Sea View, Karachi

Meeting people and make friends is one of my reasons why I travel. Interacting with residents broaden my knowledge of the people and their culture. This is the best way to interact with the Karachiites.

The people of Karachi are very hospitable. I know because I have Pakistani friends in most part of the country like this city, Peshawar, and Lahore. They tend to welcome any foreigner very warmly and most of them speaks some English especially in the tourist-friendly places like Clifton, and Bahadurabad. It is generally safe at all times in these districts.

You can't visit Karachi without going to Sea View. I visited a few times... twice at night and once early in the morning. It was my favorite thing to do because I loved going to ride the camels. It was about Rs. 40 or so, which isn't even a dollar. It didn't seem like the guys were out with the camels much during the day. I would recommend wearing sneakers because the sand is black and nasty. A major downside is that there are a lot of beggars that harrass you and they will follow you to your car, bang on your windows, beg you to take them with you to Canada, and throw stuff in your car.

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You want to feel like Lawrence of Arabia, or wants the rush or thrill of being the best rider in the Kentucky Derby, then head to Clifton beach/sea view beach front to fulfill your dreams. You can avail the facility of riding a camel or a horse at a nominal price. Negotiate the rates before climbing on these animals.

Best place to do this activity is behind the McDonald, because on return you may want to get the sand out of your feet/hand. Washing facility is available at that corner.

After the ride you can pig out at McDonalds or KFC or Pizza Hut. Whichever suits your appettite

Negotiate the rates and distance they will travel with the horse/camel owner before you board/take a ride, as they will rip you off!

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Couple of years ago Karachi faced its Exxon Valdez disaster when a Greek oil tanker, Tasmanian Spirit, ran aground and broke into two. The result was a disaster because it spewed all its cargo -oil, onto the beach. For several months, the beach was closed to the public, and even several residents evacuated. A massive cleanup operation was undertaken, and now the beach has reopened to the general public. Do not be scared of grayish/blackish sand - it was like that before the spill.

In addition to the water, various restaurants and vendors catering to all are lined on the waterfront.

If you do not want to go in the water, eat in these restaurants, there is always a monkey show around (see pictures). Also horses and camels are available for one to ride and enjoy the beach.

And if you do not like the crowds, avoid visiting on weekends/local holidays, especially in the evening.

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At one time, Karachi used to have over 20 cinema houses which now have dwindled down to fewer than 10, with majority of the old ones converted into concrete jungles (shopping plaza/offices). Main reason has been the availability of pirated DVD’s of new releases, cable Channels, and poor maintenance of cinema houses.

However in Sea View, opposite Village restaurant, a cinema house, CINEPLEX, has been build catering to needs of people who wants to see latest releases.

CINPLEX reserves the right of admission, and allows families to enter. Tickets are normally expensive, but I guess you pay for a nice environment and atmosphere. Usually there is 1-2 adult movies and 2-3 children movies showing at one time.

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Over the Arabian sea, watch the sun go down, and disappear. These sunsets can be observed from all beaches lining Karachi (Clifton, Sands pit, Hawksbay, Paradise point, etc). If in Karachi, head towards the sea, and behind Village restaurant there is an extension wall that takes you right up to the sea. You get a clear view of the ocean and the sun beyond it, and maybe some boats/ships crossing in front, giving a nice perspective.

Avoid Sunday or holidays as this beach is crowded, unless you like being in crowds....

The sea view at clifton is first place to must see in karachi and i think if you dont visit there than you did not see the karachi well. Nice flowing water coming on sides of the sea and when go under your feet it seems you are flying on the sky. The great entertainment for every person of ever age and every gender. Nice cool and fresh air coming from all sides make you feel great pleasure. Good to visit at evening time to end of sunset. Really great sight which can not be explained in words. I not saw that sight in all over pakistan at any other place except karachi.

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Literally saying "Sea View" starts from McDonalds and goes towards Marina Club. Sea View Apartments run in a row with the shore. City govt. has fixed Power lights so the shore remains bright after sunset.
Sea water is clean here relative to Clifton Beach and mostly families prefer it.
In general Sea View could be experienced from a number of spots such as:

Clifton Beach :
This is the most visited as it is close to the city centre but it is quite polluted. It is located near Play Land and Park Towers.

Latest: City District Goverment made a large park along the Clifton Beach which is more than a kilometre long. Development work on clifton beach is running very SPEEDY.

French Beach:
This is the finest beach in Karachi. The water is clean and the air is crisp. There are gorgeous rocks embedded in the ocean. The waves splashing against them is quite a lovely sight.

Paradise Point :
Right down the road from French Beach is Paradise Point, that sports a marvelous view of the ocean from a eroded hill. A great place to go for a mixture of beauty and excitement. But due to rockey waters swimming is not possible.
This location is almost at the limit of the Sindh province.

Hawks Bay :
A wonderfully sunny and sandy beach. The water is clean and if you need a tan, it is the beach to go to. The huts allow total privacy and the view is magnificent. It is a non rocky area so it is the best beach to take the family. A must see in Karachi.

Sandspit :
Quite near Hawks bay, it is pretty much the same. A good place for turtle watching and a good view!! Completely unpolluted and positively beautiful. If you go at night there are turtles all over the place.