Overview
Experience a remote boat trip from Havelock to Barren Island, home to India’s only active volcano. The journey covers around 135 km round trip and takes about 8–10 hours, depending on sea and weather conditions.
The trip starts before sunrise with hotel pickup, safety briefing and breakfast on board. The boat takes around 3.5 hours to reach the Barren Island area in suitable conditions.
Guests can view the island’s volcanic slopes, lava flows and, when visible, steam from the summit. Landing on the island is not allowed, so the experience is entirely boat-based.
If sea conditions permit, a 30–45 minute snorkelling stop may be offered on the leeward side of the island. Snorkelling is optional and depends on safety conditions.
Lunch, water, juice and tea are provided on board before the return journey to Havelock. The trip ends with hotel drop-off in the late afternoon or evening. Scuba diving is not included and may be available separately for certified divers.
Itinerary
- Day 1
Barren Island Cruise
- Early morning pickup from the Havelock hotel.
- Transfer to the jetty and safety briefing.
- Board the private boat and begin the open-sea crossing.
- Light breakfast served on board.
- Reach the Barren Island area after approximately 3.5 hours in suitable conditions.
- Slow cruise around the volcanic cone from the permitted safe approach line.
- Photo and sightseeing stop from the boat.
- Optional 30–45 minute snorkelling session on the leeward side when sea conditions allow.
- Hot lunch and refreshments on board.
- Begin the return journey to Havelock.
- Arrive at the jetty and transfer back to the hotel.
Difficulty and fitness
Suitable for guests comfortable with a long boat journey and open-sea conditions.
- Prepare with normal walking and outdoor activity; avoid strenuous preparation.
What to bring
Start the day well rested because the trip begins before sunrise and includes several hours of open-sea travel. Wear comfortable clothes with swimwear underneath, and carry a towel, dry clothes, sun protection and a light jacket. Guests prone to motion sickness should prepare appropriate medication before boarding.
Essentials
- Swimwear
- Towel and dry clothes
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Sunhat
- Light jacket/windproof layer
- Motion-sickness medicine if required
- Cash for permit fee
- Government photo ID
Getting there
Hotel pickup in Havelock before sunrise; transfer to the departure jetty.
Reach Havelock Island/Swaraj Dweep by scheduled marine transport. The operator provides hotel pickup in Havelock and transfers guests to the departure jetty. From Havelock, the private boat travels approximately 3.5 hours each way in calm conditions.
Trip details
Included
- Private return boat charter
- Havelock hotel pickup/drop
- Captain and crew
- Snorkelling equipment
- Life jackets
- Light breakfast
- Hot lunch
- Water, juice and tea
- GoPro photos/videos
- Safety equipment
- Permit assistance
Not included
- Forest Department permit fee
- GST
- Personal expenses
- Optional scuba diving
- Items not listed under inclusions
Before you book
- Landing on the island is prohibited.
- The boat operates outside the Coast Guard's 200-metre exclusion zone.
- The trip is entirely weather and sea-condition dependent.
- The standard package is a boat cruise with optional snorkelling, not a land tour.
- The open-sea crossing can be challenging for guests prone to severe seasickness.
- Guests with pregnancy, active ear/sinus conditions, recent ear/sinus surgery or uncontrolled cardiac conditions should consult the operator before booking.
- Forest Department permit fees and GST are separate from the listed fare.
Safety notes
- Follow all instructions from the captain and crew.
- Remain outside the designated 200-metre exclusion zone around the volcanic cone.
- Do not attempt to land on Barren Island.
- Wear a life jacket as instructed.
- Enter the water only when the crew confirms that snorkelling is safe.
- Stay with the guide during snorkelling.
- Sea conditions can change during the crossing.
- The trip may be postponed or cancelled when weather, sea state or volcanic conditions are unsuitable.
Participant requirements
Name, age, contact number, group size and relevant medical information.
Your operator
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