Varkala Unplugged: Activities That Go Beyond the Beach

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💡 What it’s like:

Varkala’s waves aren’t just beautiful to look at — they’re beginner-friendly too. I had booked in Elixir surf school, one of the most trusted schools here. Even if you’ve never touched a board before, their instructors make it feel easy and exciting. They picked me up from where I was staying that morning — super smooth and easy. We began with a group warm-up, and then they split us into smaller beginner batches, each with an instructor for just three or four of us. The guidance was clear and encouraging, with gentle corrections once we were out in the water. My instructor, Kichu, brought this infectious energy — always cheering us on, always ready with a quick tip or a smile. Try not to go during monsoon season as waters can be rough. During monsoon, the sea gets very rough in Varkala, and there will be announcement from your hotel or government authorities if the weather is bad. Please check the weather before booking anything.

📍Distance: ~1 km (The location is on the north cliff of Varkala)

🛣️ Getting there:
If you are on the north cliff, you can walk there. Otherwise you can drive a motorbike to north cliff and walk to this place

🍴 Food nearby:
The cliff has lot of cafes but the open a bit late. So if you want to grab some food, grab some snacks the previous night so you will be energetic for the surf.

Surfing in Varkala

🐻 Beginner friendly

📅October - March

💵 2500-3000/session

🌊 Elixir surf school

🏄‍♂️Soul and Surf school

🩱 Wear Rash guard

💡 What it’s like:

I didn’t expect to find this peaceful paradise just a one hour from Varkala. Munroe Island feels like time slowed down — quiet canals, mangrooves growing tall , and dense coconut groves leaning into the water. I went for a sunset kayaking tour, and honestly? It was magical. The sky turned gold as we paddled through narrow waterways with nothing but birdsong and the gentle splash of our oars. The water is calm, which makes it perfect even for beginners. Try not to go during monsoon season as waters can be rough.

📍 Distance: ~48km (1 hour hrs drive from Varkala)

🕓 Best time to go: Definitely during sunset. The golden hour reflections are unreal and it is less hot in the evenings.

🛶 How to book: Most people book it via their hotels or zostels. You can try booking via this tour operator as well.

🛣️ Getting there: You can rent a scooty and drive there. The roads are slightly bumpy but very peaceful and scenic.

🍴 Food nearby: I did this around 4 in the evening, so I didn't get hungry. But it is better to plan and have food around the cliff as per your timings.

Kayaking in Varkala

🐻 Beginner friendly

📅October - March

💵 800-1200/session

🩱 Wear modest beachwear

💡 What it’s like:

I didn’t get the chance to try stand-up paddling myself, but I saw quite a few people doing it during my kayaking tour in Munroe Island — and it looked so peaceful. The stillness of the backwaters here makes it one of the safest and most scenic places for SUP, especially for first-timers. Imagine slowly gliding through palm-lined canals, standing tall on your board as kingfishers dart past and the golden light filters through the trees. It’s calm, unhurried, and strangely meditative. Avoid going if the waters are rough, especially during monsoon.

📍 Distance: ~48 km (around 1 hour drive from Varkala)

🕓 Best time to go:
Sunset, without a doubt. The water turns glassy, and the reflections make the whole experience feel dreamy. Early mornings work too, if you want misty vibes and quiet.

🛶 How to book:
Many homestays in Munroe Island offer SUP tours. You can also ask your hotel or Zostel in Varkala to help you book a trusted guide. You can also try booking from here

🛣️ Getting there:
You can ride a scooty or take a cab. The road trip is scenic — paddy fields, tiny bridges, and sleepy hamlets — though the final stretch is a bit narrow and bumpy.

🍴 Food nearby:
There aren’t many cafes in Munroe Island, so plan your meals in Varkala before or after the activity. Keep snacks and water handy.

Standup paddling in Varkala

🐻 Beginner friendly

📅October - March

💵 1200-1500/session

🩱 Wear modest beachwear

💡 What it’s like:

I didn’t get around to trying scuba diving in Varkala, but if you're up for an underwater adventure, this one’s worth checking out. Varkala’s coastline offers clear waters, rocky reefs, and occasional glimpses of vibrant marine life — making it a fun spot even for beginners. Most diving sessions begin with a quick training and safety drill on shore, followed by a guided dive with a certified instructor. You won’t need a PADI license to do the beginner dive, and the experience lasts about 30–45 minutes underwater. Colorful corals, reef fish, and the surreal feeling of weightlessness as you explore the sea floor. Visibility can vary, but early morning dives generally offer clearer water.

📍 Distance: Around 2–3 km from Varkala cliff (most diving centers are near Papanasam Beach)

🕓 Best time to go:
Morning when the weather is calm and sea is not rough.

🛶 How to book:
You can book online via operators like Adventurush or check with your hotel/Zostel for local recommendations. Some packages also include photos and videos of your dive.

🛣️ Getting there:
Based on the place you book, they will mention reporting place and time.

🍴 Food nearby:
Varkala cliff should have plenty of food options. It is advisable to eat light before the dive.

Scuba diving in Varkala

🐻 Beginner friendly

📅October - March

💵 ₹4,500–₹6,000/session

🩱 Wear modest beachwear

💡 What it’s like:

I didn’t try snorkeling in Varkala, but I spotted a few groups heading out with gear near Papanasam Beach. It’s one of the few places in Kerala where snorkeling is offered — though the visibility isn’t always great like in Lakshadweep or the Andamans. On a clear day though, you might spot a few colorful reef fish and rocky formations not far from the shore. If you’re curious but not ready to scuba, this can be a lighter, easier option to dip your face into Varkala’s underwater world.

📍 Distance: Just under 2 km from the Varkala cliff — Papanasam Beach is walkable.

🕓 Best time to go:
Early morning when the sea is calm and clear.

🛶 How to book:
A few local tour operators offer gear rental and guided snorkeling near the beach. You can ask your stay or check directly with vendors at the beach.

🛣️ Getting there:
Just walk or take a short scooty ride to Papanasam Beach from wherever you’re staying on the cliff.

🍴 Food nearby:
Plenty of options nearby — you’ll find juice stalls, South Indian breakfast spots, and cafes along the cliff. Again, eat light if you plan to get into the water.

Snorkeling in Varkala

🐻 Beginner friendly

📅October - March

💵 1200-1500/session

🩱 Wear modest beachwear

💡 What it’s like:

I didn’t try jet skiing myself, but I saw quite a few people zooming across the waves at Papanasam Beach — and it looked like a total adrenaline rush. If you’re in the mood for something fast, loud, and wildly fun, jet skiing is one of the more thrilling activities to do in Varkala. The operators usually take you a little away from the shore before letting you ride, and there's always an instructor with you (or riding tandem if you're new). It's short, usually around 10–15 minutes, but gives you that spike of adventure between slower beach days. They also give banana boat ride and parasailing as a combination.

📍 Distance: ~2 km from the Varkala cliff — Papanasam Beach is a short walk or scooty ride.

🌊 Watersports in Varkala:
Jet skiing is among the more popular adventures in Varkala — especially for those who don’t want to commit to long sessions like surfing or kayaking.

🕓 Best time to go:
Mornings or just before sunset, when the tide isn’t too aggressive and the lighting makes it extra scenic.

🛶 How to book:
you can try booking via - Angel water sports.

🛣️ Getting there:
Papanasam Beach is easily accessible — you can walk from the cliff, or take a quick ride on a scooty or auto.

🍴 Food nearby:
Tons of food options nearby. I’d suggest grabbing a coconut water or juice after your ride — it hits different with the sea breeze still on your skin.

Jet ski, Parasailing and banana boat in Varkala

🐻 Beginner friendly

📅October - March

💵 500-800/session

🩱 Wear modest beachwear

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