Discover Kerala Top Beach & Coastal Adventures 2025

Kerala’s extensive coastline offers a wealth of opportunities for coastal adventures. Whether you’re looking for thrilling water sports like scuba diving and surfing, relaxing beach camping spots, or scenic bike trips along the coast, Kerala has it all. The state’s beaches are also home to some of the best seafood spots in the country, making every coastal trip a delicious experience. In this guide, we’ll explore the top locations for beach camping, snorkeling, surfing, coastal bike trips, and seafood adventures along Kerala’s picturesque coast.

Best Places for Beach Camping

1. Muzhappilangad Beach, Kannur
   • Famous for being the longest drive-in beach in Asia, Muzhappilangad Beach offers excellent camping spots where you can set up a tent right by the shoreline. The calm waves and scenic beauty make it a top choice for beach camping enthusiasts.
   • Best for: Family camping, beach lovers.
2. Varkala Beach, Thiruvananthapuram
   • Varkala’s cliff-side views make it one of the most scenic beaches for camping. You can enjoy bonfires and listen to the waves crashing against the shore while surrounded by stunning cliffs.
   • Best for: Adventure campers, photography lovers.
3. Marari Beach, Alappuzha
   • Marari Beach is perfect for those looking for a peaceful and serene camping experience. The beach is relatively uncrowded, making it ideal for a relaxed getaway.
   • Best for: Peaceful retreats, nature lovers.
4. Cherai Beach, Kochi
   • Cherai Beach is a great place for combining camping with adventure activities. You can camp under the stars while also enjoying nearby water sports and beachside dining.
   • Best for: Adventure seekers, water sports lovers.
5. Kappad Beach, Kozhikode
   • A historic beach where Vasco da Gama landed, Kappad Beach offers both scenic beauty and historical significance. Camping here is a quiet and culturally enriching experience.
   • Best for: History buffs, tranquil campers.

Scuba Diving and Snorkeling Spots

1. Kovalam Beach, Thiruvananthapuram
   • Kovalam is one of the best-known spots for scuba diving in Kerala. The warm waters and abundant marine life make it ideal for both beginners and experienced divers.
   • Best for: Scuba diving enthusiasts, marine life lovers.
2. Varkala Beach, Thiruvananthapuram
   • Varkala offers a mix of snorkeling and diving experiences with its crystal-clear waters and underwater rock formations. You can spot colorful marine life while diving into the Arabian Sea.
   • Best for: Snorkeling fans, scuba divers.
3. Vizhinjam Beach, Thiruvananthapuram
   • Vizhinjam is another excellent spot for scuba diving and snorkeling, especially for those looking for a quieter and less commercialized experience. The coral reefs here are vibrant and well-preserved.
   • Best for: Offbeat explorers, diving enthusiasts.
4. Alleppey Backwaters, Alappuzha
   • While traditionally known for its backwaters, Alleppey also offers snorkeling opportunities in its shallow waters, providing a unique coastal experience.
   • Best for: Nature lovers, unique snorkelers.
5. Kannur Coast
   • The pristine waters along the Kannur coast provide fantastic snorkeling and diving opportunities, with plenty of marine species to explore.
   • Best for: Diving and snorkeling lovers, off-the-beaten-path travelers.

Best Beaches for Surfing

1. Kovalam Beach, Thiruvananthapuram
   • Kovalam Beach is Kerala’s top surfing destination, with consistent waves that attract surfers from across the globe. Its warm waters and surf schools make it perfect for beginners as well.
   • Best for: Surfers of all skill levels, adventure sports enthusiasts.
2. Varkala Beach, Thiruvananthapuram
   • Varkala is another great surfing spot, with its cliffs providing shelter from the wind and creating ideal wave conditions. The laid-back vibe of the beach adds to its charm for surfers.
   • Best for: Intermediate and advanced surfers, beach adventurers.
3. Cherai Beach, Kochi
   • Cherai Beach is gaining popularity among surfers for its gentle waves, making it an ideal spot for beginners who want to practice their surfing skills.
   • Best for: Beginners, beach campers who love adventure.
4. Kappil Beach, Kasaragod
   • Kappil Beach offers a secluded surfing experience with fewer crowds and stunning views. The surf here is moderate but ideal for those looking for a peaceful, adventure-filled getaway.
   • Best for: Experienced surfers seeking solitude, adventure surfers.
5. Payyambalam Beach, Kannur
   • Payyambalam Beach, with its wide coastline and steady waves, is quickly becoming a favorite spot for both surfers and bodyboarders.
   • Best for: Bodyboarding and surfing fans, adventurous travelers.

Coastal Bike Trips

1. Kollam to Alleppey
   • A bike trip along the coast from Kollam to Alleppey is an exciting way to experience Kerala’s backwaters and beaches. You can stop at small fishing villages, explore local culture, and enjoy stunning views of the Arabian Sea.
   • Best for: Cycling enthusiasts, culture explorers.
2. Kochi to Cherai Beach
   • This short but scenic bike trip takes you through Kochi’s heritage-filled streets before leading to the calm shores of Cherai Beach. It’s a perfect weekend getaway for biking lovers.
   • Best for: Weekend bikers, coastal adventurers.
3. Thiruvananthapuram to Kovalam
   • This coastal bike trip offers beautiful views of the Arabian Sea and passes by lush greenery and fishing hamlets. You can also stop for a dip in the sea or enjoy local seafood along the way.
   • Best for: Scenic bikers, adventure seekers.
4. Kannur to Muzhappilangad
   • One of the most scenic bike routes in Kerala, this trip takes you from the cultural hub of Kannur to the famous drive-in Muzhappilangad Beach. You can bike along the coast and even ride on the beach itself.
   • Best for: Biking enthusiasts, scenic road trippers.
5. Varkala to Kappil Beach
   • A short and picturesque route, this bike trip lets you enjoy Varkala’s cliffs and beaches before reaching the less-visited but equally beautiful Kappil Beach.
   • Best for: Short-trip bikers, nature lovers.

Seafood Hotspots Along the Coast

1. Fort Kochi, Kochi
   • Fort Kochi is a food lover’s paradise, offering an array of seafood dishes ranging from fresh prawns and crabs to Kerala-style fish curry. The beachside shacks here are a must-visit for any seafood enthusiast.
   • Best for: Seafood lovers, cultural explorers.
2. Alleppey Backwaters, Alappuzha
   • Along the backwaters, you’ll find traditional houseboats serving freshly caught seafood prepared in authentic Kerala spices. From Karimeen (Pearl Spot) to prawns, the variety is unmatched.
   • Best for: Authentic seafood lovers, backwater travelers.
3. Kovalam Beach, Thiruvananthapuram
   • Kovalam’s beachside restaurants and shacks offer fresh seafood caught daily. The prawns, squid, and fish prepared in coconut oil are local favorites.
   • Best for: Beach lovers, seafood enthusiasts.
4. Varkala Beach, Thiruvananthapuram
   • The cliffside cafes at Varkala Beach offer stunning ocean views along with fresh seafood, including grilled fish, prawns, and calamari. It’s the perfect spot for a sunset meal.
   • Best for: Seafood fans, sunset watchers.
5. Beypore, Kozhikode
   • Beypore, a small coastal town, is known for its fishing community and fresh seafood markets. You can enjoy traditional Kerala fish curry and other seafood delicacies at local restaurants.
   • Best for: Offbeat travelers, seafood connoisseurs.

From thrilling water sports to serene beach camping, Kerala’s coastal regions are packed with adventures for every type of traveler. Whether you prefer exploring the underwater world, riding the waves, or indulging in mouth-watering seafood, Kerala’s beaches and coastlines offer an unforgettable experience.