Barren Island, located about 135 kilometers northeast of Port Blair, is home to India’s only active volcano and one of the few in South Asia. Part of the Andaman volcanic arc in the Bay of Bengal, the island is a geological wonder, attracting scientists, adventurers, and nature lovers from across the world.

Barren Island is part of a chain of volcanoes that were formed due to the subduction of the Indian tectonic plate beneath the Burmese plate. The island is volcanic in origin, with a caldera formed by a massive prehistoric eruption. It first erupted in 1787 and has remained intermittently active since then, with notable eruptions occurring in 1991, 2005, and as recently as 2017.

Size: The island spans around 3 kilometers in diameter.

Landscape: Rugged, with black volcanic rock, ash deposits, and a dramatic cone rising out of the sea.

Uninhabited: True to its name, Barren Island is devoid of human settlement, mainly due to its volatile nature and lack of fresh water.

Despite its name, the island is not entirely barren. It supports marine life, flying foxes, goats, and a few species of birds.

Barren Island's beauty lies in its raw and desolate landscape, shaped by volcanic activity over millennia. The island offers a unique sight with its smoking crater and lunar-like surface, surrounded by the deep blue sea. Although it appears stark, the island is a marvel for geologists and nature enthusiasts alike. Its surrounding waters are also famous for their vibrant coral reefs, making it a popular spot for advanced divers who can handle the challenging conditions.

An intriguing aspect of Barren Island is its role as a living laboratory for scientists studying volcanic activity and its impact on the environment. The island's volcano has been active for over a million years, with several recorded eruptions in the last few centuries alone, providing valuable data for volcanic research.

Visiting Barren Island is an adventure in itself. Due to its active volcanic status, access to the island is strictly controlled and only possible via authorized boat tours. These tours offer a safe distance view of the spectacular volcano, often combined with a chance to dive in the surrounding waters. The marine life here is exceptionally rich, thanks to the volcanic minerals that benefit the underwater ecosystem. Diving around Barren Island offers a chance to explore vibrant coral gardens and encounter various species of fish, rays, and more in their natural habitat.