Mumbai to Alibaug Day Trip

Mumbai to Alibaug Day Trip

Beaches, sea forts, water sports, and Konkan seafood — Mumbai's favorite coastal escape

BeachesSea FortsWater Sports1-2 Hours from Mumbai

Alibaug is Mumbai's closest beach escape — a laid-back coastal town across the harbour that offers everything the city lacks: clean beaches, historic sea forts, fresh Konkan seafood, and the sound of waves instead of traffic. The highlight is Kolaba Fort, a 300-year-old sea fortress built by Shivaji Maharaj that you can walk to during low tide across the exposed seabed. Kashid Beach, 30 km further south, has some of the clearest water and whitest sand anywhere near Mumbai. Getting there is half the fun — the ferry ride from the Gateway of India or the dramatic drive across the Atal Setu sea bridge.

1-2 hrs

From Mumbai

₹200+

Ferry One Way

Oct-Mar

Best Season

5+

Beaches Nearby

Getting There

Ferry to Mandwa Jetty

1 hour₹200-350

The most scenic and popular way to reach Alibaug. Ferries and speedboats operate from the Gateway of India and Bhaucha Dhakka (Ferry Wharf) to Mandwa Jetty, the closest landing point to Alibaug. The ride across Mumbai Harbour is beautiful, with views of the Mumbai skyline receding behind you. From Mandwa, shared autos or taxis take you to Alibaug town (30 minutes, ₹50-100 per person shared, ₹300-400 private).

Tip: Book tickets online through Mandwa Jetty or M2M Ferries apps. The first ferry departs around 6-7 AM. Weekends sell out fast — book 2-3 days in advance. Catamaran services are faster (45 min) but pricier.

Drive via Atal Setu / Mumbai-Goa Highway

2-3 hours₹800-1,500 (tolls + fuel)

The Atal Setu (Mumbai Trans Harbour Link), opened in 2024, has dramatically reduced driving time to Alibaug. The 22 km sea bridge connects Sewri in South Mumbai to Nhava Sheva, cutting the old 3-4 hour drive to about 2 hours. The drive across the sea bridge itself is an experience. Alternatively, the older route via the Mumbai-Goa Highway through Panvel takes 2.5-3 hours.

Tip: Atal Setu toll is approximately ₹250 one way for cars. Leave early on weekends to avoid holiday traffic. The sea bridge has spectacular views — stop only at designated photo points.

What to See

Beaches, forts, and coastal experiences that make Alibaug special.

Alibaug Beach

Beach

The main beach of Alibaug town — a wide, sandy stretch with calm waters, horse rides, and beach vendors. The beach is family-friendly with gentle waves and shallow water extending far from shore. During low tide, you can walk across the exposed seabed to see small marine life. The beachfront has restaurants, coconut water sellers, and souvenir shops. Not the most pristine beach, but the most convenient.

Open 24 hours (best at low tide for walking to Kolaba Fort)
Free

Kolaba Fort

Historic Fort

A 300-year-old sea fort built by Shivaji Maharaj in 1680, located about 1.2 km offshore from Alibaug Beach. The remarkable thing about Kolaba Fort is that you can walk to it during low tide — the sea recedes to reveal a sandy path leading straight to the fort entrance. Inside, you will find old cannons, a freshwater well, and remnants of the fortifications. The experience of walking through the sea to reach a fort is unique and memorable.

Accessible during low tide only (check tide tables)
Free

Kashid Beach

Beach

Widely considered the most beautiful beach in the Alibaug region — and arguably the best beach near Mumbai. Kashid is about 30 km from Alibaug town, with pristine white sand, crystal-blue water, and a dramatic backdrop of hills and casuarina trees. The beach is cleaner and less crowded than Alibaug Beach. Water sports including jet skiing, banana boat rides, and parasailing are available from November to May.

Open 24 hours (water sports: 9 AM - 5 PM)
Beach free; water sports ₹300-1,500 per activity

Murud-Janjira Fort

Island Fort

One of the strongest marine forts in India, built on an island in the Arabian Sea by the Siddis of Janjira in the 15th century. The fort was never conquered — not by the Marathas, not by the Portuguese, not by the British. The massive walls rise directly from the sea, and inside you will find the remains of a palace, mosque, and freshwater tanks. Access is by small boats from Rajapuri jetty (30 min from Murud). A fascinating historical excursion.

7:00 AM - 6:00 PM (boat dependent on weather)
₹50 (boat ride) + ₹25 entry

Nagaon Beach

Beach

A quieter alternative to Alibaug Beach, just 8 km north. Nagaon has a long stretch of sand with fewer crowds and a more relaxed atmosphere. Several beach resorts line the shore, and water sports operators offer jet skiing, bumper rides, and kayaking. The seafood shacks along the beach serve fresh catch of the day. Good for those who want beach time without the Alibaug town bustle.

Open 24 hours
Free; water sports ₹200-800

Water Sports & Beach Activities

Available at Kashid and Nagaon beaches from October to May.

₹500-800

Jet Skiing

Available at Kashid, Nagaon, and Alibaug beaches. Rides last 10-15 minutes. Most operators provide a brief training session. Best during November-May when seas are calm.

₹300-500 per person

Banana Boat Ride

A group activity where 4-6 riders sit on an inflatable banana-shaped boat towed by a speedboat. Guaranteed splashing and laughter. Available at Kashid and Nagaon.

₹800-1,500

Parasailing

Soar above the Arabian Sea with a parachute towed by a speedboat. Available at Kashid Beach during peak season. The aerial views of the coastline are stunning.

₹300-500 per hour

Kayaking

Paddle along the coast in a single or double kayak. Available at Nagaon and some Alibaug beach resorts. A peaceful way to explore the shoreline and spot marine life.

Seafood Restaurants

Fresh Konkan seafood is one of the best reasons to visit Alibaug.

₹200-500 for two

Sanman Restaurant

Alibaug town

A local favorite serving excellent Konkan-style seafood. The fish thali (a complete meal with fish curry, fried fish, rice, chapati, and sides) is the best value meal in Alibaug. The surmai (kingfish) fry and sol kadi (kokum-coconut drink) are outstanding.

₹300-600 for two

Hotel Amrut

Near Alibaug Beach

Known for its fresh pomfret (paplet) preparations — fried, in curry, or tawa-grilled. The prawn masala is rich and spicy in true Konkan style. Simple decor but consistently good food. Popular with both locals and visitors.

₹500-1,000 for two

Bohemyan Blue

Nagaon Beach

A beachside restaurant with a more modern, cafe-style vibe. The menu goes beyond traditional Konkan with continental options alongside local seafood. Good cocktails and a relaxed atmosphere. The beach view from the outdoor seating is lovely at sunset.

₹300-700 for two

Kashid Beach Shacks

Kashid Beach

Several beachfront shacks at Kashid serve fresh seafood caught that morning. Point at the fish you want, choose your preparation (fried, masala, tandoori), and enjoy it at a plastic table with sand between your toes. The experience is as much about the setting as the food. Peak season only (October-May).

Budget Breakdown

ItemCost
Ferry to Mandwa (return)₹400-700
OR Drive via Atal Setu (fuel + tolls)₹1,600-3,000
Auto/taxi Mandwa to Alibaug₹100-400
Local transport (auto for the day)₹500-800
Water sports (2-3 activities)₹800-2,000
Meals (lunch + snacks)₹300-700
Total (budget, by ferry)₹1,500-3,000 per person
Total (comfortable, by car)₹3,000-5,500 per person

Day Trip Tips

Check Tide Tables for Kolaba Fort

The walk to Kolaba Fort is only possible during low tide. Check tide tables online before planning your day — the fort is accessible for about 4-5 hours around low tide. If you arrive during high tide, you will see the fort from the beach but cannot reach it. Time your Alibaug Beach visit accordingly.

Book Ferry Tickets in Advance

Weekend ferry tickets to Mandwa sell out fast, especially during October-March peak season. Book 2-3 days ahead through the M2M Ferries or Mandwa Jetty apps. The early morning ferries (6-8 AM) are the most popular. Return ferries from Mandwa also get crowded after 4 PM.

Rent a Two-Wheeler

If you are comfortable riding, renting a scooter or motorbike in Alibaug (₹300-500 per day) gives you maximum flexibility to explore the spread-out beaches and forts. Rental shops are available near Alibaug bus stand. Carry your driving license.

Kashid Needs Extra Time

Kashid Beach is 30 km from Alibaug town (45-60 minutes each way). If you want to include Kashid in your day trip, it needs to be the primary destination — you will not have enough time for both Kashid and extensive Alibaug sightseeing. Choose one as your focus.

Best Season: October to March

The best time for Alibaug is October to March — warm but not scorching weather, calm seas for water sports, and accessible forts. April-May is very hot. June-September (monsoon) has rough seas and most water sports shut down, though the green countryside is beautiful.

Carry Sunscreen and Water

The Alibaug beaches have minimal shade. The walk to Kolaba Fort across the exposed seabed has zero shade. Carry SPF 50+ sunscreen, a hat, and at least 1 liter of water per person. The sun is intense, especially between 11 AM and 3 PM.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, especially if you enjoy beaches, history, and seafood. The combination of the ferry ride, Kolaba Fort at low tide, beach time at Kashid or Nagaon, and fresh Konkan seafood makes for an excellent day out. The new Atal Setu bridge has made the drive much more convenient. It is Mumbai's closest proper beach destination.
The ferry from Gateway of India or Bhaucha Dhakka to Mandwa Jetty takes approximately 1 hour for regular ferries and 45 minutes for catamaran services. From Mandwa, an auto-rickshaw or taxi to Alibaug town takes another 30 minutes. Total door-to-door time from South Mumbai to Alibaug Beach is about 2 hours.
Yes, but only during low tide. The fort is located about 1.2 km offshore, and the sea recedes enough during low tide to reveal a walkable sandy path. The walk takes about 20-25 minutes each way. You need to time your visit carefully — check tide tables and plan to start walking when the tide is going out. Allow at least 1 hour at the fort and start your return well before the tide turns.
Wear comfortable, light clothing and sturdy sandals or water shoes (especially for the Kolaba Fort walk through shallow water). Bring swimwear if you plan to swim or do water sports. A hat and sunglasses are essential. Avoid heavy jeans or dark colors that absorb heat.
Absolutely. Alibaug Beach has calm, shallow water perfect for children. The walk to Kolaba Fort is a fun adventure for older kids. Nagaon Beach has gentle water sports suitable for families. The ferry ride itself is exciting for children. Avoid Kashid in rough seas. Carry extra water and snacks for kids.

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