Written by: Zainab Naseem
Posted on: October 16, 2019 | 
| 中文
Coral Reef at Churna Island
Nestled on the clear blue Arabian sea, Churna Island is located near Mubarak Goth Keamari town, Sindh, two hours away from the busy city centre of Karachi. Locally known as ‘Cheerno,’ Churna Island is one of the most secluded and peaceful places for the underwater enthusiasts who wish for a quiet getaway. The Island, approximately 1.2km long, mostly rocky with no grass or sand. But, it still manages to attract tourists because of the mountains with different shades of green shrubbery growing on every rock, and the presence of varied marine life. One can see different kinds of hard coral assemblages growing on rock mounds and ridges around the area.
Churna Island has gained massive popularity since 2010, and became a well-known day trip for tourists. Because it is close to Mubarak Goth, the second largest fisherman locality in Karachi, local fishermen and their families are often found fishing near the Island. One can take an extremely pleasant bus ride from Mubarak Village to Manjhar Beach, through the beautiful rocky terrain under the open Karachi sky. From there, it will take about an hour long trip to Churna by boat.
Boats and Snorkeling near Churna Island (credits to Instagram)
The best time to visit Churna Island is between the months of November to February, when the weather cools down. However, the ocean stays cool all year round, and one can visit anytime of the year. It is easy to explore the island in the span of a day with the help of touring and water sports companies. But for the more adventurous, it is worth the experience to stay the night and camp on the island.
Although it is possible to organize trips without anyone’s help, for safety reasons, it is highly recommended to go in organized groups with trained professionals. There are a lot of private companies who can arrange a group trip with a proper itinerary and food options. The company professionals will not only manage your boat ride to the island but also provide life jackets. Before the journey, they usually give visitors basic lessons on how to swim, snorkel and float in the water. The boat ride to Churna is a treat in itself, with the sound of the waves and the low hum of the engine welcoming you to the island.
Scuba Diving
The water sports include cliff diving from a 30ft-50ft jump into the clear and clean water. But, the most attractive and popular activities on Churna Island are the underwater activities, that is snorkeling and scuba diving. One does not necessarily need a wetsuit here, as most sections of the water are comfortably warm. The island’s reef, and the animals within it are very diverse. From fish, to snakes and turtles, one is simply taken aback by the richness of a hidden world unbeknownst to so many. The companies can also provide underwater photography to capture these meaningful moments.
Cliff Diving (credits to Divers Reef Karachi)
The Island has been particularly known as a hub for blue whales, sting rays and whale sharks. The locals will tell you how people have hunted whales and whale sharks on Churna for around 150 years. But since the remains of the endangered bleached blue whale was found on the island in 2014, Churna has been labeled ecologically sensitive, and fishing has been strictly regulated.
Species of Fish Found in the Water
To top it off, there are secret caves around Churna Island for you to explore. Much like everything on the island, these caves are hidden to the average bystander. But, Churna Island, with its rugged charm and rich blue water, is worth a trip with family and friends. The small but breathtaking island is a perfect getaway from the fast-paced life of Karachi.
Churna Island From Afar (Credits to Sundas Alam)
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