Half Moon Beach Gokarna
A tranquil crescent beach accessible by trek or boat, offering serene waters and stunning coastal views away from the crowds.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Enjoy beach & trek before dark
Half Moon Beach Gokarna
Best Time
Enjoy beach & trek before dark
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A tranquil crescent beach accessible by trek or boat, offering serene waters and stunning coastal views away from the crowds.
"Peaceful place. Loved it. Clean and clear. Beautiful view and trek on the way. Must visit."
🎒 Pack Essentials
No shops here! Bring water, snacks, and sunscreen.
👟 Trekking Shoes Recommended
Wear comfortable shoes for the trek from Om Beach.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Crescent Shoreline
The beach itself
A serene, secluded crescent of golden sand perfect for relaxation and swimming.
Scenic Beach Trek
Path from Om Beach
An invigorating trek offering stunning coastal views, connecting you to nature.
Tranquil Waters
The shoreline
Calm, shallow waters ideal for swimming and enjoying a peaceful dip.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trek or Boat to Reach
Timing is Key for Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎒 Pack Essentials
No shops here! Bring water, snacks, and sunscreen.
👟 Trekking Shoes Recommended
Wear comfortable shoes for the trek from Om Beach.
🚤 Boat Ride Option
Boats offer access and can include water activities.
📸 Capture the Views
The trek offers stunning photo opportunities.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎒 Pack Essentials
No shops here! Bring water, snacks, and sunscreen.
👟 Trekking Shoes Recommended
Wear comfortable shoes for the trek from Om Beach.
🚤 Boat Ride Option
Boats offer access and can include water activities.
📸 Capture the Views
The trek offers stunning photo opportunities.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Half Moon Beach is lauded for its serene, secluded atmosphere and calm, shallow waters, making it ideal for relaxation and family visits. While the trek or boat access adds to its charm, the lack of amenities means visitors must come prepared with their own supplies.
"Half Moon Beach is a small and quiet spot—you won’t really notice the half-moon shape unless you’re seeing it from a top view. It’s accessible by trek or boat; we chose to trek. There are no shops around, so make sure to carry some snacks and water with you. Try to reach by 3 to 4 PM so you can also cover Paradise Beach and return the same way before it gets dark."
Rey4d
"Beautiful Beach that is in a shape of Moon, known for amazing water activities like Swimming, Kayaking, Deep Diving, Beach side games like Badminton, Volley Ball etc..,
One thing you need to keep in mind while visiting this Beach is that you can’t reach here by car or bike, you either need to Trek via Paradise Beach or reach by a Boat Ride.
If you are taking Boat Ride for water activities they will make you visit Half Moon Beach so that’s your best chance to cover this place on your visit to Gokarna"
Sahil Chrungu
"Not crowded not very dirty so that solves most of the problem. Speciality here is that the shore side there is somewhat of backwater kind effect due to the shore formation. Due to this there is no typical waves as a normal beach, since it’s also shallow it’s the best place to bring your toddler to experience a beach without the problem of waves and water depth."
Ravi Shanker
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Half Moon Beach is primarily accessible by trekking from Om Beach (about a 20-30 minute walk) or by hiring a boat. You cannot reach it directly by car or bike. +1
Yes, there's a popular and scenic trek that takes you from Om Beach to Half Moon Beach, offering beautiful coastal views along the way.
No, taxis and bikes cannot reach Half Moon Beach directly. The final leg of the journey requires either a trek or a boat ride.
Many boat tours that offer water activities in Gokarna will include a stop at Half Moon Beach, making it a convenient way to visit and enjoy the sea.
The trek from Om Beach to Half Moon Beach typically takes around 20 to 30 minutes, depending on your pace and the trail conditions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There are no entry tickets required for Half Moon Beach itself. Access is free, but you may incur costs for boat rides or if you choose to use any services offered by temporary shacks.
Half Moon Beach is a natural beach and is accessible throughout the day. However, it's advisable to visit during daylight hours, especially if you are trekking, to ensure safety.
The trek itself is free. The costs would be associated with getting to the starting point of the trek (e.g., Om Beach) or if you opt for a boat ride back.
Yes, many local operators offer boat trips that can be customized to include Half Moon Beach along with other nearby beaches like Paradise Beach.
No, the trekking paths connecting the beaches in Gokarna are natural trails and do not have any entrance fees.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, relaxing by the shore, and beach games like volleyball or badminton. Some boat tours also offer kayaking and deep diving.
Amenities are minimal. While some small shacks might offer refreshments, it's best to carry your own snacks and water as there are no major shops or restaurants.
Compared to other popular Gokarna beaches, Half Moon Beach is generally less crowded, offering a more peaceful and secluded experience.
The waters at Half Moon Beach are often described as calm and shallow, making it relatively safe for swimming, especially for families with children.
Visiting in the afternoon (around 3-4 PM) allows you to enjoy the beach and potentially trek to Paradise Beach before sunset. Early mornings offer a more serene experience.
📸 📸 Photography
The crescent shape of the beach is best captured from a slightly elevated viewpoint. The trek path also offers stunning panoramic views of the coastline.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules and be mindful of other visitors' privacy before flying a drone.
Landscape photography capturing the beach's unique shape, the trek, and the sunset is very popular. Candid shots of people enjoying the serene environment also work well.
The hours around sunrise and sunset offer beautiful golden light, perfect for capturing the beach's serene beauty.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastline. A polarizing filter can help enhance the colors of the sea and sky.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Backpackers
+1 The beach offers a perfect spot to relax and reflect, away from the usual backpacker hustle. 💑 Couples Seeking Romance
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Gokarna Beach Trek Experience
+2This trek is often described as moderately challenging but highly rewarding. The paths can be rocky and uneven in places, so wearing appropriate footwear is crucial. The journey allows you to appreciate the diverse landscapes, from dense foliage to open stretches overlooking the Arabian Sea. It's an excellent opportunity for photography, with numerous viewpoints offering postcard-perfect shots of the beaches and the ocean.
+1For those who prefer not to trek the entire way or are short on time, boat rides are a popular alternative. Boats can take you directly to Half Moon Beach and other secluded spots, offering a different but equally enjoyable way to explore the coastline. Some boat tours also combine beach hopping with water sports, making for a full day of adventure.
Half Moon Beach: A Secluded Gem
Unlike some of its more developed neighbors, Half Moon Beach offers a more natural and untouched experience. While there might be a few small shacks offering basic refreshments, visitors are strongly advised to carry their own snacks and water. This ensures a more comfortable and uninterrupted stay, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the serene environment.
The beach's seclusion is part of its charm. It's a place to unwind, sunbathe, swim in the gentle waves, or simply enjoy the quiet beauty of the coastline. The unique shore formation also contributes to calmer waters, reducing the intensity of typical beach waves, which is a significant plus for many visitors.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit