The 120-sq-km Narara Marine National Park (entry ₹650; guide ₹500) protects a vast intertidal zone and 42 small islands to the east and west of Jamnagar. Of the park's three parts – Narada, Poshitra and Pirotan Island – Narada is the most interesting. From the gate – at low tide only – hike for 2.3km over rock and reef to the Gulf of Kachchh, where you can spot a variety of sea life in the shallows, including different types of coral, octopus, anemones, pufferfish, sea horses, lobsters and crab plover (the rocks are sharp, so reef booties are a boon!). For birders, the best time to visit is December to March, when wintering birds are plentiful. You will need to fill out paperwork and bring your passport to enter.
Narada is best reached from Jamnagar, which is 65km away; hiring a car to get you there and back costs ₹2200 to ₹2500. Mustak Mepani at Jamnagar's Hotel President arranges tours, cars, drivers and permits.
