Special cruise voyages to Barren Island have been scheduled during March by the Directorate of Shipping Services, following strong interest from both tourists and residents seeking to experience one of the most distinctive natural attractions in the Andaman Sea.
Officials said the special sailings have been arranged in response to the increasing demand for sea excursions to Barren Island, which is known as South Asia’s only active volcano. The island, located about 135 kilometres northeast of Sri Vijaya Puram, remains one of the most unique geological landmarks in the region.
The Directorate has scheduled two round cruises during the month using the vessel Nalanda. According to the sailing schedule, the ship will depart on March 13 and again on March 27. Both departures are scheduled for 2100 hours.
Authorities indicated that the cruises are designed to offer passengers the opportunity to witness the volcanic island from the sea while experiencing the surrounding marine landscape. Barren Island itself is uninhabited and entry to the island is restricted, making sea cruises one of the few ways visitors can view the volcanic formation.
The voyages allow passengers to travel through the Andaman Sea while observing the dramatic terrain of the island, which features steep volcanic slopes rising directly from the ocean. The island’s geological structure and history of eruptions have made it an area of scientific and tourism interest.
Tourism operators and authorities have increasingly highlighted such cruise experiences as part of efforts to expand marine-based tourism in the islands. The scenic journey offers views of open sea, marine ecosystems and the volcanic landscape that distinguishes Barren Island from other destinations in the archipelago.
Officials from the Directorate of Shipping Services noted that the cruises are open to both visitors and residents. The sailings are expected to attract passengers interested in nature tourism, photography and exploration of the islands’ unique geography.
The administration has advised passengers to complete ticket bookings in advance due to the limited seating capacity on board. Demand for such voyages often remains high, particularly during peak tourism periods when visitors look for specialised excursions beyond conventional beach destinations.
Bookings for the cruise can be made through the Directorate of Shipping Services’ online ticketing portal. The e-ticketing system allows passengers to reserve seats at any time, as the platform operates around the clock on all days of the week.
The online booking portal can be accessed through the official website of the Directorate of Shipping Services. Officials said the digital platform has been introduced to make the ticketing process more convenient and accessible for passengers.
For the convenience of users, a QR code linking directly to the ticketing portal has also been made available, enabling quick access to the booking page.
Barren Island has long held interest among geologists, researchers and travellers due to its volcanic activity. The island’s volcano has experienced multiple eruptions in recent decades, creating a rugged landscape formed by lava flows and volcanic deposits.
Although access to the island itself is restricted to protect the fragile ecosystem and ensure safety, sea voyages around the island offer a safe vantage point from which the volcano can be observed.
Cruises organised by the Directorate of Shipping Services have become an important component of experiential tourism in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Such voyages provide opportunities to explore remote maritime locations while maintaining safety and environmental regulations.
Officials indicated that the special March sailings are expected to draw significant interest from tourists visiting the islands during the current travel season. Passengers planning to undertake the voyage have been encouraged to secure their seats early to avoid last-minute inconvenience.
The scheduled cruises are expected to add to the growing range of marine tourism activities available in the islands while allowing visitors to witness one of the region’s most remarkable natural features from the waters of the Andaman Sea.
