Barren Island is situated in the Andaman Sea and lies about 138 km (86 mi) northeast of Port Blair’s capital. It is the only active volcano from Sumatra to Myanmar and 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 the Burmese plate.
Barren Island in Andaman has again started erupting in 2018, and many people across the globe are coming to the islands to experience this phenomenon. Here are the recent photographs of the barren island volcano eruption in 2018.
Its name is justified as it is a barren area uninhabited by humans, though it has a small population of goats. Also, birds, bats like flying foxes, and a few rodent species such as rats survive severe conditions. Also unpeopled and bereft of any significant vegetation.
Barren Island comes under the restricted zone, and special permits must be taken to visit Barren Island. Besides, no one is allowed to land on Barren Island. No night stay is permitted at Barren Island to plan for the early morning trip to the Island like you can start at 3 or 4 AM. 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. Chartered boats can visit the Island only with the forest department’s approval and get the necessary permits.
A private charter has to be hired to visit Barren Island; on your way to Barren Island, you can indulge in Sports fishing activities. Also, snorkeling can 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.
What is there in and around Barren Island?
Manta Rays, exciting basalt formations, the topography of past lava flows, and fast-growing coral gardens will seriously pay back to your visit expenditure. This destination is remote but easily accessed by a life-aboard ship or scuba-operators based at Havelock Island. Day tours on private charters are also possible. You can think of fishing and scuba diving which can engage you for nearly 6-8 hrs. The Island can be accessed by the visitors with the prior permission of the department concerned.
Cost of the trip?
This destination is pretty remote, and you need to charter a private boat to Barren Island. Mainly this trip begins from Havelock Island, and this trip can cost you between INR 1,00,000 to 1,50,000 for the entire charter depending upon the boat you are getting. A group of 4 – 8 Adults is generally recommended to do this tour. However, a lesser number of people can also do this tour.
Geography and Biodiversity of Barren Island
Just 3 kilometers wide, with a two-kilometer-wide caldera, Barren Island is the summit of a volcano that rises about 2,250 meters from the seafloor, 354 meters above the waterline. It is the emergent summit of a volcano that rises from a depth. The eruptions had reduced the number of bird species and their population. Of the 16 previously reported species, only six species are observed, of which the Pied Imperial Pigeon is the most abundant.
Not Dangerous at all!
It has been in the news recently that the volcano erupted in minor episodes of about five to ten minutes on January 23, 2017. The ash clouds, red lava fountains were ejected from the crater, and the hot lava flowing streamed down its slopes. But don’t worry, this is nothing new to this unique place. It has erupted at least five times over the next 100 years.
The first record of the volcano’s eruption dates back to 1787. In 1991, it erupted so, and the smoke billowed out for about six months. And since then, there have been eruptions every two-three years, also the last in February 2016.
However, these eruptions lie at the lowest level of the Volcanic Explosivity Index. This index ranks the volcanoes from 1-8 based on the quantity of volcanic material spewed and its strength. This latest 2017 eruption was recorded as a two on the index, much within the safe limits.
Other volcanoes in Andaman and Nicobar Islands:
Narcondam Island in Andaman and Nicobar is a volcanic island classified as a dormant volcano by the Geological Survey of India. The Island is declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and famous for its prevalent Narcondam Hornbill. Baratang Island in Andaman is renowned for its Mud volcanoes, and these also attract many anxious tourists all year round.
About the trip To Barren Island
Shared trip includes Permit, 8 Hour of Cruising, Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks, Fishing Expert, Guide, Hotel Pickup, and all necessary assistance. The shared trip to Barren island is subject to weather conditions, Government regulations, and payload on the day of sailing.
Trip Timings – This trip usually begins from Havelock Island at 5:30 AM and ends by 4 PM. The total duration is about 10 – 12 Hours. Fishing can also be done during the tour, and breakfast and Lunch are included.
About the Boat – This boat has 16 Life Jackets, Fire extinguishers, Distance Alert Transmitter, Area Information System, VHF Communicator, Fish Finder, GPS, First Aid Box, Cockpit Cabin, and Toilet. The boat is a 2×250 Suzuki Engine with an overall length of 12.67 meters. The boat has 6 Double Sofa Sets, an 800-liter fuel tank, and 800 liter Storage.
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