With the Lakshadweep sea in the west, the Western Ghats in the east, and the Kozhikode and Wayanad districts in the south, Kannur is bounded by a wealth of natural beauty. The district itself, which shares much of this natural splendour, has been a key contributor to the cultural, religious, political and industrial heritage of the state. In addition, Kannur also enjoys the credit of having been the cradle of many a colourful folk art and folk music. Some of the popular beaches here are: 

Dharmadam Island (Beach) The small 5 acre island covered with coconut palms and green bushes is a beautiful sight from the beach. Permission is required to enter this privately owned island (100 metres away from the mainland at Dharmadam) 

Kizhunna Ezhara (Beach) This beautiful stretch of sand is one of the most secluded beaches in Kerala (11 km from Kannur). 

Payyambalam (Beach) The long, secluded beach is a local picnic spot (2 km from Kannur) 

Ezhimala (Beach) The beautiful beach here has a hillock nearby (286 M high). A Naval Academy is being developed here. 

Aquatourism is one of the most important constituent of Kerala. 

Aquatourism in Kerala can be broadly classified into three Zones of Kerala.

North Kerala: Kannur-Kozhikode-Kasaragod 
Central Kerala: Ernakulam/Kochi - Aquatourism...Kottayam - Aquatourism 
South Kerala: Alappuzha - Aquatourism-Thiruvananthapuram - Aquatourism