Gujarat is India's westernmost state, a broad sweep of Arabian Sea coastline, salt desert, and temple towns on the border with Pakistan and Rajasthan. It holds four UNESCO World Heritage Sites plus the walled city of Ahmedabad, the only Asiatic lion population on earth at Gir, the white salt flats of the Rann of Kutch, and the 182-metre Statue of Unity. It is also an alcohol-prohibition state with a famously vegetarian kitchen, from the multi-course Gujarati thali to Surat's locho and Kutch's dabeli.
Top beaches
A ranked editor’s shortlist of the coastline worth planning a day around in Gujarat.
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- Food and snack stalls
- Camel and horse rides
- Parking
- Tent stays at the Mandvi Beach tent city (seasonal)
Mandvi Beach
A broad sand beach on the Gulf of Kutch with camel rides, food stalls and a view of the Vijay Vilas Palace grounds nearby. Swimming is possible in shallow water but the beach has no consistent lifeguard coverage; go in only when the sea is calm and stay close to shore.
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- Changing rooms
- Lifeguards
- Snorkelling and scuba counters (seasonal)
- Toilets and parking
Shivrajpur Beach
A Blue Flag-certified beach with clear water and coral outcrops, about 12 km from Dwarka. Among the safest swimming beaches in Gujarat, with lifeguards and marked bathing zones; swim only in the designated area.
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- Food stalls
- Sitting areas
- Toilets
- Parking
Somnath Beach
A wide shore next to the Somnath Jyotirlinga temple, popular for evening walks and sunset viewing. Swimming is discouraged; currents are strong and warning signs are posted. Wading near the shore is common but not recommended for weak swimmers.
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- Food stalls
- Camel rides
- Benches
- Parking
Dwarka Beach
A seaside promenade beside the Dwarkadhish temple town, best for sunsets and walks. Swimming is not advised; the sea is rough in places and local guidance suggests wading only. Use Shivrajpur for swimming.
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- Food stalls
- Parking
- Camel rides
- Sitting areas
Tithal Beach
A dark volcanic-sand beach near Valsad, popular with Gujarati families on weekends. Swimming is risky; there are drowning warnings and strong currents. Paddling near the shore is commonly done, but stay out of deeper water.
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- Water sports counters
- Food stalls
- Parking
- Changing rooms (limited)
Ahmedpur Mandvi Beach
A quiet stretch near Diu with jet-ski, parasailing and banana-boat rides run seasonally. Swimming is possible in calm shallow water; water-sports operators supply life jackets and it is the more organised of the Saurashtra beaches.
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- Food stalls
- Palace view
- Parking
- Seating
Chorwad Beach
A sandy town beach beside the former summer palace of the Nawab of Junagadh, with a promenade and small snack stalls. Swimming is possible near the shore in calm conditions; currents can be strong on the outer side. Take local advice.
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- Food stalls
- Parking
- Sitting areas
- Camel rides
Dumas Beach
A black-sand beach near Surat known for its local street food and reputed haunted lore. Swimming is banned in places. The beach has strong currents and drowning risk; enter the water only when signage and lifeguards permit.
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- Limited food stalls
- Parking
Suvali Beach
A quieter beach north of Hazira beyond the Dumas belt, with few facilities. Not recommended for swimming; strong currents and few lifeguards.
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- Food stalls
- Benches
- Promenade
- Parking
Porbandar Chowpatty
A seaside promenade in Gandhi's birthplace with cafes and street food. Swimming is not advised; the water is rocky and unmonitored. Walking on the promenade is safe.
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- Food stalls
- Temple
- Parking
Gopnath Beach
A scenic beach beside the Gopnath Mahadev temple, with rocks and cliff views. Swimming is not advised because of rocks and currents; walk the shoreline and use the viewpoint.
What to bring
A short packing list for a comfortable beach day — adjust for season and the specific spot.
- Sun protectionHigh-SPF sunscreen, hat, polarised sunglasses, light long-sleeve cover-up.
- HydrationReusable bottle, salty snacks for longer days, electrolyte sachets if it’s hot.
- FootwearWater shoes for pebble or rocky entry, flip-flops for sand, dry pair for the trip home.
- Swim & coverQuick-dry towel or sand-resistant mat, change of swimwear, light cover-up for restaurants.
- Cash & valuablesSmall notes for beach clubs and rentals; waterproof pouch for phone, keys, cards.
- ExtrasReef-safe sunscreen near protected coastline, a book, a small first-aid kit for jellyfish or scrapes.
Beach safety
Hard-earned guidance — read this before you swim, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the coast.
Critical
Swim where lifeguards are posted and follow flag warnings — green is safe, yellow is caution, red means no swimming. Rip currents are the leading beach hazard worldwide.
Caution
Watch for tide changes and marine life — jellyfish blooms, sea urchins on rocky entries, occasional shark or stingray advisories. Don’t swim alone, especially at dawn or dusk.
Tip
Reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes and after every swim. Take shade between 11 am and 3 pm — the sun is harsher than people expect, even when the air is cool.
Practical
Keep valuables out of sight or back at the accommodation. Beach theft is a small-but-real risk at busy beaches; never leave bags unattended while you’re in the water.