When some of the best beaches in Kerala are flagged with the prestigious Blue Flag Certification, the hype to enjoy watersports on Kerala beaches increases. If you have been planning a beach vacation to Kerala, you will be glad to know the number of water activities available in the state. Satiate your affinity for longing for salt air in your hair without a list of Kerala water sports.
Kerala's appeal takes no time to astonish tourists with its eco-friendly tourism approach and the Malabar Coastline. However, suppose you dare to leave the shoreline of Kerala. In that case, there are several other ordinary water-fun activities in Kerala that you could combine with beach watersports like river rafting, snake boat racing, bamboo rafting, and houseboat cruises on backwaters.
Best Watersports in Kerala for Adrenaline Rush
Kerala is one of the best paradises in India for aquatic sports lovers. Here is a list of the best watersports in Kerala:
1. Kayaking in Backwaters, Rivers, Beaches
Choose recreational kayaking in Kerala in the backwaters of Alleppey, Kovalam, and Kumarakom. The Chalipuzzha River is one of the longest rivers in Kerala, where you can enjoy whitewater kayaking. In addition, there are kayaking schools in Kerala where you can learn tips for whitewater kayaking and sea kayaking, which are often moderate-level watersports in Kerala compared to backwater kayaking.
- Cost of Kayaking in Kerala: Starts from ₹ 500 - ₹ 3000 per head for a roundup trip
- Kayaking Timings in Kerala: 8 AM - 7 PM
- Best Season or Time for Kayaking in Kerala: January to May, October to December
- Kayaking Places in Kerala: Alleppey, Challipuzza River, Marari Beach, Alappuzha Beach, Kovalam Beach.
2. Paragliding in Varkala Beach
There is something special about paragliding at Varkala Beach in Kerala. Here, you can admire the views of the Arabian Sea on one side and the picturesque cliff on the other, where you will take the leap of faith. Moreover, if you do the paragliding activity in the evening, you can witness a sunset that will leave you mesmerized. You can also indulge in parasailing if you are less interested in paragliding.
- Required Age for Paragliding in Varkala Beach: Above 18 years (approx.)
- Paragliding in Varkala Beach Starts At: Northern Cliff (Adjacent to the Varkala Beach)
- Paragliding Beach in Varkala Ends At: Varkala Beach or sometimes back to the helipad.
- Best Season time for Paragliding in Varkala Beach: Early/post-monsoon, summer, winter
- Paragliding Duration at Varkala Beach: 15 - 20 minutes (approx.)
- Cost of Paragliding at Varkala Beach: ₹ 3,500 (approx.) onwards per person.
3. Scuba Diving in Kovalam
Keep your waterproof camera handy to explore the rich underwater life of the Southwest Malabar Coast. Swim beneath the blue waters of the Blue Flag Beaches of Kerala in Kovalam, Trivandrum, and Kochi. The excitement of witnessing coral and marine plants under the Arabian Sea is a unique experience one must not avoid. Scuba diving in Kerala is a safe activity under the experts' where the divers first take diving lessons at the diving schools and then jump into the shallow protected sea zones with tanks filled with compressed air for easy breathing under the waters.
- Scuba Diving Cost in Kovalam: Start at ₹ 3,000 (approx.) onwards
- Scuba Diving Timings in Kerala: 9 AM - 5 PM (subject to change)
- How to Reach Scuba Diving Point: Via boat ride of 60 minutes (approx.) from the pickup point
- Underwater Activity Duration: 15-25 minutes (approx.) with instructor
- Minimum Age for Scuba Diving in Kerala: Above 12 years (approx.) and subject to change
- Best Season or Time for Kayaking in Kerala: January to May, October to December.
4. Catamaran Sailing in Alleppey, Varkala, Kovalam
The fishing community of Kerala is known to make traditional catamarans that resemble yachts. Corporate groups or family travelers would love to sail the catamaran in Alleppey, Varkala, and Kovalam. Cherai Beach in Kochi is one of the best places for catamaran sailing in Kerala. Enjoy the ride as you sit in the small wooden vessel and cruise the palm-fringed backwaters or the beach on a catamaran.
- Catamaran Sailing Cost in Kerala: Start at ₹ 3,000 (approx.) onwards
- Catamaran Sailing Timings in Kerala: 8 AM - 7 PM (subject to change)
- Catamaran Sailing Duration: 30 - 60 minutes (approx.) with instructor
- Seating Capacity of Catamaran Boat: 40 people (approx.)
- Best Season or Time for Catamaran Sailing in Kerala: January to May, October to December.
5. Windsurfing in Kovalam, Kochi
Hear the sounds of the waves while surfing the Arabian Sea, which forms Cherai Beach in Kerala, one of the best places in India for windsurfing. This watersport in Kerala allows you to surf along the Arabian Sea coastline while maneuvering the winds. These extreme adventure sports, sailing and surfing, are not for the novice or faint-hearted. Also, Kovalam Beach gets big swells, and the windsurfing places in Kerala have surfing clubs.
- Windsurfing Sailing Cost in Kerala: Start at ₹ 3,000 (approx.) onwards
- Windsurfing Timings in Kerala: 10 AM - 6 PM (subject to change)
- Windsurfing Duration: 45 - 60 minutes (approx.)
- Best Season or Time for Windsurfing in Kerala: January to May, October to December.
List of other water sports in Kerala
- Canoeing
- Snorkeling
- Parasailing
- Water Skiing
- River Crossing
- Banana Ride
- Knee Boarding
- Bamboo Rafting
- Sea Surfing
- Boating
- Wave Running
Important Tips to Enjoy Watersports in Kerala
- Kerala has two monsoons - Southwest and Northeast.
- The Northeast monsoon starts from October till November, which is when you can enjoy watersports due to less rainfall.
- Kayaking or other watersports in Kerala is not suggested during the Southwest monsoon from June to August.
- Enjoy watersports only under the supervision of certified experts.
- Listen to your instructor before the activity.
- Compare the price for the best deals.
- Don’t opt for the waterports in the peak monsoon, no matter how lucrative the deal is.
If you are planning to visit Kerala, then you can book your Kerala tour package with us.
