Goa is a state in western India with coastlines stretching along the Arabian Sea. It is well known for its Portuguese culture, history and architecture. It is also the home to the most exquisite beaches in India and gets travelers from all over the world. With a coastline of approximately a hundred kilometres, the state has many beaches . Mandovi, Zuari, Terekhol, Chapora Kushavati and the Sal are the main rivers of Goa. It is no surprise that Goa is one of the most sought-after destinations not only in India but the world as well, simply because it offers the best of everything.
There is a side of Goa beyond beaches, that people have started exploring recently. There are lot of adventure activities in Goa which will add an all new dimension to your Goa holiday.While you thought that a beach trip would be all about a relaxed, slow sea-gazing and food-centred experience, we bring you some of the most adrenaline-pumping and thrilling activities that could find a place on your bucket list of ‘Things to Do’ while travelling to Goa. It hardly matters whether you are a swimmer or a trekker, an out and out adventurous person or the more cautious one but open to trying out experiences, Goa will leave you spoilt for choices. These activities are some of the best ways to explore Goa.
- Trekking
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. Dudhsagar Falls is perhaps the most visited trekking spot here and the most enchanting. Located on the Mandovi River, this waterfall is around 70 km from Panaji. Approximately 600 metres in height, this is one of the highest waterfalls in India. Ocean Trek Neuti in Goa is the ultimate trek to admire the beauty of Arabian Sea and high hills surrounding Goa. The Keri to Arambol Beach trek takes you to the diverse terrain of Goa. Hiking and trekking in Goa must be avoided in monsoons, as the terrains usually get slushy making it challenging to walk and climb.
- Scuba Diving
Delve deep into the gigantic coral reefs and be enamoured by the scintillating underwater life as you go scuba diving in Goa. 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.
- Rafting
Goa Tourism Development Corporation has introduced white water 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 excites a large number of travellers. The white water rafting on the Mahadei/ Mandovi River with Grade 3+ rapids in Goa provides the gleam of fast-moving clear water which is a beautiful sight to be a part of.
- Hot Air Ballooning
The only activity which will give a 360 degree view of Goa’s pristine beaches! Capture amazing bird’s eye views on your camera from 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 in South Goa, especially for sunrise flights preferred by honeymoon couples.
- Kayaking
Kayaking is the perfect water sport activity in Goa for those who want to spend the afternoon paddling along the mangroves, backwaters and mini bays.Spend some time at a peaceful remote beach and then return to the starting point. Moonlight kayaking is another amazing thing to try out in Goa. It is done 2 days before and after the full moon.
- Windsurfing
Extremely thrilling and exciting, windsurfing in Goa is a unique blend of surfing and sailing on the waves of Arabian Sea. Ride the waters along the changing wind direction for an amazing time. The feeling of pride when one directs the board is unmatchable. 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 considered to be the best place for windsurfing 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.
- Banana Tube Boat Ride
Banana boat rides are a huge attraction in South Goa. 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. Enjoy the thrilling ride with your friends on this giant banana shaped boat as your move ahead against the ocean waves avoiding being flipped over.
- Parasailing
Parasailing is one of the most popular adventure sports on offer 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.
- Water Skiing
Water Skiing is one of the most adventurous and thrilling water sports that one could take part in while at Goa. Skiers put on a pair of skis, which are further tied to a speedboat. As the boat speed, one has to maintain balance in the process of being pulled by the racing boat. As the name suggest it’s like skiing on water as the speed boats pull you at a speed of 30-40 miles an hour speed.
- Zorbing
This water sport is relatively easy and catches the attention of adults and children alike. Not more than two individuals are encased 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.
