Is Alibaug the new Goa?

Recently, internet has been abuzz with back-to-back news pieces and videos about the alleged misbehaviour and dadagiri by Goa’s ‘taxi mafia,’ which has left frequent travellers and potential tourists looking for cheaper and quieter alternatives. Enter Alibaug, a quaint and sleepy town with some of the cleanest and beaches and welcoming population.Once a month, Deep Kishore, a Mumbai-based beach enthusiast, swaps city chaos for sea breeze, catching the early Ro-Ro ferry from Mumbai to Alibaug with his friends. “The moment we hit the beach, it’s like the stress just melts away,” says the 30-year-old. “The sand’s clean, the water’s sparkling, and there’s space to actually enjoy the view.” For Kishore, what used to be an occasional getaway has now become a ritual. “Alibaug isn’t just decent anymore, it’s stunning. Who needs Goa when paradise is just across the bay?”

Why go to Goa, when you can go to Alibaug?

India is a country with varied landscapes and one of specialties of this country is its astounding beaches. While Goa has remained the go-to beach destination of people for decades, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Kerala, too, have some breathtaking beaches of their own. Recently, there have been reports of tourists being overcharged and mistreated in Goa, which has led to them setting out in search of other destination to fulfill their beach desires. This in turn has led them to Maharashtra, which was previously standing out of the beach race due to the unclean conditions of its beaches. However, in the past decade, owing to multiple beach cleaning drives and initiatives, it is now one of the best choices for perfect coastal holiday.Kishore is not alone. A growing number of travellers, weekenders, influencers, and celebrities are now trading in long flights to Goa for the convenience and charm of Maharashtra’s coastal gem.Aakarsh Gupta, Executive Producer at Nas Daily, has seen the shift up close. “North Goa feels like a big party, but I personally prefer quieter places like South Goa or Alibaug,” he says. “Varsoli Beach was peaceful and clean. I had an amazing brunch at Bohemyan Blue and even tried kayaking near Mandwa. It’s more laid-back, but that’s what makes it special.”

Why are people choosing Alibaug over Goa?

According to Gupta, accessibility is a huge factor. “People are craving newer, less crowded destinations. With the new ferry services and better roads, Alibaug is just easier, especially for people from Mumbai and Pune.”That’s a view echoed by Sanjay Naik, director of Nisarga Tourism, Alibaug. “Geographically, Alibaug is highly accessible to people from Pune and Mumbai. However, while Alibaug is being promoted as a replacement for Goa, we’re still not there yet, due to the rich history and heritage of that place.” Yet for many, Alibaug’s evolving identity is its biggest draw. It’s not trying to be Goa. It’s becoming something of its own.Previously, a viral video by an influencer showed how much will it cost to spend 10 days in Goa and called it costlier than taking an international trip to neighbouring coastal countries like Indonesia, Thailand and Sri Lanka.

What does it bring to table for the locals?

For locals, the attention has been a double-edged sword. “Yes, there’s more employment and exposure,” says one Alibaug resident who preferred to remain anonymous. “But weekends are chaos now. Traffic jams, land prices shooting up, and locals getting priced out of their own town. Still, the demand for homestays has helped many families earn a decent living.”The rapid rise in real estate and tourism is changing the town’s landscape, but it’s also putting Alibaug firmly on the map. Boutique villas, beach cafés, water sports, and heritage forts—all just a ferry ride away—are making travellers reconsider their next beach escape.Goa may still be iconic, but Alibaug is quietly claiming the spotlight. It offers clean shores, quick getaways, and a vibe that blends calm with convenience.

What’s more cost-effective?

Accommodation Costs

Flight Costs (Round-trip from Delhi)

Local Travel