Adventure seekers, nature lovers, and the simply curious have a new reason to set their sights on the Andaman and Nicobar Islands this October. In a move that’s set to redefine tourism in the region, the Directorate of Shipping Services (DSS), under the Andaman & Nicobar Administration, has announced the launch of a unique round-voyage cruise service to Barren Island—home to India’s only active volcano. The inaugural journey is scheduled for Friday, October 24, 2025, and promises an experience that, until now, was reserved for the most intrepid explorers and volcanologists.
According to The Tribune and corroborated by PTI and other regional news outlets, this new cruise will set sail from Haddo Wharf in Port Blair (also known as Sri Vijaya Puram) every fortnight on Fridays at 9:00 PM. Passengers will wake up early Saturday morning to the extraordinary sight of Barren Island’s smoldering peak, all without ever setting foot on the island itself. The return leg of the journey departs the waters near Barren Island at 8:00 AM, with the vessel docking back at Port Blair around 4:00 PM the same day.
Why all the fuss about Barren Island? For starters, it’s not just the only active volcano in India, but it’s also a remarkable geological outpost at the junction of the Indian and Burmese tectonic plates. The island covers 8.34 square kilometers and is completely uninhabited—its nearest neighbors are Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island) and the Narcondam Lookout Post, each roughly 140 to 150 kilometers away. There’s a real sense of isolation and raw nature here, making the cruise a rare window into a world few ever glimpse firsthand.
And the volcano itself? It’s no dormant relic. As reported by Onmanorama and The Tribune, Barren Island most recently erupted on September 13 and 20, 2025, adding to a dramatic history that includes eruptions in 2022, 2017, 2005, 1991, and even as far back as 1787. These periodic bursts of activity have cemented the island’s reputation as a living, breathing reminder of Earth’s volatile nature.
Commissioner Shipping and Managing Director of Andaman and Nicobar Islands Integrated Development Corporation Limited (ANIIDCO), Chanchal Yadav, emphasized the initiative’s dual purpose: boosting tourism and providing a safe, exclusive way for visitors to experience the volcanic spectacle. “The initiative to boost tourism was taken by the Directorate of Shipping Services, under the directives of the Andaman and Nicobar Administration. We have decided to commence round-voyage cruise service fortnightly to Barren Island from Port Blair,” Yadav told PTI.
It’s worth noting that this is a non-disembarkation trip—a decision rooted in both safety and conservation. Passengers will enjoy panoramic views of the volcano from the comfort of the ship, snapping photos and soaking in the atmosphere without disturbing the island’s fragile ecosystem. Separate trips are also being arranged for government school students, ensuring that local youth have the chance to witness this natural wonder up close.
So, what’s the cruise experience actually like? According to Onmanorama and The Tribune, travelers can choose from four accommodation categories, each tailored to different preferences and budgets:
- Coral Suite (2-berth accommodation): ₹8,310 per head
- Reef Suite (4-berth accommodation): ₹6,340 per head
- Island Breeze (6-berth accommodation): ₹4,290 or ₹3,180 per head
- Lagoon (16/24 berth dormitory): ₹2,000 per head
Demand has been brisk. As of the latest reports, the Coral and Reef Suites are already sold out, Island Breeze is half-booked, and 21 out of 346 dormitory berths have been snapped up. Clearly, the prospect of witnessing an active volcano from the sea is striking a chord with travelers across the spectrum.
Food is another highlight of the journey. For an additional ₹2,000, passengers can purchase an inclusive meal coupon covering everything from bed tea and breakfast to lunch, snacks, and high tea. The convenience of onboard dining means guests can focus on the views and the adventure, rather than worrying about packing provisions or planning meals.
Booking a spot on this exclusive voyage is straightforward. Tickets are available online through the DSS e-ticketing portal, a move designed to streamline the process and make the experience accessible to as many people as possible. This digital-first approach reflects a broader commitment by the Andaman and Nicobar Administration to modernize tourism infrastructure and enhance visitor convenience.
But the cruise isn’t just about the thrill of volcanic viewing. It’s part of a larger vision for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands—a region already celebrated for its natural beauty, rich biodiversity, and unique position at the crossroads of tectonic plates. By introducing this new offering, the administration hopes to attract a broader range of tourists, from adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts to families and students.
The safety and comfort of passengers remain top priorities. Each cruise is subject to prevailing weather conditions, and the DSS has underscored its commitment to providing a journey that is as secure as it is memorable. The administration’s broader tourism strategy includes ongoing upgrades to infrastructure, a push for eco-friendly practices, and the promotion of high-end hospitality—all aimed at positioning the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as a premier, sustainable travel destination.
Looking ahead, officials are optimistic that the Barren Island cruise will serve as a springboard for further innovative tourism initiatives. Plans are already in motion to expand the islands’ adventure and eco-tourism offerings, with a focus on balancing environmental stewardship with economic growth. The hope is that, by showcasing the region’s most dramatic natural wonders, the islands can attract a new wave of visitors while preserving what makes them special for generations to come.
For now, though, all eyes are on October 24, 2025, when the first cruise sets sail into the dawn, offering passengers an unforgettable encounter with the raw power and beauty of Barren Island’s volcano. For those lucky enough to secure a ticket, it promises to be a journey like no other—one that combines comfort, excitement, and a front-row seat to one of nature’s most awe-inspiring spectacles.
