“India’s Only Active Volcano – Witness the Wonder.”
Barren Island is one of the most unique and adventurous trips in the Andaman Islands, offering a rare chance to witness India’s only active volcano
Location & Overview
- Barren Island lies about 140 km northeast of Port Blair in the Andaman Sea.
- It is the only active volcano in India and South Asia, with eruptions recorded intermittently since 1787, the last major one in 2017.
- The island is uninhabited due to its harsh volcanic conditions.
Volcano Highlights
- The volcano rises 354 meters above sea level, with most of its structure submerged (over 2,250 meters deep).
- Features a 2 km wide crater with black lava rocks and ash‑covered landscapes.
- Visitors often witness smoke plumes or glowing lava flows depending on volcanic activity.
- Surrounding waters host rapidly growing coral reefs, making it a hotspot for marine biodiversity
Experience & Activities
- Scenic Cruising: Circle the island to view the volcanic cone and rugged terrain.
- Snorkeling & Scuba Diving: The waters around Barren Island are considered among the best dive sites in Asia, with untouched corals and vibrant marine life.
- Adventure Appeal: Rare opportunity to see an active volcano while enjoying pristine underwater ecosystems.
Schedule & Timings
- Day Trips Only – Visitors cannot stay overnight.
- Trips usually start early morning (around 4:00–5:00 AM) from Port Blair or Havelock Island.
- Travel Duration: 4–5 hours by charter boat or yacht or Govt. Heritage Cruise
Note: Landing on the island is generally not allowed; trips are conducted around the island by boat
FOR CHARTER BOAT [PRIVATE]
How to Reach
- Private Charter Boat (MFV Caiman) only
- From Port Blair: 4–5 hours by sea.
- From Havelock (Swaraj Dweep): 2–3 hours by sea.
- Boat capacity: 7–8 passengers.
Ticket & Permit Costs
- Charter Cost: ₹1,50,000 – ₹1,70,000 per trip (shareable among group).
- Permit Charges:
- ₹500 for Indian citizens
- ₹2,500 for foreign nationals
Activities Onboard
- Game Fishing – guided techniques like popping, jigging, trolling.
- Snorkelling – explore reef sharks, manta rays, and vibrant corals.
- Scuba Diving – advanced divers only; sites like Purple Haze & Barren Garden.
- Meals & Drinks – packed breakfast, lunch, and refreshments provided.
Important Notes
- No landing allowed – visitors cannot walk on the island.
- Day trip only – minimum 10 hours including travel.
- Best in groups – share costs and enjoy together.
- Optional: Seaplane tour from Port Blair for aerial views. [NOT OPERATIONAL]
VISITING THROUGH GOVT.CRUISE
Overview
- Organized by the Directorate of Shipping Services (DSS) as part of its tourism initiatives.
- Marketed under the “Dweep Darshan” Heritage Harbour Cruise program, blending scenic beauty with historical storytelling.
- Designed to complement the popular Barren Island Volcano Cruise, giving visitors both natural wonder and cultural context
Experience Highlights
- Scenic Voyage: Cruise through the harbour and surrounding waters en route to Barren Island.
- Volcano Views: Witness the dramatic silhouette of India’s only active volcano from the sea.
- Heritage Narration: Onboard storytelling about the islands’ colonial history and freedom movement.
- Comfortable Journey: Government‑operated vessel with seating, safety protocols, and guided commentary.
TICKET PRICE
- Generally, start from 3500 to 8500.
- Ticket Fare depends upon class you choose like
- Coral Suite- Top Most Class
- Reef Suite- Second Top Class
- Island Breeze – Third Top Class
- Lagoon – Lower Class
Important Notes
- Permits: Required for visiting restricted areas; DSS manages permissions for passengers.
- No Landing: Visitors are not allowed to set foot on Barren Island; views are from the vessel.
- Weather Dependency: Sailings subject to sea conditions and volcanic activity.
- Best Season: October to March for calm seas and clear visibility.