Boating Services
Experience the soul-stirring charm of Kerala’s aquatic splendor with the Backwater Boat Service at Hotel Geethu International, Poovar. Nestled where the Neyyar River meets the Arabian Sea, our boating service invites you to glide through a tapestry of mangrove-lined canals, golden beaches, vibrant fishing villages, and serene estuaries. It's nature, culture, and adventure woven into one unforgettable journey.
Why Backwater Boat Service?
- Immersive Nature Experience
“Backwater boat Service gives you an exciting feel of the soil, wind and water with hundreds of lives like birds, fish, trees and plants.” This isn't a marketing tagline—it’s the essence of every journey we curate. You'll glide through lush mangroves, breathe in the crisp backwater air, and witness wildlife in its natural habitat—frogs, crabs, mudskippers, otters, turtles, and a riot of aquatic and shoreline flora and fauna. - Scenic Waterways & Estuaries
Explore the unique landscape where freshwater meanders from rivers, mingles with sea water, and breaks into canals and lagoons. The confluence phenomenon—where river, lake, and ocean meet—forms stunning estuaries and golden beaches . One such memory you’ll cherish forever. - Avian Delight – Bird Watching Cruises
Cameras at the ready—our bird-watching cruises bring you face-to-feather with local and migratory species. Kingfishers, herons, egrets, cormorants, darters, Brahaminy kites… your bird book comes to life.
Typical Cruise Itineraries
Our curated boat experiences range from intimate one-hour rides to extended multi-hour cruises. Popular packages include:
- Motor Boat Cruise (1–2 hours)
Includes: Neyyar Lake, fishing villages, mangroves, estuaries, golden beaches, Neyyar River, Mother Mary Shrine, Elephant Rock, “The Bridge,” AVM Canal, and more. - Sunrise Cruise
Early start (~6:15–7:30 AM). Paddle through tranquil waters as dawn breaks, lights dance, birds stir—true serenity and pristine beauty . - Sunset Cruise
Launch around 4:30 PM. Watch the golden sun dip while the waters glow—you'll feel like you're floating on nature’s grand finale . - Bird Watching Cruise
Dedicated itineraries (often ~2 hours) through mangrove thickets and estuaries; ideal for nature lovers and photographers. - Island Round Cruise
Circumnavigate Poovar Island, visiting local communities, waterways, and natural hideaways. - Lunch/Dinner Cruise
Sail (~2–2.5 hours), then dine at a floating restaurant—pure veg or fresh seafood—before drifting back as dusk falls poovarboatingparadise.com. - Honeymoon / Romantic / Anniversary Cruises
Special boats with floral décor, candles, and even complimentary cake—crafted for intimate moments.
Tariffs & Booking Information
While specific rates may vary, typical pricing (subject to seasonal and guest count factors) includes:
- Motor Boat Cruise (2 persons)
~₹1,500 (1 hr), ₹2,000 (1.5 hr), ₹2,200 (2 hr) poovarbackwatercruise.com. - Cruises for 4 persons / Shikara boats
Typically ₹1,750–₹3,500 (scaled by cruise duration) . - Sunset/Sunrise & Themed Cruises
Typically ₹2,600–₹3,200 (2 hr for 2–4 persons) poovarboat.com. - Floating Lunch/Dinner
Around ₹2,750–₹3,300 (2.5 hrs); food billed separately at restaurant. - Honeymoon/Birthday packages
~₹2,550–₹2,750 (2 hrs) + special offerings (cakes, décor) .
Our rates are competitively priced, often reflecting a 50% discount from government-approved rates when booked online poovarbackwatercruise.com.
Safety & Regulations
Hotel Geethu International partners exclusively with licensed, safety-verified boat operators. Through coordinated efforts like those of Kairali Backwaters, we ensure:
- Licensed, well-trained boat crews.
- Provided life jackets, navigation lights, horns, VSDs, fire extinguishers, and backfire arresters on each vessel kairalibackwaters.com
- Boats undergo regular government inspections to maintain registration and safety compliance
While over 45 companies operate locally, enforcement agencies are cracking down on unlicensed providers—so with us, you're in trusted hands .
Ecology & Local Culture
- Mangrove Magic
Cruise through intricate mangrove root systems, learning how these plants stabilize shorelines and support vibrant ecosystems medium.com. - Village Life
Watch fishermen at work, traditional coir-makers weaving rope, kids playing—every ride is a cultural snapshot. - Iconic Landmarks
Pass natural wonders like Elephant Rock, built by time’s hand; Mother Mary Shrine, a serene religious site; plus quaint fishing villages and age-old canals. - Backwater Biodiversity
See freshwater meet sea, forming brackish lagoons alive with crabs, frogs, turtles, otters, mudskippers, and exotic birds en.wikipedia.org.
Why Book With Hotel Geethu International
- Seamless Integration: Book your cruise right from reception—no hassles.
- Tailored Experiences: Honeymoon, birding, sunset, or family—choose your vibe.
- Premium Boats: Well-maintained, spacious, and safety-first.
- Eco-Conscious Approach: Operated responsibly, without disrupting wildlife or villagers.
- Combined Convenience: Start and end at our private jetty, steps from your room.
Sample Full-Day Plan
- Morning– Begin your day with a Sunrise Cruise (6:15 AM, 2 hours). Watch the day break across water.
- Midday– Return to Hotel Geethu for breakfast and relaxation.
- Afternoon– Have a Bird Watching or Island Round Cruise (start ~12 PM or 2 PM, 2 hours).
- Evening– Unwind with a Sunset Cruise followed by an optional floating dinner.
- Night– Drift back under stars and end with a drink at our restaurant or bar.
Book Now or Customize
- Duration: 1h, 1.5h, 2h, 2.5h
- Group Sizes: Private for 2, 4, or family/celebration bookings
- Boat Options: Motorboat or traditional Shikara
- Special Theme Cruises: Honeymoon, birthday, anniversary, or themed dinners
- Dining: Floating restaurant with buffet or a la carte options
Reach out to Hotel Geethu’s concierge desk or reception—or call us to plan ahead. We help you select the best itinerary and coordinates meals or mobility as required.
Tips & FAQs
- Best Time to Boat: Early morning (6–8 AM) and late afternoon (4–6 PM) for cooler temps and dramatic light.
- What to Bring: Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, comfortable shoes, light clothing.
- Wildlife Watch: Binoculars/phones help capture birds and mangrove creatures.
- Staying Comfortable: Bring a light jacket if sailing at sunrise; boats are shaded or open depending on preference.
- Environmentally Responsible: We steer clear of nesting zones, limit noise, and discourage plastic waste.
- Safety First: Life jackets provided, and crews are trained in navigation and emergency procedures.
- Booking Policy: In low season, some boats aren’t pre-booked online—just ask and we’ll arrange it for you.
In short, At Hotel Geethu International, the Boating Services offer more than just a ride—they deliver an immersive voyage into Kerala's heart. Whether you’re tracing sunrise silhouettes, indulging in romantic dinners aboard floating restaurants, or charting wildlife sanctuaries, every cruise is a memory.
Let nature, culture, and backwater elegance converge—book your cruise with Hotel Geethu and let your story afloat begin.
