Published on October 12, 2025
Andaman and Nicobar Islands administration is starting a new round-voyage cruise service from Port Blair to India’s only active volcano located at Barren Island. Tourists will enjoy spectacular views of the only active volcano in the Indian subcontinent.
The cruise service will bring a boost to the tourism sector in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Scheduled to operate every two weeks, this service is designed for adventure-seekers and nature lovers. It will help people explore one of India’s most remote and untouched natural wonders.

A Glimpse of Barren Island – India’s Only Active Volcano

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Located around 140 km away from Port Blair in the Andaman Sea, Barren Island is a volcanic paradise that remains uninhabited. The island sits at the junction of the Indian and Burmese tectonic plates, and its dramatic volcanic landscape makes it an ideal location for travelers seeking a natural spectacle. Covering an area of 8.34 square kilometers, Barren Island has had several eruptions throughout history, the first of which was recorded in 1787. Since then, the volcano has erupted sporadically, with the most recent eruptions occurring in September 2025.
Despite being one of India’s most remarkable natural sites, Barren Island has remained largely inaccessible to the general public. However, this new cruise service will bring tourists closer to this active volcanic site, allowing them to witness its grandeur from the safety of a well-organized cruise ship.

Cruise Service Details and Schedule

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The new cruise service will commence its inaugural journey on October 24, 2025, with departures from Haddo Wharf in Port Blair. This round-voyage service will be available on a fortnightly basis, depending on favorable weather conditions. The cruises will depart every Friday at 9 p.m. and head towards the vicinity of Barren Island. Passengers can expect to reach the island’s waters early Saturday morning, giving them a stunning view of the volcanic landscape.
On the return journey, the cruise will depart from the vicinity of Barren Island at 8 a.m. on Saturday, arriving back in Port Blair by around 4 p.m. Although passengers will not be disembarking at Barren Island itself, the proximity to the island and the breathtaking views will offer an unforgettable experience. The service’s regular scheduling allows passengers to plan their trips accordingly while ensuring that the operation can adapt to changing weather conditions.

Impact on Tourism in the Andaman Islands

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The launch of this cruise service marks a significant development for tourism in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. For years, the volcanic beauty of Barren Island remained largely hidden from public view, accessible only by research expeditions or special government permissions. By opening this natural wonder to tourists, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands administration is setting the stage for a surge in travel interest and tourism revenue.
The service offers a rare chance to experience the raw power of an active volcano without the dangers associated with venturing too close to the eruption zones. For nature lovers and photography enthusiasts, this is an unmissable opportunity to witness the island’s lush, rugged terrain, surrounded by the rich marine environment of the Andaman Sea. The proximity of the volcano to other popular tourist destinations like Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island) and Narcondam adds another layer of interest to the trip.
The service will likely attract visitors from both within India and internationally, contributing to the continued growth of the region’s tourism industry. With the Andaman Islands known for their pristine beaches, coral reefs, and tropical rainforests, the addition of a cruise to Barren Island is expected to further enhance the appeal of the archipelago.

Accommodation Options and Pricing

Passengers will have a variety of accommodation choices on board the cruise ship. The vessel offers four categories of berths, each designed to meet different budget preferences and comfort levels:

• Coral Suite: 2-berth accommodation priced at ₹8,310 per head
• Reef Suite: 4-berth accommodation priced at ₹6,340 per head
• Island Breeze: 6-berth accommodation priced at ₹4,290 per head
• Lagoon: Dormitory-style accommodation with 16-24 berths priced at ₹3,180 per head

Given the popularity of the service, early bookings are recommended, with Coral and Reef Suites already sold out, according to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands administration. As of now, 50% of the Island Breeze berths and 21 out of 346 dormitory berths have been sold. The availability of different accommodation options ensures that the cruise is accessible to a wide range of travelers, from those seeking luxury to those on a budget.

Inclusive Meals and Additional Services

For an additional charge of ₹2,000 per passenger, food will be provided throughout the round voyage. This inclusive meal package covers breakfast, lunch, snacks, high tea, and bed tea, ensuring that passengers can fully enjoy the cruise experience without worrying about additional expenses. The meals will be served on the ship, adding a level of convenience and comfort to the overall journey.

Bookings and Ticket Availability

Tickets for the round-voyage cruise to Barren Island can be booked online via the Directorate of Shipping Services’ e-ticketing portal, starting October 11, 2025. Travelers can choose from various accommodation options when booking their tickets, with flexibility for changes depending on availability. Given the initial demand and the unique nature of the trip, it’s advisable for travelers to book early to secure their preferred travel dates.

The Future of Tourism in Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Starting to offer round-voyage cruises marks the beginning of new high season offerings for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. More high season offerings like these will attract and maintain a regular flow of tourists looking for a cruise to these islands. Most tourists looking to visit and cruise around these islands will most likely want to visit Barren Island and the region. Having regular and guaranteed round-voyage cruises will encourage tourists to visit Barren Island and the region regularly.
Offering cruises around Barren Island will target tourists interested in visiting remote destinations. Having such a cruise service will set the Andaman and Nicobar Islands apart as a premiere tourist destination for cruise vacations. This will also encourage an increase in the number of tourists visiting these destinations and ensure the economic growth of the islands as a result. This growth will in turn encourage more further development and expansion of the cruise offerings. Overall this service will provide a boom for the cruise tourism and tourism in general for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

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Tags: active volcano, Andaman islands, Andaman travel, Barren Island, cruise service

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Sunday, October 12, 2025
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