Astola Island
Pakistan'S Largest Offshore Island And Its First Marine Protected Area, Declared 2017 · Pasni, Balochistan
Astola is Pakistan's largest offshore island, a flat-topped, cliff-edged rock about twenty-five kilometres off the Makran coast near Pasni, and in 2017 it became the country's first Marine Protected Area. It is uninhabited and has no facilities of any kind. The draw is nature: green and hawksbill turtles nest on its small beaches, the surrounding waters hold coral and reef fish, and it is one of the few places in Pakistan where people snorkel and dive. Seabirds nest on the cliffs, and the island is home to an endemic viper. The local name, Haft Talar, means seven hills. There are old stories of a Hindu shrine to Kali here, and fishermen camp on the island in season. Getting there is the adventure: a boat of two to three hours from Pasni on open sea, arranged with local fishermen or through a Karachi adventure operator, with camping overnight. The sea is rough in the summer monsoon, so trips run in the calm months. Balochistan's security situation means permission and planning come first.
Arabian Sea, about 25 kilometres off Pasni, Gwadar District, Pasni, Balochistan, Pakistan
Seasonal. Boat trips run roughly October to April, when the sea is calm; the summer monsoon makes the crossing dangerous. There is no ticket. Trips are arranged from Pasni with local boatmen or through adventure operators from Karachi. Foreigners need permission to travel in coastal Balochistan; confirm before planning.