You must’ve made countless Goa plans and prayed for at least one of them to work out in your favor. Let’s assume that one of them becomes a reality and you’re en route to Goa for that dream trip with your gang of friends. You’ve decided on everything – be it your stay, restaurants, or places to visit. But have you added some adrenaline-pumping experiences to your itinerary?
Watersports and Goa aren’t particularly unknown to each other. With an undisturbed coastline and enthusiastic travelers, this industry is thriving more than ever before. However, with a plethora of packages and several beaches that offer these services, choosing the right watersport according to your preference can be hectic. To make things easy, here’s a list of adventurous watersports in Goa you must certainly try!
Must Try Watersports In Goa
- Jet Ski Ride
- Banana Boat Ride
- Kayaking
- Snorkeling
- Wakeboarding
1. Jet Ski Ride
You must have seen countless videos of tourists opting for a jet ski ride on popular Goa beaches. Well, it’s because this is one of the easiest adventure sports, but don’t worry, there’s no compromise on the fun factor. Did we mention that it is also quite a safe sport, even if you’re doing this for the first time?
There is ample safety gear and instructors make sure that the safety protocols are being followed by the riders. They ride within a pre-specified area in the waters on a regulated speed limit, so there’s little to no chance of any mishap.
Cost Of Jet Ski Ride In Goa
- Usually, a single 2 to 3-minute round will cost INR 399
- A 10-minute round will cost INR 990
- A 15-minute round will cost INR 1450
Many service providers offer customizable packages that can be personalized to the individual but prices for these will vary.
Popular Places To Try Jet Ski Ride In Goa
The North Goa beaches including Anjuna, Candolim, Baga, and Vagator are popular destinations for trying out jet ski rides. Additionally, South Goa beaches like Colva are also gaining popularity for the same.
2. Banana Boat Ride
If you’re looking to try a fun-filled adventure sport with your family, this is just the perfect one for you. After all, riding an inflatable banana tube with your family and getting toppled over into crystal clear waters is a core memory no one would want to miss out on. This ride involves around 4 to 6 people siting on the tube at a time, with the instructor driving them around a designated area and turning over the tube at the end.
Even if it sounds terrifying, riders are given safety jackets and are accompanied by professionals who swiftly come to the rescue. This makes it one of the most sought-after adventure activities in Goa, especially for families.
Cost Of Banana Boat Ride In Goa
The usual cost of a banana boat ride in Goa starts from INR 399 per head. However, it can vary depending on the season, customized packages, or even the service provider.
Popular Places To Try Banana Boat Ride In Goa
Owing to its appeal among family travelers, this ride is available mostly at all major beaches in Goa. Calangute, Anjuna, Vagator, Candolim, Colva, and Palolem are some of the most popular choices for enthusiastic tourists.
3. Kayaking
Not all watersports need to be fast-paced and kayaking proves it right. If you’re someone who loves a peaceful, idyllic paddle through calm waters, it is the perfect ride for you. This activity involves kayak boats that usually have space for one or two riders at a time. So, if you’re a solo traveler or traveling with a special someone, kayaking is an activity made just for you. Kayak through serene backwaters, rivers, or sea inlets while enjoying a beautiful sunset at the horizon.
Riders are given ample directions and training before they actually start kayaking. Instructors usually lead the batch and give insights about local flora-fauna and culture. Many riders opt for the sport during the early morning hours or dusk to catch a glimpse of sunrise and sunset, respectively. You’d be amazed at how some routes are lined with colorful water lilies, lotuses, and lush greenery – the sport is a sensory treat for those looking for a soothing experience!
Cost Of Kayaking In Goa
Prices of kayaking vary depending on the place you choose to do it at and the time period. The season as well as the package you choose can also alter the price. However, the range usually lies between INR 399 and INR 1999.
Popular Places To Try Kayaking In Goa
Rivers like Chapora, Mandovi, and Zuari are famous for kayaking. Other places like Cabo De Rama backwaters, Palolem Beach, Bambolim Beach, and Sal Backwaters are also quite popular.
4. Snorkeling
While the rest of the adventure sports were above the water’s surface, this one’s all about embracing your inner mermaid by going underwater! The snorkeling experience in Goa’s pristine waters is a sight that no one would want to miss. Most snorkeling excursions involve taking individuals to designated areas in the sea and then tour operators taking them underwater. With safety gear, ample training, and an experienced crew, this adventure sport is worth a try!
Many tour operators offer an inclusive package that includes sightseeing, boating, fishing, and dolphin spotting, along with snorkeling. So, you can easily customize your experience according to your preference. Additionally, we would also suggest you to rent an underwater camera to capture the beautiful marine life thriving below the sea. There’s brain coral, star coral, lobsters, sea turtles, sea urchins, sea cucumbers, and plenty of fish species – the list just never ends.
Cost Of Snorkeling In Goa
While individual tour operators offer varying prices for snorkeling, the experience starts from INR 1200 per head. Prices can also vary depending on the season and additional experiences clubbed together in the package.
Popular Places To Try Snorkeling In Goa
Bogmalo Beach (South Goa), Bat Island (near Vasco-da-Gama), and Sunny Island (accessible from Sinquerim, Candolim, Baga, and Calangute) are popular places to try snorkeling.
5. Wakeboarding
Wakeboarding involves a motorboat towing a waterboard as riders try to hold onto it and balance on the board as much as they can. This is one of the most exhilarating sports that is sure to excite you, especially if you’re looking for an adrenaline rush. There are several operators that provide training sessions and spotters for people new to the sport. But don’t worry! If you are seasoned enough (and confident about not tumbling in the water) you can try the sport all by yourself.
The sport is like a mix of surfboarding, waterskiing, and snowboarding, so ideally you’ll get to experience a combination of all the three adventure sports. Feel the salty sea breeze hit your face as you ride the calm, clear waters of Goa’s beaches and backwaters. We bet you wouldn’t want to miss out on this one!
Cost Of Wakeboarding In Goa
India’s first wakeboarding park recently opened near Arambol Beach. It provides a one-hour training session (for novices) at INR 2000, while a seasoned rider can experience a 10-minute session for INR 500. Experiences at other places can start from INR 1200.
Popular Places To Try Wakeboarding In Goa
Arambol Beach, Mobor Beach, and Candolim Beach are popular places to try wakeboarding in Goa. All of them are easily accessible, thanks to the city’s excellent road network.
Things To Know
- The best time to try watersports in Goa is from October to May. The weather is pleasant and just perfect for a summer getaway!
- Pregnant women and people with heart disorders and chronic back pain are strictly advised to not indulge in these adventure sports.
- Plenty of local tour operators (without an online presence) as well as established brands and companies (with an online presence) provide quality experiences. Explore and you might land a good deal at a reasonable price!
- Carry necessary swimwear, spare clothes, towels, sunscreens, hats, and shades as required.
- Rent a two-wheeler or four-wheeler to drive around the beaches and other parts of Goa.
- Carry necessary documents to show proof of age, if and when required.
- Ideally, stretch or perform light exercises before participating in any watersport. This will reduce the chances of muscle pain or unwanted sprains in the body.
- Most locations mentioned above are easily accessible by road within Goa. Additionally, Madgaon and Vasco-da-Gama are important railway stations that are well-connected to these places.
Summing Up
There you have it! Watersports can be unnerving for some and equally exciting for others. Whether you are seeking an unforgettable adventure or simply looking to try something new, there’s a watersport for everyone. So, what’s stopping you? Go and hear your heart pound as you try these adventure activities in Goa.
FAQs
Can I Wear Contact Lenses During Snorkeling?
Yes, as the mask covers your eyes during snorkeling, you can keep your contact lenses on during the experience.
Which Beach Is Best For Water Sports In South Goa?
While every beach has something unique to offer, these are the most famous places to try watersports in Goa (South):
- Colva Beach
- Cabo De Rama
- Palolem Beach
- Mobor Beach
- Majorda Beach
Which Beach In Goa Has Dolphins?
Dolphin spotting is a famous activity in Goa that’s best enjoyed at Sinquerim Beach and parts of the Mandovi River.
Which Month Is Best For Watersports In Goa?
October to May are the best months and try out watersports in Goa. The weather is usually pleasant and sunny, so you’ll get to enjoy almost all adventure activities during this time.
