Barren Island is one of the most mysterious and thrilling destinations in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Located in the Andaman Sea, this island is home to India’s only active volcano. Not only that, but it’s also the only confirmed active volcano in South Asia.

Although few people have heard of it, Barren Island is slowly gaining recognition among travelers, nature enthusiasts, and especially scuba divers. The island offers a rare opportunity to witness a living, breathing volcano — safely from a distance. So, if you’re planning a trip to the Andaman Islands and want to experience something extraordinary, this guide is for you.

In this blog post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Barren Island — from its volcanic activity and how to visit, to scuba diving opportunities and expert tips. Let’s get started!

Table of Contents

What Makes Barren Island So Special?

Barren Island is not just another remote island. It’s one of the most unique places in India. Why? Because it’s the only place in the country where you can witness an actual volcano — one that erupts smoke, ash, and lava.

That’s right. This volcano is alive. While it’s not erupting continuously, it shows signs of activity every few years. This makes it one of the few active volcanoes in Asia and a geological marvel.

Moreover, the island itself is uninhabited. No humans live there. The landscape is harsh and rugged, filled with solidified lava, black sand, and dramatic cliffs. Yet, despite its name, the area around Barren Island is full of life — especially underwater.

Where Is Barren Island Located?

Barren Island lies about 135 km northeast of Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It’s also around 70–75 km from Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep). The island is roughly circular in shape. It stretches about 3 km in diameter and features a central crater about 1 km wide. The volcano rises about 354 meters above sea level. It sits along a tectonic belt known as the Sunda Arc, which is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire. That’s why volcanic activity here is not surprising. What’s amazing, though, is that such a rare site exists in Indian territory.

A Brief History of the Volcano

The first recorded eruption of Barren Island dates back to 1787. Since then, it has erupted multiple times. Most of these eruptions were minor. However, they were still powerful enough to send ash clouds into the sky and lava flowing into the sea. Here’s a timeline of recent eruptions:

  • 1991: Major eruption after nearly 200 years of silence.
  • 1994–1995: Series of small eruptions and seismic activity.
  • 2005–2007: Lava flowed into the sea, forming new rock formations.
  • 2017–2018: Last recorded volcanic activity with smoke and lava visible from nearby boats.

Although it’s active, the volcano remains relatively safe for offshore visits. Scientists continue to monitor it, but it poses no immediate danger to tourists who maintain the required distance.

How to Visit Barren Island

Now that we’ve covered what makes Barren Island special, let’s talk about how you can actually visit it. While you cannot land on the island, you can still experience it from the sea or air. Here are the main ways to visit:

1. Chartered Boat from Port Blair

Private boats can be chartered from Port Blair. The journey takes 2 to 4 hours one way. It’s long, but worth it. You’ll need to start early in the morning. These boats take you close enough to see the volcano but maintain a safe distance.

2. Diving Liveaboards from Havelock

If you’re a certified diver, this is the most thrilling way to experience Barren Island. Dive centers at Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) organize multi-day dive trips. These trips allow you to dive near the island in specially designated spots.

3. Seaplane Tours

Occasionally, the government arranges seaplane tours from Port Blair. These are quick and scenic. However, availability is rare and seasonal.

Permits and Rules

Since Barren Island is an ecologically sensitive and restricted area, you’ll need official permission to visit.

Indian Nationals

  • Need permits from the Forest Department and Coast Guard.
  • Usually handled by your tour or dive operator.

Foreign Nationals

  • Require a Restricted Area Permit (RAP).
  • Also need separate permissions for boat or dive travel.

Important to note: no one is allowed to step foot on the island. You can only view it from a safe distance — typically about 1 nautical mile offshore.

Scuba Diving and Marine Life

Many visitors consider Barren Island one of the top diving sites in India — even the world. Why? Because the marine ecosystem here is untouched, unspoiled, and incredibly diverse. The underwater visibility is excellent — sometimes up to 40 meters. Lava rock formations create dramatic seascapes. Coral reefs thrive here, and marine life is abundant.

What Can You See?

  • Giant manta rays
  • Reef sharks
  • Napoleon wrasse
  • Schooling barracuda
  • Tuna, trevally, and snapper
  • Colorful nudibranchs and reef fish

It’s a dream location for underwater photographers and marine biologists alike.

Top Dive Sites Near Barren Island

  • Purple Haze – Vibrant soft corals and volcanic rock slopes.
  • Barren Garden – Great for reef exploration.
  • Manta Point – Excellent chance to see rays.

All diving around Barren Island is deep, technical, and best suited for advanced or certified divers. Most dives go beyond 20–30 meters.

Best Time to Visit

Timing is everything, especially when you’re dealing with the sea and an active volcano. The best time to visit Barren Island is from November to February. During this time, the weather is calm, the seas are smoother, and visibility is perfect for diving. Monsoon season (June–September) is not recommended. Boat travel is often canceled due to rough conditions, and visibility drops significantly underwater.

Travel Tips and Safety

  • Book your trip with a licensed tour operator or dive center.
  • Start your journey early — the trip can take 12+ hours round trip.
  • Bring seasickness tablets, especially if you’re not used to boat travel.
  • Carry snacks, water, and sunscreen — there are no facilities near the island.
  • Respect all safety guidelines and don’t attempt to go beyond the permitted zone.
  • Use dry bags to protect your electronics from splashes.

Nearby Attractions

While Barren Island is a highlight in itself, you can pair your trip with other Andaman attractions:

  • Havelock Island – White sandy beaches, luxury resorts, and water sports.
  • Neil Island – Quiet and peaceful; perfect for a relaxed getaway.
  • Port Blair – Explore the Cellular Jail, Ross Island, and local markets.
  • North Bay Island – Ideal for beginner-level snorkeling and glass-bottom boat rides.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can tourists land on Barren Island?

No. Visitors are only allowed to stay offshore. Landing is strictly prohibited.

Is the volcano currently active?

Yes, Barren Island is considered active, though it erupts periodically. The last known activity was in 2018.

Is it safe to visit Barren Island?

Yes, as long as you follow the rules and stay within the permitted zone.

Can beginners go scuba diving here?

No. Diving around Barren Island is for advanced divers only.

How can I get a permit?

Your tour or dive operator will usually arrange it for you.

Few places in the world offer the raw, untouched beauty that Barren Island does. It’s not a luxury destination. Nor is it a typical beach spot. But it’s real. It’s rare. And it’s unforgettable. Whether you’re a nature lover, diver, or thrill-seeker, Barren Island will leave you in awe. So, if you’re planning a trip to the Andaman Islands, make sure this extraordinary volcano is on your list.

Need help planning your Andaman trip? Contact our team at Andaman Tour DMC for customized packages and guided tours to Barren Island and beyond.

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