Located near Mubarak village, Kimari (Karachi), Churna is a small island in the Arabian Sea. It is approximately 9 km from the Hub River also known as "Manjhar Beach", which is between the provinces of Balochistan and Sindh. The Island itself is around 1.2 km in length and 0.5 km in width. It is 6 km from Mubarak Village which is also the second largest fishermen settlement in Karachi and the boundary between the Balochistan and Sindh.
Churna, locally known as 'Cheerno', is famous for its clear water, coral reefs and marine life and for many activities such snorkelling, scuba diving, underwater photography, cliff jumping, jet skiing, hiking, banana tubing, surfing, speed boating etc.
For a trip like this you must choose a trusted group for a seamless experience. We chose Divers Reef Karachi http://diversreefkarachi.org/ through a friend. They seemed to be offering the cheapest rates for snorkelling at Churna Island from Karachi. They took care of everything from choosing a comfortable air-conditioned coaster to a wooden boat ride to the island, underwater photography followed by lunch on the boat.
The chosen meeting point was Boat Basin, Clifton. The drive from Karachi to Mubarak village is about 1.5 hours and takes another 45 - 50 minutes boat ride to the anchor point. The route we took was Gulbai to Mauripur to Mubarak village. People also take a boat ride from Sunehri beach which is a 2 minute drive (800 m) from Manjhar Goth, which is where we embarked. Goth Manjhar is a small fishermen settlement and often used as a firing range by Pakistan Navy.
We each slipped into the life vests (mandatory) provided by the staff and piled into a small wooden boat. It was October and the perfect weather with gorgeous migratory birds in sight - a brilliant place for naturalists and keen birders.
The mesmerizing sea will relax your mind and heal your soul.
Churna is a large, barren, rocky-reef island off the coastline. Once anchored we got a briefing in snorkelling which is good for both swimmers and non-swimmers followed by snorkels and masks and an encouraging cheer to jump off! You have to follow the guiding ropes installed on the water surface of the snorkelling area, which is a depth of around 10 to 15 ft.
Never snorkelled before my son and I felt an adrenaline rush as we watched hordes of people diving in one by one. If you are a non-swimmer you will have a little trouble getting used to the mask, the snorkel, breathing with your head underwater and the triumphant blue, bitter salty sea that you just cannot avoid gulping...
The group we were with helped adjust our masks and guided us where to swim. I really wanted to cliff-jump but the guys discouraged saying its not a good time to jump. The water around the island is crystal clear with a variety of coral reefs and coral fish.
The feeling of being in the Arabian Sea, in the middle of nowhere with the floating fauna of the sea floating by you is something every adventure lover should experience once in their life.
Time for underwater photography! One of the guys from the group pushed us underwater one by one and clicked pictures using his waterproof camera - a challenge in itself but the ultimate reward is worth it.
You will have plenty of time to enjoy the incredible marine life. We stayed in the water for almost 4 hours and as you swim towards the rocks you will spot different sea creatures. I caught sight of a seahorse, jelly fish, a loose cluster of small fish and many stripped green and yellow fish gleaming under bright sun beams. We also got to feel and caress two deceased jelly fish and a bright orange fish.
It was mid-afternoon and we were called for lunch on the boat. A bit of a chill you feel as you pull yourself up! No point bringing extra clothes, since there is no place to change on the boat. It was sunny and the sun warmed us as we ate. Apparently the fish enjoy left-over biryani rice! It was a joy watching them as we wolfed-down the aromatic savoury rice dish.
Time to bid farewell and sail back to the shore before the sun disappears below the horizon.
My son and I decided we will come here again - this time for scuba!
With the influx of tourists visiting the island in recent times, unfortunately, a rapid degradation of the pristine environment has been observed.
Few things to keep in mind
Choose a trusted group and be on time.
Have a light breakfast before the boat ride to avoid sea-sickness and nausea.
Best to stop for a bathroom break near Manjhar Village.
Carry your National Identity Card (ID card).
On a bright sunny day one must carry water, a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen (recommended SPF-90 plus).
Travel light and take only what is necessary on the boat (carry a towel and something warm to wear over later). Don't leave behind your valuables such as, wallet, cash, cell phone, camera etc.
Footwear that's water friendly / water safe / water appropriate.
Don't wear anything that would weigh you down in water (avoid jeans / double layered trousers/ thick shirts).
Do not litter please. Carry a plastic bag to dispose of later. There's sea life under water. Besides the water is clean so let it be. Some divers did go down and collect trash.
Buses / public transport to Mubarak Village or Sunhera Beach are not-frequent.
Snorkelling kit includes diving mask, snorkel (device / a tube for breathing in water surface), life jacket, wet suits (optional for cold weather).
Male & female instructors and life guards available (double-check before signing up)
Highlights
Large number of men, women and children were swimming in the sea and clicking pictures but no disorderly conduct.
The company we opted for was cooperative, courteous and professional.
We left behind our wallets, cell phones, cameras and they were safe on the boat.
Routes
Distance from Mubarak Village to Charna is 6 km
Distance from Manjhar Beach to Charna is 9 km
Distance from centre of the city to Manjhar beach its 50 km
Best time to Visit
Due to the absence of high tides the sea is calm, therefore the best time to snorkel are the months of November until April. It is a natural phenomenon that the water feels much warmer during the winters as compared to summers. The average temperature of the water in winters is said to be not more than 25 degrees.
September to April (all winter months - wetsuits will be provided upon request)
November to February
Tour Duration
Early morning to evening
Night stay and camping not possible
Opmerkingen