Set out on a journey and explore Goa through its waterways. Pickup a kayak, paddle through the narrow streams. Hear the sound of the water, while shoals of fish lead the way. Look out for changing sceneries, and if you are lucky enough, you might even spot a few migratory birds that make their way to Goa.
If this got you thrilled and excited about Goa, why not experience it yourself? Don’t know where to go or what to do, then allow us to help you out.
Kayaking is becoming an extremely exciting nautical activity in Goa, and there are several kayaking options to choose from like backwater, mangrove, river, sea, etc. To help you decide, we have compiled a list of places and kayaking experiences you could try.
1. Try a mangrove kayaking trail
While kayaking itself can be fun, Terra Conscious tends to add a little extra bit of learning to the adventure. Their mangrove kayaking trail is an exciting guided experience that gives guests a hands-on experience on how to paddle through intricate ecosystems. During the journey, guests are allowed to enjoy the semi-dim hues of mangrove surroundings and are informed about the impact of human activities on natural ecosystems. Besides this, they are also guided about the diverse flora and fauna that snuggle within the mangroves.
As you row through them, you are told about the importance of mangroves to the ecosystem. You can spot several migratory birds taking shelter or looking out for prey in the mangroves.
The trail is not only a learning experience, but also an experiential one. Mangroves form the perfect backdrop to this journey of 2 hours. The trail runs all throughout the year. However, the tide also plays a role in the timing.
DURATION: 2 hours 30 minutes
PRICE RANGE: Rs 2,350 onwards
LOCATION: Candolim River, near Nerul Bridge
CONTACT: www.terraconscious.com
2. Stories, kayaking, and more
Sahasea, conducts both sea as well river kayaking experiences. Not only do they let you simply kayak, but also take you around places that have interesting stories to narrate. They have plenty of interesting activities like the ‘Island Hoppers’ is an experience where they kayak around St Jacinto island and also engage in cleaning up of thrash, while learning about mangroves.
Similarly, even if you have a child onboard, you can get them be part of the ‘Tale O’ Tail’ experience where stories and ancient tales are narrated while kayaking. ‘Royal Rachol’ is also another fun activity where kayakers are taken to the village of Rachol, and history of its lustrous past is told.
They also operate sea kayaking from Hollant beach, Vasco. During the journey you can immerse yourself while listening to the sound of the waves crashing against the kayak. The beach is generally calm and peaceful, giving kayakers a blissful experience.
All the gear, personal floating devices and refreshments are provided to guests. Sahasea have wonderful offerings for offbeat kayaking experiences, both, in North and South Goa.
DURATION: 1 hr - 2 hrs
PRICE RANGE: Rs 800 onwards
LOCATION: Hollant, Cavelossim, Sal River, Rachol, St Jacinto, etc.
CONTACT: www.sahasea.com
3. Explore Goa’s backwaters
Goa’s backwaters are a web of rich biodiversity. Beaming with nature and rich vegetation, the backwaters are a highly sought-after location for kayaking. River Sal is one spot that takes you closer to the hinterlands. The mud houses by the river, coconut-lined fields, cashew plantations and many more such settings is what you can experience while immersing yourself in the calmness of the river.
There are kayaking experiences starting as early as 6 am, where you can watch the sunrise with the backdrop of the foggy morning.
DURATION: 1 hr - 2 hrs
PRICE RANGE: Rs 4500 onwards
LOCATION: Sal River
CONTACT: www.goakayaking.com
4. Enjoy a luxury experience
Aquasail, a luxury nautical experience housed at the Grand Hyatt, Bambolim, is a well-equipped sailing lounge. From a wide range of dinghies, kayaks, and windsurfers, you can opt for the kayaking – it is one-of-a-kind experience. You can sit on the kayak and paddle through the wide sea and find yourself one with nature. The sound of the waves and heartbeat is all what you can clearly hear.
DURATION: 90mins
TIMINGS: 10 am to 5 pm
PRICE RANGE: Rs 4500 onwards
LOCATION: Grand Hyatt, Bambolim.
CONTACT: www.aquasailindia.com