Barren Island
Barren Island is situated in the Andaman Sea and lies about 138 km (86 mi) northeast of the territory's capital, Port Blair. It is the only active volcano along the chain from Sumatra to Myanmar and also the only active volcano in India. Barren Island is a part of the Indian Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands and is well known as a submarine emergent volcano, which lies above the subduction zone of India and the Burmese plate.
Barren Island Andaman Trip
The island is uninhabited by humans, though it has a small population of goats, birds, bats like flying foxes, and a few rodent species such as rats. Barren Island comes under a restricted zone, and special permits are required to visit. Landing on the island is not permitted, and no night stay is allowed. Tourists generally travel via ships and experience the island from the sea.
Trip Options and Costs
There are two types of trips available to Barren Island:
Private Charter: A full boat rental for a private group.
Departure: 5 AM from Havelock Jetty
Travel Time: 3 Hours
Total Trip Duration: 10 Hours
Includes: Boat trip, breakfast, lunch, refreshments, fishing & snorkeling kit
Cost: ₹1,50,000 + 5% GST for up to 8 people (₹15,000 per extra person)
Permit Charges: ₹500 for Indians, ₹2500 for Foreigners
Shared Trip: Operates every Tuesday from Havelock Island.
Same itinerary as private charter
Cost: ₹25,000 + 5% GST per person
Permit Charges: ₹500 for Indians, ₹2500 for Foreigners
Activities Around Barren Island
Visitors can enjoy fishing, snorkeling, and scuba diving while on the trip. Advanced scuba divers visit Barren Island for deep-sea diving. The surrounding waters have fascinating basalt formations, past lava flows, and vibrant coral gardens.
About the Boat
The MFV Caiman is a luxury boat for the trip, equipped with life jackets, a fire extinguisher, a VHF communicator, GPS, a first aid box, a cockpit cabin, and a toilet. It has 6 double sofa sets and an 800-litre fuel tank.
Geography and Biodiversity
Barren Island has a diameter of just 3 km, with a 2 km-wide caldera rising 354 meters above sea level. Due to past eruptions, the number of bird species has reduced, with the Pied Imperial Pigeon being the most abundant.
Volcanic Activity
Barren Island has erupted multiple times, with the latest activity recorded in 2018. However, its eruptions have remained low on the Volcanic Explosivity Index, making it a fascinating but relatively safe destination to observe from a distance.
Other Volcanic Islands in Andaman
Narcondam Island: A dormant volcano and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to the Narcondam Hornbill.
Baratang Island: Known for its mud volcanoes, attracting tourists year-round.
Those looking for offbeat experiences in Andaman should consider visiting Barren Island along with Long Island and Little Andaman.
