New Year's Eve cruise to offer glimpse of India's lone active volcano

New Year's Eve Cruise to Offer Glimpse of India's Lone Active Volcano

As the clock ticks closer to midnight on December 31, 2025, a select group of travelers will embark on a unique adventure, one that promises to make the Andaman and Nicobar Islands a hotspot for tourism in the coming year. A special New Year's Eve cruise is set to depart from Port Blair's Haddo Wharf at 9:00 PM, bound for the vicinity of Barren Island, home to India's only active volcano. This 19-hour journey, which will return by 2:00 PM on January 1, 2026, will offer passengers a close-up view of the volcano at sunrise, without ever having to set foot on the island.

The Andaman and Nicobar administration's Directorate of Shipping Services (DSS) under ANIIDCO has been operating a fortnightly round-trip cruise service to Barren Island since October 24, 2025. The regular service has been a huge success, attracting tourists who are eager to witness the majesty of the volcano at close range. The New Year's Eve edition is a one-off promotional voyage, designed to draw even more visitors to the islands and boost the local economy.

The cruise, which operates every two weeks, is a safe and accessible way for tourists to experience the thrill of viewing an active volcano. With no disembarkation permitted due to safety and eco-sensitive status, passengers will be treated to a unique deck-view spectacle, complete with cabins and meals. The fares for the cruise range from ₹3,180 to ₹8,310 per person, depending on the cabin, with an optional ₹2,000 meal package available.

Barren Island, which is uninhabited and approximately 3 km in diameter, features a breached caldera that allows lava to flow into the sea. The island's unique geography and ecosystem make it an eco-sensitive zone, and the authorities have taken great care to ensure that the cruise operations do not harm the delicate environment.

For tourists, the New Year's Eve cruise offers a novel way to ring in the new year, with the added bonus of witnessing the sunrise over the volcano. The cruise also includes optional water activities such as snorkeling and scuba diving, allowing passengers to experience the beauty of the underwater world surrounding the island.

While the cruise is expected to be a huge success, there are some concerns about the environmental impact of increased vessel traffic in the area. However, the authorities have taken steps to minimize the impact, and the cruise operators have implemented measures to ensure that the eco-sensitive zone is protected.

As the Andaman and Nicobar Islands continue to emerge as a major tourist destination, the New Year's Eve cruise is set to be a flagship event that showcases the unique attractions of the region. With its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and commitment to eco-tourism, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are poised to become a must-visit destination for travelers from around the world.

The New Year's Eve cruise is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that promises to be an unforgettable way to ring in the new year. With its unique blend of natural beauty, adventure, and luxury, this cruise is sure to be a hit with tourists. Book your spot now and be a part of this exciting journey to witness the majesty of India's lone active volcano.

The fares for the New Year's Eve cruise range from ₹3,180 to ₹8,310 per person, depending on the cabin. An optional ₹2,000 meal package is available, which includes bed tea, breakfast, lunch, snacks, and high tea. To book your spot, visit the DSS e-ticketing portal, which is now live.

The New Year's Eve cruise departs from Haddo Wharf in Sri Vijaya Puram (formerly Port Blair) at 9:00 PM on December 31, 2025, and returns by 2:00 PM on January 1, 2026. The regular fortnightly cruise service operates every two weeks, with departures typically on Fridays at 9:00 PM and arrivals on Saturdays by 4:00 PM.