Astola Island, also known as Jezira Haft Talar (Balochi: زروان ءِ هفت تلار) Satadip or 'Island of the Seven Hills', is a small uninhabited Pakistani island in the Arabian Sea approximately 25 km (16 mi) south of the nearest part of the coast and 39 km (24 mi) southeast of the fishing port of Pasni. Astola is Pakistan's largest offshore island at approximately 6.7 km (4.2 mi) long with a maximum width of 2.3 km (1.4 mi) and an area of approximately 6.7 km (2.6 sq mi). The highest point is 246 ft (75 m) above sea level. Administratively, the island is part of the Pasni sub district of Gwadar District in Baluchistan province. The island can be accessed by motorized boats from Pasni, with a journey time of about 5 hours to reach the island.
Pakistan declared Astola as its first Marine Protected Area in June 2017 as part an international obligation of the Federal Government under the Convention on Biological Diversity and its Aichi Biodiversity.
The island consists of a large tilted plateau and a series of seven small hillocks (hence the local name "Haft Talar" or "Seven Hills"), with deep chasms and crevices, which are several feet wide.There are several natural caves and coves on the island. The south face of the island slopes off gradually whereas the north face is cliff-like with a sharp vertical drop.
Astola island is a popular but "hard" destination for Eco-tourism, although there are no lodging facilities on the island. Overnight tourists must camp on the island and bring their own provisions. Camping, fishing and scuba-diving expeditions are popular. It is also a site for observing turtle breeding. There has been some damage to Astola's ecology due to rats and domesticated cats left behind by fishermen, which have threatened bird nesting sites and turtle hatcheries.
The Arabian Sea humpback whale, one of the rarest marine warm blooded creatures, has sporadically been located in its encompassing territory.
The best way to explore this strange yet-beguiling spot is by a boat. The place is home to outlandish marine coexistence with sea turtles, sea urchins, ocean shells, ocean gulls, ocean snakes, feline fish, eels and numerous varieties of sea life.
Astola Island is a mesmerizing destination not many are aware of. The amazing concept of nature is a night no one will be ever able to forget. From hills to gulls and remarkable sea creatures, Astola has it all!
