Pakistan may not be the first place to go for a beach vacation, but it is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. It has everything from deserts to beaches, deep seas to towering mountains, lush green plains to dense forests. Tourists from all over the world love to visit this part of South Asia because of its varied climates, rich culture and stunning scenery. Pakistan is also rich in natural resources and has famous beaches like Gwadar, Astola and Omara.
With around 1,000 kilometers of coastline along the Arabian Sea, you might be pleasantly surprised by what Pakistan has to offer. The coastline is divided into the Indus coast and the Makran coast. While many of the best beaches are near Karachi, Pakistan’s second-largest city, there are other great spots to explore. Let’s take a look at the best beaches in Pakistan.
Top 12 Beaches of Pakistan
- Clifton Beach
- French Beach
- Hawke’s Bay Beach
- Sandspit Beach
- Manora Beach
- Jiwani Beach
- Ormara Beach
- Kund Malir Beach
- Gwadar Beach
- Sapat Beach
- Pansi Beach
- Sonmiani Beach
Clifton Beach
Clifton Beach, also known as Sea View, is a famous and beautiful place in Karachi that attracts sea lovers. The beach stretches for about 2.5 km. People especially enjoy visiting for the amazing views at sunrise and sunset. Families love it because there are fun activities like horse and camel rides, and it’s a great place for a picnic on the beach. The area around the beach is lively, with plenty of street food and things to do. Clifton Beach is easy to get to, and landmarks like Clifton Bridge make it a favorite place for Karachiites to relax and enjoy the sea.
At Clifton Beach, the water is sometimes shallow, which is good for families with kids. When the tide comes in, the water gets deeper, and people can swim or do water activities.
Beachgoers should be aware of changing water conditions and take precautions. Such as swimming near a lifeguard station or wearing a life jacket during water activities. In 2003, old places like Lady Lloyd Pier and Jahangir Kothari Pavilion were in bad condition as the government was not maintaining them. Now, they are improving the area by opening Clifton Beach Park, using special bins, and planting trees.
French Beach
French Beach is located between Hawkes Bay and Paradise Point in Balochistan, a province of Pakistan. It’s a charming place known for fishing and attracts tourists from around the world. The beach has clear waters and sandy shores, offering a peaceful setting to relax and enjoy nature. Stretching about 2.5 kilometers along the Arabian Sea coast, French Beach has plenty of space for activities like swimming, sunbathing, and beach volleyball.
The water depth at French Beach changes with the tides and different areas. It is usually shallow, making it safe for swimming and wading. Some parts are deeper, which can be more challenging for experienced swimmers. The beach’s beauty comes from its unique features, such as the surrounding cliffs and the mix of white and black sand.
French Beach is also home to various plants and animals, creating a rich ecosystem with birds, reptiles, and marine life.
Hawke’s Bay Beach
Hawke’s Bay Beach in Pakistan is a beautiful natural spot located 20 kilometers southwest of Karachi. It’s a great place for a picnic and is an important breeding ground for rare reptiles. The beach offers a unique experience with its clear waters, golden sands, and peaceful atmosphere. It’s one of the few places in the world where green turtles lay their eggs, helping to conserve this endangered species.
Hawke’s Bay Beach stretches around 200 meters along the coast, providing plenty of space for people to relax and enjoy the views. The golden sands are perfect for sunbathing and beach activities. The gentle slope of the beach makes it safe for swimming, and the clear waters are refreshing for a dip.
Sandspit Beach
Sandspit Beach in Pakistan is a beautiful and unique spot that attracts tourists from all over the world. The beach is about 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) long, giving plenty of space for various activities. Visitors can enjoy sunbathing, swimming, and lively beach sports on the wide sandy stretch. The beach also offers a mix of different landscapes and seascapes for visitors to explore.
Manora Beach
Manora Beach, also known as Manoro, is located south of Karachi port in Sindh, Pakistan. It is connected to the mainland by a 12-kilometer bridge called Sandspit. This area, along with nearby islands, acts as a protective barrier between Karachi port and the Arabian Sea.
Manora Beach is great for exploring and enjoying nature. The shallow waters make it safe and fun for families with kids or anyone who likes wading.
Jiwani Beach
Jiwani Beach is known for its history with the British Army, which built a Victorian cottage and an airfield there during World War II. The beach offers stunning views, making it a favorite spot for Pakistani tourists and photographers.
Located between Gwadar and Chabahar at the eastern end of Gwadar Bay, Jiwani is surrounded by a large mangrove forest that extends beyond borders. This forest is crucial for wildlife, especially endangered green and Ridley sea turtles. Jiwani Beach is also famous for its beautiful sunsets and is the last part of the coastal road in Pakistan leading to the Iranian border.
Ormara Beach
Ormara Beach, located along the Makran Coastal Road, has an interesting history with tales of a visit from Alexander the Great. Its quiet and peaceful location makes it perfect for biking and hiking. Keep in mind that phone signals might be weak in some areas, so it’s a good idea to have local guides with you.
Ormara Beach is also a naval base and is strategically located on the Makran Coast Highway, about 240 kilometers from Karachi. The drive there takes about 5 hours. The beach is named “Ormara” after one of Alexander the Great’s generals, Hormuz, who died there.
Kund Malir Beach
Hangul National Park is about 150 km along the Makran Coast Highway from Karachi to Kund Malir. The journey to Kund Malir is beautiful and enjoyable. The road is surrounded by mountains, and Kund Malir Beach itself is spectacular, with picturesque cliffs and high peaks. The area is covered with lush vegetation, which makes it attractive and soothing to the eyes. The beach is pristine, with clear blue water and rugged mountains all around.
Gwadar Beach
Gwadar Beach is a special place in Pakistan known for its economic importance, beauty, and culture. You can see big ships and boats at the port, which is a big part of global trade. Gwadar Beach is important because it’s part of the city of Gwadar, which is a big hub for business and development, especially because of the Gwadar Port. Many tourists and investors visit the beach, which helps the area grow in trade and tourism.
Sapat Beach
Sapat Beach in Balochistan is one of the well-known sandy beaches in Pakistan. It’s situated on the Makran coast, about 780 kilometers from Quetta, in the Lasbela region. The beach has tall cliffs that rise from the sand, and there are also rocks along the coast.
Sapat Beach is famous for the different sea creatures like crabs and jellyfish that live there. It’s also popular among tourists because of its calm waters during the day and high tides that come in at night, touching the bottom of the island.
Pansi Beach
Pasni Gwadar area does not have any known beaches, but it is still beautiful with its golden sand dunes. The population has grown here, but the authorities have not done anything to make it easier for tourists. Because more people are living here now, the coast is getting worse. Pasni is a small town and fishing port in Gwadar District of Balochistan. Only a medium-sized area on Pisni Beach is used for fishing.
Sonmiani Beach
Sonmiani Beach is located in the Lasbela District of Balochistan, Pakistan. It’s about a 2-hour and 15-minute drive from Karachi. This beach is one of the cleanest in Pakistan because it’s a restricted area, and you can’t visit without a special permit. You need to get some references and permits to visit here. Apart from enjoying the weather, you can also do activities on the beach. But you need to tell the management 24 hours beforehand so they can arrange these facilities for you. They also have a children’s play area. It’s a must-visit beach in Pakistan.
Conclusion
Pakistan has wonderful beaches where you can have peaceful experiences. From the bustling Gwadar to the serene island of Astola, these beaches showcase the beauty of nature and the culture of the country. Whether you want to relax or go on an adventure, Pakistan’s beaches have something for everyone.
FAQs
Are the beaches in Pakistan safe for tourists?
Yes, most of the popular beaches in Pakistan. such as Clifton Beach and Hawke’s Bay Beach, are safe for tourists.
Which beach is the most family friendly?
Clifton Beach in Karachi is very family friendly. Its shallow waters are ideal for families with children.
Can I swim at the beaches in Pakistan?
Yes, many of the beaches such as French Beach and Hawke’s Bay Beach are suitable for swimming. However, always pay attention to the tide and swim in designated areas for safety.
How accessible are these beaches?
Beaches like Clifton Beach and Sandspit Beach are easily accessible from Karachi. More remote beaches, such as Kund Malir and Sapat Beach, might require a longer drive or guided tour.
Do I need any special permits to visit some beaches?
Yes, for beaches like Sonmiani Beach, you will need a special permit due to its restricted status. It’s important to arrange this in advance to ensure access.