A secluded, crescent-shaped beach in Gokarna, accessible only by a scenic trek or a short boat ride from Om Beach.
Discover what makes this destination truly special

Half Moon Beach is a small, secluded stretch of sand south of the more famous Om Beach. Its name comes from its distinct crescent shape, visible from the cliffs above. The beach is not accessible by road, which helps maintain its quiet and unspoiled atmosphere. Visitors can reach it either by a 20-30 minute trek over a rocky headland from Om Beach or by hiring a small boat. The trek itself is a popular activity, offering excellent views of the Arabian Sea.
Plan your trip around the ideal season for the best experience
December to January, especially during Christmas, New Year's, and long weekends.
October, November, February, and March, particularly on weekends.
Weekdays throughout the season, and the entire monsoon period from June to September.
Plan ahead with accurate pricing and visiting hours
Indian Visitors
Free
No entry fee
Opening Hours
6:00 AM — 7:00 PM
The beach is accessible during daylight hours. Boat services generally operate from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, depending on weather and demand. It is not safe to trek to or from the beach after sunset.
Entry to the beach is free for all visitors. The only cost involved is for transportation, either by boat from Om Beach (approx. ₹250-₹400 per person) or by reaching the trek starting point.
Find your way to this destination with ease
Address
Accessible via trek from Om Beach, Gokarna, Karnataka 581326
Coordinates
14.5181, 74.3317
Nearest City
Gokarna
Multiple ways to get to this destination conveniently
Dabolim Airport (GOI) in Goa is the nearest international airport, approximately 145 km away (3-4 hours by car). The closest domestic airport is Hubli Airport (...
Gokarna Road (GOK) station is 10 km from the town, but has limited train connectivity. Ankola (20 km) and Kumta (35 km) are better-connected stations. Taxis and...
Gokarna is connected by NH-66 and has regular bus services from Bangalore (485 km), Mangalore (235 km), and Goa (145 km). To reach the beach, you must travel to...
Within Gokarna, auto-rickshaws are the main mode of transport to get to Om Beach. Scooter rentals are also widely available. From Om Beach, you can only proceed...
Learn about the story and cultural importance of this destination
Half Moon Beach doesn't have a formal history of construction or establishment. It is a natural cove that gained popularity among backpackers and international travelers from the 1980s onwards, who sought quieter alternatives to the main beaches of Goa and Gokarna. It became a key point on the infor...
The significance of Half Moon Beach lies in its raw, natural beauty and its role in the popular Gokarna beach trek circuit. It represents the original, less-commercialized spirit of Gokarna that first attracted travelers. For many, its isolation is its main draw, offering a peaceful retreat compared...
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