1
Sit-on-top kayak
The default. Stable, dry-ish, easy to climb back onto if you slip off. Singles for solo paddlers, tandems for couples or parent + child.
The pitch
Paddling inside an atoll is nothing like coastal kayaking — no waves, no current to fight, and the water is so clear you can paddle directly over coral heads and watch the fish scatter under your hull. You, a paddle, and the only sound is the blade hitting water.
01 — The boats
Three kinds, all beginner-friendly.
2
Pedal kayak
Hands-free propulsion via foot pedals. Great if you want to bring a camera or fishing rod along, or if upper-body paddling isn’t for you.
3
Traditional canoe
The narrow wooden hull used by local fishers. A bit twitchier, no rudder, but riding one is the closest you’ll get to the way the islanders have moved on water for centuries.
02 — Paddling routes
Where the lagoon is calmest and the reef is closest.
- Agatti west lagoon — 45 min. Slow paddle along the inner reef. Stop, slip your snorkel on, look down at the coral, paddle on.
- Bangaram inner ring — 1 hr. Complete the inside of the atoll. Beach landings possible anywhere along the way.
- Thinnakara sandbar circle — 30 min. Loop the whole island. Knee-deep landings on every side.
- Kadmat north channel — 1 hr 15 min. For confident paddlers. Glass-clear deep water with eagle-ray cameos in winter.
03 — Practicalities
What to know before you launch.
PFD
Personal flotation device is mandatory and provided.
~6 km/h
Cruising speed for a relaxed sit-on-top single kayak.
0 m
Swim test required — basic float ability is enough; you stay inside the lagoon.
Free
Most resort and homestay properties include unlimited kayak use.
04 — Pricing
Rental rates if your stay doesn’t include it.
Canoe & Kayak Rentals
Per boat| Boat | Duration | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Sit-on-top single kayak | Per hour | ₹ 500 |
| Sit-on-top tandem kayak | Per hour | ₹ 800 |
| Pedal kayak | Per hour | ₹ 1,000 |
| Traditional canoe (guided) | ~1 hour | ₹ 1,200 |
| Sunrise paddle tour | ~2 hours | ₹ 1,800 |