When it comes to picnic spots in Karachi, what could be better than walking on the shore and dipping your feet in the cool ocean water? Although the city has a number of extraordinary beaches that are perfect for a summer picnic, nothing beats the beauty and serenity of Turtle Beach in Karachi.
This naturally sandy beach has no rocks or reefs, which makes it an ideal spot for water sports and other activities. There are also a number of luxurious huts available for rent at Turtle Beach where you can relax with your family while enjoying the excellent view of the clear blue ocean.
Whether you live in the ‘City of Lights’ or are visiting it for a short time, make sure to add this beach to your list of places to visit in Karachi.
Here is what you need to know about one of the most famous tourist attractions in Karachi.
Why Is It Called Turtle Beach?
As the name suggests, this beach serves as an important nesting ground for the Green Sea Turtles and Olive Ridley Turtles. Throughout the year, thousands of female turtles make their way to the beaches of Karachi, particularly the strip between Hawke’s Bay and Sandspit, to lay their eggs. The peak nesting season for sea turtles starts in October and ends in November.
Although you may not be able to see the turtles during the daytime, you are most likely to see their tiny track marks on the sand in the early hours of the day. In addition to that, it’s important to mention that touching or disturbing these turtles or tampering with their eggs is strictly prohibited.
In fact, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) has also established its Wetland Centre in the area to raise awareness about the conservation of Green Turtles. Although hard-shelled sea turtles were once abundant across the world, this species of reptiles are now facing a global decline in population owing to factors such as climate change and water pollution.
Where is Turtle Beach in Karachi?
It is located between Hawke’s Bay and Sandspit, two of the most popular beaches in Karachi. Both of these are considered important breeding grounds for the rare species of turtles in the country. In fact, Sandspit got its name from the small pits that female turtles dig in the sand to lay their eggs.
No matter where you live in Karachi, you can easily access this beach via Lyari Expressway, the 38 km expressway constructed along the Lyari River that has joined the coastal areas of the city with the urban centres.
Fun Activities at Turtle Beach Karachi
A picnic at Turtle Beach Karachi can never be boring.
Local tour groups offer a wide range of fun picnic activities including speed boating and jet skiing. If you love fishing, there are local fishermen in the area who can rent you the required gear and even help catch the fish that you can later cook and eat.
Moreover, you can also enjoy camel and horse rides on Turtle Beach. Make sure to negotiate and settle on the price for each ride beforehand to avoid any arguments later on.
While you can also go swimming in this ocean, it is not advisable to do so – particularly during the high tides. However, there are several lifeguards present on Turtle Beach in Karachi, making it a relatively safer option for expert and professional swimmers.
Apart from the activities mentioned above, children can also make sandcastles, play beach frisbee or volleyball and fly a kite. Just be careful to not disturb other beachgoers and avoid littering. You also need to be careful not to damage the turtle eggs buried a few inches down in the sand.
Rental Huts at Turtle Beach
Turtle Beach Karachi boasts some of the best and most luxurious accommodation options in the area that are not just ideal for a night stay near the ocean but are also a perfect place to hold corporate events.
Most of the huts at Turtle Beach come with furniture, electricity connection and heavy backup generator, gas cylinders for cooking, private parking space, lifeguards and security guards among other facilities. Some of them even have a designated barbecue area and large ocean-facing terrace. At most, these huts can accommodate 25 to 30 people at a time.
Turtle Beach hut prices vary depending on the size of the place, the total number of rooms and the building’s infrastructure. However, on average, you can rent these hut within the price range of PKR 15,000 and PKR 35,000 per day (approximately 10 hours).
The rental prices of beach huts in Karachi, not just at Turtle Beach but other beaches as well, may increase slightly over the weekends as that’s when the area is most crowded.
Even if you are visiting Karachi for a very short time, you simply cannot afford to miss visiting this beach.
For more information about top places to visit in Karachi if you’re in the city for a day, check out Zameen Blog, the leading lifestyle blog in Pakistan. You can also send us your queries and suggestions at blog@zameen.com.
