Biodiversity at Barren Island
As the name suggests, the island is uninhabited by humans. The frequent eruptions have significantly reduced the number of bird species on the island. While previously sixteen species existed on the island, only six are present as of now. The Pied Imperial Pigeon is the most frequently sighted bird. Other than birds, the island is home to a small population of goats, bats like flying foxes, and some rodent species such as rats. There is also no significant vegetation on the Barren Island.
Things To Do at Barren Island
You will see only water to as far as your eyes can enable you to see. With nothing but crystal clear water for miles, the ocean around the Barren Island provides visitors with a place that is the 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 mesmerising Island will keep you engrossed throughout the day. Activities like fishing are also extraordinarily fun-filled and can engage you for a couple of hours.
Adventure Sports at Barren Island
On your way to the Barren Island, you can also indulge in sports and other activities if you are travelling by a private charter. Also, you can also enjoy snorkelling. The exotic Island is a paradise for advanced scuba divers, who visit the place to enjoy diving and witness the unique underwater life. In fact, the waters that surround the Barren Island are renowned for being one of the world's top scuba diving destinations.
Because of the black bedrock of the island, the unique and dark seabed forms the perfect backdrop for flamboyant and richly coloured corals, sponges and sea anemones to display their exuberance and dash of colour. This is what mainly makes underwater diving here a rich and unforgettable experience.
Is it safe to visit the Barren Island?
According to the Volcanic Explosivity Index (an index which ranks the volcanoes from 1 to 8 on the basis of the quantity of volcanic material erupted and its strength), the eruptions at the Barren Island are listed as the lowest and hence, are safe. This means that a visit to the Barren Island is entirely safe.
Planning A Trip to Barren island
Since the Barren Island comes under the restricted zone, you will need special permits to visit the island. Also, no night stays are allowed on the island, so you have to take a morning trip to this enchanting land. It is advisable to start as early as 3:00 AM or 4:00 AM since it will take you about 5 hours to reach the island. Tourists prefer to travel through ships. Even though no one is allowed to get down and set feet on the island, it is not difficult to have an enthralling and extraordinary experience from the ship itself.
The schedule and fare to visit the Barren Island are subject to change, depending on the weather and the number of passengers. Due to the absence of any government ferries to take visitors to the island, one has to shell out a lot of money to have a splendid experience at the Barren Island, but the amount spent is totally worth it.
A private ferry will cost you around INR 1,50,000 to INR 2,00,000. This cost is inclusive of all amenities that you will be provided with at the ship, such as an onboard kitchen, washroom, restrooms, and the required fishing and snorkelling gear. This means that you need not carry anything and can expect to get everything at hand.
It is advisable to plan a trip to the Barren Island in a group so that it is easy to bear the monetary burden. A group of six to eight adults is recommended to visit the Barren Island and enjoy the tour.
How to Reach Barren Island
The Barren Island is 139 kilometres away from Port Blair by sea. Generally, ships for the Barren Island leave three times a week from the Phoenix Bay Jetty in Port Blair. The island can also be visited with scuba-operators that are based at Havelock Island; or by chartering boats, but only with the permission and approval from the Forest Department, and after obtaining the necessary permits.
Note that it is mandatory for all foreign nationals to be onboard the vessel only. Landing ashore is strictly not allowed.
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