Barren Garden
Also known as: Washing Machine
Best time to dive
February to May; November to May
What you might see
- Grey reef sharkPeak season
- Manta rayLikely
Sightings are seasonal probabilities, not promises - even in peak season nature does its own thing.
Certification & difficulty
Advanced Open Water - advanced conditions (currents/depth); dive within your training.
Snorkelling
Not a snorkel site - No - current-prone, deep, down-currents
Safety notes
Strong down-currents/up-currents, remoteness (no nearby safety boat/chamber - nearest recompression facility in Port Blair, hours away), volcanic ash reducing visibility, depth beyond recreational limits on wall sections
Permits & fees
Since July 2018 most foreign tourists need no Restricted Area Permit for permitted areas (free 30-day entry via Port Blair immigration); landing on Barren Island itself is prohibited (protected volcanic wildlife sanctuary), diving is boat-based only. No specific dive/marine-excursion fee figure independently verified
Permits and operators change - confirm before booking.
Location
Nearest hub: Port Blair
This profile is desk research, compiled from public sources - not a first-hand dive report. Coordinates are approximate.