Goa is a right of passage for most young adults and teenagers. Beyond beaches and seafood, a lot of places in Goa offer visitors the opportunity to experience a variety of water sports, from Jet Skis to Kayaking. Water sports in Goa is a very good way to add some additional excitement to your trip.
5 Must-Try Watersports In Goa
1. Jet Ski Ride
Your own motorized vehicle on water, what could go wrong right? This beginner friendly experience comes with a trained operator to ensure that you are able to get the full experience of jetting through the blue pristine waters. While relatively safe compared to the other activities on this list, it is important for all visitors to follow the safety instructions and wear life jackets at all times. Be sure to book via an authorized operator.
Cost Of Jet Ski Ride In Goa: Jet Ski prices tend to depend on which beach, which part of Goa and most importantly the popularity of the operator. Shorter rides usually sell out pretty quickly and on the spot but it is worth checking out operators with packages including other water based activities as well.
Popular Places To Try Jet Ski Ride In Goa: Candolim, Baga, Vagator, Anjuna, and Bogmalo are among the beaches associated with jet skiing in Goa. Availability depends on local permissions and sea conditions.
2. Banana Boat Ride
This activity is best done with an entire group, participants sit on a large inflated banana shaped motorboat. The boat dashes through the water so make sure to keep yourself well balanced and hold onto the handles. These are particularly popular for families and large groups. It is important to follow the safety instructions, as while it is fun, it is very easy to actually fall into the water.
Cost Of Banana Boat Ride In Goa: Usually priced at a per person rate or a fixed group rate. Prices depend on the operator, part of Goa and the number of people you go with.
Popular Places To Try Banana Boat Ride In Goa: Anjuna, Vagator, Betalbatim, and Bogmalo are among the locations identified for inflatable banana boat activities in Goa’s official watersports demarcation records.
3. Kayaking
Not every watersport needs to involve speed or crashing waves. If you’d rather spend your morning paddling through scenic surroundings, kayaking offers a different experience. Using a small paddle-powered boat, participants can explore suitable stretches of water while enjoying Goa’s coastal scenery.
Now for a quieter experience in the water, Kayaking involves a paddle powered boat which can take you across the waters, allowing you to slowly immerse yourself, it is an activity most enjoyable for couples and solo travellers and anyone looking for a slightly slower adventure.
Cost Of Kayaking In Goa: Pricing is dependent on location, weather, equipment and other such factors. A ride with an authorized operator might cost less while still giving you the full experience.
Popular Places To Try Kayaking In Goa: Bogmalo, Agonda, and Palolem are among the locations associated with kayaking. Goa’s official regulations place specific restrictions on kayaking areas, including limits based on sea conditions and proximity to rocky sections.
4. Snorkeling
Snorkeling is an underwater activity that everyone wants to do after watching that one very popular movie set in Spain. The idea is simple, you swim amongst the fish, explore the corals and experience what a proper dive into the water really feels like. While spotting marine life can be exciting, it is also difficult and you must operate within the area designated by the operator.
Cost Of Snorkeling In Goa: Similar to the other water sports, Snorkeling packages also depend on a variety of factors such as where you do it, transportation, equipment etc. Therefore, finding a package deal will in the long run help you get the best deal and experience.
Popular Places To Try Snorkeling In Goa: Bogmalo and the waters around Grande Island are associated with snorkeling excursions. Bat Island is another location commonly included in offshore activity itineraries. Confirm that your chosen operator has the necessary permissions before traveling.
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5. Wakeboarding
Imagine having to balance on a board and be dragged across in the water, sounds like fun right? Wakeboarding uses a motorboat to tow a board across the water while you hold on for dear life. Its an activity that you will definitely enjoy but always best done in the presence of a trained operator and guide.
Cost Of Wakeboarding In Goa:
According to 101 Wake Park’s published booking prices, the following sessions are available:
- Beginner session: INR 3,250 per person, including 30 minutes of coaching and 30 minutes of riding.
- Beginner couple session: INR 6,000.
- Expert ride: INR 2,100 for 30 minutes.
- Expert ride with boots: INR 3,000 for 30 minutes.
Prices may change, so confirm the latest rates when booking.
Popular Places To Try Wakeboarding In Goa: 101, Wake Park at Om Lake, Arambol is a popular destination for wakeboarding in Goa. The park is open to experienced visitors and beginners with advanced reservations available via the website.
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Author’s Note
Having personally experienced jet skiing, banana boat rides, kayaking, and snorkeling in Goa, I can say that each activity offers a different kind of experience. Wakeboarding is the only activity on this list I haven’t tried yet. The information about wakeboarding, including session prices and booking details, has been referenced from the official 101 Wake Park website.
Summing Up
Whether you want to be dragged across the water while wakeboarding or drive through it on a jet ski, for your next Goa trip, make sure to include as many water based experiences as possible. Whilst Goa has enough popular and offbeat locations to visit, water sports is one of the best ways to not only introduce a certain level of excitement to your trip but it also helps tick off a lot of bucket list activities. Prioritize yours and your loved ones safety before trying anything and make sure to go through licensed operators in order to ensure you have the most fun and in the safest environment possible.
