Tarkarli, a serene village nestled along the western coast of Maharashtra, is a hidden gem known for its pristine beaches and rich cultural heritage. Located on the shores of the Arabian Sea, Tarkarli is famous for its white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, making it a paradise for beach lovers and adventure enthusiasts alike.
Tarkarli Beach, with its unspoiled beauty, draws visitors from across the country, particularly those looking to indulge in thrilling water sports that are currently available. Adventure seekers can dive into the underwater wonders through scuba diving and snorkeling, exploring the vibrant marine life and colorful corals. For adrenaline junkies, parasailing, jet skiing, and the banana boat ride offer exhilarating experiences over the sea. Visitors can also enjoy the rush of the speed boat ride, test their balance on a kayak, or experience the thrill of a bumper ride, all of which provide a perfect blend of excitement and fun.
With these water sports available now, Tarkarli continues to captivate visitors with its blend of natural beauty and adventure-filled activities.
1. Scuba Diving
Beginner Dives: 15 to 20 feet (4.5 to 6 meters)
Advanced Dives: Up to 30 feet (9 meters)
Highlights: Dive to explore coral reefs and vibrant marine life.
Visibility: Typically 10 to 25 feet (3 to 7 meters) depending on water clarity.
2. Parasailing
Tethered Parasailing: 150 to 300 feet (45 to 90 meters) above sea level.
View: Panoramic views of Tarkarli Beach and surrounding waters, perfect for adrenaline seekers who want to soar high.
Width: Parasail rope width is typically 8 to 10 mm, though not particularly relevant to the overall experience.
3. Jet Skiing
Top Speed: Up to 50 mph (80 km/h)
Operating Range: Generally within a 1 km radius from shore, depending on the operator’s safety zone.
Depth: Jet skiing takes place in areas where the water is at least 3 to 6 feet (1 to 2 meters) deep for safety.
4. Banana Boat Ride
Width of the Inflatable Boat: Typically around 3 to 4 feet (1 to 1.2 meters).
Length: Varies between 10 to 12 feet (3 to 3.6 meters), allowing up to 6 passengers.
Operating Depth: Banana boat rides are conducted in shallow waters around 6 to 10 feet (2 to 3 meters) deep.
5. Bumper Ride
Width of the Bumper Tube: Typically 4 to 5 feet (1.2 to 1.5 meters) in diameter.
Speed: Pulled behind a speedboat at speeds ranging from 20 to 40 km/h.
Operating Depth: 6 to 10 feet (2 to 3 meters) of water depth for a smooth, safe ride.
6. Speed Boat Ride
Speed: Speedboats can go up to 40 to 60 km/h.
Operating Depth: Speedboat rides are usually conducted in waters at least 10 feet (3 meters) deep.
Width of the Boat: Typically 5 to 6 feet (1.5 to 1.8 meters) wide.
Length: 15 to 20 feet (4.5 to 6 meters).
7. Kayaking
Operating Depth: Kayaking is done in calm waters, either along the coastline or in shallow backwaters of around 3 to 5 feet (1 to 1.5 meters) deep.
Kayak Dimensions:
Width: 2 to 3 feet (0.6 to 0.9 meters)
Length: 8 to 12 feet (2.4 to 3.6 meters), depending on whether it’s a single or double kayak.
8. Snorkeling
Depth: Typically done in shallow waters ranging from 3 to 10 feet (1 to 3 meters) deep.
Visibility: Clear visibility ranges from 10 to 25 feet (3 to 7 meters), depending on water conditions.
Operating Area: Snorkeling occurs within close proximity to shore, with a width of a few hundred meters for exploration.