The Andaman and Nicobar Islands have added a remarkable travel option. Starting October 24, 2025, the Directorate of Shipping Services (DSS) will offer a new cruise service to Barren Island, which has India's only active volcano. This will offer an exciting new opportunity for tourists to closely witness the marvel of nature. The cruise will leave Haddo Wharf every Friday at 9:00 PM and every Saturday at approximately 4 PM will return to Port Blair.

The active stratovolcano Barren Island has erupted several times in the last few decades making it a challenging destination and a must see for for adventure tourists. Most tourists and travelers will have the opportunity to witness and explore one of the fascinating and remote parts of India. This new cruise service will boost the tourism potential of this area. Increasing educational tourism will also be a goal, with plans for separate excursions for government school students.

Cruise Experience and Pricing

The cruise managed by DSS will be an all-inclusive experience. There will be different accommodation options for different budgets on the boat service, which will be the following:

The ticket cost covers all the meals, which includes snack, high tea, bed tea, breakfast, lunch, evening tea, and offers a meal coupon that covers all meals served during the cruise. For this special cruise on Barren Island, tickets can be booked through the DSS e-ticketing system, which will allow customers to access the tickets online.

About Barren Island and its Volcano

Barren Island is an uninhabited, and desolate island located around 140 kms from Port Blair, at the intersection of the Indian and Burmese tectonic plates. The island is 8.34 square kms and has an active stratovolcano that has been erupting since 1787 during its recorded history. The volcano had an eruption as recent as September 2025, adding to the island's remarkable geography.

Barren Island is a perfect location to spot volcanoes and study geo-science wonders. Apart from the spiked craters and lava quits, the island's rough landscape gives a unique and remarkable view on the violent contents of the Earth's outer layer. Having the last eruptions of 2022 and 2025, the island is considered to be one of the main locations for volcano observers and for those who wonders natural wonders.

Enhancing Learning with Special Trips for Students

With the aim of educational development, the Andaman and Nicobar Administration has organized special arranged for schoolchildren. These bookings educational tours which aim for children to learn the location's geo-science and distressing lava and volcanic land surface of Barren Island, teaching kids the the wonders of the Earth natural processes. These excursions is made to motivate hands on learning apart transition teaching styles which involves engagement for the kids.Economic Contribution and Growth in Tourism

With the launch of the new cruise service to Barren Island, the expected advancement in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands attracted potential investors in the hospitality and service sector. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are well known and frequented, particularly for their natural beauty, for the diversity of their ecosystems, and for their unpolluted environments. Tourist of all types, domestic and international, are attracted. The new cruise service to Barren Island and the Barren Island area are expected to expand the service opportunities and geographic diversity potential in the region. Volcanic Barren Island is an additional natural beauty and extract tourist opportunity.

Tourism generates and increases the flow of the local economy, particularly small businesses in the hospitality service sector, to the tour operators. By stimulating the islands' economies, the investment in the local fuel infrastructures and their maintenance increases.

Finally, the new cruise to Barren Island increases the potential for eco-education and responsible eco-tourism to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The region distinguishes itself in attracting and stimulating eco-tourism because of the natural volcanic eco-attractions. The eco-tourists that value and appreciate volcanic places will be attracted.

Sustainability and Environmental Responsibility

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands have a fragile ecosystem; the introduction of cruise services to Barren Island was done with environmental sustainability in mind. The government has emphasized responsible practices in tourism to ensure that all activities, including the newly introduced cruise services, do not have a negative impact on the environment. Preserving our carbon tourism-related activities' carbon footprint and conserving our natural habitats align with our overarching goals.

Booking and Travel Information

Travelers wishing to explore Barren Island on the cruise can book their tickets on the DSS e-ticketing site or in Barren Island, Port Blair, at the Haddo Wharf. The cruise service is likely to be popular among tourists wishing to see one of the most unique and remote parts of India. Andaman and Nicobar Administration is looking to fully integrate Barren Island into the region's tourist facilities, offering services and allowing easy access to the island.

For more details on the Barren Island cruise, including booking services or any questions about traveling, visit the official website of the Andaman and Nicobar Administration.

Conclusion

The new cruise service to Barren Island is a welcome addition to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands tourism options. Offering adventure tourism, Barren Island is a volcano with incredible natural beauty and a valuable educational and scientific opportunity. With the new service, the local economy will develop sustainably, focusing on the local tourism industry's growth.

New Cruise Service to Barren Island, India's Only Active Volcano, Boosts Tourism in Andaman and Nicobar Islands - Travel And Tour World