There are many natural wonders in this world like mountains, valleys, and forests but nothing is more exciting than watching an active volcano spew smoke. This is why so many adventurous and geo tourists flock to a volcano every time they hear that it is active. And, why not? While there are many volcanoes, witnessing an active volcano is a rare phenomenon in this world. This is precisely why you should take a Barren Island tour to witness a majestic volcano in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Barren Island is a volcanic island that attracts many tourists to enjoy its brilliant beauty. But you can do more than just have a look at the island. There are many fun activities like game fishing, snorkelling, and scuba diving that you can do around Barren Island.
Barren Island is the only volcano in India and the only one that is active in South Asia. This means that island interests many tourists who love exploring volcanoes. It is also a magnet for anglers who love bluewater or game fishing. Not just the spot itself, even the trip to Barren Island is fun and oozes luxury as you can take only a charter fishing trip to Barren Island. You can explore the deep blue sea and a royal treatment on the charter boat even before you do any fun activities on Barren Island.
The only way to go to Barren Island is to take a charter boat. The island sits in a remote location that is far from the main inhabited islands of the Andamans, so the only way to explore it is via charter boat. Boats to Barren Island are only available from Port Blair or Havelock Island. It can take you anything between 3-5 hours to reach Barren Island depending on where you start. In any case, you’d have to keep an entire day aside if you want to go for a Barren Island tour as you’ll also have to spend some time near the island.
Taking a boat charter to Barren Island can be slightly expensive but that depends on how you are travelling. Charter boats come at INR 130,000 to 150,000. So, taking a Barren Island tour in a large group may help. A single accommodates up to 8 people. Also, the cost covers everything from meals, beverages, guides, and gear for the water activity that you want to pursue.
You may also have to pay a separate fee to get a permit to visit and do any activity on Barren Island. For Indian nationals, the fee is INR 1000 while foreign nationals have to pay INR 3500.
Activities you should not miss in your Barren Island volcano tour
Without a doubt, your trip to Barren Island will be very exciting. Sure, you can enjoy the majesty of the island, but apart from that, you can do a plethora of activities on your Barren Island tour. Also, you can enjoy a luxurious sailing trip in a charter boat. Imagine the beautiful sea breeze brushing your face as you sip a cool beverage. If that isn’t being in heaven, what is? Here’s how you can add more fun to your trip:
Go snorkelling in Barren Island: Your Barren Island tour will be incomplete without a snorkelling activity. Don’t worry about getting into the water; snorkelling does not require you to know how to swim. You just have to float on the surface of the water and watch the marine world go by. Snorkelling will help you enjoy a panoramic view of the marine world near the island. Imagine floating in the water while manta rays, sea turtles, and even reef sharks glide below you. Does that not sound exciting? You’ll of course get a guide and snorkelling who’ll help you snorkel effortlessly.
Fishing in Barren Island: If you are going on a charter boat, you need to try fishing in Barren Island. If you are an experienced angler, like many tourists visiting Barren Island are, it’s great. Even if you are not, don’t worry. The good people in your boat charter to Barren Island will show you how to use the fishing gear and even take you to the best spots where you can catch a lot of game fish like black and blue marlins and tuna – Dogtooth and Yellowfin.
Scuba diving: If you are an experienced scuba diver, please do not miss diving in Barren Island. There are many diving spots near the island where you can witness some brilliant ridges and coral formations the with-of-this-world colours. Barren Garden, Purple Haze, and Manta Point are three famous diving spots. Note that you’d need an advanced-level scuba certification to be able to dive in any of these spots.
Answer: Nobody lives on Barren Island. Being an active volcano, Barren Island is uninhabited. Still, a few goats, birds, and rodents do live and have managed to sustain themselves in the harsh living conditions of the island.
Answer: You can make a boat charter trip to Barren Island between November to February. October, March, and the early half of April are also good for a trip to the island; although, it may get a bit hot and humid.
Answer: Barren Island can only be visited by chartering a boat. You’d have to go to a remote location on the high seas, so no one is allowed to take a regular passenger ferry.
Answer: There are many activities that you can enjoy if you take a boat charter to Barren Island. Fishing, snorkelling, and scuba diving are the most common activities near the island.
Answer: Taking a charter boat trip to Barren Island can set you back by around INR 130,000 to INR 150,000. You also have to get a tourist permit which costs INR 1000-3500 depending on whether you are a citizen of India or abroad.
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