If you thought that the Andamans are only about the Sun and the sea, you are wrong. Barren Island is perhaps one of the best places to explore in the Andamans. Why though, you might think. The reason a Barren Island volcano visit is a must-do activity in the Andamans is that Barren Island is an active volcano. Imagine getting a chance to relax on a beach and seeing a volcano on the same trip. No wonder the island attracts so many tourists from both within and outside India, who want to witness the majestic beauty of the volcano as well as have fun doing water activities like snorkelling, fishing, and even scuba diving.
Barren Island is the only volcano in India and the only active volcano in the whole of South Asia. Isn’t that good enough a reason to visit the island? The volcano was first reported to have erupted in the 1700s and, thereafter, after being dormant for more than 100 years, it has been erupting on and off since the 1990s. The caldera of the volcano is itself spread across an area of 2 km, which is massive since the entire island is around 3 km. You’ll be amazed to see the beaches around the island as well. Unlike the rest of the archipelago, where the beaches are white and pristine, the sand on the beaches of Barren Island is ash coloured which many believe to be an impact of the volcano.
Fishing in Barren Island is a must-do activity. The island is a famous game fishing spot after Havelock Island. Game fishing means fishing for giant fish in the open sea. Hence, Barren Island with all its massive fish is a great place for experienced anglers as well as those who want to try their hands at game fishing. You’ll see a variety of fish like the giant Blue Marlin, Black Marlin, Yellow Fin Tuna, and Dogtooth tuna. Other giant fish like Dorado and snailfish are also common around these parts. Also, water near Barren Island attracts a huge volume of fish, so you don’t have to wait patiently throughout the day to get hold of a fish.
If you enjoy water activities, you must try snorkelling during your Barren Island volcano visit. Snorkelling is an amazing activity for everyone who loves water. And, do you know what the great news is? You don’t even have to know how to swim or be experienced in snorkelling to snorkel near Barren Island. Snorkelling also does not require you to dive. You can just float on the surface of the water with the help of your snorkelling gear. You’ll also get a guide to help you explore the right spots.
Even if you float on the surface, you will be able to see many reef sharks, manta rays, sea turtles, and many varieties of small fish everywhere under the water.
There are many good spots for diving in the Andamans like the Lighthouse, Johnny’s Gorge, Minerva’s Ledge, the Wall etc. Most of them are near Havelock Island. But, if you want to challenge yourself, you should try out the diving spots on your Barren Island volcano visit. There are many diving spots near the Barren Island volcano. Among them, the most frequently explored spots are Barren Garden, Manta Point, and Purple Haze.
You’d need to have an advanced-level scuba certification to dive from any of the diving spots near Barren Island. The volcanic impact near the Barren Island volcano has created a complex underwater terrain that is safe to explore only if you are an advanced-level diver. You’ll also need a guide who’ll help you navigate through the water.
The only and best way to travel to Barren Island is by chartering a boat. A boat charter to Barren Island will ensure a one-of-a-kind luxury trip for you. And that’s the only way to explore the high seas. Your boat will come with staff and include all facilities like meals and beverages.
Charter boats to Barren Island start from both Port Blair and Havelock Island. It could take you at least 3-5 hours to reach Barren Island irrespective of where you are travelling from. Most people prefer travelling from Havelock as the distance to the Barren Island volcano from Havelock is less compared to the distance from Port Blair. Most boats start early morning, some even before sunrise so that you have enough time for the activities and can make it back on time as well.
How much do you have to spend on your Barren Island volcano visit?
A charter fishing trip to Barren Island can be a bit more expensive than doing other activities in the Andamans. But, hey, it is an active volcano island deep into the sea. Who would want to miss that? A single boat accommodates around 8 people. If you book the whole boat, it’ll cost you around INR 130,000 to INR 150,000. So, it makes sense to travel with a large group so that the cost can be divided. Some places also let you book individual seats that can cost you around INR 20000-30000.
The cost will include all meals and beverages on board the boat. You’ll also get fishing gear and gear for other activities depending on what you want to do.
Apart from the cost of booking a boat for your Barren Island volcano visit, you’d also have to pay a small fee for a tourist permit. The permit should cost you INR1000 if you are an Indian citizen and around INR 3500 if you are a foreigner in India.
Like most tourist destinations, you’ll have to plan your Barren Island volcano visit based on the best and safest time. The Andamans witnesses good weather between November to February. The weather around this period is pleasant and bright. You can also try visiting the Andamans around October, March, and even early April. The monsoon season, usually starting in May, is not a great time to travel to the Andamans. The rains are heavy and the storms strong. There’s always a possibility that your Barren Island tour will be cancelled if you visit the Andamans around this time.
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