The Directorate of Shipping Services (DSS), operating under the directives of the Andaman & Nicobar Administration, has announced the launch of a fortnightly round-voyage cruise from Sri Vijaya Puram to Barren Island, aimed at promoting tourism in the region. The voyage offers passengers an opportunity to view the only active volcano in the Indian subcontinent, located on Barren Island, while remaining on board the vessel.
The inaugural voyage is scheduled for Friday, October 24, 2025, departing from Haddo Wharf, Sri Vijaya Puram. The round trip will not include disembarkation at Barren Island, though special arrangements will be made for government school students. Tickets for the voyage will be available for online booking through the DSS e-ticketing portal from October 11. A uniform fare system applies for the voyage, depending on accommodation type.
The cruise will operate fortnightly, subject to weather conditions. The vessel is set to depart Haddo Wharf at 9 PM on Fridays, arriving near Barren Island early Saturday morning. The return trip from Barren Island will begin at 8 AM on Saturday, with an estimated arrival back at Sri Vijaya Puram around 4 PM.
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.
Passengers may also purchase an inclusive meal coupon for Rs. 2,000 per passenger, covering bed tea or breakfast, lunch, snacks, and high tea. Food coupons must be purchased at the reception counter after boarding the vessel.
Officials highlighted that the new cruise service represents a significant step in expanding the tourism offerings of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The DSS reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring a safe, comfortable, and memorable journey for all passengers. The initiative aims to enhance the overall tourist experience while providing access to the islands’ unique natural and geological attractions.
The Barren Island round voyage is designed to provide a controlled and structured opportunity for tourists to explore the region without affecting the island’s ecosystem. Authorities emphasized that the service combines adventure tourism with scenic observation, ensuring that visitors experience the volcanic landscape safely.
This initiative aligns with broader efforts to strengthen tourism infrastructure in the Andaman Islands, offering both domestic and international travelers a structured and secure way to view one of the archipelago’s most distinctive landmarks. Plans for additional voyages and similar experiences are expected to follow, further promoting the islands as a key tourist destination.
