Port Blair Oct 10: A new chapter in Andaman tourism is set to unfold with the Directorate of Shipping Services (DSS) announcing a fortnightly round-voyage cruise from Port to Barren Island, offering travelers a rare chance to witness India’s only active volcano up close — safely and responsibly.
The voyage has been designed as a controlled and structured tourism initiative, allowing visitors to observe the volcanic island from aboard the vessel without disembarkation, thereby protecting its fragile ecosystem. Officials described it as a blend of adventure and scenic observation, ensuring that passengers can enjoy the dramatic natural spectacle without disturbing the environment. The inaugural cruise is scheduled for Friday, October 24, 2025, departing from Haddo Wharfbat 9 PM. The vessel will reach near Barren Island early Saturday morning, circle the area for observation, and return by 4 PM the same day. The service will operate fortnightly, subject to weather conditions.
Tickets will be available online from October 11 through the DSS e-ticketing portal, with uniform fares based on accommodation type:
Accommodation options and fares for the voyage are structured as follows: Coral Suite, a two-berth option, is priced at Rs. 8,310 per passenger; Reef Suite, offering four-berth accommodation, costs Rs. 6,340 per passenger; Island Breeze, a six-berth arrangement, is priced at Rs. 4,290 per passenger; and Lagoon dormitory, with 16 to 24 berths, is available at Rs. 3,180 per passenger.
An optional meal coupon priced at ₹2,000 per passenger covers bed tea or breakfast, lunch, snacks, and high tea, available for purchase on board. Special provisions will also be made for government school students, offering them an educational experience of observing a live volcano from a safe distance.
A DSS official said the initiative marks a significant step in responsible adventure tourism. “Barren Island is one of nature’s rare spectacles. This voyage offers visitors the thrill of exploration while keeping ecological integrity intact,” the official stated.
The launch forms part of the Administration’s broader efforts to promote sustainable tourism and eco-friendly travel experiences across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. More such structured voyages are expected to follow, reinforcing the archipelago’s reputation as a premier destination where adventure and conservation go hand in hand.
