Karmatang Beach, also called Turtle Beach, is the best-known beach in Mayabunder and one of the most important sea turtle nesting sites in the Andaman Islands. Between about December and February, Olive Ridley turtles come ashore at night to lay their eggs in the sand, and forest staff protect the nests and release the hatchlings. Outside nesting season it is simply a long, quiet, tree-lined beach with clean sand, clear water and almost no crowds. It is a place to slow down, learn about conservation and enjoy the quiet.
Karmatang lies about 12 to 13 km from Mayabunder town, a drive of roughly 20 minutes. This guide covers what to see, the turtle nesting season, an honest note on swimming, the facilities, the best time to visit and how to reach it. If you would rather have the transport and timing arranged for you, explore our Andaman tour packages, planned by Andaman Emerald Travels, a travel team based in the Andamans.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | About 12 to 13 km from Mayabunder, North Andaman |
| Also known as | Turtle Beach, Turtle Paradise |
| Known for | Olive Ridley turtle nesting, long tree-lined beach, eco-tourism, quiet atmosphere |
| Beach length | Reported at around 5 km |
| Nesting season | Roughly December to February |
| Suggested time | 1.5 to 3 hours |
| Best time of day | Morning and late afternoon (turtles nest at night) |
| Best season | November to April |
| Best for | Nature lovers, families, couples, photographers, quiet seekers |
Karmatang is an eco-tourism site on the western coast of Middle Andaman, set along a long curve of sand with tall trees behind it. The beach has been developed with a few simple comforts, including shaded huts and picnic spots, and it is described as a plastic-free zone with lifeguards and staff on duty. A hatchery and a turtle conservation programme run by the forest department are part of the story, and local officials regularly release hatchlings back to the sea.
Because the beach is far from the main tourist routes, it stays quiet even in the season. You will often find only a handful of visitors, and the sound of the waves and the wind in the trees. It is a different pace from the busy beaches of Havelock, and it fits well with a northern journey that includes the Dhani Nallah mangrove walkway and Avis Island.
Karmatang is best known for Olive Ridley turtles, which come ashore to lay their eggs from roughly December to February, mostly at night and in the early hours of the morning. Mother turtles dig a nest, lay dozens of eggs, cover them and return to the sea. Weeks later, the hatchlings emerge and make their way down the beach. Forest staff protect nests from predators and supervise the release of hatchlings, and in late February 2026 the Mayabunder Forest Division reported guiding 61 Olive Ridley hatchlings safely into the sea here.
Similar nesting beaches in the north include Kalipur Beach near Diglipur, which many travellers pair with Karmatang.
Advice about swimming at Karmatang differs between sources. One travel guide calls it a good swimming beach, especially at high tide, while a visitor review says swimming is not allowed, even though lifeguards are on duty. Conditions, tides and local rules can change, so please ask the staff on arrival, swim only in areas they say are safe and keep close to the shore. Sand flies are also common, so the same guide advises against sunbathing, and insect repellent is a good idea.
The wide, clean shoreline is ideal for a long, slow walk. Shaded huts and picnic spots make it easy to rest, and the tall trees at the back of the beach give welcome shade. Bring your own food and water, and carry your waste out.
If the hatchery is open, a short visit shows how nests are protected and how hatchlings are cared for. Ask the staff what you can see, and follow all the rules.
Some sources mention paddleboarding or kayaking in the mangrove creeks near the beach, and a creek route by boat towards Kalighat in Diglipur. Availability depends on the season, tide and operators, so ask before you plan on it.
The beach edge, the trees and the creeks are good for birds, and the soft light of early morning and late afternoon makes beautiful photographs.
| Highlight | What It Is | Approx. Time Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Beach walk | A long, quiet, tree-lined shoreline | 30 to 60 minutes |
| Turtle nesting (seasonal) | Olive Ridley turtles, roughly December to February | Evening or night, with local guidance |
| Hatchery visit | Turtle conservation work, if open | 20 to 30 minutes |
| Picnic and rest | Shaded huts and picnic spots | 30 to 60 minutes |
| Photography and birds | Beach, trees and creeks in soft light | 30 to 45 minutes |
Timings are approximate and vary with the tide, season and local rules.
The best season is November to April, when the weather is dry and the roads are good. To see turtle nesting, plan for December to February. Morning and late afternoon are the best times of day, with the evening and night reserved for guided turtle watching where allowed. Avoid the monsoon (roughly June to September), when heavy rain can disrupt roads and ferries.
| Months | Season | What to Expect | Our Guides |
|---|---|---|---|
| October to November | Post-monsoon | Green surroundings; fewer visitors | October, November |
| December to February | Peak season and turtle nesting | Best weather; turtles may nest at night | December, January, February |
| March to April | Summer | Warm; hatchlings may still be seen | March, April |
| May to September | Monsoon | Heavy rain; road and ferry disruptions | May, June, July, August, September |
Mayabunder lies about 240 km from Port Blair by road, and about 130 to 136 km by sea. From Mayabunder, the beach is reached by a cab or auto ride of roughly 20 minutes. Public transport to the beach is limited, so most visitors hire a private vehicle from Mayabunder or Port Blair. If you are on one of our packages, your private cab takes you directly and brings you back.
| Option | Best For | Things to Note |
|---|---|---|
| Private cab or pre-booked transfer | Families and groups | Easy to combine with other Mayabunder sights |
| Auto or taxi from Mayabunder | Independent travellers | Agree the fare and waiting time in advance |
| Local bus | Budget travellers | Limited timings; check the return |
Because many visitors come to see turtles, plan the return carefully if you stay late. Convoy times, ferry schedules and rules change, so confirm everything before you travel.
| Time | Plan |
|---|---|
| Morning | Drive from Mayabunder to Karmatang and walk the beach |
| Midday | Picnic in the shade and a visit to the hatchery if open |
| Afternoon | Return to Mayabunder; Chengappa Bridge and the harbour |
| Evening (December to February) | Ask the forest staff about guided turtle watching |
Looking for a ready-made plan that includes Mayabunder? Longer packages suit the north best: see our 6 nights 7 days and 7 nights 8 days Andaman packages. For more quiet places, read our guide to offbeat places in Andaman, or browse all Andaman destinations on our site.
Mayabunder has a small number of guesthouses and resorts, so most visitors stay in town or near the beach. Facilities are modest, and rooms are limited, especially from December to February, so book early.
Mayabunder and north Andaman stops are part of many of our packages. Every traveller has different needs, so we offer a package for each:
| Traveller Type | Package | What It Offers |
|---|---|---|
| Couples | Andaman honeymoon packages | Quiet stays and private transfers |
| Families | Andaman family packages | Comfortable, child-friendly plans |
| Friends and colleagues | Andaman group packages | Shared planning for large parties |
| Value-focused travellers | Andaman budget packages | Affordable trips that cover the highlights |
| Government employees | Andaman LTC packages | Plans designed for LTC travel |
| Thrill seekers | Andaman adventure packages | Nature, trekking and offbeat excursions |
Not sure which suits you? Reach out through our contact page for a customised itinerary.
See what travellers say about us on Andaman Emerald Travels on Google, then call +91 9933245630 or send an enquiry for a free quote on your Andaman tour packages.
It is known as Turtle Beach, an important nesting site for Olive Ridley sea turtles, and for being a quiet, clean, tree-lined beach.
Nesting happens roughly from December to February, mostly at night. Sightings are not guaranteed.
About 12 to 13 km, a drive of roughly 20 minutes.
Sources differ. Ask the staff on arrival and swim only where they say it is safe, near the shore.
Facilities are simple, with shaded huts, picnic spots and lifeguards or staff on duty. Bring water, snacks and insect repellent.
Entry is generally free or low cost. Rules can change, so check on arrival.
Yes. The beach is easy and flat. Keep children close to the water’s edge, and use insect repellent.
Longer packages that include Mayabunder can include it. Couples often choose a honeymoon package, families a family package and adventure lovers an adventure package. Our team can customise any plan.
C-43 WARD NO. 12, DIGNABAD, PORT BLAIR, South Andaman, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, 744101
Copyright ©2026, Andaman Emerald Travels { A Unit Of Andaman Emerald Tours and Travels Pvt. Ltd. } All Rights Reserved
Call
Enquiry