Barren Island, the land of India’s only active volcano lies to the northeast of Port Blair. As this place comes under the restricted zones, you need to obtain a permit to reach here. You can reach Barren Island either from Havelock Island or Port Blair.

Cost of Tourist Permit to visit Barren Island:

For Indian Nationals: 1000 INR per head

For Foreign Tourists: 3500 INR per head

From Havelock Island:

The nearest inhabited island to reach here is the Havelock island. There rare day ferry trips to take you from Havelock Island to Barren Island. Each trip would take an investment of around 8 to 10 hours to cover the entire distance between Havelock and Barren Islands. There are private as well as government-run ferries for giving you a glimpse of what the active volcano at the Barren Island looks like. These boats are equipped with GPS systems for ease in navigation and keeping in touch with the port authorities.

Charter trip availability:

-    Only Sundays

-    Capacity - Maximum 8 adults per trip

Cost for reaching Barren Island from Havelock Island via a charter trip:

-    20000 INR per head.

-    It is better if you plan your private charter trip in a group of four to five individuals.

-    This cost shall be inclusive of all essential amenities right from the onboard kitchen to fishing gears.

-    Inclusive of support for fishing, breakfast service, drinking water availability, etc.

Distance between Havelock Island and Barren Island:

-    140 km

-    Covered within 8 to 10 hours via seaways

From Port Blair:

Alternatively, if you are planning to visit Barren Island from Port Blair, there are ferry services available from Phoenix Bay Jetty in Port Blair. However, the ferry services here run only thrice a week.  

Ferry Service availability at Phoenix Bay Jetty (Port Blair):

-    Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

-    The schedule is subject to change as per weather conditions

Cost of a one-way trip from Port Blair to Barren Island

–    400 INR per head for a seat (approximate)

–    750 INR per head for a reclining chair (approximate)

–    1000 INR per head for a bunk (approximate)

Distance between Port Blair and Barren Island

-    139 km by seaways

Port Blair homes to seaplanes (additional service) to take you to Barren Islands. For commercial queries regarding these seaplanes from Port Blair to Barren Islands is entertained at Ticketing Counter (ANIDCO).

Sea Plane controlling officer phone number:  +91-3192-244312 / andamanseaplane@gmail.com

Cost

–    16000 INR per head (approximate)

–    Undertaken on-demand basis (only if there are around 7 passengers per sortie)

So, plan on your journey accordingly.

Keep track of the weather conditions before stepping out for your Barren Island visit. Even a slight change in weather conditions and the temperature is sufficient enough to introduce changes in the overall schedule and cost of ferry services to Barren Island.

Make sure to reach back to your stay place by evening as there is no provision for night stay at Barren Island. It is good if you begin your journey early in the morning say around 4:00 or 5:00 am to spend quality time exploring Barren Island.