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Barren Island holds a rare position among India’s islands—it’s the only active volcano in the country. Just under 3-4 hours away by boat from Havelock, or about 4-5 hours from Port Blair, it stands alone in the Andaman Sea, uninhabited by people yet teeming with remote energy. 

What sets Barren Island apart:

• A volcanic caldera about 2 km wide, rising to roughly 354 m above sea level.
  
  
• rugged coastline of black ash and hardened lava; underwater slopes and dramatic cliffs shaped by past eruptions.
  
  
• sparse terrestrial life—feral goats, bats, rodents, some bird species—but very rich marine ecosystems around its waters. 

This trip is more than a routine island visit. You go because of the volcanic fire, the raw geology, the challenge of game fishing, and the feeling of being somewhere almost wild. It’s an adventure that merges remote wilderness, sea travel, and elements you won’t get on more frequented beaches or tourist spots.

What & Where Is Barren Island

Image reference: https://www.go2andaman.com/barren-island/ 

Here’s the geographical low-down: where this place sits, what it is, and what rules are non-negotiable.

• Location & distance: Approximately 138-140 km northeast of Port Blair. From Havelock Island, the distance is shorter—about 2-3 hours by charter boat. From Port Blair, expect roughly 4-5 hours on sea.  
  
  
• Size & shape: Roughly 3 km across, coastline around 12-13 km, volcanic crater about 2 km in diameter. Elevation: ~354-355 meters above sea level, though much of the structure lies submerged (volcano base goes deep under sea).  
  
  
• Geological status:
  • Only confirmed active volcano in South Asia.
  • Part of a volcanic belt sitting on a subduction zone (tectonic plates) that’s been erupting episodically for centuries; first recorded eruption in 1787, most recent eruptions up through 2022.  

• Terrain: black ash, hardened lava, volcanic rocks, rough shell-coast, dramatic crater rims. Also underwater features shaped by past flows.
  
  

• What you can & can’t do:
  • CAN view the volcano from the sea, circle the island by boat, snorkel/diving from safe distance, game-fishing, enjoy marine wildlife.  

• CAN’T land ashore (unsafe, prohibited).
• CAN’T stay overnight. Day trips only.

 • Restricted area: permits required, clearance from forest or marine authorities. Guided/chartered boats only.  

Getting There & Island-Hopping Logistics

To reach Barren Island, charter boats are the primary mode of transport, departing from either Port Blair or Havelock Island.

• From Port Blair: Approximately 140 km away, the journey takes about 4 to 5 hours one-way.  
  
  
• From Havelock Island: Situated around 100 km away, expect a 2 to 3-hour boat ride.  
  
  

Due to the island's restricted status, these trips are typically organized as full-day excursions, lasting about 8 to 9 hours, including travel time. 

Charter boats generally accommodate up to 8 passengers, offering both shared and private trip options. Shared trips are more economical, with costs around INR 25,000 per person, plus permit fees.  

Important Notes:

No Landing Allowed: Visitors are not permitted to set foot on the island. All activities are conducted from the boat.  

Fishing & Marine Activities on the Trip

Barren Island offers a rich tapestry of marine life and underwater experiences.

Game Fishing:

• Target Species: Anglers can expect to encounter species such as Blue and Black Marlin, Yellowfin Tuna, Dogtooth Tuna, Grouper, Snapper, and Jobfish.  
  
  
• Fishing Techniques: Methods like jigging and popping are popular for targeting these species.  
  
  

Snorkeling & Diving:

• Dive Sites: Notable spots include Purple Haze and Barren Garden. Purple Haze is renowned for its soft purple corals, vibrant marine life, and underwater caves.  
  
  
• Visibility: Expect clear waters with visibility ranging from 25 to 30 meters, offering a pristine view of the underwater ecosystem.  
  
  
• Skill Level: These sites are suitable for confident beginners and advanced divers. However, due to the depth and currents, it's advisable to have prior diving experience.  
  
  

Other Experiences:

• Wildlife Viewing: While the island itself is uninhabited, the surrounding waters are teeming with marine life. Keep an eye out for white-tip reef sharks, turtles, manta rays, and various fish species.  
  
  
• Volcano Sightseeing: From the boat, you can witness the active volcano's plume rising into the sky, offering a unique and awe-inspiring view. 

Boat Charter to Barren Island

Reaching Barren Island requires a private charter, as there are no regular ferry services to this remote destination. Charter boats are available from both Port Blair and Havelock Island, with Havelock offering a shorter travel time of approximately 2–3 hours each way.  

Charter Options:

• Shared Charters: Ideal for solo travelers or small groups looking to share costs. Typically, these charters accommodate up to 8 passengers. The cost is approximately INR 25,000 per person, plus permit fees.
  
  
• Private Charters: Suitable for families or groups seeking an exclusive experience. A private charter for up to 8 people costs around INR 1,50,000, plus permit fees. Additional passengers may incur extra charges.  
  
  

Inclusions:

• Round-trip boat transfer to Barren Island
  
  
• Meals and refreshments onboard
  
  
• Fishing and snorkeling equipment
  
  
• Experienced crew and guides
  
  

Booking Tips:

• It's advisable to book your charter in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons (November to February).
  
  
• Ensure that the charter operator provides all necessary equipment and complies with safety regulations.
  
  
• Confirm the departure time and location, as these can vary depending on the operator.
  
  

Going on a chartered boat trip to Barren Island offers a unique opportunity to witness India's only active volcano and engage in thrilling marine activities. With proper planning and adherence to guidelines, your journey to this remote island will be both memorable and safe.

Charter Costs:

• Shared Trip: Approximately ₹25,000 per person, plus 5% GST. 
  
  
• Private Charter: Around ₹1,50,000 for up to 8 passengers, plus permit fees and taxes.  
  
  

Permits:

• Indian Nationals: ₹1000 per person.
  
  
• Foreign Nationals: ₹2,500 per person.
  
  

These permits are typically arranged by the charter operator, but it's advisable to confirm in advance.

Best Time to Visit:

• October to March: Ideal for visiting Barren Island. The weather is pleasant, and sea conditions are calm, making it suitable for water activities.
  
  
• April to May: Shoulder season with fewer crowds. Sea conditions remain favorable for marine activities.  
  
  
• June to September: Monsoon season. Rough seas and heavy rainfall make travel to Barren Island risky and are generally not recommended.  
  
  

Packing Essentials:

• Sun Protection: High-SPF sunscreen (SPF 50+), wide-brimmed hat, polarized sunglasses.
  
  
• Motion Sickness: Anti-nausea medication, especially if you're prone to seasickness.
  
  
• Swimwear: Swimsuits and cover-ups for water activities.  
  
  
• Waterproof Gear: Dry bags or waterproof pouches for electronics and valuables.  
  
  
• Hydration: Reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.  

Game Fishing

Game fishing around Barren Island is a calling for those drawn to sea, strength, and open water. Waters off Barren are deeply rich, shaped by volcanic terrain and strong currents—exactly the conditions that attract big fish capable of giving you a fight.

What you’ll encounter:

• Species frequently caught here include yellowfin tuna, dogtooth tuna, blue and black marlins, sailfish, dorado, giant trevally (GT), and sometimes wahoo.  
  
  
• The sea around Barren acts like a “cleaning station,” which tends to pull in large pelagic fish. Guides know where to take you so you’re not drifting around in vain.
  
  

How it works:

• Boats leave from Havelock or Port Blair. Private charters are common; up to 8 people. All gear (rods, bait, tackle) is provided.  
  
  
• Trip Packages tend to be one-day fishing trips. You’ll also often get meals, bottled water, guides, sometimes snorkeling in the same trip.
  
  

Best time & techniques:

• Best season: October through May, when seas are calmer. Monsoon season (June-August) usually shuts things down for safety.  
  
  
• Fishing methods include trolling, popping, jigging. Different species respond to different styles. Guides tend to use what works best locally based on sea conditions.  
  
  

What to expect :

• Big distances by sea—expect several hours just in transit before you can fish.
  
  
• It’s possible you won’t catch fish every time. Currents, weather, fish behaviour—all unpredictable. But even “just fishing” out there with a great view counts.

⚠️ What to Watch Out For (Challenges & Real-Talk)

Sea Conditions & Weather:

• Unpredictable Weather: The Andaman Sea can be unpredictable. Sudden changes in weather can affect visibility and sea conditions.  
  
  
• Monsoon Risks: During the monsoon season (June to September), rough seas and heavy rainfall make travel to Barren Island risky.  

Travel Time vs. Activity Time:

• Long Journeys: Expect 2–3 hours of travel each way from Havelock Island, totaling 4–6 hours of transit time. This leaves limited time for activities on the island.
  
  
• Day Trip Only: No overnight stays are allowed on Barren Island. All activities are conducted during the day.
  
  

Operator Reliability & Safety:

• Choose Reputable Operators: Ensure the charter operator is licensed and follows safety protocols.
  
  
• Safety Measures: Check that the boat is equipped with life jackets, first aid kits, and other safety equipment.
  
  
• Weather Monitoring: Operators should monitor weather conditions and have contingency plans in place.

Environmental Responsibility:

• No Landing Policy: Respect the restriction on landing on the island to protect its delicate ecosystem.
  
  
• Waste Management: Carry out all waste; no littering allowed to maintain the pristine environment.
  
  
• Permit Compliance: Ensure all necessary permits are obtained to avoid legal issues and support conservation efforts.

Conclusion

Is the Trip Worth It?

• For Adventure Seekers: Absolutely; offers unique experiences like witnessing an active volcano and engaging in game fishing.
  
  
• For Nature Enthusiasts: Ideal for those interested in marine life and pristine environments.
  
  

Balancing Adventure & Limitations:

• Preparation is Key: Plan ahead to maximize the limited time available.
  
  
• Respect Regulations: Adhere to all guidelines to preserve the island's ecosystem.