Mandwa to Alibaug Travel Guide

Mandwa Jetty and Beach, nestled in the tranquil village of Mandwa, Raigad district, Maharashtra, are the heart of the Mumbai-to-Alibaug journey, offering a quick and scenic escape from the city’s chaos. Located 18–20 km from Alibaug, the jetty is a bustling hub where ferries from Mumbai’s Gateway of India and Bhaucha Dhakka dock, delivering travelers to the Konkan coast in just 45–60 minutes. Mandwa Beach, steps away, enchants with its clean black-and-white sands, coconut groves, and serene ambiance, making it a quieter alternative to Alibaug’s crowded beaches. Known for water sports, stunning sunsets, and Instagram-worthy spots, Mandwa is perfect for families, couples, and photographers. Just 100–110 km from Mumbai and 151 km from Pune, it’s an easy getaway. This guide details the ferry schedule, beach vibe, Instagram spots, and essential tips for your 2025 visit, presented in a numbered format for a hassle-free adventure.

 Mandwa Jetty Overview

Mandwa Jetty is the primary entry point to Alibaug, connecting Mumbai to the Konkan coast via regular ferries and Ro-Ro (Roll-on/Roll-off) services, known for its efficiency and scenic views.

• Significance: A vital transport hub for Alibaug’s beaches, forts, and resorts, with ferries carrying passengers, vehicles, and pets. Features modern amenities like an air-conditioned waiting room and a Starbucks at the terminal.
• Location: Mandwa village, 18–20 km from Alibaug, 100–110 km from Mumbai, 151 km from Pune.
• Facilities: Toilets, food outlets (Starbucks, Boardwalk by Flamboyante), parking, and bus/rickshaw services to Alibaug.
• Tips:
  • Arrive 45 minutes early for ferry boarding, especially on weekends.
  • Use offline maps (e.g., Google Maps) due to patchy network coverage.
  • Check weather via www.imd.gov.in as services halt during monsoon or rough seas.
• Coordinates: Approximate coordinates are 18.8000° N, 72.8833° E.

Jetty Overview	Description
Significance	Transport hub, ferries with vehicles/pets
Location	Mandwa, 18–20 km from Alibaug
Facilities	Toilets, Starbucks, parking, buses
Tips	Arrive early, offline maps, check weather

 Ferry Schedule

The ferry service from Mumbai to Mandwa Jetty operates year-round (except during monsoon or rough weather), with multiple operators offering flexibility for travelers.

• Operators:
  • Passenger Ferries: PNP (AC, +91-2141-225403), Ajanta (non-AC, +91-2141-224437), Maldar (AC/non-AC, +91-8591254683). Run from Gateway of India to Mandwa Jetty, 45–60 minutes, ₹150–₹200 one-way.
  • Speedboats: Faster option (15–20 minutes, ₹300–₹500), available from Jetty No. 2, Gateway of India. Book via www.sailingtimesindia.com.
  • Ro-Ro Ferry (M2M): Operates from Bhaucha Dhakka to Mandwa, carrying 500 passengers and 150 vehicles (cars ₹800–₹1,000, bikes ₹300–₹500, passengers ₹150–₹200). Book via www.m2mferries.com.
• Timings (indicative, confirm with operators):
  • Gateway to Mandwa: 6:00 AM–6:30 PM, every 15–60 minutes (PNP: 6:15 AM, 8:30 AM, 10:15 AM; Ajanta: 7:00 AM, 9:15 AM; Maldar: 8:30 AM, 9:30 AM). Last ferry typically 6:00 PM (ends May 25, 2025, resumes September 1, 2025).
  • M2M Ro-Ro (Bhaucha Dhakka to Mandwa): 7:00 AM–9:30 PM, 3–8 trips daily (e.g., May 2025: 7:00 AM, 8:30 AM, 10:10 AM, etc.).
  • Mandwa to Mumbai: Similar frequency, last ferry around 6:30 PM–9:30 PM.
• Tips:
  • M2M includes bus fare to Alibaug; confirm with other operators (bus ~₹50–₹100).
  • Carry ID (Aadhaar for Indians, passport/visa for foreigners); no weapons or flammables allowed.
• Safety: Life jackets provided; follow crew instructions. Services halt in monsoon (June–September) or rough seas.

Ferry Schedule	Description
Operators	PNP, Ajanta, Maldar (passenger), M2M (Ro-Ro)
Timings	6:00 AM–6:30 PM (Gateway), 7:00 AM–9:30 PM (M2M)
Cost	₹150–₹200 (passenger), ₹800–₹1,000 (car)
Tips	Book online, carry ID, confirm bus fare

How to Reach Mandwa Jetty

Mandwa Jetty is easily accessible from Mumbai, Pune, or Alibaug, with ferries being the most popular route from Mumbai.

• From Mumbai (100–110 km, 1–3 hours):
  • By Ferry: From Gateway of India (passenger ferries, speedboats, 45–60 min, ₹150–₹500) or Bhaucha Dhakka (M2M Ro-Ro, 60 min, ₹150–₹1,000). Reach Gateway via BEST bus (111, 112 from CST/Churchgate) or taxi (~₹200–₹300). Bhaucha Dhakka near Dockyard Road station.
  • By Road: Drive via NH66 (100 km, 2.5–3 hours); buses to Alibaug (₹150–₹200), then auto to Mandwa (₹100–₹150).
• From Pune (151 km, 3.5–4 hours):
  • Drive via NH48 to Alibaug, then Murud Road to Mandwa. Buses to Alibaug (₹150–₹200), then auto/taxi (₹100–₹300).
• From Alibaug (18–20 km, 30–40 minutes):
  • Auto-rickshaws (₹100–₹150), shared Tum Tum rickshaws (₹50), or taxis (~₹500–₹800) via Alibaug-Mandwa Road.
• By Train: Nearest station is Roha (37 km) or Pen (35 km), then taxi (~₹800–₹1,200) to Mandwa.
• Tips:
  • Arrive at Gateway/Bhaucha Dhakka 30 minutes early; ferries board at Jetty No. 2 (Gateway).
  • Book M2M for vehicles; limited autos in Mandwa after 6:00 PM.
  • Parking available at Mandwa Jetty for day visitors.

How to Reach	Description
From Mumbai	Ferry (Gateway/Bhaucha Dhakka, 45–60 min), road (100 km)
From Pune	Road (151 km), bus then auto/taxi
From Alibaug	18–20 km, auto/taxi, 30–40 min
Tips	Early arrival, book M2M, parking available

Beach Vibe

Mandwa Beach, adjacent to the jetty, is a serene, less crowded coastal stretch, offering a relaxed vibe perfect for unwinding or a quick stop before heading to Alibaug.

• Description:
  • Landscape: 2–3 km of clean black-and-white sand, fringed by coconut and casuarina trees, with views of the Arabian Sea and distant Mumbai skyline.
  • Vibe: Quiet, family-friendly, and less commercialized than Alibaug Beach. Ideal for walks, picnics, and sunset gazing.
  • Activities: Water sports (jet skiing, banana rides, kayaking, ₹100–₹300), beach volleyball, and camping (₹1,000–₹2,000, book via www.sahyadrirangers.com).
• Safety:
  • Safe for swimming during low tide; avoid high tide due to currents (check www.imd.gov.in).
  • Lifeguards present at water sports zones; supervise kids near water.
• Tips:
  • Visit at sunrise (6:00 AM) or sunset (5:30 PM–6:30 PM) for cooler weather and scenic views.
  • Limited shade; carry umbrellas or hats for sun protection.
  • Use nearby restaurants (e.g., Boardwalk by Flamboyante) for restrooms.

Beach Vibe	Description
Landscape	2–3 km sand, coconut trees, sea views
Vibe	Quiet, family-friendly, less crowded
Activities	Water sports, volleyball, camping
Tips	Sunrise/sunset visits, carry hats, use restaurant restrooms

Instagram Spots

Mandwa Beach and Jetty offer picturesque backdrops for Instagram-worthy photos, capturing the Konkan coast’s charm and the ferry journey’s scenic beauty.

• Top Spots:
  • Mandwa Jetty Viewpoint: Capture ferries docked against the sea, with seagulls and the Mumbai skyline in the distance. Best at sunset.
  • Coconut Grove: Frame shots with swaying palms and black-and-white sand; ideal for golden-hour photos (5:30 PM–6:30 PM).
  • Beach Shoreline: Shoot the gentle waves and distant hills, perfect for minimalist coastal shots or water sports action.
  • Boardwalk by Flamboyante: A chic café near the jetty for vibrant food and drink shots with sea views.
  • Ferry Deck: Snap skyline views or candid moments with waves during the Mumbai–Mandwa ride.
• Tips:
  • Use a wide-angle lens (16–35mm) for expansive sea shots; polarizing filters enhance water clarity.
  • Early mornings (6:00 AM–8:00 AM) offer soft light and fewer crowds.
  • Tag #MandwaBeach or #AlibaugDiaries for social media visibility.

Instagram Spots	Description
Top Spots	Jetty, coconut grove, shoreline, Boardwalk café, ferry deck
Tips	Wide-angle lens, early mornings, use hashtags

 Additional Information

• Best Time to Visit:
  • Winter (October–March): Pleasant (15°C–25°C), calm seas, frequent ferries, ideal for beach and water sports.
  • Monsoon (June–September): Lush greenery but ferry services halt; avoid for beach activities due to high tides.
  • Summer (April–May): Hot (30°C–40°C); early mornings best for jetty and beach visits.
• Nearby Attractions:
  • Alibaug Beach: 18–20 km, popular for water sports and Kolaba Fort views.
  • Kashid Beach: 13 km, pristine sands and sunsets.
  • Revdanda Fort & Beach: 8 km, Portuguese ruins and quiet shores.
  • Karmarkar Museum: 20 km, showcasing sculptures by Nanasaheb Karmarkar.
• Dining: Boardwalk by Flamboyante (seafood, pizza, ~₹200–₹500), Starbucks (coffee, ~₹150–₹300), or local shacks (vada pav, coconut water, ~₹30–₹100).

Additional Info	Description
Best Time	Oct–Mar (winter)
Nearby Attractions	Alibaug Beach (18 km), Kashid Beach (13 km), Revdanda (8 km)
Accommodation	Homestays (₹800–₹2,000), resorts (₹2,000–₹5,000)
Dining	Boardwalk, Starbucks, local shacks

Safety and Preparation Tips

• Ferry Safety:
  • Follow crew instructions; wear life jackets during speedboat rides.
  • Avoid carrying valuables; operators not responsible for losses.
  • Check weather (www.imd.gov.in) to avoid cancellations.
• Beach Safety:
  • Swim only during low tide; avoid rocky areas.
  • Supervise kids near water; use lifeguards at sports zones.
• Essentials:
  • 2–3 liters of water, snacks, sunscreen, hats, and a first-aid kit.
  • Camera for Instagram shots; waterproof bag for monsoon or water sports.
• Emergency Preparedness:
  • Save contacts: Mandwa Police (+91-2141-240033), Dr. Bagade Clinic, Alibaug (+91-94211-64520).
  • Carry cash (INR) for shacks and autos; limited ATMs in Mandwa.

Safety Tips	Description
Ferry	Follow crew, no valuables, check weather
Beach	Low tide swimming, supervise kids
Essentials	Water, snacks, camera, first-aid kit
Emergency	Save contacts, carry cash

Mandwa to Alibaug: Your Launchpad to Coastal Escapes

Whether you're sailing across the Arabian Sea or taking the scenic coastal route, the journey from Mandwa to Alibaug is more than just a transfer—it’s the start of your beachside escape. Once you arrive, don’t miss exploring the Top Nature Spots in Alibaug: Beaches, Trails & Hidden Escapes to soak in the town’s raw coastal charm.

For curated homestays, local insights, and exclusive deals that make your trip even more memorable, check out BidYourStay, your go-to platform for discovering Alibaug’s best-kept secrets.