For many of us, beach vacations bring to mind traditional activities such as swimming, sunbathing, or playing volleyball on the beach. There’s a whole world, though, of unique and not-so-well-known activities that can take the ordinary to an exceptional coastal getaway. India, with its very long coastline of more than 7,500 kilometers, offers endless possibilities for beach lovers to explore innovative and adventurous ways of spending time at the sea.

For this, we present to you in the ensuing lines 10 very unique beach activities that are definitely going to make your beach vacation unforgettable, yet which you probably haven’t tried. These are some of the best fit activities for the adventurous traveler, adding fun and relaxation to Indian travelers’ next seaside vacations.

Underwater Walking

Feel the magic of underwater walking along the sea bed with vibrant corals and marine life, and one need not know how to swim or dive. Underwater walking is an activity that can make one walk right along the ocean floor with assistance from a specially designed helmet that keeps him/her breathing normally. Popular in places like Andaman’s North Bay Island and Grand Island in Goa, the sport is perfect for beginners who want to have fun exploring the underwater life sans all complications of scuba diving.

• Why You Should Try It: This is an unforgettable experience wherein one gets to see very closely the marine creatures-like colored fishes, sea urchins, and even corals-without advanced diving skills.
• Where to try it in India: North Bay Island, Andaman and Nicobar Islands; Grand Island, Goa.

Sandboarding

Most people love sandcastles, but how about sandboarding? It is basically the beach version of snowboarding but on sand dunes. Just envision sliding down golden dunes with nothing but a board at your feet! Sandboarding is an entertaining and adrenaline-charged way to put beach and desert together and is gaining popularity in coastal areas that feature dunes.

• Worth a Try Because: A great adrenaline rush with the stunning beach-the experience will be surreal. And, of course, it is far easier to learn than snowboarding!
• Where to Try in India: Dune riding is done on the Kutch Desert Beaches of Gujarat or Mandvi Beach.

Bioluminescence Kayaking

If you are into kayaking but want to take it to a whole new level, then bioluminescent kayaking is the activity for you. With every stroke of your paddle through the water, you may notice how the sea lights up if, of course, the water contains bioluminescence plankton. This obviously creates a sort of magical experience where every stroke will leave a trail of shimmering blue light.

• Worth a Try Because: Paddling through glowing water in the dark is like traveling through some scene in a fantasy movie. It is a natural incident and very few get to experience it, hence unique among all the beach activities.
• Where to Do It in India: Havelock Island is one of the very few places where you can witness this surreal activity. State- Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Kite Surfing

Kite surfing is an adrenaline-filled adventure for the most daring of thrill-seekers to combine the fun of surfing with the exhilaration of flying. Using a large power kite, which will propel you across the water on a surfboard, this could even include some aerial maneuvers if you are skilled enough.

• Why It’s Worth a Try: Kite surfing is an adrenaline rush like no other. It is believed to be amongst the most thrilling water sport to indulge in on a beach, good for both novice and professional surfers who want to try their luck at something new.
• Where to Try It in India: Rameswaram off Tamil Nadu has ideal conditions for kite surfing. So is Mandrem Beach in Goa and Pondicherry.

Beachcombing

Beachcombing, on the other hand, is looking for treasures. It basically consists of a stroll on the beach to look for curiosities of nature, like shells, stones, and driftwood, even marine fossils. But mostly, it becomes an easy hobby that would become a lifetime passion, with acquiring collections of unique finds from beaches all over the world. It’s another good relaxing way to enjoy the natural environment.

• Why to Try It: It is ideal for those who love to search in the sand for treasures and look forward to a more quiet, contemplative activity on the beach. Also, this kind of leisure is absolutely free and Eco-friendly!
• Where to Try It in India: Radhanagar Beach in Andaman, Marari Beach in Kerala, or Beaches of Diu in Gujarat.

Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP)

Stand-up paddleboarding, or more colloquially known as SUP, is one of the world’s most rapidly expanding water sports. Basically, you stand on a large surfboard and use a long paddle to get around in the water. What is so unique with SUP is it can be done in oceans, rivers, or lakes. This is a great way to tour coastlines, balance, and take in a peaceful day out at sea.

Why Try It: It’s pretty easy to learn, works your entire body, and can be done for fun or relaxation as you cruise along the water.

Where to Try It in India: Beaches in Goa and Varkala in Kerala are known for offering paddleboarding experiences.

Beach Horse Riding

Ever dreamed of galloping along the shoreline on horseback as the sun sets? Well, beach horse riding offers a different perspective on the beach, allowing you to explore more about the coastline at a leisurely pace. Whether one is a beginning or experienced rider, the feeling of riding a horse on the edge of the water cannot be matched.

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Why Try It: Because it is one of the most romantic and picturesque ways to watch the beach, and a rather alternative beach experience for those who love animals. Besides, horses are softer and easier to handle on the sand.

Where to Try in India: Auroville Beach, Puducherry; Alibaug Beach, Maharashtra; Goa Beaches

Sea Shell Art Workshops

Want to make your time at the beach much more creative? Many of the coastals in India offer sea shell art workshops where one can collect seashells and other beach materials and build a beautiful artwork or souvenir out of them. It’s where one learns about traditional art regarding shell craft, which has been passed down in many communities by the sea.

Why It’s Worth Trying: This is a therapeutic activity involving creativity that will help you know more about the local culture and create a unique souvenir to take home. Additionally, it is a very interesting way of relating yourself with nature constructively.

Where to Try It in India: Kanyakumari, Goa, and Puri Beach in Odisha have been famous for their shell art and its workshops.

Surf Yoga

The newest fad today is surf yoga, which appeals to tourists in every beach town across the globe, offering the ultimate in both worlds: surfing and yoga. Yoga will help you balance, focus, and strengthen your core, which are important features that a surfer must possess. The majority of coastal retreats offer yoga classes in surf sessions whereby you can begin your day with refreshing yoga and then go for surfing lessons.

Why Try It: It is a great combination of physical activity and spiritual practice, ideal for beach lovers who enjoy mindfulness and outdoor adventure.

Where to Try in India: There exist surf yoga retreats at the Varkala Beach in Kerala, Arambol Beach in Goa, and Mahabalipuram in Tamil Nadu.

Nighttime Beach Volleyball

While it’s pretty normal for people to play beach volleyball, have you ever done it in the night? Many beaches across India have glowing volleyballs and light-up nets, which allow beachgoers to have a spirited game of volleyball under the stars. The extra added challenge with playing in the dark makes it a very fun and engaging thing for friends or family.

Why try it: The cool breeze at night and the challenge of playing volleyball in low light make all the difference and fun. Also, it’s a good exercise and a way to interact with other beach lovers.

Where to try in India: Famous beaches like Baga and Candolim in Goa are famous for their nightlife and nighttime Volleyball.

How to Make the Most of These Special Beach Activities

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To ensure safety and fun, here are some guiding tips:

• Safety Always: Observe all safety instructions as guided by an instructor or guide, primarily during activities like kite surfing, sandboarding, and underwater walking.

• Eco-Friendly: Be responsible with marine life and the ecosystem. Never touch any wild creatures, do not disturb them, and leave the beach as clean as you found it.

• Pack Right: Make sure you carry sunscreen, hats, swimwear, and ample water to keep you well-hydrated throughout. In cases of physical activities, make sure you wear proper clothes and equipment.

• Plan for Tides: Some of the activities like beachcombing and kayaking in bioluminescence are tide-dependent, so you should plan accordingly.

• Stay Hydrated: Beaches, especially during the hot Indian summers, can dehydrate you quicker than you would imagine; hence, always carry ample water with you and drink frequently.

Conclusion: Beach Vacation to Remember

Beach destinations have more in store than the ordinary tanning and swimming. By trying some of these special beach activities, you will create lifetime memories and do all that you could for the time you spent with the sea-be it the adrenaline rush of sandboarding, the serene retreat of surf yoga, or the magical adventure of undersea walking-out of every kind of travel interest.

Try one or more of the following activities each time you visit any Indian beach or any other beach destination for a unique experience. Happy Beach Vacationing!