Thane Flamingo boat ride – All you need to know!

Thane Flamingo boat ride starting from Coastal & Marine Biodiversity Centre in Airoli, Navi Mumbai, has become a popular tourist destination in recent years. Thanks to the state-of-the-art Airoli Flamingo Sanctuary, spread across 50 acres of land, it is a complete nature lovers’ paradise.

There are two well-designed museums inside the Airoli Flamingo Sanctuary, exhibiting the importance of mangroves and aquatic life and explaining at length about marine biodiversity.

I have visited the flamingo sanctuary a few times before but unfortunately could never experience the boat ride as it does not operate all year round. However, the flamingo sanctuary is operational throughout the year and can be visited anytime to learn more about these migratory birds and marine biodiversity. Fortunately, this year, I booked the tickets right on time.

Hopefully, these answers below will help you plan and book your flamingo boat safari ride.

What is the entry fee for Airoli Bird Sanctuary?

The entry fee for Airoli bird sanctuary is Rs. 50 per head for adults and Rs. 25 for children over five years. But if you have pre-booked a boat ride, you don’t have to pay any separate entry fee. The boat ticket includes your right to enter the sanctuary and explore the museums and other attractions within the Airoli bird sanctuary.

What is the best time to visit Flamingo Sanctuary?

Between February and May is the best time to visit the flamingo sanctuary as this is the time when these migratory birds make this creek their abode for a few months.

How much does it cost to book a Thane Flamingo boat ride?

The ticket for the flamingo boat safari at Airoli Creek varies depending on the day you wish to take the boat ride. If you plan to book a ride for a weekday, the ticket per person is Rs. 475. On the weekends, it is Rs. 650 per person. We booked a Sunday early morning ride and enjoyed watching thousands of flamingos in their natural habitat.

What is the best time of day to see Flamingos?

The boat safari timings are decided depending on the high tide. Somedays, the ride is in the morning and some days in the afternoon. No matter the time of the day, you can spot the flamingos, so book your ride as per availability. I embarked on the boat ride in the morning while my friend took the ride at two in the afternoon, but we both could spot flamingos.

How to book a Thane Flamingo boat ride?

Flamingo boat safari booking was the most tedious task. So, depending upon the high tides, the host decides the rides for the next few days. To book your boat safari ride, you have to call on this number: 99876 73737 . If luck is by your side, you might connect in first call itself. My experience was exhausting. After many attempts, one woman answered the call, only to inform that no ticket was available for the weekend. She requested I call back on Monday to inquire about the coming week schedule.

On Monday, I called several times, but no one answered. The next day, someone answered and shared the time slots for the weekend and the number of available seats. Once I confirmed the booking for the 9 am to 10 am slot, she requested a payment on the QR code that she agreed to share on my WhatsApp. Two days went by, but no QR code came. Finally, after a few attempts, I could connect to the number and requested the QR code again. After the payment, she confirmed the booking over a WhatsApp message. Overall, it took a whole lot of coordination for a simple task. I hope they start an online booking service or hire an agency to take care of it.

You can reach them on WhatsApp for inquiries: 99876 73737.

Final words

Did you know why these flamingos migrate to Thane Creek every year?

Well, close to 1.15 lakh flamingos fly to Thane Creek in search of algae found in abundance in the creek. The more they feed on algae, the pinker shade their neck appears. For more such interesting facts and information, watch the video.

The guide who accompanied us shared amazing facts and stories about flamingos. The boat ride was a wonderful experience.

One tip: Don’t forget to carry your binoculars. I forgot this time too. But it would have been great to see them up close. The way these flamingos rest is intriguing too, and something that you can see through binoculars. Standing on one foot, they retract their neck into their wings and sleep peacefully. Of course, the boat takes you close to the flamingos, but it has restrictions too. The engine sound scares them, so the boat does not venture too close to the migratory birds.

After the ride, explore the museums and take a walk on the quaint raised bamboo bridge. It leads to the bird-watching paradise within the creek. From that spot, I could spot many flamingos gracefully dancing in the water.

FAQs for Thane Flamingo Boat Ride & Airoli Flamingo Sanctuary

1. What is the entry fee for the Airoli Flamingo Sanctuary?

• Answer: The entry fee to the Airoli Flamingo Sanctuary is Rs. 50 for adults and Rs. 25 for children above five years. If you have pre-booked a boat ride, this fee is included in the ticket.

2. When is the best time to visit the Thane Flamingo boat ride?

• Answer: The best time to visit is between February and May. During this period, migratory flamingos make Thane Creek their temporary home, offering a great chance to spot them.

3. How much does the Thane Flamingo Boat Ride cost?

• Answer: The cost of the boat ride varies:
  • Weekdays: Rs. 475 per person.
  • Weekends: Rs. 650 per person.
    It’s recommended to book in advance, especially for weekend rides.

4. What is the best time of day to see the flamingos?

• Answer: The timing of the boat ride is determined by the high tide schedule, and flamingos can be spotted at any time of day. The rides are available in the morning or afternoon, depending on the tide.

5. How do I book a Thane Flamingo boat ride?

• Answer: To book the boat ride, call 99876 73737. However, booking can be challenging due to high demand, so multiple attempts may be needed. Payments are made via QR code after confirming your booking.

6. Can I visit the Airoli Flamingo Sanctuary without booking a boat ride?

• Answer: Yes, the sanctuary is operational throughout the year, and you can visit to explore the museums and observe the flamingos from designated bird-watching spots. No boat ride is required for a visit, though the boat ride offers a closer look at the birds.

7. Why do flamingos migrate to Thane Creek?

• Answer: Flamingos migrate to Thane Creek for the abundant algae found in the water. The more they feed on algae, the pinker their necks become, creating a beautiful sight for visitors.

8. Is there a restriction on how close the boat can get to the flamingos?

• Answer: Yes, there are restrictions to ensure the flamingos are not disturbed. The boat does not get too close to the birds to avoid scaring them. The sound of the boat engine can be unsettling for the flamingos, so the boat stays at a respectful distance.

9. What other activities can I enjoy at the Thane Flamingo boat ride?

• Answer: After the boat ride, you can explore the two museums that showcase marine biodiversity and the importance of mangroves. Additionally, you can walk on the raised bamboo bridge that leads to a prime bird-watching spot, offering a fantastic view of flamingos in their natural habitat.

10. What are the essentials to carry for the Thane Flamingo boat ride?

• Answer: It is recommended to carry binoculars for a closer look at the flamingos, especially if you want to observe them more closely while they sleep or feed. Comfortable clothing, sunscreen, and a camera are also a good idea for a full experience.

11. How far in advance should I book the Thane Flamingo boat ride?

• Answer: Since booking can be difficult due to high demand, it’s recommended to book the boat ride as soon as possible. Ideally, call at least a week in advance to secure your spot, especially if you want a weekend booking. Also, you can search for direct online booking from popular websites, although that might be a bit costly.

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