Goa is one of the most beautiful holiday destinations in the country of India. However, what makes it so special is the beautiful scenic appearance and location of this small state. Located along the west coast, Goa has plenty of shoreline, and along with this abundance of water, Goa braces you with a wide variety of unique watersports that are a must try on a visit here.
1. Kayaking
Kayaking is one of the most popular water sport activities that takes place along the shores of Goa. Be it the sea or calmer rivers and lakes, the adventures on a kayak are unforgettable. Like every sport, there are some requirements for kayaking as well, and the first thing is the equipment. A kayak, paddle, life jacket and a helmet are a must. It is also convenient if you have a wetsuit or a drysuit. There are various locations at which you can enjoy kayaking in Goa, the prominent location in the South is the popular Palolem beach, here kayaks are available from 7am to 6pm and assistance is provided if it's your first time trying it out. In the North of Goa, Kayaking activities are held at Anjuna and Vagator beach. This activity is best enjoyed early in the morning or later in the evenings when the sun is not blazing down on you.
2. Scuba diving
Didn’t know scuba diving was available in India? Well, guess what? On a holiday to Goa you can enjoy the serene location as well as scuba dive. Here you can gear up from head to toe for a diving experience to witness the beauty of deep undersea life. It involves a one hour training session. This is a perfect opportunity to dive underwater with the colorful fish and discover marine life. Grand island scuba diving-Calangute, Sao Gorge island, Malvan, and Bat island are some of the most popular locations at which this exciting activity is carried out.
3. Snorkeling
Embark on the exciting snorkeling activity in Goa and explore the diverse marine life in natural settings along the beautiful western coast. Grand island in Goa is the most popular destination for snorkeling activities, some even involve dolphin sightings. Bogmalo and Sinquerim beach as well as the Bat island are other destinations where snorkelling takes place.
4. Parasailing
Parasailing is a very common activity available along almost all commercial shores of Goa. However, parasailing is only for those who have a strong heart and no fear of water. As you try this sport, you will be able to witness the best views of sunrise and sunsets and this is what makes it so popular among tourists.
5. Whitewater rafting
This activity is best enjoyed only in the monsoons. The lack of a steady and rough flow of water along the rivers in the summers does not aid in the impedance required for this adventurous sport. The gushing flow of water in the mid-monsoon season is the best time to enjoy this activity with a group of friends. The best 3 hour white water rafting happens in Mhadei river in Valpoi, Sattari. It is located in North Goa. Valpoi is a village in the Sattari Taluka, surrounded by nature and the temperature is relatively cool thanks to the trees that keep the heat away, thus making it the perfect location.
6. Jet skiing
Jet ski adventures are one of the most loved water sports of Goa. The high speed on water that can be achieved on this ride is very alluring to many individuals. There are many shorelines in Goa that offer these exciting jet ski adventures . Colva, Anjuna, Calangute, Baga, Aguada, Candolim and Benaulim are some of the most popular destinations for this heart racing and enormously fun activity.
7. Banana boat ride
A banana boat ride is fun and exciting for individuals of all age groups. But what exactly is a banana boat ride? Well, it is exactly as the name suggests, this boat ride takes place on a banana shaped tube that is connected to a speed boat that drags you all along the waters bouncing on the banana structure. This activity is best enjoyed in groups and the most thrilling part is the speed and bounce. This sport too can be found along the most popular, commercial shores of Goa.
8. Canoeing
Daily canoeing trips take place throughout the year including the monsoons, in the most safe and scenic rivers of Goa. These calming trips allow you to appreciate up close, the thick jungles/mangroves and explore pristine beaches without damaging the environment. This water sport is relatively slower and more soothing than the other activity offered in the state. Canoe rides are usually performed by local fishermen in their quest for fish, however, this has now turned into a tourist attraction. These trips are usually carried out in the waters of Zuari, the Mandovi, the Sal backwaters and the Nerul river.
9. Water zorbing
Mayem Lake, and the swimming pools of some hotels like the Taj Vivanta and the Grand Hyatt are the only places where you can enjoy the relatively new aqua zorbing activity in Goa. Zorbing is a sport where you are put inside a huge transparent ball which is further set on water to have pure fun. You can float on the water surface or go rolling, it’s an amazing experience that is now also available in Goa.
10. Speed boating
The thrill of the speed makes this one of the best water sporting activities in Goa. You can enjoy this fast and quick dash into the water with your entire family, and this makes it even more memorable and enjoyable. Old Goa, Fort Aguada, Sinquerim, St. Jacinto Island and Grant Island and many more places offer this activity during the summers of Goa as most water sports are closed for the monsoons.
11. Windsurfing
The basic requirement of the sports is, a surfboard and strong wind as the name itself suggests. This sport is controlled primarily by the weather and hence best performed when there is a strong gust of wind, which is usually in the mornings and evenings. While Bogmalo, Miramar, Calangute, Arossim, Uttorda, Benaulim, Vagator, and Baga offer windsurfing, Dona Paula is considered the best destination to enjoy this activity.
12. Surfboarding
Though you could surf only along the exotic shores of international destinations like Miami? Well, guess what, you can do the same along the beautiful and indigenous coast of Goa. Goa is perfect for surfing mainly for its mellow swells with the waves. Surfing season is from October till April and shuts down for the rest of the year in Goa. Aswem and Arambol are the two popular locations that offer this unique sport.