Water Sports in Goa
People visit Goa for different reasons – nightlife, breezy beaches, yoga training, or water sports! Today, we shall focus solely on thrilling water activities in Goa because there are too many to count, and we are only stuck on scuba diving.
So, how many water sports in Goa are there? Surely more than 10, but here’s a list of all the popular ones for you, along with the prime locations that offer the thrill like no other place in Goa.
So, get ready to dive into the world of vibrant coral reefs and marine life, ride the waves, and even fly above the sea with these heart-gripping yet soul-fulfilling adventure sports in Goa.
Goa is a premiere destination for scuba diving enthusiasts, thanks to its azure waters, pristine coastline, and diverse marine ecosystem. The true charm of scuba diving in Goa lies in its accessibility to all divers of all kinds and seasons. Whether a beginner or a professional, you can easily dive into and explore the underwater landscape of Goan waters.
You will be accompanied by certified divers who will help you take in the depths of the Arabian Sea via its corals, untouched marine life, including playful dolphins and majestic turtles, and captivating shipwrecks telling the tales of the past.
Several dive centres are dotted across the state of Goa to bring adventure and safety together. Some of the best spots or centres for scuba diving in Goa include Calangute Beach, Baga Beach, Grande Island, Uma Guva Reef, Nagoa, Lobster Avenue, etc.
Best time for Scuba Diving: October to April.
Average Price: INR 1000 to INR 4000 per person (approx).
One of the top water sports in Goa, Kayaking is for those seeking peace and calmness instead of adventure and party scenes of Goa. All it takes is a golden afternoon to book your ride, and you will soon paddle on the smooth backwaters of a lesser-known Goa. Besides, the mangroves attract you to click pictures or simply breathe in the refreshing air surrounding the area. The idyllic settings are, thus, the sole reason why kayaking should be on your list on your next Goa trip.
The Sal Backwaters is the most visited spot for Kayaking in Goa since it offers a chance to witness exotic birdlife, vibrant ecosystems, and movement through mangrove forests and serene settings. You can also see colourful landscapes, verdant banks, and picturesque villages while paddling through the Chapora River, a favourite amongst both beginners and experienced paddlers.
Best time for Kayaking: October to May.
Average Price: INR 500 to INR 1500 per person (approx).
One of the most thrilling adventure sports in Goa, windsurfing comprises elements of surfing and sailing on the azure waters of the Arabian Sea. In this dynamic water sport, the rider stands on a board similar to a surfing board and uses the sail to catch the wind and propel themselves across the water. Yes, it is full of adventure and fun!
While it is easier for beginners to manipulate and enjoy the sail, experienced surfers prefer more challenging conditions to navigate through the water conditions. While it does require specific skills, including agility, balance, and certain manoeuvres on the water, the whole point is to have fun! So, do not miss to try one of the best water activities in Goa.
You can windsurf in some popular places in Goa, such as Dona Paula Beach, Vagator Beach, Calangute Beach, Colva, Palolem, Baga Beach, Bogmalo Beach, and more.
Best time for Wind Surfing: January to March.
Average Price: INR 500 to INR 1000 per person (approx).
If you have been to Goa recently, there is no way you haven’t noticed people riding a special board while holding on to a tow rope pulled by a motorboat. Yes, this is kneeboarding, one of the top emerging water games in Goa. It is a thrilling combination of waterskiing and surfing, offering a great opportunity for novices and experienced kneeboarders to enjoy the best of both worlds!
Once you understand the simple technique, you will easily glide through the calm waters of beaches like Calangute and Baga, kneeling on the board. If you have already tried water skiing or surfing, this would be a piece of cake for you. So, on your next visit to this lovely destination, try kneeboarding, one of the top water rides in Goa.
Best time to try Kneeboarding: October to June.
Average Price: INR 1800 to INR 2500 per person (approx).
Jet Skiing is one of the most popular water sports in Goa. For those who don’t know, jet ski riding or jet skiing is an exhilarating water sport where people ride a small, motorised watercraft called a jet ski. These water vehicles are fast as they are propelled by a jet of water expelled from the back of the water.
It is an adventure sport that gets you the adrenaline rush like no other water activity. So, learning the navigating skills from a professional rider is vital. You will also get equipment along with guidance from the instructors. Some places to hire a good jet ski instructor in Goa include Candolim, Mobor, Miramar, and Rajbaga Beach.
Best time for Jet Ski Ride: October to March.
Average Price: INR 500 to INR 1000 per person (approx).
Most people have a clear idea of parasailing in Goa as it is one of the most thrilling water sports in Goa. To give you a picture, you will be harnessed to a parachute-like structure called a parasail connected via tow rope. The tow rope is fastened to a motor boat, which lifts the individual or parasailor into the air when it takes off. The boat slowly gains momentum, allowing the parasailor to ascend to varying heights in the sky.
The ride is thrilling and peaceful as you can soak in the wondrous view of Goa beaches. Most people feel like a bird as they escalate high in the sky, taking a completely different view of coastal Goa – sun-kissed beaches, relaxed coastal vibe, boats of all kinds, colourful beach umbrellas dotting the shoreline, people walking or practising yoga – there is no end.
If you are looking for the best places in Goa to try parasailing, go for Anjuna, Dona Paula, Calangute, Colva, Candolim, Vagator.
Best time to Parasail: October to March.
Average Price: INR 800 to INR per person (approx).
Snorkelling, the top 5 water sports in South Goa, hardly needs an introduction. Simply put, it is an opportunity or a gateway to enter the magical marine world and experience life underwater. As you explore the vibrant life of fish, turtles, and other majestic aquatic beings, do not forget to pay attention to the colourful and extensive coral gardens that comprise a considerable part of the Arabian Sea. Isn’t this convincing enough to book a snorkelling session on your next visit to Goa?
If you are confident about taking a plunge, put on the snorkel (attached to the mask) that allows you to breathe air from the surface without coming above it. To get the best snorkelling experience in Goa, visit Navy Island, Bat Island, Grande Island, or Suzy’s Wreck.
Best time for Snorkelling: October to April.
Average Price: INR 300 to INR 800 per person (approx).
Flyboarding is one of the most famous adventure sports in Goa, especially after Hrithik Roshan did it in Bang Bang movie. Yes, you guessed that right! It catapults people into the air with the help of a jet pack that uses water pressure for propulsion.
Is it scary? Yes, as all the fun things in life are, so do not stop yourself from flying at least 15 metres above the water! It may be hard to balance yourself on the jet pack, but you will be effortlessly dancing in the air after a few tries. All you have to do is listen to your flyboarding instructor, and you are good to go! Secondly, ensure your equipment is well-maintained or ask the trainer to do the same.
One of the many breathtaking water activities in Goa, flyboarding is still gaining popularity, so be one of the few adventure enthusiasts who have already done it! Here are the top places to try flyboarding in Goa – Calangute Beach for its first-class facilities, Baga Beach due to its vibrant settings and ample space, and Baina Beach for a smaller crowd than other places in Goa.
Best time for Flyboarding: October to May.
Average Price: INR 2500 to INR 4000 per person (approx).
One of the best water rides in Goa, Zorbing is a fun and playful way to enjoy the lucid waters of the Arabian Sea. This innovative water sport involves encapsulating oneself inside a large, transparent, inflatable ball, known as a zorb, and rolling, floating, or bouncing on the water’s surface.
All you need to do is step inside the zorb, which is then inflated and sealed, creating an air pocket that allows it to move across the water’s surface. The thrill comes from the sensation of walking, tumbling, or gliding on water while encapsulated within the transparent ball.
Indeed, Zorbing is not quite popular in Goa yet, but beaches like Calangute, Candolim, and Baga gather participants each season. The best part about water zorbing in Goa is that you and your partner, parent, or friend can ride the giant ball together. They need at least two people to enjoy the ride in a single round. It is a must-try adventure sport in Goa.
Best time for Water Zorbing: March-April.
Average Price: INR 300 to INR 500 per person (approx).
Goa is one of the top hotspots for surfboarding in the world. So, there is no question that surfboarding is one of the major water sports in Goa. Most beaches in Goa have gentle waves with consistent swells, making an ideal condition for water surfing throughout the year. Some prime locations include Vagator Beach, known for its massive and challenging waves and reef breaks, and Arambol Beach, for its gentle waves and sandy bottoms.
You can also check out Ashwem and Baga Beach for surfing and other water activities in Goa. Also, you may be required to swim to surf in the challenging waters, so ask your instructor about that.
Best time for Surf Boarding: May to September.
Average Price: INR 3000 per person (approx).
These water sports in Goa are not the only reason why people love visiting this gorgeous Indian state, but they will surely add a few happy moments to your vacation. So, get ready to experience such thrills and more by booking SOTC’s exclusive Goa tour packages for you and your loved ones.
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