A unique blend of Indian and Portuguese cultures, sweetened with sun, sea, sand, seafood and spirituality, Goa is India’s pocket-sized paradise.
With a coastline stretching for over 100 kilometres, Goa has several beaches that attract millions of visitors throughout the year. While Baga and Calangute are more popular among the Indian family crowd, Anjuna and Arambol draw a lot of foreign tourists. The beaches in South Goa are relatively less explored, but some of them like Agonda and Palolem are worth the sight.
The availability of innumerable opportunities to indulge in water sports is one of the main reasons that tourists visit Goa repeatedly.
Scuba diving, catamaran sailing, jet skiing, parasailing and windsurfing keep your heart racing as you test the waters and let out the inner adventurer in you truly explore.
Dona Paula Bay is one of the most popular destinations for windsurfing. The Bay provides an almost lake-like condition with its placid waters and cool breeze. While the morning breeze is calm and light, it gets stronger in the afternoons. The mornings are perfect for rookies while the afternoons are just right for the seasoned visitors.
Dinghy sailing is perfect for those who would like a relaxing experience on the blissful waters of Goa. This activity is conducted on 14-15 feet long crafts that can hold up to three to four persons at a time. Don’t worry, for beginners, there are trainers available at the Dona Paula Bay 🙂
For those who love exploring life beneath the sea, scuba diving in Goa is the best activity to indulge in. The seas in Goa are blessed with a wide variety of marine life, corals and reefs. Furthermore, there are wrecks of old Portuguese and Spanish galleons.
A tour of Goa should include snorkelling as it is a mandatory sport every tourist coming to Goa wishes to indulge in. Goan beaches are, however, the best location for snorkelling. The locations where you can go for it are Sinquerim beach, Bat Island, Ilha Grande, Monkey Island, and Palolem beach. The Arabian Sea is safe for it and people are interested in adventure, these points make snorkeling a success in Goa.
Usually, the activity lasts up to 3 hours depending on your experience and control under water. Snorkeling provides you with the best sights underwater; the world of marine species can be witnessed with your naked eye. So, be ready to behold an awe inspiring experience.
Best time for snorkelling: Usually snorkeling is conducted during the months of November to April or May as the other seasons may cause the sea to act roughly, hence, snorkeling isn’t advisable then.
Dolphin watching tours are an extremely popular activity in various parts of the Mandovi River and are especially popular at Sinquerim beach alongside Fort Aguada. Operators gather tourists in groups of 4 or 6, who hop on to a boat and venture out about a couple of kilometres into the sea to watch the dolphins circling in action putting on a thrilling display for its viewers.
You will see them floating around your boat and may be trying to converse with you making it truly something that can be cherished for a lifetime. If the time permits and if you are really interested, you may get a chance to take a dip and swim along with these gentle animals. Many tour packages provide options for snorkeling at the spots where dolphins are found since they are the most adorable creatures in the sea and a swim with them will be an unforgettable moment.
The true brilliance of God’s creation is depicted in the marvel of Dudhsagar waterfall. The gushing water from the streams creates an illusion of milk flowing through the mountains. As if a background out of Michelangelo’s painting, it exudes power and beauty. The strong currents and rushing sound of water subdue all other unnecessary chatter from your mind. A light shower from the water stream on your face can make all the chaos of life seem insignificant.
It is accessible only by train or on foot, Dudhsagar is one of the finest and most pristine pieces from nature’s collection. Dotted with rich vegetation on every side, here, only the excited and enthusiastic co-tourists will be your companions. Other times, the local villagers will engross you with their acumen and warmth. More often than not, Indian macaques try to befriend you.
Best Time To Visit: The best time to visit Dudhsagar waterfalls depends on what you want to encounter at these magical streams or the club of streams. October to June will give you pleasant weather and gushing, tamed water in the waterfall. Monsoon months from July to September see furious, yet exquisite water flow.
SUNSCREEN: When in Goa, you would definitely want sunscreen to enjoy your day out at the beaches. But being exposed to sun all throughout the day might torture your skin. Unlike the westerners with pale skin, Indians need to protect their complexion and apply a mid range sunscreen to help. So, when you’re on the beach, pack a sunscreen above SPF 50 and preferably something that is waterproof.
LIP BALM: You have taken care of your skin and eyes, but how about your lips? The Goan climate may also damage your lips; credits salty winds and moisture. So don’t forget to carry a lip balm.
MOSQUITO REPELLENT: If you are travelling to Goa, an insect or mosquito repellent is another essential thing to carry. Post sunset
Necessary beachwear and/or swimwear as you will be spending most of your time indulging in water based activities and having a good time at the city’s various beaches.
Talking of a Goa packing checklist and not carrying a GoPro? No, that’s not fair. Rent a GoPro to capture all the beautiful adventurous moments on land or underwater while you have an amazing stay in Goa. Rent our GoPro Hero 8, the best action camera ever made, and record all your memories of Goa.
We also have Hero7, if Hero8 looks like out of budget. Click here to see the prices.
If you are planning a dolphin cruise then it is highly advisable to rent a binocular to witness their clear sight because its truly seldom that such opportunities arise and if they do, make sure you feel it’s worth it.
Though, Aculons are the best equipment out there, we also have Olympus and Quechua if you fancy one of them.
best equipment out there, we also have Olympus and Quechua if you fancy one of them.
Having a quality speaker will only add more excitement to your Goa trip. It is really good for solo travellers and if you’re travelling in a group, renting something like a UE Boom 2 portable speaker for a few days is a good option to spice up your voyage. These speakers can resist few splashes and some water droplets, so you can party worry-free at the party capital of India.
If you are on a serene calm beach, away from the crowd (yes there beaches like that in Goa! Go southward) snorkeling in the Arabian Sea will be a refreshing way to see some aquatic life. No need to invest in a Snorkeling gear which you will seldom use after the trip. Rent it and enjoy the underwater experience.