The Directorate of Shipping Services has announced special round cruise sailings to Barren Island for February and March 2026, following strong demand from tourists and island residents during previous sailings. The scheduled voyages will offer passengers a rare opportunity to witness South Asia’s only active volcano, situated in the Andaman Sea.
The special cruises will operate aboard the vessel Nalanda on February 27, March 13 and March 27, 2026. All departures are scheduled at 2100 hours, according to the published sailing plan for the two-month period.
Officials stated that the decision to promulgate additional sailings was taken in response to overwhelming public interest observed during earlier cruises. The initiative aims to provide more residents and visitors an opportunity to experience one of the region’s most significant natural landmarks through a structured and scheduled maritime excursion.
Located amid the pristine waters of the Andaman Sea, Barren Island remains a key geological attraction in the Indian Ocean region. The volcanic island, uninhabited and ecologically sensitive, draws attention for its active volcanic status and dramatic landscape. The cruise is designed as a round voyage, allowing passengers to view the island and its surrounding seascape without disembarkation.
The Directorate highlighted that the voyage promises expansive views of the volcanic formation and the surrounding marine environment, making it particularly appealing to nature enthusiasts, adventure seekers, photographers and general tourists. The cruise format enables passengers to witness the island’s rugged terrain and oceanic backdrop in a controlled maritime setting.
The February sailing will depart on 27.02.2026 at 2100 hours. The March sailings are scheduled for 13.03.2026 and 27.03.2026, each departing at 2100 hours. All sailings will be conducted by Nalanda as per the notified schedule.
Authorities have invited interested tourists and island residents to avail themselves of the special cruise opportunity. Passengers have been advised to complete ticket bookings well in advance to avoid last-minute inconvenience, particularly in view of the high demand recorded during previous sailings.
The Directorate has positioned the cruise as an exclusive maritime experience within the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, combining scenic travel with exposure to a rare geological site. With limited scheduled departures across February and March 2026, early reservation is expected to play a crucial role in managing passenger turnout.
The special sailings underscore continued efforts to facilitate regulated tourism experiences in the region while responding to sustained public interest. With defined departure dates and a designated vessel, the upcoming cruises are expected to draw significant participation from both residents and visiting travellers seeking to explore the volcanic landmark from the sea.
