Being a coastal state, Maharashtra has no dearth of small islands you can visit. From historic islands like Elephanta Island to residential ones like Madh Island, there are several. As a matter of fact, the most populous part of the state, Mumbai, itself was famously once a set of seven islands. But did you know? There is a mysterious island off the coast of Maharashtra that only appears for just 30 minutes! Located off Devbag Beach near Malvan, in Maharashtra’s Sindhudurg district, this mysterious island is where the Karli River meets the Arabian Sea. The island is called Seagull Island, and yes, you can visit. Here’s How.
Can You Visit Seagull Island, Maharashtra?
The answer is yes, you can. However, it is a bit tricky to navigate. Seagull Island is not an island in the conventional sense. It is actually a low-lying tidal sandbar. Most of the time, this sandbar remains completely submerged in the ocean waves. However, once the tide recedes during peak low tide and the water is pulled back, a pristine, white-sand stretch is revealed.
While the exact window varies daily based on lunar cycles, the island remains accessible above water for a short duration of around 30 minutes. Then, the returning tide buries it once more.
How To Visit Seagull Island, Maharashtra?
By Train: The nearest junction is the Kudal Railway Station, which is approximately 30 km away from the Devbag beach. The railway station lies on the Konkan Railway route.
By Air: The closest airport is the Chipi Airport in Sindhudurg. It is located around 25 km away from the Devbag beach. For flight connections a little farther away, you can land at either the Dabolim Airport in Goa or at Mumbai’s CSMIA.
By Road: The Malvan coast is very well-connected to state highways from Mumbai (480 km), Pune (390 km), and Goa (110 km).
Reaching The Island From Devbag Beach
You can reach the sandbar by hiring local fisherfolk and boatmen. They generally charge around INR 500 to INR 800 per boat to ferry tourists to the sandbar and back.
What Time Does Seagull Island Appear?
Tracking down the perfect time to visit this island is tricky. This is mainly because the tidal timings move by 50 minutes each day. As such, the 30-minute window for which the island appears changes each day. In order to track down the time perfectly, the best thing to do is to consult a local Devbag boatman.
Another smart thing you can do is track the lunar cycle and the tide charts via apps or otherwise to roughly understand when the island would appear and time your visit accordingly.
Also Read: 8 Islands In Kerala That You Must Visit For A Tranquil Holiday
Why Is It Called Seagull Island?
As mentioned before, the island is submerged for the majority of the day and remains untouched by litter or permanent human construction. Once it emerges, the lack of human presence on the island makes it habitable for sea birds.
As such, thousands of seagulls, terns, and other coastal waterbirds immediately roost on the newly exposed sand, creating a rare photo opportunity for birdwatchers and nature photographers. This is why the island is dubbed Seagull Island and why it is particularly popular among birdwatchers and ornithology enthusiasts.
Lovers of aquatic animals might have another reason to visit the island. The boat ride from Devbag Jetty to the sandbar passes through a major dolphin feeding ground. So, if you’re lucky, you might even witness a few of these jolly creatures.
What makes it even more appealing is that it is surrounded by clear turquoise waters where the river meets the ocean. This contrast of golden sand surrounded by pure blue sea has earned the area the moniker “Mini Thailand of Konkan”.
Also Read: Top 5 Best Islands To Visit in India – Top Travel Picks
Author’s Note
Seagull Island is one of those places that remains better off as a hidden gem. I would not encourage everyone to visit this island on account of how fragile the ecosystem is. However, if you are a particular type of nature enthusiast, you might have a meaningful experience. But the importance of being discreet cannot be overstated.
Academic studies on Sindhudurg’s coastal birds state that excessive tourist noise and close boat approaches disturb roosting gulls. Hence, it is imperative that you maintain a respectful distance from bird roosting zones. You should also refrain from chasing the flocks for photos
Another very crucial thing is to carry all plastic waste back to the mainland. Finally, make sure that you follow the boat driver’s instructions regarding tide turnarounds.
Summing Up
The Seagull Island is a fascinating natural phenomenon. For nature enthusiasts and animal lovers, it offers a unique opportunity to witness local fauna habitats. Birdwatchers can particularly look forward to capturing breathtaking photographs of roosting birds. As phenomenal as all of this is, it is equally important to remain mindful and cause as little disruption as you can to these habitats.
