Top 10 Water Activities in Tarkarli & Malvan (2026 Guide)
Tarkarli and Malvan are on Maharashtra's south Konkan coast. Here the Karli River meets the Arabian Sea. So you get calm backwaters, reefs in the open sea and quiet coves, all close together. That means a lot to do on the water.
Here are the 10 water activities our guests like most this season.
1. Scuba Diving
This is the big one. Tarkarli has some of the clearest water on India's west coast. In the main season (October to April) you can see up to 15 metres.
What We Offer
- Discover Scuba Diving (₹5,000, 35-40 min). Includes practice in shallow water first. Max depth 40ft.
- Fun Dives (₹7,500+, 1-3 days). For certified divers. Dive at several sites.
Every dive comes with a PADI-certified instructor and all the gear. GoPro photos and video are free.
Good For
First-timers, couples, families with kids 10 and up, and certified divers who want new sites.
2. Snorkelling
Snorkelling lets you see the reef from the surface. The shallow coral near Tsunami Island and Lighthouse Reef is great for it.
Details
- Time in the water: 30-45 minutes
- Depth: surface to 3-5 metres
- Gear: mask, snorkel, fins and life jacket, all provided
- Best spots: Tsunami Island, Devbagh Beach area
Good For
Non-swimmers, kids, and anyone who wants something easy.
3. Sunset Cruise
A relaxed boat ride along the Tarkarli coast while the sun sets over the Arabian Sea. No diving. Just sit back and watch.
Details
- Price: ₹5,500 per person
- Time: 2-3 hours
- Route: Tarkarli Bandar Jetty, then along the coast past Fox Island, Devbagh and Sangam point
- Includes: snacks and drinks, music, photos
Good For
Couples, anniversaries, families and groups who want a calm evening on the water.
4. Dolphin Spotting
Indian Ocean humpback dolphins live in the water between Tarkarli and Devbagh. Morning boat trips give you the best chance to see them.
Details
- Time: 1.5-2 hours
- Best time: early morning (7-9 AM), October to March
- Chance of seeing dolphins: 70-80% in the main season
- Often paired with snorkelling or island hopping
Good For
Wildlife fans, families with young kids, and anyone with a camera.
5. Parasailing
See the Tarkarli coast from up in the air. Parasailing runs from Tarkarli Beach in the calm months.
Details
- Time in the air: 10-15 minutes
- Height: 80-100 metres
- Season: October to May, if the weather allows
- Safety: life jacket, harness and a trained boat crew
Good For
Teens, thrill-seekers, and anyone who wants the view from above.
6. Jet Skiing
Fast rides along Tarkarli Beach. Short and fun.
Details
- Time: 10-15 minutes per ride
- Speed: up to 60 km/h
- Where: Tarkarli Beach, Devbagh area
- No experience needed. An instructor rides with you.
Good For
Groups, teens, and anyone who wants a quick thrill between other activities.
7. Banana Boat Ride
Four to six people sit on a blow-up boat shaped like a banana. A speedboat pulls you along. You will get splashed, and you will laugh.
Details
- Time: 15-20 minutes
- Group size: 4-6 per ride
- Easy. Good for ages 8 and up.
- Life jackets are a must. We provide them.
Good For
Families, groups of friends and team outings.
8. Kayaking in the Backwaters
The Karli River backwaters are flat and calm. You paddle through narrow channels lined with mangroves. It feels very different from the open sea.
Details
- Time: 1-2 hours
- Kayaks: single or for two
- Route: Karli River backwaters and mangrove channels
- Best time: early morning or late afternoon
Good For
Nature lovers, birdwatchers, couples, and anyone who wants a quiet break from the sea.
9. Night Safari (Boat)
A boat trip after dark through the backwaters and along the coast. Look for night birds and other animals. In some seasons the water glows with tiny plankton. With no city lights around, the stars are bright.
Details
- Price: ₹6,500 per person
- Time: 3-4 hours
- Includes: guide, gear, snacks and drinks
- You may see: night birds, fishing villages, lots of stars
Good For
Adventurous people, nature lovers and photographers.
10. Birthday & Anniversary on the Water
Celebrate on a private boat. We bring decorations, cake, music and a photographer. The calm water and the coast make a lovely setting.
Details
- Price: ₹6,500 per person
- Time: 2-3 hours
- Includes: private boat, decorations, music system, photos
- Extras: custom cake (+₹800), fresh flowers (+₹600), GoPro video (+₹1,200)
Good For
Birthdays, anniversaries, surprises and proposals.
Quick Comparison
| Activity | Time | Price | Need to Swim? | Good For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scuba Diving | 35-40 min | ₹5,000-7,500+ | No | First-timers, certified divers |
| Snorkelling | 30-45 min | ₹1,500-2,500 | No | Families, kids |
| Sunset Cruise | 2-3 hours | ₹5,500 | No | Couples, groups |
| Dolphin Spotting | 1.5-2 hours | ₹1,000-2,000 | No | Wildlife fans |
| Parasailing | 10-15 min | ₹1,500-2,500 | No | Thrill-seekers |
| Jet Skiing | 10-15 min | ₹1,000-1,500 | No | Speed lovers |
| Banana Boat | 15-20 min | ₹500-800 | No | Groups, families |
| Kayaking | 1-2 hours | ₹800-1,500 | Basic helps | Nature lovers |
| Night Safari | 3-4 hours | ₹6,500 | No | Adventurers |
| Celebrations | 2-3 hours | ₹6,500+ | No | Special days |
When to Come
- October to April: Everything is open. The water is clear and the sea is calm.
- May: Most things are still open. The water gets warmer. Some operators start to close for the season.
- June to September: Monsoon. Most water activities stop. We do not recommend a trip then.
How to Book
WhatsApp is the fastest way to book. Tell us how many people, your date, and what you want to do. We will put a plan together for you.
*Prices are a guide for the 2026-27 season. They can change with group size and demand. All activities depend on the weather and on availability.*
Suraj Bhosale
PADI Freelance Scuba Instructor (PADI Pro No. 380147). Suraj runs the dives and PADI courses at Tarkarli Divers.
More to Read
More about diving in Tarkarli and Malvan:
Diving Packages
All our dives, for beginners and certified divers.
Sunset Cruise
An evening boat ride along the Konkan coast.
Night Safari
A boat trip after dark through Tarkarli's backwaters.
Birthday & Anniversary
A private boat party with decorations and music.
Scuba Diving in Tarkarli
Everything you need to know about diving in Tarkarli.
Book Now
Pick your activity and date.
More Posts
View All Posts
Best Time to Dive in Tarkarli & Malvan (2026 Season Guide)
Find out the best months to dive at Tarkarli and Malvan. See what the water, fish and weather are like through the year.
How to Reach Tarkarli from Goa, Pune and Mumbai (2026 Travel Guide)
Routes, travel times and costs for getting to Tarkarli by road, train or plane from Mumbai, Pune and Goa.
Top Dive Sites in Malvan, Tarkarli and Sindhudurg (2026 Guide)
The 10 dive sites we use around Tarkarli and Malvan. See how deep each one is, how much you can see, and which ones suit beginners.