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Things to Do in Goa

The availability of innumerable opportunities to indulge in water sports is one of the main reasons that tourists visit Goa again and again.

The lovely beaches here are perfectly suited for a number of water sporting activities such as windsurfing, dinghy sailing, scuba diving, waterskiing, angling, parasailing, water scooter and swimming. Indulging in these activities is definitely one of the best things to do in Goa.

Splash about in the water during this holiday and make the most of your trip here with the innumerable water sporting events that are held on the beaches. Windsurfing is one of the most popular water sports activities in Goa. It requires a person to adjust his strength and balance to the speed and movements of wind and water.

Dona Paula Bay is one of the most popular destinations for windsurfing in this place. 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 beginners while the afternoons are just right for those with more experience.

Dinghy sailing is perfect for those who would like a relaxing experience on the waters of Goa. This activity is conducted on 15 feet long crafts that can hold up to three to four persons at a time. For beginners, there are trainers available at the Dona Paula Bay.

For those who love exploring underwater, 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 wreckages of old Portuguese and Spanish galleons. Other water sports activities that can be enjoyed in this destination include waterskiing, angling, and parasailing.

A tour of Goa should include snorkelling as it is a mandatory sport every tourist coming to Goa wishes to do. Goan beaches are, however, the best location for snorkelling. Snorkeling is almost similar to swimming but with a snorkel and other related equipment like a diving mask and a tube for breathing. But the availability of snorkeling is limited to certain months every year and if you plan to do snorkeling on your tour of Goa, then check for the availability and plan accordingly. Bogmalo Beach is the most popular destination for snorkeling located on the southern coast of Goa. 

Usually, the activity lasts up to 3 hours depending on your experience and control under water. Snorkeling provides you with the best sights under water; the world of marine species can be witnessed with your naked eye. The schools of fish, lobsters and of course the lengthy corals are an irregular sight yet immaculate. There are multiple tour planners which give snorkeling courses and training as well as snorkeling at reasonable rates in Goa. 

Atlantis Water Sports, Goa Diving, Goa Aquatics are some of the best snorkeling clubs at different beaches in Goa such as Bogmalo, Calangute, Baga etc. You can either take snorkeling trip alone or you can add snorkeling to an island tour or with sightseeing tours. But remember, you always need to be ready to go underwater if you decide to do snorkeling and follow the instructions given by the trainers strictly for your safety.

Best time to do snorkelling: Usually snorkeling will be done during the months from November to April or May as the other seasons may cause the sea to act roughly so that snorkeling cannot be done.

Price range: the cost of snorkeling changes according to the tour planner you choose and the equipment quality. But usually, the price range starts from Rs.1500 for 1 hour of snorkeling.

Feel the blood rushing through your veins as you start this experience by trekking in Goa through forest, you walk only punctuated by the sounds of birds and trees rustling. The canyoning also involves rappelling through the rocky hillsides only to be harnessed by a rope harness. As you trek to the top jump right into the waterfall and slip and slide with the gushing currents.

A once in a lifetime experience, canyoning will open you up to a world of adventure and thrill, unlike any other adventure you have experienced so far! You can take multiple jumps from various elevations or just jump once, the choice is yours but each leap will take you further to a high!

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Though there are millions of water and adventure activities in Goa, dolphin spotting and swimming with dolphin have a special recognition. There are a lot of tour operators who provide island trips with dolphin spotting and people are really interested to take a look at the cute animals under water and have a nice time with them. The friendly and playful creatures on water steal everyone’s heart within no time and due to that reason only many of the tour packages in Goa includes dolphin spotting as a major event. 

A cruise from the shore to the spot where dolphins are found in plenty on a regular basis will help you find them coming out to the vacuum and do their playfulness with complete innocence. It is a momentary deal but providing joy and happiness at their best. Dolphin rides are considered to be one of the attractive things to do in Goa. Many beaches or jetties arrange dolphin rides. Some of them are Fort Aguada, Panaji and Sinquerim and the cruise will be for 1 to 2 hours and the guides will help you find the best places to see the dolphins a lot. 

You will see them floating around your boat and may be trying to converse with you and that is a splendid view which can be cherished for a lifetime. If the time permits and if you are reallyi 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.

A rustic sport, crab catching is not a sport that can be enjoyed by those who mind getting their hands dirty in the muddy waters of Goa! The activity takes place on the side of the sea of the backwaters with the help of handmade traps. The trap is called ‘Kobblem’ in the local language and is a fairly indigenous apparatus, which consists of a metallic ring and another rod running across the diameter. The net is further strengthened with the help of a loosely hanging net, which is used to trap the crabs

A fairly laidback activity, Crab trapping is an activity that requires some amount of skill and grit for killing the crabs that are caught in the trap. The apparatus is usually set at high tide, which increases the likelihood of catching crabs. However, in rare occasions, traps can also be set up at low tide if the water is deep enough in order to catch a healthy number of crabs. Till the traps take effect and manage to capture the crabs, you can sit back and relax with a can of beer!

Yoga has become quite popular with people today as it is an important and effective tool in fighting stress. If you are planning a trip to Goa to beat stress, a visit to the Oceanic Yoga School in Anjuna is definitely a thing to do in Goa.

It is one of the most reputed and popular yoga schools in Goa. Here you can learn several yoga poses and techniques that will help you fight stress and relax your mind and body. Set on the beautiful Anjuna Beach, the Oceanic Yoga School is surrounded by lush greenery and natural beauty which enhances the joy of meditating.

The school is registered with the Yoga Alliance International and has programs for yoga teachers as well as students. The instructors here either have national or international accreditation. You can opt for a short term or long term program at this institution.

It has all facilities around it such as shops, restaurants and accommodation options. The daily classes include sessions of meditation, Yoga and Reiki. The school, however, takes in only a limited number of students at a time for yoga classes. Only 20 students are admitted into the basic session at a time and only 15 students are admitted into the advanced course at a time. This is done to ensure that each participant gets individual attention and learns the most.

Goa is the perfect retreat for the adventurous as well as the leisurely traveller looking for a soothing experience. One of the top picks for the leisure traveller in Goa is a massage and wellness experience. Ranging from massages right on the beach in your lounge chair, to a full-fledged Thai and Swedish Massage in a spa or a luxury spa hotel; the massage experience is perfect for those muscles tired after a week of work and travel.

You can take your pick from the beach masseurs who can calm your muscles using simple coconut oil or without it as well as the spa resorts which offer full body massage sessions in heritage styled rooms. Let your body take in the beauties of Goa and soothe itself with an intense massage experience.

Set sail on the wondrous beaches of Goa as the sunlight sparkles over them to engage in the spot fishing in the sea. The seas and water escapes of Goa are filled with some fantastic fishing spots. Among them is Terekhol which lies on the northern tip of the state, on the stones underneath the Fort. The stones close Fort Aguada are also a well-known spot for fishing as are the Mandovi and  Zuari Rivers or the wharf underneath the Zuari bridge, which is fabulous for Thread-Fin Salmons.

Cabo da Rama in the south is likewise well known. All stream mouths are viewed as great spots to fish, and the best time, for waterways, is the point at which the tide is coming in, or getting high. Fishing apparatus is easily accessible in Goa, all you need is a couple of bucks. However, now there is a movement in Goa to stop overfishing which may lead to the depletion of natural resources. Hence, may enthusiastic fishermen catch the fish and throw them back into the sea so as to encourage the preservation of natural resources. For accommodation in the northern part of the state you can check some of the best resorts in north Goa.

Among the popular beaches, Anjuna is where many tourists head to. One of the enjoyable things to do in Goa is visit the Anjuna flea market. From colourful junk jewellery to electronic appliances, anything under the sun can be found here. This fair is held every Wednesday on the entire stretch of the Anjuna beach.

It is one of the most popular places to visit in Goa and draws visitors from all over the country and the world. The place is best known for its cheap and attractive items and trance parties which are held during the tourist season. Anjuna is a beautiful little village and is best known for its scenic beauty and splendid churches in Goa. The village is one of the twelve Brahmin Comunidades of Bardez.

The most important tourist attraction here is the St Michael’s Church which was founded in 1595, and is dedicated to St Miguel. Other than this, there are three other chapels in the parish. Anjuna was under the control of the Portuguese and had a population of 5688 in 1950.

The flea market at this seashore originated when hippies in the earlier days used it as a market to trade second hand things for money. The market offers a wide range of items such as jewellery, clothes, second hand bikes, cell phones, cameras, and other knick-knacks. You can also enjoy delicious Goan dishes at this place or get a tattoo of your choice in one of the tattoo parlours on the beach. The flea market is the perfect place for shopaholics. There are several other flea markets too in Goa such as the Mackies Saturday Night Bazaar and the Ingo’s Saturday Night Bazaar.

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Visiting the Butterfly Conservatory in Ponda is one of the most enjoyable things to do in South Goa. This sanctuary is in stark contrast to the usual perception about Goa.

Apart from beautiful beaches and fun-filled parties, the land is also home to the Butterfly Conservatory in Ponda which showcases the best of the state’s natural beauty. The conservatory was first started by a couple who were worried about the future of the butterfly population of Goa.

With more and more commercial development taking place here, the beautiful creatures were facing a setback in terms of habitat. The couple started this conservatory to preserve the endemic species of butterflies in the region.

Initially, only 25 species of butterflies were present in the conservatory. However, at present, the number has risen to 133. Optimum soil and air temperatures have been provided in order to promote breeding and growth in population. Initially named the Mystic Meadows Conservatory, it is one of the most beautiful places in Goa.

The ambience is refreshing and you will feel closer to nature. Beautiful butterflies in a myriad shades can be seen fluttering about adding to its beauty and serenity. The place has been designed in the form of a park where you can walk around and observe the different wonders of nature. If you are someone who prefers a quiet holiday in oneness with nature, do visit this amazing Butterfly Conservatory in Ponda.

Roomy and wonderfully created houseboats pace by luxuriously and languidly along the backwaters of Goa and offer a breathtaking experience of Goan evenings. The houseboats have vast open rooms, gorgeous sit outs and experienced culinary specialists on board who hand out some phenomenal specialities. Other than the rich environment and the amazingly scrumptious food, the houseboats offer some lovely sights of dusk and elegant skies in the night and the sunrise amidst the journey.

You can witness the fishermen spreading their nets, birds twittering which declares the break of dawn and, if sufficiently fortunate, a crocodile, lazing on the banks in the wonderful mornings amid a voyage on a houseboat in the backwaters of Goa.

The excursion gets better as the houseboat chugs further into the backwaters. Nearby artisans can be seen removing sand from the waterway bed or neighborhood fisher folk can be seen jumping into the water for clams and shellfish. The night times are about great wine, encompassing music and phenomenal nourishment. With an a lot of indoor amusements on the deck, guests can unwind with their most loved refreshments close by and nibble on some lip-smacking Goan dishes.

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Enjoy the true vibe of Goan heritage and stunning sights of the sunset over the lilting waters as you embark on the Mandovi River Sunset Cruise. The river cruises in Goa are operated by the tourism development authorities themselves and are a delight to explore! These hour-long cruises depart from the Santa Monica Pier which is right next to the Mandovi River. The cruises are carried out on two ships, namely the Santa Monica and the Shantadurga.

The experiences are marked by amazing live entertainment throughout the duration of the cruise. It is here that you can see traditional Goan and Portuguese entertainment being brought to life by amazing local artists. There is a live band, which also plays at the venue of the cruise. While your ears and eyes fill up with the Goan charm, a gorgeous sun sets right behind you throwing open a huge medley of colours and hues!

Set the mood of the holiday with your loved ones as you whisk them off their feet for a candle light dinner cruise in Goa. Heighten your experience as you go along the waters in a beautiful yacht that is an epitome of luxury and opulence! Let all your worries wash away as you cruise across the waters and rekindle your lost romance. The cruise will start from Panjim at the backwaters and will consist of a truly opulent experience in the arms of waves, gentle lolls of serene waters and the splash and whoosh of the wind around you.

Relish the company of your partner, on the sea as you are lulled into a lush sense of warmth and comfort. Soak in the romance and beauty of this amazing experience with a drink and gorgeous gourmet fare under the starry sky by the cheery glow of a candle.

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Picture this, a beach full of people and you can hear no music, but everybody is still dancing their heart out! The only answer; it is a deadbeat headphone party in Goa. In a beach town where party is the first name and living it up is a habit, headphone parties are a novel concept to have hit the scene. 

The party involves pumping music being played by the DJ, but no sound as all the invitees are listening to the music on their own earphones! The venue of the port is decided on the spot by the organisers and they choose the people who they want to invite.

This silent party is a novel escape and innovation in terms of the party culture as it creates very less disturbance and maximizes on the fun quotient.

Goa is one of the few states in the country where gambling is legal. The innumerable casinos in Goa are perfect for those who would like to have some fun with good music and wine during their vacation here.

If you are a fun lover, a visit to a casino is a sure shot thing to do in Goa. From five star hotels to the Mandovi River, casinos are spread across the length and breadth of this state. The most popular casinos are the floating casinos which are docked on the Mandovi River and attract tourists from all over with their live table action.

The Casino Royale is Goa’s most popular casino. Spread over an area of 12,000 square feet, it is situated on a huge boat anchored on the Mandovi River. There are three gaming floors and in here are as many as 50 gaming tables, 30 slot machines and top level tournaments every week. The casino also has a special kid’s zone with computer games. So you can happily let your children play and enjoy yourselves.

It is open 24 hours a day and seven days a week. The entertainment begins around 8 in the evening. It is the classiest recreation centre you will find in Goa. The dress code is smart casuals. The other popular casinos in Goa include the Casino Carnival, Chances Casino and Resort, and Dunes, among others. The Casino Carnival has two centres – one of them is inside the Goa Marriott and the other is aboard a boat on the Mandovi River.

This gaming house has the largest selection of slot machines in Goa and hence is a very popular place. The types of games available at this casino include Roulette, Black Jack, Baccarat, Casino War, and more.

A place just right for those startling weekend vibes, the Party at Club Cubana promises an enthralling night to its guests. Perched on the hilltop under the starlit sky, this club serves just right to the blazing nightlife of Goa for the creatures of the night to descend in the gates as the sun sets in. You can see the club hem-packed with party aphrodites grooving and twirling on the exotic beats of the renowned DJs from all around the world. 

Not just a groovy bashment, Party at Club Cubana is one of the chic clubs that feature a wood-fired pizza oven,  beach-style cabanas, loungers, a jacuzzi, a swimming pool, an indoor dance floor, and sparking lights, rendering the house party vibes blended with luxury. Undoubtedly, hitting this club is one of the mandatory things to do in Goa.

With an uber indoor and outdoor dance space, the Club 9 Bar is a splendid venture for epic ravishing parties. Encapture and let your bodies sync with the endemic trance of Goa which this club has exclusively adhered to. Though it is now open to the other trendy genres as well, the authentic Goa trance still stays the star performer here. Though due to the rigorous laws in Goa the outdoor terrace shuts its music by 10 pm yet the sound-proof indoor club captivates the surging thrill, keeping off the hurdles and let the party going.

Located at the top of the Vagator Cliff, the club also has an enchanting view of the hills along the sparkling night sky. Watching the sunset from the outdoor terrace is one of the top-notch things you must experience when in Goa. You must also try unique cocktails and homemade pizza at this sought-after club.