Malvan Marine Sanctuary, Malvan / Sindhudurg - Timings, Entry Fee, Safari Cost, Safari Booking, Best Time to Visit

At a distance of 3 Km from Malvan Bus Stand, the Malvan Marine Sanctuary is a sanctuary near the city of Malvan (Sindhudurg) in Maharashtra. It is the only marine sanctuary in Maharashtra, and among the must-include places in the Malvan tour packages.

The Malvan Marine Sanctuary was founded in 1987 to protect the biologically diverse coastal area of Maharashtra. It ranks as the third marine park in India and is the first of its kind in Maharashtra. Its crystal-clear waters are inhabited by a wealth of coastal species that are endemic to the region, including sea anemones, mollusks, polychaetes, pearl oysters, corals, seaweed, and mangroves.

Spanning approximately 29.12 square kilometers, the Malvan Marine Sanctuary consists of a buffer zone of 25.95 square kilometers and a core zone of 3.2 square kilometers. The northeastern boundary of the buffer zone is located about 50 meters from the shoreline near Malvan Port, while the eastern boundary features the semi-circular Dandi Beach. To the south, the buffer zone extends near 'Mandal Rock' at Malvan Port. On the western side, the buffer zone reaches the Malvan rock area, with the core zone encompassing Sindhudurg Fort, Padmagad Island, and several underwater rocky formations.

The sanctuary's underwater topography is characterized by ancient coral reefs, some of which are estimated to be 300-400 years old, providing a rare chance to observe the complex ecosystems flourishing beneath the surface. With the assistance of the UNDP, artificial reef structures have been established, drawing a variety of marine species such as the Giant Atlantic Goliath Grouper Fish, Red Snapper, Sting Ray, and Parrot Fish. Visitors can anticipate encounters with lobsters, crabs, squids, and a vibrant assortment of fish species, ensuring memorable experiences in the ocean's depths. It is a favored location for scuba diving and various water sports.

Consequently, there is no designated entry or exit gate for the Malvan Marine Wildlife Sanctuary. Exploration is possible solely by taking a boat from the Malvan jetty. While visiting the Malvan Marine Sanctuary, one can also take trips to nearby attractions such as Sindhudurg Fort and the golden sandy beaches of Tondavali, Tarakali, and Vengurla.

Timings: 9 AM - 6 PM

Entry: Free, Rs. 1500 - 2500 per Boat (6-7 Pax), Rs. 800 - 3000 for Scuba Diving