What are the Best Places for Kayaking in Goa?
Kayaking is one of the best adventure sports to explore the waters of Goa. The best part about this activity is it is not only limited to the beaches of Goa but also to the numerous rivers gushing through the state. Some of the best places for kayaking in Goa are Dona Paula, Baga Creek, Bambolim, Palolem, Mobor, Chapora River, Sal River, and Sylvan Siridao.
Moreover, kayaking is the perfect sport for all the solo soul–searchers in Goa. It is one particular sport I find adventurous and also calming. All you have to do is sit in the cockpit of a narrow boat and paddle sideways to pave through the water. And, after paddling along Goa’s coastline, I don’t think there’s a better way to unwind and spend some “me-time” in nature than this.
This blog post covers the top places for kayaking in North and South Goa, along with their prices and locations. So without any further ado, let’s discover the best places to paddle up on your next solo trip to Goa!
1. Baga Creek – kayaking with exclusive scenery
If you want to experience Goa’s beautiful nature while kayaking, head to Baga Creek. Baga, in addition to its exciting nightlife, is a popular destination for adventurous water sports. And kayaking at Baga Creek sits at the top of my list.
The combination of palm trees and still waters creates a relaxing atmosphere for visitors. So get ready for a thrilling 60-minute kayaking adventure at this location. The prices are reasonable and affordable. So, if you are not satisfied, you can always schedule another session.
Price: Rs. 500 to Rs. 800
Timings: 9 am to 5:30 pm
2. Bambolim Beach – apt for kayaking in seclusion
If you want to kayak in a secluded location, head to Bambolim beach. The beach is at a distance of 8 kilometres from the city capital – Panjim.
There are two sessions of 90 minutes available for all the tourists. One in the morning takes you through the pristine water of the Arabian Sea to a fisherman’s village, followed by a cruise to a remote beach. The other one in the evening is more remote comparatively. You will kayak your way to two unexplored beaches and witness one of the magical sunsets in Goa. The packages include everything from a guide, safety gear, and miscellaneous items. Listen to your guide, and you will be good to go.
Price: Ranges between Rs. 1200 to Rs. 1600
Timings: One from 7:30 am and the other from 5:30 pm
3. Dona Paula Beach – for a perfect Kayaking experience
Dona Paula beach is one of the best places for kayaking. With that said, you can also try out the other activities at the beach. Enjoy your kayak trip and paddle your way into the sea. However, do not go further on your own out of excitement. Talk to your guide, and he will provide you with all the required information regarding the trip.
Price: Rs. 800 to Rs. 1000
Timings: 9:30 am to 5:30 pm
4. Palolem Beach – moonlit kayaking experience
Palolem beach in South Goa is the best beach for water sports. Kayaking is one of the many popular activities to opt for here. The moonlit kayaking, in particular, is nothing short of a magic show. Its popularity among tourists is skyrocketing. But the only thing is that this activity occurs during the full moon phase. So it all depends on the timing of your vacation and whether or not you can kayak under a moonlit sky!
These kayak tours can last about 3 hours, depending on your chosen package. Therefore, check all the inclusions and communicate your needs with your operator before booking.
Price: Rs. 1500 to Rs. 1800
Timings: 7 pm onwards
5. Chapora River – ideal for backwater kayaking
Next on the list is the Chapora river, famous for backwater kayaking. This location entices visitors with its insane and one-of-a-kind view of Goa. What could be more exciting than kayaking through densely packed mangroves? So get ready to paddle up and discover Goa in a new light.
You can easily reach the location from the Goa International Airport or railway station. The Chapora river packages include a 2-hour session. However, the cost varies depending on the tour operator. So, before you choose one, weigh your options.
Price: Rs. 1200 to Rs. 1400
Timings: 9:30 am – 11:30 am and 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm
6. Sal River – kayaking through villages
Kayaking at Sal backwaters is one of the must-do things in Goa. You get to see different villages of Goa like Benaulim, Varca, Cavelossim, Mobor, etc.
Moreover, this place is beginner friendly. So you will have no difficulty in understanding how a kayak works. Besides, a guide will always accompany you on your tour.
Price: Rs. 2000 onwards
Timings: Starts from 6:30 am
7. Sylvan Siridao – offbeat kayak experience
This off-the-beaten-path kayak route is probably my favourite on the list. Goa is much more than its beaches and nightlife. And these unusual locations and activities are living proof of it. Kayaking in such a setting is like having an adventure, a relaxing session, and an exploration of culture and nature, all rolled into one. Is there anything cooler than this? The only drawback is that kayaking can only be done in groups of four people (minimum). So look for solo travellers or speak to other visitors to form a group and enjoy this adventure ride.
Price: Rs. 2590 per person (group of 3-4 people)
So which place are you choosing for a memorable kayak tour?
Kayaking in Goa is an experience to be lived at least once on your solo trip. Several tour operators organise kayak tours for travellers across the globe. I hope this post aids you in choosing your favourite one. It is worth both your time and money. So without any delay, add this to your things to do in Goa!
If you’ve already done kayaking in Goa, let me know about your experience in the comments below. And feel free to drop your queries too. Till then, happy travelling.