Kid-friendly beaches in India and Asia

By the Nexara Holidays travel desk · 2 min read

For families, the best beach is calm, clean and close to good facilities. Here are favourites in India and nearby.

In India

• Palolem and Benaulim, South Goa: calmer water than many North Goa beaches in season.
• Kovalam, Kerala: the main bay has lifeguards in season.
• Bharatpur Beach, Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep): shallow, calm water for snorkelling.
• Elephant Beach, Havelock: snorkelling and glass-bottom boats.
• Marari Beach, Kerala: quiet, with family resorts.

Southeast Asia

• Kata Beach, Phuket: family-friendly with calm water in the dry season.
• Nusa Dua, Bali (South Coast): calm lagoons and big family resorts.
• Pantai Cenang, Langkawi: a long beach with easy facilities.
• Sentosa, Singapore: man-made beaches with calm water and lots of activities.

Indian Ocean

• Maldives lagoons: shallow and calm, with kids' clubs at family resorts.
• Mauritius: lagoons protected by reefs.

Beach safety tips

• Swim only where lifeguards are on duty and between flags.
• Check the season; monsoon seas are dangerous.
• Use children's sunscreen and reapply often.
• Keep children hydrated and in shade at midday.
• Watch for currents even in calm-looking water.

See our Beach holidays and Family holidays pages.

Choosing a family beach resort

Look for shallow, calm water close to the rooms, a children's pool, shade, and restaurants that can make simple food. Kids' clubs give parents a little time to relax. In the monsoon season, choose resorts with good indoor activities as a back-up.

Best months

Indian and Thai beaches are calmest from November to April; Bali from April to October. See Best time to visit Thailand: which coast, which month.