Saurabh

Outdoor Activities in Goa

This document lists a set of nature related activities that you and your child(ren) can indulge in while in Goa. There is a lot more to Goa than the beaches, the parties and the booze, and that is what this document is about.

Paid Activities

First off, let me list all the commercial/tour operator offerings, which are really easy to do because someone else is already doing all the planning for you.

Sahakari Spice Farm

This one is an absolute no brainer. Tripadvisor has a detailed review here. Reach in the morning, go on their guided tour, study the crazy varieties of spices and flowers there, have their spectacular lunch, then head home. Cannot do it on a hot day. Need to carry water bottles. If your kid does not like little buggies, then forget it, don't go.

Can be done on any week day. Call them on 0832-2312394 or visit sahakarispicefarm.com

Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary

This can even be done on a weekday evening, after school. Afternoon isn't the best time for it, with the sun beating down on your head.

There are two routes from North Goa to the sanctuary. Do not take the route via Calvim Bridge. Instead drive down to Ribandar, then take the ferry across to the sanctuary. The ferry will drop you off right at the sanctuary gate. If you have a nice car, don't take it on the ferry. Find a place to park it in Ribandar itself, then stand cattle class on the ferry and go. Depending on where the sun is while you are on the ferry, you will get spectacular views of Ribandar, Panjim and Chorao.

At the sanctuary, ask for the private boat tour. The ticket for that is about ₹1,200. There is a specific guide who is world famous, but I forget his name. Any guide should be fine. They will point out various birds to you, as well as crabs and other critters. Keep camera and binoculars ready, as well as your copy of The Book of Indian Birds by Dr. Salim Ali. And if your kid can't stay quiet on a boat, then your trip is ruined - can only observe birds if quiet na.

On the way back, when you have more time, you can choose to take the scenic route via Calvim Bridge. That drive has some spectacular views of fields and hills.

Call on 0832 222 8772 if you have questions. They always answer. Sanctuary opens at 6am or 6:30am every morning. The earlier you go in the morning, the better it is. There are no fixed hours for when the boat leaves, so just show up whenever you can and request for a boat. If you go when the tide is low, you will see more birds.

Soul Travelling

Soul Travelling does guided tours around Goa. You can book tours on their website or by calling +91 95294 90245.

Fontainhas

Everybody must do the Fontainhas tour at least once, even though it is clichéd. It is like going to Pondicherry and not going to the French Quarter.

Before you visit, read this so you know how to behave - all of us need a reminder sometime about how not to disturb people living in/near tourist spots.

Saligao Passai

This is a walk about Saligao that starts at Mae De Deus church. It can be done in the evening, after school hours. If you are a sucker for old architecture, folk tales, large houses full of antiques that once housed a winery or a brewery or an armoury, and stories about the Portuguese, then this walk is for you.

Ask for Adolfina when booking. Nobody guides this tour better than her.

Other walks

Here are some other walks that Soul Travelling has, which I haven't done and would love to do:

Cycling Zens

Zurial runs this company out of Salvador do Mundo. Cycling Zens is the leading bike and e-bike rental company in Goa. They also do guided cycling tours of Divar and other islands. Call them on +91 90825 55501, or Zurial on +91 98191 98901.

The Local Beat

Mackinlay Barreto +91 90499 76761 runs this company; WhatsApp him to make bookings. Their instagram feed is to die for. They curate custom experiences involving fresh water bodies, nature and local cuisine, based on your budget and preferences. If you love water, just get on the phone with Mack and he will hook you up with jumping into a freshwater stream, bathing in a waterfall, wildlife trek, or some such activity. Most of their stuff happens either south or inland - which is where the freshwater is.

Surfing

Surfing is a lot of fun. Learning to surf is fun too.

Stargazing

If you like the stars and planets, Cosmic Ventures does a variety of activities. We've done overnight new moon camping in Bondla, and kayaking in the Chapora River on full moon night, with them.

Road trips

Here are the places we love driving to on the weekends:

Places I am yet to visit, but are on my must-visit list

Mollem Sanctuary

There are places near Mollem which are breathtakingly beautiful. A great place to go spend a weekend.

Nature's Nest

Nature's Nest has a full time conservationist on their rolls. They do all kinds of nature related activities, often in partnership with other groups. Stargazing at night. Birding walks. Herping. Something or the other is always going on. Their natural-ish pool is good fun.

Website naturesnestgoa.com, phone +91 99237 54664.

NV Farms

NV Eco Farms have day visits, overnight stays, and camping facilities. There is a natural pool built on a flowing stream. They have various adventure activities. I loved their little butterfly park. You can learn about farming and cashew processing while there. Contact them through their website. Call on +91 94220 62703. A lot of these remote places have signal issues so try WhatsApp or SMS.

Chorla Ghat

Keri Foot Bridge and Chorla Ghat make a beautiful drive. Especially if you are visiting during the rainy season.

Wildernest

The funicular ride up to Wildernest Nature Resort is so much fun.

Swapnagandha

Swapnagandha is Wildernest's sister property, a couple of kilometres away and under the same management. The view and the pool there are better. And if you stay at Swapnagandha, you can still access the funicular and pool at Wildernest.

In the Sea

Go Sailing in the Chapora River

Oh dear, I cannot recommend this one enough. Konkan Explorers do a cruise on the Chapora River. They take you on this very nice yacht that takes about 10 people. To the middle of the river. Where you jump into the flowing water and swim. It sounds scary but they are so super professional and have such a large and competent team that you never feel that anything can go wrong with you. You then kayak; there are two options here. One option is to kayak to an island that vanishes and reappears with the tide. You go there and play frisbee. The other is to kayak to the mangroves. These are two-people kayaks, so if you can't kayak on your own then their staff goes with you.

Diving off the side of the yacht into the flowing river is … transformational.

This is expensive. But I would put it on par with scuba diving in the Andamans - expensive, but once in a lifetime and life changing. Call or WhatsApp them on +91 96893 13506.

Fishing Boat Trip

To the best of my knowledge, getting a ride on a fishing boat trip is not legal. But that does not mean it isn't an absolutely life changing experience, especially if you are on the boat before sunrise. If you are willing to drive till Mandrem, call me and I will set you up for this.

You can also catch boat rides from the Sinquerim Jetty near Fort Aguada. They will let you jump into the sea and swim about. Remember to fasten your safety jacket tightly before you dive in.

Scuba Diving

This scuba diving section comes from a trusted source who ran a dive business in Goa until 2021.

The real diving in Goa happens out at Grande Island, a boat ride off the coast near Vasco.

There are a few legit dive centres, legit as in regulated by an international certification authority such as PADI or SSI. While diving with legit dive centres is expensive (₹5,000 to ₹6,000 for a one day intro program, because they follow international training standards), the cheapo centres will usually have a package deal, water sports, scuba and lunch, for a pittance. Most people go by the cost and are then disappointed with the experience.

There are also many unscrupulous operators who basically put many many people on a boat, take them for a dip and photo underwater. They are not permitted to dive at Grande Island (this was true up until 2021, may have changed since), so they take people to an island close by called Bat Island. A lot of Goan agents book with operators in Malvan or Vengurla, while calling it diving in Goa.

So go with a properly certified centre. A few that are regulated by PADI or SSI:

And if you want someone who genuinely lives for the outdoors, look up Beatroute Explorers. Keith, who runs it, is a wonderful guy, a diver himself, and deeply passionate about the outdoors and conservation. Alongside diving they do trekking, cycling and kayaking. WhatsApp or call +91 76665 97702, email beatroutexplorers@gmail.com, or find them on Instagram.

Our Favourite Cafes and Restaurants

  1. Jungle Dance in Arambol. My favouritest place in Goa, run by my favourite person in Goa. You cannot be told what Lucie's place is about. You must go there and experience it for yourself. If you love nature, chilling and dance/theatre, this is where you should go.
  2. The Lazy Dog in Mandrem takes the cake. Good food, sea, beach, cabanas, swimming pool, impeccable service, immaculately clean. I always meet a celebrity when I'm there. When feeling rich, this is where one must go.
  3. If you are near the tourist belt in North Goa, and looking for a peaceful, beautiful place to have a meal and enjoy the beach, Chalston's Resort is it. You have access to Calangute beach, without any of the crowds. I don't think I've ever hosted a guest without taking them here. Parking here is a bliss - and if you've spent a day in Baga-Calangute you know what a pain that generally is.
  4. If you are towards the south and looking for a Lazy Dog or Chalston type experience, go to Planet Hollywood. Good food, access to a very clean (pristine is the word) beach, a pool, and easy parking. This place is much bigger than the above two, but the rates are almost the same.
  5. Kismoor in Sangolda, for the lovely local cuisine, the spacious seating, and the live music and dancing in the evenings.
  6. Down the Road, for round the year live music and dancing. It is always a vibe.
  7. The Cape Goa for absolutely stunning views. It is close to the beautiful Cabo de Rama fort, which has even nicer views.