauty from the safety of a boat.
How To Reach
By Boat
The most common way to visit Barren Island is by chartering a boat from Port Blair. The distance between the two places is 140 kilometres. This can be arranged through local tour operators. The boat trip from Port Blair to Barren Island takes about 4 to 5 hours. Keep in mind that you cannot step foot on Barren Island due to safety regulations around the active volcano. However, you can get close enough to see the volcano from the boat.
By Seaplane
A seaplane service from Port Blair to Barren Island offers a faster alternative to boats. It also provides aerial views of the Andaman Sea and the volcanic island. This option significantly reduces travel time and provides a unique vantage point to see the island from above.
Best Time To Visit
Barren Island is a fascinating destination open for visits year-round. Each season offers a unique experience of the island and its unique landscape.
Best Season
The best time to visit Barren Island is from November to February. The cool weather and calm seas during this time are perfect for boat rides and offer clear views of the volcano.
Best Day
Weekdays are typically less crowded. They offer a more personal experience with nature’s marvels. It is easier to enjoy the island’s offerings without the weekend rush.
Best Time of the Day
To visit Barren Island, you must leave during the early morning hours. In addition to enjoying the sunrise, you can also witness spectacular views of the volcano during this time.
Other Essential Information
Tips for visiting Barren Island
1. Obtain a permit from the Andaman and Nicobar administration to visit.
2. Always stay with your guide and follow safety protocols near the volcano.
3. Pack water, snacks, sunscreen, and hats, as facilities are limited.
4. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for boat rides and potential treks.
5. Understand that landing on the island may not be allowed.
Witness the Live Volcano
From the safety of your boat, gaze upon the Barren Island volcano. It is South Asia's sole confirmed active volcano. The view of emerging smoke and occasional lava flows presents a rare spectacle. This encounter with such a grand natural wonder is thrilling and also serves as a huge reminder of the earth's power and beauty. This unforgettable experience also lets you observe geological history in the making.
Enjoy Scuba Diving
Explore the underwater world near Barren Island, which ranks as a top scuba diving spot. Dive into the clear waters of the Andaman Sea during your visit to the island. Here, you will see fascinating lava formations, vibrant corals, and diverse marine life. During your dive, you may even see manta rays, whitetip and blacktip reef sharks as well as sea turtles here. The underwater landscape here has been shaped by years of volcanic activity. It also presents a sight of immense beauty. It also gives you a chance to see basalt formations and rapidly growing coral gardens.
Enjoy a Seaplane Ride
Take off on a seaplane for a bird's eye view of Barren Island. From above, the sight of the smoke from the volcano’s crater surrounded by the deep blue sea is unforgettable. As you enjoy the views of the island, you can also witness the contrast it is famous for. The barren volcanic land here stands out among the surrounding green islands in the Andaman Sea. This aerial perspective highlights the isolation and raw beauty of Barren Island. It also offers a once-in-a-lifetime glimpse into the heart of an active volcano.
Go Game Fishing
Experience the thrill of game fishing in the waters around Barren Island. The sea here is home to a rich variety of big game fish, including sailfish, black and blue marlins and dorado fish. Whether you are a seasoned angler or a first-timer, the excitement of reeling in a big catch here is unforgettable. The pristine waters here are abundant with marine life. They also offer a challenging and rewarding experience for fishing enthusiasts.
Indulge in a Snorkelling Adventure
Put on your snorkel gear and glide over the shallow coral reefs near Barren Island. The crystal-clear waters offer visibility of the vibrant underwater life that thrives here. As you snorkel, you can witness the sunlight filter through the water onto the colourful corals, which is a serene experience. With schools of fish swimming around you, you can also catch sights of different marine species. Some of these include barracudas, white-tip sharks, and snappers. This activity also offers you a glimpse into the hidden wonders of the Andaman Sea.
Tourism Board Alliances
Barren Island FAQs
How do I get to Barren Island?
The Barren Island is located about 140 km from Port Blair and the nearest inhabited island to it is Havelock. The only two ways to arrive here is either by boat or by a seaplane, with the former available from Havelock and the latter taking you to Barren Island from Port Blair.
Is Barren Island an active volcano?
Yes. Barren Island is located on the junction of Indian and Burmese Tectonic plates. It is also located on a chain of volcanoes that runs from Sumatra to Burma. Also, the Barren Volcano is not just the only active volcano in India but is also the only active volcano in entire Southern Asia.
How many times has Barren Island erupted?
The exact number of eruptions cannot be discerned as the volcano is calculated to be about as old as 1.8 million years. However, in the recorded history, the volcano has erupted for a total 10 times, with the first one happening in the year 1787.
What type of volcano is Barren Island?
Barren Island is an active type of Stratovolcano. It has an active polygenetic cinder cone with a caldera that is as wide as about 2 km. The walls of the caldera are as high as 250 m to 350 m, with one side opening to the sea. This opening was created due to a major blast sometime in history.
When did Barren Island volcano erupt last?
The last news of an eruption on Barren Island came out in the month of October of the year 2018, giving rise to a steady outflow of lava from the top, making for a great opportunity of tourism in the area.
Can we visit Barren Island?
If you want to know whether you can set foot on the island, the answer is no. This is because the government does not issue permits for even researchers to go there, let alone civilians. However, you can take a ferry to the island which will take 3 rounds of the perimeter and bring you back, or take a seaplane for an amazing aerial view.
What can we expect while visiting Barren Island?
One can expect a lot depending on the purpose of the visit. If you are on a boat or ferry, you will see a most probably smoking mountain with small hills around, some vegetation, black sandy beaches and occasional sightings of the goats who live here. While flying overhead, you will see a wide caldera, most probably a smoking top, and a mesmerizing island. If you are visiting here for Scuba Diving, you will see natural formations of lava flow underwater, manta rays, corals and anemones.
Is Barren Island dangerous to visit?
Yes, absolutely. Do not forget that this place is home to an active volcano and is as dangerous as it gets. You can watch from a safe distance in your boat, but it is definitely not a good choice to set foot on the island.
Barren Island Reviews
