India's Sole Active Volcano Now Accessible Via Fortnightly Cruise Service Departing From Andaman's Port Blair

The Andaman and Nicobar administration has launched a fortnightly round-voyage cruise service to Barren Island, home to India's only active volcano. The inaugural voyage is scheduled to depart on 24th October from Haddo Wharf in Port Blair, marking a significant development for tourism in the archipelago.

The cruise service will operate on a fortnightly basis, subject to weather conditions, departing every Friday at 9pm and reaching the vicinity of Barren Island early Saturday morning. Passengers will spend approximately 12 hours viewing the volcanic landscape from the waters before the vessel returns to Port Blair by 4pm the same day. No disembarkation on the island itself will be permitted, as Barren Island remains an uninhabited and protected area.

Barren Island, located approximately 140 kilometres from Port Blair, sits at the junction of the Indian and Burmese tectonic plates. The volcano has a history of eruptions dating back to 1787, with the most recent activity occurring on 13th and 20th September. The island covers an area of 8. 34 square kilometres and features a caldera approximately two kilometres wide.

The Directorate of Shipping Services has established four accommodation categories for the cruise: Coral Suite (two-berth) at ₹8,310 per head, Reef Suite (four-berth) at ₹6,340 per head, Island Breeze (six-berth) at ₹4,290 per head, and Lagoon dormitory (16 or 24-berth) at ₹3,180 per head. Meals are available for an additional ₹2,000 per passenger, covering bed tea, breakfast, lunch, snacks and high tea. Tickets can be booked online through the Directorate of Shipping Services e-ticketing portal from 11th October.