Andaman to Launch Round-Voyage Cruise to India’s Only Active Volcano

The Andaman and Nicobar administration is set to launch a fortnightly round-voyage cruise from Port Blair to Barren Island, India’s only active volcano, offering tourists an unprecedented opportunity to witness the island’s volcanic landscape safely.

Previously, visits to Barren Island were limited to specialized research teams and private expeditions, making public access challenging and risky due to rough seas and lack of organized services. The new cruise promises a structured, secure, and memorable experience, opening the doors of this natural marvel to a wider audience.

Located about 140 km from Port Blair at the junction of the Indian and Burmese tectonic plates, Barren Island spans 8.34 square km. The nearest inhabited islands are Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island) and the Narcondam Look-out-Post, approximately 140–150 km away. Historical records note eruptions in 1787, 1991, 2005, 2017, 2022, and the most recent on September 13 and 20 this year.

Chanchal Yadav, Commissioner Shipping and Managing Director of Andaman and Nicobar Islands Integrated Development Corporation Limited (ANIIDCO), said, “Under the directives of the Andaman and Nicobar Administration, the Directorate of Shipping Services has initiated this cruise to enhance tourism. The inaugural voyage will depart October 24 from Haddo Wharf in Port Blair, operating fortnightly, weather permitting.”

The cruise departs every Friday at 9 pm, reaching the vicinity of Barren Island Saturday morning, before returning to Port Blair by 4 pm the same day. Passengers will not disembark on the island. Four accommodation categories are offered: Coral Suite (2-berth), Reef Suite (4-berth), Island Breeze (6-berth), and Lagoon (16–24 berth dormitory), with fares ranging from Rs 3,180 to Rs 8,310 per person. Meals can be added for Rs 2,000 per passenger.

Early bookings show strong demand, with Coral and Reef Suites already sold out and Island Breeze at 50% occupancy. The dormitories have 21 of 346 seats booked so far. Based on full occupancy, each cruise could generate nearly Rs 15–16 lakh in ticket revenue per trip, not including food and other services, translating to an estimated annual revenue of over Rs 15 crore from the 50 voyages planned in a year. This marks a significant boost for tourism in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

“The Directorate of Shipping Services is committed to providing a safe, comfortable, and memorable journey,” Yadav added. “We aim to offer more such exciting experiences for tourists in the future.” Tickets are available online via the Directorate of Shipping Services e-ticketing portal.