Overview
Remote-island journeys take you to the edges of the Andaman archipelago, where few travellers go. The most dramatic is Barren Island, India's only active volcano, which rises from the sea roughly 135 kilometres north-east of Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair). It is a long day at sea, and the island is viewed only from the boat: landing is not permitted. On a clear day, you can see the dark slopes of the cone, ash fields running to the water and, sometimes, a gentle plume of smoke.
Another journey heads south to Little Andaman, a large island with long surf beaches, waterfalls in the forest and the quiet town of Hut Bay. It is reached by a long ferry crossing, and stays are simple. Parts of the island are a protected reserve for the Onge community; these areas are never visited or approached, and our journeys stay within open areas such as the beaches and waterfalls near Hut Bay. Other remote journeys can include quiet outer islands reached by chartered boat.
These journeys depend heavily on permits, operators and sea conditions, so they cannot be booked instantly. When you register your interest, we check what is possible for your dates, which boats or ferries are operating, what permissions are needed and what safety arrangements are in place. Only then do we propose a plan, and we always keep an alternative ready if the sea says no.
Highlights
- Remote islands
- Long sea days
- Verified before confirmed
Possible Route & What to Expect
- A frank conversation about sea time, comfort levels and what each journey involves.
- Verification of permits, licensed boats, ferries and stays for your dates.
- For Barren Island, a long boat day to view the volcano from the water, with no landing.
- For Little Andaman, a ferry crossing and simple stays with beach and waterfall days.
- Safety briefings, weather checks and a lead who can change plans when needed.
Location
Barren Island (viewed from the boat only), Little Andaman around Hut Bay and other remote islands reached by permitted boats, departing from South Andaman.
Duration
A full long day for a Barren Island boat trip; three to five days for Little Andaman.
What's Included
- Access and permit research
- Licensed boat or ferry coordination
- Expedition lead and safety briefing
- Packed meals and water on boat days
- Simple stay arrangements where needed
Best For
Adventurous travellers and photographers.
Best for travellers who are comfortable with long boat days, open sea and simple facilities, and who accept that plans can change at short notice.
Best Time
December to March usually offers the calmest seas. Long sea journeys are not advisable in the monsoon.
Verification, Permits & Access
Expeditions are arranged on request once access, permits, transport and safety arrangements are verified for your dates. Barren Island trips need permits and suitable licensed boats. Little Andaman ferries run on fixed schedules that can change.
We confirm every element a day or two before you travel and keep you informed if plans need to change. Safety, local rules and our hosts' wishes always come first.
Responsible Travel
Remote-Island Journeys follows our responsible travel promise. We keep groups small, use established routes and permitted locations, pay hosts fairly and leave every place as we found it. We never promise wildlife sightings, and we never market, visit or photograph the islands' indigenous communities, whose privacy and protected status we fully respect.
Please carry a refillable bottle, use reef-safe sunscreen, avoid touching coral or wildlife and ask before photographing people.
Gallery
Day-by-day itinerary
- Day 1
Preparation
Safety briefing, weather check and permit confirmation.
- Day 2
Barren Island boat day
A long day at sea to view the volcano from the boat; no landing.
- Day 3
Rest day
Recover in Sri Vijaya Puram or a quiet beach.
- Day 4
Ferry to Little Andaman
Long crossing to Hut Bay and a simple stay.
- Day 5
Beaches and waterfalls
Open areas only; protected reserves are never visited.
- Day 6
Return crossing
Ferry back, schedules permitting.
Sample itinerary – final plan depends on permissions, sea conditions and host availability.
FAQs
Can we land on Barren Island?
No. Barren Island is viewed from the boat only; landing is not permitted.
Is a Barren Island trip guaranteed?
No. It depends on permits, operators and sea conditions. We confirm only once everything is verified, and suggest alternatives if not.
Do you visit the Onge reserve on Little Andaman?
Never. Protected reserves are not visited or approached. We stay within open areas such as beaches and waterfalls.
Is it suitable for people who get seasick?
Long sea days can be challenging. We discuss this honestly and may suggest a shorter journey.
How much does a remote-island journey cost?
Price on request. We send an estimate after verification and a clear quote once arrangements are confirmed.