When you think of the Andaman Islands, you usually picture white?sand beaches, palm trees, turquoise seas and gentle waves. But just beyond that classic postcard scene lies a dramatic and remote destination: Barren Island. This small, uninhabited island is home to the only confirmed active volcano in India and South Asia.
Why Visit Barren Island?
- The island houses India’s only active volcano – the stratovolcano rises 354 m above sea level and sits in the Andaman Sea.
- Its remote location means very limited human impact; you won’t find resorts or hotels.
- The marine life around the island is remarkable—clear waters, black-sand volcanic slopes, lava formations underwater, dramatic topography for snorkelling and scuba diving.
- It’s a unique day-trip experience from the main Andaman hubs if you’re looking for something beyond the usual beach.
- For nature lovers, adventure travellers, scuba divers, and photography enthusiasts, Barren Island offers a rare mix of volcano meets coral reef.
Practical Essentials
Before you go, here are key practical points to know:
Permit & Landing Rules
- Landing on Barren Island is not allowed for tourists — you can only cruise around it by boat.
- A special permit is required from the Forest Department and other authorities but not applicable for tourists.
- You cannot … stay at Barren Island …because of safety concerns.
Best Time to Visit
- The ideal season is November to March (or up to April) when seas are calmer and visibility is better.
- Monsoon months (May-Sept) bring rough seas and low visibility—make sure the weather is favourable.
Check out our blog – Best Time to visit Andaman Islands for a yacht Holiday
Travel Time
- From Port Blair: approx. 140 km and around 4–5 hours by charter boat.
- From Havelock Island: around 100 km, approx. 2–3 hours depending on the sea.
Activities
- Snorkelling and scuba diving near the island: There are several dive sites like Purple Haze, Manta Point and Barren Garden.
- Game fishing: Waters around the island are prized for tunas, marlins and other big species.
- Boat cruise and volcano-viewing: simply being near the smoking crater and volcanic scenery is powerful.
Cost Estimate
- As a benchmark, charter boat day-trips can cost from ~INR 25,000 per person upwards, depending on group size, boat class and extras.
Barren Island from Port Blair
Starting from the capital, Port Blair, this route is common for those staying or using Port Blair as a base. Here’s what you need to know:
- Departure early morning from Port Blair jetty towards Barren Island is essential to make the day-trip.
- The distance is about 140 km; travel time ~4-5 hours each way. Andaman Island Travels+1
- You’ll cruise along remote seas, get the volcanic island in view, anchor nearby for snorkelling/diving/fishing, then return to Port Blair by evening.
- Ideal for travellers who want convenience (stay in Port Blair) and still want the volcano experience.
- Remember: only boat-approach allowed; no landing on the island.
- Because of journey time, you’ll spend a full day onboard.
Tips for this route:
- Use a reputable charter service rather than relying on regular ferries (none go to Barren).
- Ask for safety equipment, life jackets, briefing on sea-conditions.
- Consider seasickness medication if you’re prone—long open-sea ride.
- Choose early November-April season for best chance of calm travel.
Barren Island from Havelock
If you’re staying on Havelock Island (also known as Swaraj Dweep) or planning to base yourself there, this route is a smart alternative—shorter distance, and comparatively less travel time.
- From Havelock, the distance to Barren Island is about 100 km; time is roughly 2-3 hours in a good charter boat.
- Because the journey is shorter, you maximise your time near Barren Island for activities instead of transit.
- Ideal for travellers combining beach-and-relaxation on Havelock with a high-adventure day trip to Barren.
- Many charter operators based in Havelock can include Barren Island in their schedule.
Tips for this route:
- Choose your boat carefully—speed, comfort and safety matter more when venturing far.
- Start early morning to ensure reaching, exploring, and return before seas pick up.
- Consider grouping with friends to share charter cost and access better boats.
- Carry snorkelling/scuba gear if you plan underwater activities.
- Weather/depth visibility is better in early morning; plan for that.
Barren Island from Neil Island
For travellers staying or ferrying through Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep), visiting Barren Island is less common but entirely feasible with the right charter. Here’s how to do it:
- Although there are fewer charter options specifically from Neil Island, you can arrange a bespoke boat transfer that includes Neil ? Barren Island ? return or via Havelock/Port Blair.
- Travel times may vary depending on boat speed and sea-conditions; plan for a full day or even early start to make the round trip comfortable.
- This option is good for travellers wanting to explore Neil Island’s calm vibe and then add in the volcano trip without staying again in Port Blair/Havelock.
Tips for Neil-based travellers:
- Confirm charter includes pickup from Neil Island and allows the full day excursion.
- Be aware that charter cost may be higher because of custom routing.
- Ensure communication about return timing, sea-conditions and crew’s local experience.
- For best seas, plan in the peak season window (Nov–Apr) and avoid monsoon months.
Charter Boat Provider Highlight: Andaman Island Spirit Charters Pvt. Ltd.
When you’re planning a premium adventure to Barren Island, it pays to pick a charter company with credibility, safety focus and local expertise. Andaman Island Spirit Charters ticks all the boxes:
- They specialise in yacht and boat charters in the Andaman Islands, including trips to Barren Island.
- Their fleet includes well-equipped vessels, knowledgeable crew, and attention to marine conservation and passenger experience.
- They offer customised itineraries: you can start from Port Blair, Havelock or even Neil Island depending on your base.
- Booking with them means higher transparency in terms of what’s included, safety measures, and permit arrangements.
Why choose a charter like this?
- You avoid the limitations of standard ferry services (which don’t go to Barren).
- You can tailor the trip to your interests: diving, snorkelling, game fishing or simply a scenic cruise.
- Having a local expert crew means better route planning, sea-condition awareness, and emergency handling.
- For volcano-adjacent trips, professional boat handling is critical—open sea, remote location, possible weather shifts.
Booking tips:
- Contact them with your desired date, number of passengers, starting point, and activities (diving/snorkelling/fishing).
- Confirm inclusions: boat hire, fuel, safety gear, snorkel/scuba equipment, permits.
- Ask about return time, contingency plans (weather), cancellation policy.
- Be realistic about cost: remote full-day trips to Barren Island are premium; book early.
What to Pack & What to Expect
- Waterproof camera / GoPro for underwater and volcano scenery.
- Sun-protection: strong sun, reflective water.
- Motion-sickness medication if you’re sensitive—open ocean can be choppy.
- Light clothes + swimwear + towel + change of clothes.
- Good footwear for boat boarding and maybe shallow shore stops.
- Permit copies / ID as required.
- Waterproof bag for valuables, cash for extras.
- Patience and respect: conditions may change; nature is powerful.
Final Thoughts
Visiting Barren Island is a once-in-a-lifetime kind of excursion—far from the usual beach holiday, more akin to exploring a remote wild frontier. Whether you depart from Port Blair, Havelock Island or Neil Island, the journey is part of the adventure.
If you’re ready to add the volcano-cruise to your Andaman itinerary:
- Pick your base island and charter route (Port Blair/Havelock/Neil).
- Secure a trusted charter like Andaman Island Spirit Charters.
- Book early in the calm season (Nov–Apr).
- Plan for a full day, bring the right gear, and embrace the extraordinary nature of Barren Island.
This kind of trip elevates an Andaman vacation into something unforgettable—where you sail into the wild, witness ancient geology, dive into clear volcanic sea, and return with stories few can say they have.
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