Barren Island in Andaman Islands
Barren Island is an island located in the Andaman Sea, dominated by Barren Volcano; the only confirmed active volcano is South Asia, and the only active volcano along a chain of volcanoes from Sumatra to Myanmar. The waters surrounding Barren Island are reputed to be among the worlds top scuba diving destinations. Barren Island comes under the restricted zone and special permits have to be taken to visit Barren Island. In addition, no one is allowed to land on the Barren Island. Major attractions here are the crystal clear visibility, Manta Rays, interesting basalt formations, topography of past lava flows and fast growing coral gardens.
Barren Island is an island located in the Andaman Sea. It is the only confirmed active volcano in South Asia, and the only active volcano along a chain of volcanoes from Sumatra to Myanmar.Barren Island is situated in the Andaman Sea and lies about 138 km northeast of the territorys capital, Port Blair. It is the only active Volcano along the chain from Sumatra to Myanmar and also the only active volcano in India. Barren Island is a part of the Indian Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands and is well known as a Submarine emergent Volcano, which lies above the subduction zone of India and Burmese plate. Well, Barren Island in Andaman has again started erupting in 2018, and many people across the globe are coming to the islands just to experience this phenomenon. Here are the recent photographs of the barren island volcano which has started erupting in 2018.
The small, uninhabited 3-km-wide island contains a roughly 2-km-wide caldera with walls 250-350 m high. The caldera, which is open to the sea on the west, was created during a major explosive eruption in the late Pleistocene that produced pyroclastic-flow and -surge deposits. The morphology of a fresh pyroclastic cone that was constructed in the center of the caldera has varied during the course of historical eruptions. Lava flows fill much of the caldera floor and have reached the sea along the western coast during eruptions in the 19th century and more recently in 1991 and 1995.
Basic Information
This active volcano along Sumatra to Myanmar is renowned as a Submarine surfacing volcano, just above the subduction zone of India and Burmese plate. 1) Barren Island is one small uninhabited 3 km wide island.
NA
November to February
10-15 Hours
Interesting Facts
- The Barren Island volcano in the Andaman & Nicobar archipelago, which had been lying dormant for more than 150 years until it saw a major eruption in 1991, started spewing ash and lava late last week.
Things to DO
- You will see only water to as far as your eyesight goes. With nothing but crystal clear water for miles, the ocean around Barren Island provides visitors with a place that is an ideal spot to relax and rejuvenate. This scenic beauty and wildlife are what makes a trip to the Barren Island so desirable and memorable.
- Large marine creatures like manta rays, turtles, and reef sharks, fascinating basalt formations, fast-growing coral gardens and the topography of past lava flow at the mesmerizing Island will keep you engrossed throughout the day.
Traveller Tips
- As mentioned, necessary permissions from the forest department are mandatory to set out on this journey. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the place is for the chosen one of sorts. If you see it, consider yourself really lucky.
How to reach
Barren Island comes under the restricted zone and special permits has to be taken to visit Barren Island. In addition, no one is allowed to land on the Barren Island. No night stay is allowed at Barren Island so one can plan for the early morning trip to the island like you can start at 3 or 4 a.m. It takes nearly 4 to 5 hrs. to reach the island. Tourists generally travel through ships and without getting down on the island they get the whole enthralling feeling of the island. The Island can be visited by chartered boats only with the approval of the forest department and after getting necessary permits. Private charter has to be hired to visit Barren Island, on your way to Barren Island you can get indulge in Sports fishing activity. In addition, snorkeling can also be done during the trip. Some advanced Scuba Divers also go to Barren island for diving. All Guides are present with you during this excursion.
Nearby Attractions
Lalaji Bay
Guitar Island
Merk Bay Beach
Lalaji Bay
It is a gorgeous, sandy beach on the west coast of Long Island. You have to take a fiber boat from the Long Island jetty to reach this serene and picturesque beach. The route from Long Island to Lalaji Bay Beach is in the midst of the open sea and is indeed an enthralling experience. On the way, the boat will cross through beautiful and unique mangrove creeks. The journey is made even more memorable with the picture-perfect scenic view. The beach has white silky sand and crystal clear water. To give a treat to your mind, body, and soul, just bask in the sun or get immersed in the clean water.
Guitar Island
It is a marvelous island near Long Island. The island has derived its name from its appearance. You should be beware of the photoshopped photos that promote the myth that Guitar Island looks like a guitar having a hole in between depicting the soundhole. But in reality, the depiction of this island as a guitar is that the island is adjacent to the small guitar island. Thus this Small Guitar Island (which looks like the headstock of a guitar) and the Guitar Island (which looks like the body of the guitar) are joined by a sand bar (which acts like the fret-board). Hence, giving it a structure similar to a guitar.
Merk Bay Beach
This beach is a pristine beach accessible from Long Island. It is located on North Passage Island. North Passage Island is very close to Strait Island that hosts the primitive Ongi tribe people. Dense mangrove forest covers one side of the North Passage Island. This is the part of the island where the boat stops. It anchors itself near a wooden jetty here. One has to walk through this narrow wooden jetty and walk for few kilometers through the mangrove forest that opens up to the beautiful Merk Bay Beach. The water of this beach is perfect for swimming and snorkeling. It is a paradise for snorkeling lovers.
Restaurants Facility
- Feel Good Restaurant & Kraoke Night
- Rola Costa Restaurant & Juice Corner
- Punjabi Dhaba
- New Lighthouse Restaurant
- Hotel Kattabomman
- Tandoor
- Annapurna Cafeteria Pure Veg
Places to stay near Barren Island
- Hotel Sentinel
- Fortune Resort Bay Island
- SeaShell Port Blair
- J Hotel
- Hotel The North Reef
- Ross View Hotel And Resort
- Hotel Shompen
Frequently Asked Questions
Karmtang Beach
Guitar Island
- Feel Good Restaurant & Kraoke Night
- Rola Costa Restaurant & Juice Corner
- Punjabi Dhaba
- New Lighthouse Restaurant
- Hotel Kattabomman
- Tandoor
- Annapurna Cafeteria Pure Veg