Barren Island in Andaman: Trip to India’s Only Active Volcano
Have you heard about Barren Island? Because if you haven’t, you’re in for a treat.
The chain of volcanoes that strings from Sumatra to Myanmar, has dropped in our backyard a lovely little geographical wonder that’s just magnifique!
Barren Island is a wild spot in Andaman & Nicobar Islands.. As the name suggests it is an uninhabited Island and also prohibited from setting foot on, for pretty valid safety reasons – active volcano, hot lava and all that jazz.
If you are wondering about the barren Island located in which part of Andaman, it’s about 140 km northeast of Port Blair.
Reasons to Visit Barren Island
Barren Island in India is where unique biodiversity meets a volcanic landscape, attracting both seasoned adventurers and curious travelers. It’s a day trip that ignites curiosity and promises an extraordinary experience. Here are a few reasons why a trip to Barren Island is worth a try.
Game Fishing
Barren Island 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 Andamans.
Active Volcano
Get a rare and thrilling encounter with the fury of nature at Barren Island, India’s only active volcano. Barren Island last eruption took place on 2017 .
Flora and Fauna of Barren Island
Can You imagine living on an Island with an active Volcano? It’s not possible right! Believe me, there are groups of goats, birds, flying foxes, and bats. Few hardy plant species manage to live on these volcanic terrains which are the only food source for these animals.
Birds and bats can fly there, wondering how goats find their way to this barren island?
The answer lies in the winds of ancient times and the unforgiving seas that once tossed a merchant ship off course.
In an era long past, a merchant ship sailing to other countries got stuck in a heavy storm and wrecked near the barren island, among the cargo were not just treasures and wares but also living beings, animals meant for trade and provision for the sailors on their difficult journey. some of the animals including goats swam towards the barren island, seeking refuge from the storm that had claimed their vessel, against all odds, they reached the forlorn shores and set hooves on the rugged terrain, from then till now scarcity of drinking water and the challenge of finding nourishment from the rugged vegetation became their daily struggle. Yet, these tough animals adapted and thrived in their new home, carving out a survival story middle of the unforgiving landscape.
It reminds us that ‘one can bloom, no matter how hard life was’.
Unspoiled Beauty
Barren Island in Andaman 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.
Marine Life
Barren Island in Andaman is isolated from the busy world which offers a unique sense of peacefulness. The waters around Barren Island and its nutrient-rich volcanic soil are the reason for the wonderful marine life. Snorkeling and diving with special permission here reveal a vibrant underwater world, with colorful corals, exotic fish, and even the chance to spot giant manta rays and sharks!
Geological Wonder
For geology scientists or anyone fascinated by the Earth’s vigorous processes, Barren Island is a must-visit. You can witness the island’s volcanic rocks, craters, and ever-evolving landscape, gaining a perception of the interesting world of geological formations.
How to Reach Barren Island?
Unlike the majority of islands in the Andamans, which are conveniently clustered, Barren Island poses a more remote challenge, requiring approximately 4-5 hours of travel from Port Blair.
As a result, passenger ferries don’t reach Barren Island. However, the only option to visit Barren Island is chartering a boat, with departures available not only from Port Blair but also exclusively from Havelock Island, which is closer to the volcanic site and shortens the travel time to approximately 2-3 hours. These charter boats typically accommodate up to 8 people, making it an ideal option for group travel with friends and family.
The cost of traveling to Barren Island volcano by boat is around INR 25,000 per person inclusive of taxes, which includes the price of all activities like fishing and snorkeling that you’ll be doing around Barren Island. Your meals are also included in the package.
Please note that shared trips to Barren Island are scheduled every Tuesday from Havelock Island. The charges are Rs.25000 per person. The trip starts at 5.30 am from Havelock jetty.
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Duration: Full-day Trip
Cost: Full Trip- INR 150000 + taxes (8 persons max)
Shared Trip: INR 25000/- per person.
G2A Tips
- Plan and book your trip well in advance as this island is remote and has limited accessibility.
- Pack essentials such as sunscreen, hats, water and snacks.
- It’s advised to take a motion sickness tablet 30 minutes before boat travel in case you are prone to it.
- Follow the guidelines provided by the boat operator.
- Wear a life jacket throughout the trip if you are a non-swimmer.
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The kayaking experience was super fun and knowledgeable. Mr.Ali was very friendly and ensured we had a clam and a relaxing paddling experience and enriched us with facts about mangrove trees, it’s ecosystem and Abadman islands and clicked some cool pics 🙂
Ross Island is ideally a two part trip, the morning to evening portion includes going around the island looking at the ruins from the era of the British and Japanese rule. the late evening portion includes a spectacular sound, light & video show (yes you read it correctly!!) which has been created specially for Ross island by Revathi (the actress)
This is a over hyped, and not worth the time and money spent to reach here. It used to be called the “Paris of the East” when the British settled here. But everything is destroyed now.
The only good place here is a beach that is on the other side. You will need to climb down and up a lot of steps to get there.
It was a perfect location for family fun, the erstwhile Ross Island has all the history of a mini Paris, albeit at the cost of all Indian labour and is an example of the British opulence over poverty stricken India. Perfect for taking pics and the picturesque light house was delightful. We took the buggy as we were a large family with kids. There are deer and peacocks too.