Islands of Pakistan: Hidden Coastal Gems Guide 2026

Pakistan is known for its towering mountains, lush valleys and tourist places. But very few people talk about its stunning coastline. Pakistan has over 1,046 kilometres of coastline along the Arabian Sea. Along this coastline lie more than 12 remarkable islands. These islands of Pakistan are among the most underexplored destinations in Asia.

From wild, uninhabited ecological reserves to historically rich harbour islands, Pakistan’s offshore world is extraordinary. This guide covers every major island of Pakistan. 

Pakistan’s Coastline: A Hidden Maritime World

Pakistan shares its southern border with the Arabian Sea. The two coastal provinces are Sindh and Balochistan. Both provinces are home to a distinct group of islands of Pakistan. Some islands are rocky and remote. Others are densely populated fishing communities. A few are geological curiosities that rise and sink with the tides.

The islands of Pakistan fall into three broad categories. First are the ecological islands, rich in marine biodiversity. Second are the historical and residential islands near Karachi. Third are the geological curiosities formed by underwater volcanic activity.

Islands of Pakistan

Balochistan Islands — Wild, Remote, and Breathtaking

The Balochistan coastline stretches over 770 kilometres along the Arabian Sea. It is one of the most untouched and least explored coastal regions. The islands of Pakistan located along the Makran Coast, are raw, rugged, and remarkably beautiful. 

Astola Island: Pakistan’s Largest Offshore Island

Astola Island is the crown jewel of all islands of Pakistan. It sits approximately 39 kilometres southeast of Pasni. It lies about 25 kilometres off the coast of Balochistan. The island stretches 7 kilometres in length and 2.5 kilometres in width.

Locals call it “Haft Talar”, meaning Island of the Seven Hills. This name comes from its seven small hillocks and large tilted plateau. Another local name is “Jabl-e-Zareen”, which means beautiful mountain.

Astola is completely uninhabited. There are no hotels or guesthouses here. Visitors must bring their own camping gear, food, and fresh water. Despite this, the island attracts adventurers from across Pakistan.

The marine life here is extraordinary. Endangered green sea turtles nest on their beaches. Coral reefs surround its rocky shores. Seabirds, including the greater crested tern, nest on its cliffs.

In 2017, Astola became Pakistan’s first Marine Protected Area (MPA). This was a landmark conservation decision. Activities here include scuba diving, fishing, birdwatching, and camping.

Historians also note that Admiral Nearchos, sent by Alexander the Great in 325 BCE, may have referenced this island during his Arabian Sea expedition. That gives Astola a remarkable historical depth alongside its natural beauty.

How to reach: Take a boat from Pasni or Gwadar. A permit or NOC from the relevant provincial authorities is required. Always check current access rules before departure.

Churna Island: The Diver’s Paradise

Churna Island is a small island among other islands of Pakistan, an uninhabited island near Mubarak Village. It sits about 9 kilometres west of the mouth of the Hub River. From Karachi, it is roughly a 1.5-hour boat ride.

The island is locally known as “Cheerno.” It is jointly managed by the Pakistan Navy and the Pakistan Game Fishing Association (PGFA).

Churna is famous for its coral reefs. The waters are home to lobsters, crabs, green turtles, and dozens of rare fish species. 

Activities on Churna include 

• Scuba diving
• Free diving
• Snorkelling
• Jet skiing
• Cliff diving
• Speed boating 
• Wake tubing 
• Banana tubing
• Underwater photography
• Trekking
• Camping

The National Coordinating Body of Mangroves for the Future Programme Pakistan, has designated Churna as a Marine Protected Area. This protects its fragile ecosystem.

Best time to visit: February and March. Many travel agencies offer group and individual packages during these months.

Malan Island: The Volcanic Ghost Island

Malan Island is one of the most unusual islands of Pakistan. It is a mud volcano island located off the coast of Hingol National Park in Balochistan.

This island has appeared and disappeared multiple times. It first surfaced in March 1999. It sank below sea level within a year. It reappeared again in 2010. Geologists find it fascinating. Tourists cannot visit it reliably due to its unstable nature.

Zalzala Koh: The Earthquake Island

Zalzala Koh is one of the strangest geological events in Pakistan’s recent history among the islands of Pakistan. It emerged from the sea on September 24, 2013. A massive 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Awaran District in Balochistan. The seabed released methane gas. A mud volcano erupted. An island rose from the ocean overnight.

The island measured approximately 176 metres in length and 161 metres in width. Its height was between 15 and 20 metres above sea level.

Satellite images showed it had sunk about 3 metres within just one month of its appearance. By the end of 2016, Zalzala Koh had completely submerged.

Despite being lifeless on land, the waters around it became a thriving marine habitat. The coral species Acabaria delicata was discovered in the surrounding waters. Local fishermen actually benefited from the new marine ecosystem.

Sindh Islands — History, Culture, and Urban Adventure

Sindh’s coastline is home to some of the most culturally rich and historically significant islands of Pakistan. These islands sit close to Karachi Pakistan’s largest city making them far more accessible than their remote Balochistan counterparts yet equally fascinating to explore.

Manora Island: Where History Meets the Sea

Manora Island sits just south of Karachi Harbour. It is a 15-20 minute boat ride from Keamari. A long causeway through Sandspit also connects it to the mainland.

Manora has a rich colonial history. The British used it as a key defensive outpost for Karachi port. Today, it houses a Pakistan Navy base, residential areas, and the famous Manora Lighthouse, one of the tallest in Pakistan.

Visitors come for the sandy beaches, colonial architecture, and peaceful atmosphere. It is one of the most accessible islands of Pakistan for day-trippers from Karachi.

Bundal and Buddo Islands: The Twin Islands

Bundal and Buddo are two barrier islands located near Clifton Beach in Karachi. They are sometimes called the Twin Islands. Their original names were Bhundaar Island and Dingi Island.

Bundal Island carries deep cultural significance. The tomb of Sufi saint Yusuf Shah is located here. Every year, thousands of devotees visit during his annual Urs ceremony.

These two islands of Pakistan have also been at the centre of a major controversy. A mega real estate development plan proposed by Bahria Town included the world’s tallest building, a shopping mall, a sports city, and a media city on Bundal Island. Environmental groups strongly opposed this plan. They raised concerns about mangrove destruction, coastal erosion, and the displacement of local fishing communities.

Buddo Island sits on the western side of Bundal. It is covered in mangroves. It plays a vital ecological role in the Karachi coastal ecosystem.

Baba and Bhit Islands: Living Islands of Karachi Harbour

Baba and Bhit Islands are located in the heart of Karachi Harbour near Keamari Town. They are among the most populous islands of Pakistan. Around 25,000 people live here.

The community is remarkably diverse. Residents include Muhajirs, Sindhis, Punjabis, Kashmiris, Balochis, Memons, Bohras, and Ismailis. These islands are among the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in Karachi.

Basic infrastructure is limited. Yet the islands are rich in cultural diversity. A short boat ride from Keamari brings you to a completely different world.

Shams Pir Island: The Shrine Island

Shams Pir Island is located near Kakapir and Sandspit Beach on Karachi’s western edge. It is named after the Sufi saint Hazrat Shams Pir, whose shrine stands on the island.

The island was partly settled by refugees during the 1947 Partition. It has a more peaceful, spiritual atmosphere than other islands of Pakistan. Activities here include scuba diving, kayaking, pedal boating, canoeing, swimming, snorkelling, and sunbathing. Boat rentals are available from Karachi Harbour.

Khiprianwala Island: The Sinking Paradise

Khiprianwala Island lies near Port Qasim and Landhi Town in Karachi. It is one of the ecologically rich yet endangered islands of Pakistan.

The island sits within Pakistan’s largest mangrove forest. Rare marine species inhabit its surrounding waters. However, rising sea levels are slowly swallowing this island. Climate change is a real and visible threat here.

There is no tourist infrastructure on the island. Local fishermen can guide you there by boat. It is best suited for nature lovers and eco-travellers.

Clifton Oyster Rocks: Karachi’s Urban Islets

The Clifton Oyster Rocks are a series of small rocky islets just off Clifton Beach in Karachi. They were formerly restricted by the Pakistan Navy. After the Navy relocated, the area was opened to the public.

The area is now part of Karachi’s urban waterfront. Notably, the world’s second-tallest fountain, the Port Fountain, stands nearby. It shoots water 620 feet into the air.

River Islands — An Overlooked Category

Most people associate the islands of Pakistan only with the Arabian Sea. But Pakistan also has fascinating river islands tucked within the mighty Indus ancient, historically loaded, and almost completely off the tourist radar.

Bukkur Island: The Fortress in the Indus

Not all islands of Pakistan are in the sea. Bukkur Island is a river island located in the Indus River near Sukkur and Rohri in Sindh.

This island is home to an ancient fortress. It played a major role during British colonial rule. Inside the island, you can find remnants of Sukkur Fort, historic mosques, and traditional brick architecture. It is a treasure for history enthusiasts.

Today, the island hosts an Army Public School and the Tomb of Sayyid Sadruddin.

Practical Travel Guide for 2026

Planning a trip to the islands of Pakistan requires some preparation, especially for remote destinations like Astola and Churna.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit the islands of Pakistan is between October and March. The weather is cooler. The Arabian Sea is calmer. Boat journeys are safer and more comfortable.

February and March are peak months for Churna Island. Diving packages are widely available during this period.

Avoid travelling between May and August. Monsoon conditions make the Arabian Sea rough and dangerous.

How to Get There

Permits and Regulations

Astola Island requires a No Objection Certificate (NOC) before visiting. Access to Churna Island is controlled by the Pakistan Navy and PGFA. Always verify the latest entry rules before planning your trip. Regulations can change.

What to Pack for Remote Islands

Bring enough food and fresh water for your entire stay on remote islands like Astola. Pack a quality tent and sleeping bag. Carry sunscreen, a first aid kit, and a satellite communication device. There is no mobile signal on most offshore islands.

Conservation and the Future of Islands of Pakistan

The islands of Pakistan face real environmental threats. Rising sea levels are affecting Khiprianwala Island. Proposed development on Bundal and Buddo sparked national debate about ecological responsibility. Astola and Churna have MPA status. But enforcement and awareness still need strengthening.

Pakistan’s Blue Economy initiative and CPEC coastal development are reshaping the maritime landscape. There is a genuine opportunity here. Sustainable eco-tourism on Pakistan’s islands could benefit local fishing communities and national tourism revenue simultaneously.

The world is only beginning to discover what Pakistan’s coastline truly holds.

Conclusion: Islands of Pakistan

Pakistan’s islands deserve far more attention than they receive. Each island tells a different story of geology, history, culture, and nature. Whether you are a diver, a history enthusiast, or simply a curious traveller, the islands of Pakistan offer something genuinely unforgettable. Start planning your coastal adventure in 2026. The Arabian Sea is waiting.

For more informative blogs on topics like Altit Fort and Gurudwara Janam Asthan Nankana Sahib, visit Chakor Blogs.

Sources:

• Pakistan Navy 
• The Mangroves for the Future

FAQs: Islands of Pakistan

Bushra Farooq

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