Adventurous Things to Do in Goa: A Simple (But Complete) Guide
Goa – You shouldn’t doubt why Goa is famous among Indian tourists if you have ever been to this happening city. It is one of the best, beautiful and favorite tourist destinations in India; not only because of beaches, but also for its pleasant weather, happening nightlife, delectable seafood, thrilling water activities, and more.
An ideal place for water sports and fun lovers. It offers ample opportunities to adventure enthusiasts to enjoy water in various ways. It is not like, only Indian tourists try these activities, but the foreign tourists also enjoy this water fun at their best. The importance of tourism here is because of its unparalleled experience of cruising. There are a variety of markets here that attract every tourist from India, as well as, foreigners.
Windsurfing
Windsurfing combines the aspects of both sailing and surfing. The rider must stand on the board and firmly grip the sail attached and then manoeuvre according to the wind and water pressure. It requires a good balancing act on the surfboard while cruising through the ocean waters. Dona Paula jetty, among others such as- Candolim Beach, Calangute and Baga is the best place for windsurfing in Goa especially if you are a beginner. If you are more of the adventurous types, you could head out for windsurfing in the afternoon instead of the morning when the winds are stronger and; offer a more challenging experience to the surfers.
Places Offering Windsurfing: Dona Paula jetty, Miramar, Bogmalo, Vagator, Palolem.
Notable Operators: Atlantis Water sports; Octopus Surf School (Morjim); Sea Water Sports (Arpora).
Best Season: October to March.
Approximate Cost: INR 1500 onwards.
Banana Boat Rides
Banana boat goa rides are a huge attraction. A banana-shaped boat attached to a steamboat runs at an astonishing speed and sprints off the passengers in the sea. The passengers then haul themselves up in the boat again where the process continues. This activity is exhausting but extremely enjoyable at the same time. You could also club this activity along with Ringo rides and; jet skiing to add an extra dimension of a thrill to your experience.
Places Offering Banana Boat Rides: Palolem, Mobor, Baga, Miramar, Agonda, Anjuna, Calangute.
Notable Operators: Banana Surf School (Ashwem); Konkan Explorers (Morjim); Sea Water sports (Arpora)
Best Season: October to March.
Approximate Cost: INR 699 onwards.
Camping
Bamboo and wooden huts amidst the golden sand beaches, sounds of the rolling waves and; the relaxing sun make up the charm of camping at Palolem beach. There are various goa beach activities to do when you visit the beach. Camping offers one of the pocket-friendly yet genuinely memorable experiences that one must opt for, especially while travelling with friends. Although not an adventure things– sport, it surely complements the entire thrill associated with traditional water sports in south goa. Bonfire, a range of Goa adventure activities, music and; some delectable food after a day of hectic goa beach water sports sounds ideal, doesn’t it?
Places to Camp: Palolem, sites nearby Dudhsagar Falls.
Best Season: October to May.
Approximate Cost: INR 2000 – INR 5000
Hot Air Balloon Fight
One can enjoy breathtaking views of Goa in huge balloons inflated with hot air and flying at a high-altitude of 2500 feet. Make sure to travel with a trained ground crew that follows you until the safe landing of the balloon back on the ground. Hot air ballooning is more prevalent, especially for sunrise flights preferred by honeymoon couples.
Places Offering Hot Air Ballooning: Assolda Ground, Chandor, South Goa.
Notable Operators: Tiger Balloon Safaris (Panjim); Seawater Sports (Arpora).
Best Season: October to May.
Approximate Cost: INR 9000 – INR 11000 per person.
Scuba Diving and Snorkeling
If the sublime experience of marine life and; the enchanting world of underwater caught your fancy while watching ‘Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara’, scuba diving and snorkeling are the sports for you. Colourful corals, wrecks from the pages of history and; the thrill of being in the abandon of the infinite sea, scuba diving is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The thing: You don’t need to dish out a moolah for this sport in countries like Maldives or Thailand when Goa offers you stunning experiences of marine life- while scuba diving with the best of instructors and safety equipment. After completing a one-hour training session with the instructors, you will be ready to participate in the sport 12 metres below the surface. It is advisable to go scuba diving between October to May when the seas are not rough.
Places offering Scuba Diving: Grande Island, Agatti Island, Pigeon Island. Shallow sites near Malvan and Vengurla are located about 2 hours from Panaji. Angria Bank is a world-class diving site. Other sites include Suzy’s Wreck, Turbo Tunnel, Sail Rock and Davy Jones Locker.
Notable Operators: Dive Goa (Candolim); Goa Yatra (Arpora); Aqua Sports (Calangute); Scuba Evolution India (Candolim).
Best Season: October to March.
Approximate Cost: INR 3999 per person.
Parasailing
Who doesn’t want to enjoy the breathtaking view of the blue Arabian Sea while flying high up in the sky, defying the limits as it were? Parasailing is one of the most popular adventure sports in Goa. Tourists usually prefer winch boat parasailing where the taking off and; landing of the parachute happens on the winch boat itself attached at the other end of the parachute.
Parasailing is a hot favourite amongst families, kids and couples as it offers the perfect combination of- thrill and enjoyment while being comparatively easier than the other water sports. The best time to enjoy parasailing is from October to May when the sea is calmer, and; winds are perfect for gliding the parachute.
Places offering Parasailing: Arambol Beach, Baga Beach, Mobor, Dona Paula.
Notable Operators: Goan Bananas Watersports (Baga, Candolim and Calangute); Hydro Sports (Dona Paula), Sea Water Sports (Arpora).
Best Season: October to March.
Approximate Cost: INR 850 – INR 1100
White Water River Rafting and Boat Cruise at Mandovi River
Located at the borders of Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary, Mandovi or Mhadei River is one of the most picturesque rivers of India. Goa Tourism Development CorporatioN- introduced whitewater river rafting here, which attracts tourists from India and abroad alike. Rolling waves in the river churning out white froth that carries your boat amongst the rapids. White water rafting is one of the most preferred water sports that excite many travellers. You should be provided with a small training session, safety equipment and; life jackets that would be required for the 10-kilometre adventure trip.
Those wanting rather to relax, luxury cruises operating on Mandovi- are an excellent option offering you stunning views of the beautiful river and the sunset. Santa Monica and Shantadurga ships are the two most famous ones for cruising. Live entertainment on these cruises gives you a glimpse of Goan culture with its Portuguese influences where you can immerse yourself in a truly relaxing and; stirring experience of the regional beauty and richness.
Places to Visit: Mhadei River, Valpoi, Sattari. Meeting points also include Earthen Pot Restaurant and Sayed Nagar. Cruises depart from Santa Monica Pier near the Mandovi River.
Notable Operators: Atlantis Water Sports; Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC).
Best Season: October to March.
Approximate Cost: INR 300 per person for 1-hour cruise; INR 1800 for rafting.
Hiking and Trekking
While you thought that a beach adventures place like Goa would offer the adventure of the sea and sand. You might want to check out options for hiking in Goa that attract a lot of young people here. Long trails of walking on tracks that are challenging can be a lot of fun when done in groups and with proper gear. Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary and Mollem National Park offer good destinations for hiking.
Trekking to Dudhsagar Falls is especially popular along the route originating from Devil’s Canyon. Located at the height of 560 metres- Vagheri Peaks is another favourite among the trekkers that excites through its rugged terrains and ; tests one’s endurance both mentally and physically. Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary is located about 2 hours, which offers spectacular views of the forests, flora and fauna and wildlife in its full bounty.
Trekking in goa and hiking require a good level of physical fitness and is truly a memorable experience. Make sure that you invest in proper footwear, comfortable clothes and essentials like insect repellents, sunscreen and sunglasses. During the monsoons, hiking and trekking are not advisable since the ground becomes mushy, making walking and climbing difficult.
Places for Hiking and Trekking: Todo waterfalls, Udaan Dongor, Dudhsagar waterfalls, Mollem National Park, Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary, Collem.
Tour Operators: Atlantis Watersports; Seawater Sports. Many private hotels and resorts also have arrangements from the same.
Best Season: October to March.
Approximate Cost: Day tours to Dudhsagar and national parks start from INR 2000 and can go up to INR 5000
Water Scooters
Water Scooters are a safe but thrilling option for people who want to experience water sports but are relatively inexperienced. This sport is a combination of speed and thrill that accompanies riding a bike on the smooth surface of the water. Water scooters are trendy in Goa adventure and are readily available at most of the beaches.
Places Offering Water Scooters: Dona Paula Jetty, Cidade de Goa, Majorda and Candolim beaches.
Notable Operators: Hotel Cidade-de-Goa (Dona Paula); Yazoo Water Sports (Calangute).
Best Season: October to March.
Approximate Cost: INR 500 onwards.
Aqua Zorbing and Soccer
This water sport is relatively easy and catches the attention of adults and children alike. Not more than two individuals should encase in an inflatable balloon or a zorb, which floats on the water. While it may sound effortless, maintaining balance inside the zorb is quite challenging, and it requires effort to walk over water. You could also play Soccer, which is a spin-off version of soccer in water. Extremely enjoyable and a great exercise, water zorbing is safe, fun and a great activity to try out here.
Places offering Water Zorbing: Mayem Lake; swimming pools of certain hotels and resorts such as Grand Hyatt and Vivanta by Taj, Fort Aguada.
Best Season: October to March.
Approximate Cost: INR 500 – INR 1500.
Some Points to Keep in Mind
- Goa activities in Goa are usually open in the dry season of October to March when the sea is calm and winds are in control.
- Always wear comfortable clothes (such as well-fitted shorts and t-shirts) and carry sunscreen, hat and sunglasses when indulging in these adventure activities in goa.
- If you are a seasoned goa adventure sports enthusiast, you could opt for activities such as ATV Biking, trekking and speedboat sailing even during monsoons.
- Look out for good deals online as well as through local agents.
- Make sure to check which activities are suitable for children (such as sailing).
- Make sure to practice these sports under the supervision of trainers and using proper gear and equipment.