Sailing to the Edge of Fire
Few journeys in India are as dramatic as sailing to Barren Island, the country’s only active volcano, rising starkly from the Andaman Sea. A new cruise allows you to explore.
By Deepali Nandwani
Barren Island, India’s only volcanic island looks almost primordial. Counted among the most extraordinary destinations in the region, the island—located in the Andaman Sea, as part of the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago—is the only active volcano not just in India, but in the entire stretch from Myanmar to Sumatra.
A new fortnightly overnight cruise from Port Blair to Barren Island is now attracting curious locals and adventurous travellers. Operated by the Directorate of Shipping Services (DSS), the cruise offers views of the active volcano rising out of the sea, often shrouded in a plume of gas, steam, and volcanic ash.
The journey is part of the adventure
Most trips begin from Port Blair or Havelock Island, located approximately 138 to 143 kms. from Barren Island—a three- to five-hour journey, depending on sea conditions. The open-sea voyage across the pristine, deep-blue waters of the Andaman Sea is scenic. Along the route, the cruise docks at a few other islands, including Baratang Island near Port Blair, home to limestone caves and mangrove forests, with occasional dolphin sightings.
Travellers often describe the exact moment when the island appears on the horizon as dramatic—a dark volcanic cone rising alone from the ocean. Boats circle the island slowly, allowing travellers to view the smoking volcanic crater, black lava beaches and jagged volcanic cliffs. On days when volcanic activity is more intense, visitors may even spot smoke plumes or a faint glow of lava.
Those who have visited often describe the island as ʻlunarʼ or ʻprehistoricʼ. The stark landscape has been shaped over centuries by volcanic activity: black volcanic rocks and ash, a steep conical volcano at the centre of the island rising about 354mts. above sea level, and barren crater slopes largely devoid of vegetation, though punctuated by occasional patches of green along the outer ridges.
The underwater world is spectacular
In contrast to the island’s barren, burnt-out surface, the underwater world around Barren Island is vibrant and thriving. Divers have reported healthy coral reefs teeming with marine life, including reef fish, manta rays and sharks, with exceptional visibility that often stretches deep to the seabed.
It’s expensive and logistically complex. Trips to Barren Island require special permits from the authorities and are typically conducted through chartered boats or private expeditions. Government vessels such as MV Sindhu and MV Nalanda depart from Haddo Wharf in Port Blair on Friday evenings around 9pm, reaching waters near Barren Island early the next morning, allowing passengers to view the rugged terrain and smoke rising from the island’s 8.34sq.km. volcanic landscape.
The cruise includes cabin accommodation, onboard meals, and a briefing on the volcano’s history. The ship also features a semi-submarine viewing deck where passengers can observe coral reefs and marine life through glass panels.
The Barren Island cruise is aimed at attracting discerning travellers to the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago in the Bay of Bengal. Although disembarkation on Barren Island is not permitted, the rare opportunity of viewing India’s only volcanic landscape promises an enriching experience.
