One of the many things that GOA is famous for is casinos. It has some exotic casinos in ships - "Casino royale goa" is the best one! Goa is also a paradise for Adventure freaks. Some of the adventures that one can enjoy here are -
1. Surfing in Goa.
There is sun, sand but not much surf for the experienced surfing enthusiast, but there is some surf at Palolem beach. The wave is tiny and not consistent. You may find only a handful of surfers around.
The wave at top is 3 feet on the look and quite chilled out. It's a perfect long board wave, but a mini-mal for fish would also give a lot of fun. It's a tropical environment, the sea is warm, accommodation is in beach huts on the beach and of course there is cheap and tasty Indian food.
Wave: 3 feet at best, 2 feet is more common. Breaking waves appear about 3 times a week. The rides are short. It's a beach break and various peaks appear and move with the tide. Patnem has the most consistent wave, but sometimes it's better at Palolem.
2. Wind surfing
On the water, along with the wind. That’s how windsurfing is described by some. Glide on the oceans currents with the help of strong winds while skiing through the water. Mostly foreign tourists tend to windsurf in Goa. The popularity has made the windsurfing Regatta now an annual event. The open board sailing competition lasts for about a week in Goa every year. October to May is the best seasons wherein one could go about windsurfing.
3. Para-sailing
Para-sailing started in Goa as a hobby for the select few adventurous tourists who were mostly foreigners. Seeing a potential business opportunity, the local fishermen already had the boats. All they needed was a powerful outboard motor and a parasailing parachute. This exciting activity and water sport has become a must for thrill seekers visiting Goa. The speedboats race ahead while the parachute is attached up to the speedboat. The parasail harness is at one end while the speedboat zooms ahead. Finally the parachute flies high as the speedboat moves ahead. The person tucked on to the parachute enjoys the sights of the sky above, the vast Goan coastline and the blue waters below.
4. Scuba diving - Barracuda diving
Goa has fishes of a diverse color pallet, turtles, reef sharks and aquatic plants which make the world beneath the sea a fantasy land. Very few know that Goa is the considered by many to be the third major diving destination in India. Unknown to many Goa has a number of World War II ship wrecks off its coastline including Portuguese Galleons and World War II battleships. The equipments essential for scuba diving in Goa are Mask, Fins and Snorkels.
5. Jet Skiing
True to its name, this water based sport is for speed lovers. Jet skiing is one of the most exhilarating water sports activities. Jet Skis in Goa are powered at 100-135 hp. However, in spite of such power on the throttle, the machine utilized for jet skiing is pretty easy to use. There are a few beaches in Goa where you can pursue jet skiing. Colva, Anjuna, Calangute, Baga, Aguada and Candolim are the ones that are sought quite often by the skiing enthusiasts.
6. Camping
Basic accommodation in Goa for a room with a bed and attached toilet is so reasonable and bargainable if you stay longer, that it has become a rare sight to notice any backpacker or traveler carrying their own tent. Nowadays there are enterprising people along the coastline providing ready made tented accommodation of varying standards and budgets. Some worth mentioning are Bai Tereza Beach Camp at Coco Beach, Yoga Magic in Anjuna and Cola beach at Khola in Canacona. Local hiking, trekking clubs and associations of Goa do regularly get together and head for the hills along with their tents. Camping in Goa can be arranged by Goa Hiking Association, Eco Treks Goa, Youth Hostels Association and Off the Trail Adventures.
7. Rock climbing
Rock Climbing activity basically involves ascending or descending rock faces with the help of rope harness and metal clamp to support the climber.
In Goa there are ample of opportunities for rock climbers with Sahyadri Hills (Western Ghats) running through Goa make for a very pleasant climbing experience. Most of the climbing activities in Goa are perfomed in Valpoi, Mollem and Sanguem.
There are two main organising bodies in Goa, conducting rock climbing activities, they are Goa Hiking Association (GHA) and Youth Hostel Association of India(YHAI), both based in Panjim. Besides this there are many other small associations making Goa a perfect destination for rock climbing.
8. Canoeing
In Goa canoeing activities are done on a large scale. With Goa having a vast coastline it provides a good opportunity for canoeing on the beaches, lakes, rivers, etc.
Canoeing in Goa is basically done for recreation and transportation which gives a calm and thrilling experience of the waters and the surroundings with a natural beauty. Canoeing activity is carried out throughout the year in Goa giving a refreshing experience.
One has to come down to Goa to experience the real joy of Canoeing.
9. Dolphin sighting
Dolphin sighting is a popular activity carried out in Goa with a great fun and enthusiasm. All the main rivers of Goa offer dolphin sighting. It is also carried out on many of SouthGoa's famous beaches.
In Goa dolphin sighting trips are mostly carried out in the morning. Goa's scenic beauty and calm climatic atmosphere makes Goa a cool destination for this activity.
10. Hand gliding
Hang gliding is a very recreational activity performed in Goa. Goa's favourable climatic and wind conditions makes gliding a very enjoyable activity for the tourists visiting the state. Gliding activities are done at many places in Goa with most of the north goan beaches offering this facility. All the training, guiding and equipment is provided by the tour operator. In Goa gliding activity is done mostly in the summer season. Gliding agencies in Goa conduct these activities very often giving tourists a good feel of flying in the calm and cheerful skies of Goa.
11. Kayaking
The golden sand beaches of goa offer some excellent facilities for water sports for adventure seekers. Kayaking provide the best opportunity for sports lovers to come close to nature. Paddle through the amazing sea caves, explore offshore islands, and snorkel the marine reserves that are filled with abundant marine treasures.
Kayaks look like small fishing boat. Kayaking is fastly picking up as a favourite water sport in Goa. A Kayak can accommodate more than two people and can be done of both flat and white water. If you are interested in sea kayaking there isn’t a better option for you but to visit any of the beach sites of Goa to try on this adventure sport.
12. Micro lite flying
Feel the rush of adrenalin as you soar up the skies, leaving firm ground way behind. The clouds above and empty space below. There is no enjoyment like soaring high in the air and watching the vast Goan topography from above. Goa looks beautiful but different from high above. Micro Lite is open air flying something like riding on a bike on the ground. Operated by motor machine with two wings spanning 40 feet the microlite machine affords space for three persons including the operator who takes care of all the technical and operating requirements as the riders enjoy the scene beneath. The Calangute beach was the first one to provide the facilities to the tourists and it became an instant hit with the visitors.
13. Banana rides in Goa
An inflatable boat similar to the shape of a banana is used for Banana Boat Rides in Goa. This boat is connected to a speed boat. Around 4 to 6 people can be accommodated in one banana boat. The boat throws off the passengers as soon as the speed boat races across the sea. Sometimes, you would find yourself being flung into the water even before you have hardly started off the beach. After being thrown into the sea, the passengers pull themselves back into the banana boat and start afresh. Banana Boat Rides in Goa are a repetitive process of getting flung into the sea and then hauling yourself back to the banana boat. Safety jackets are compulsory if you know to swim.
14. Fishing
Fishing in Goa is all about getting into a boat, going out into the vast open sea and casting for fish. One can do fishing by standing on shore and casting a small net for catching fish. Besides the commercial fishing activity carried on by small and huge mechanized trawlers, fishing in Goa is also a hobby with the local Goans as well as foreign tourists. On a fishing trip in Goa one has to have huge amounts of patience. Besides fishing equipment, good fishing spots, patience and lots of luck one is bound to catch some fish on his fishing holiday in Goa.
15. Speed boating
Speed boats are famous all over the world. The speed and the wind blowing against one's face gives a spine chilling experience. In Goa there are many beaches. This gives an opportunity for speed boating.
The tourists coming to Goa are crazy after speed boating. Speed freaks who love to flirt with the water can't resist getting into a speed boat. There are a lot of motorboats in Goa that have a speed of 10 to 15 miles per hour and few with a speed of 30 to 40 miles per hour.
Come to Goa everyone and enjoy the speed boats of Goa.
16. Biking
Goa has been gifted with a multitude of natural attraction and resources for conducting biking activities on a large scale.
There are many organizations like Youth Hostel Association of India and others conducting biking activities every now and then for adventure lovers. These activities include biking through dense forests, rocks, historical places, etc.
Biking activities in Goa takes one through the scenic waterfalls and forests giving a thrilling experience.
17. Hiking
Hiking is one of the most important activity carried out in Goa. Hiking expeditions takes one through lush green surroundings and terrains which gives a thrilling and adventurous experience to hikers.
There is large demand for hiking in Goa and regular hiking expeditions are organized by various professional organizations. Most of the hiking activities are carried out from the Sahyadris, which pass through regions with natural beauty, waterfalls and dense forests.
Hiking in Goa really gives yourself a good adventurous experience
18. Angling
Angling is one of the most traditional and exciting activity in Goa. There are large number of opportunities for the anglers to do angling in Goa. Mostly the angling activities are carried out at the lakes, river sides, ponds, etc. Also in Goa you can do angling along the beach side with calm and scenic environment making angling more beautiful and joyous.
Angling activities are at its peak during the monsoon season with large number of tourists and locals enjoying it. Indeed Goa provides a very cool and comfortable environment for the anglers.
19. Snorkeling
Snorkeling is one of the most popular and most sought after water sport among tourists visiting Goa. Goa's clean and pleasant waters and a good underwater visibility makes it a perfect destination for the snorkelers. There are lot of facilities for snorkeling in Goa with all the required training and equipments provided by the tour organizers and operators. Bat Island and Navy Island in Goa provides one of the best snorkeling facilities.
20. Dinghy sailing
Dinghy sailing is one of the most popular and most played water sport in Goa. The lovely waters and the beautiful beaches makes Goa a perfect destination for dinghy sailing. Dinghy sailing is done in almost all parts of Goa with beaches like Colva, Calangute, Miramar, Arossim, Utorda,etc being very popular spots.
Dinghy sailing activity is at its peak from October to May. Many races and trips are conducted by governmental and private organizations providing complete guidence and training about the activity.
Popular beaches -
Anjuna Beach Goa :
The Anjuna Beach is rightly referred to as the Freak Capital of the World and happens to be one of the most popular beaches in the Beach Capital of India Goa.
At Anjuna you may shake a leg at the Acid house parties. The parties that are held on the full-moon nights are a major draw for the tourists.
Baga Beach Goa :
Amongst the popular beaches in India is the
Baga beach Goa. Baga Goa lies 10 km west of Mapusa and really speaking is an extension of Calangute. Baga Goa India is smaller than the Calangute and Colva beaches lying on either side of it. Baga Goa is the perfect getaway for those looking for a little bit of peace and quiet after the activity of the other two beaches.
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TITO's is the Most famous PUB in Baga.
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Vagator beach is a popular beach in Goa. The Vagator beach is part of a 30 km stretch of beach coastline along the west coast of Goa that is home to some of the top-notch Goan beaches such as the Calangute beach and the Anjuna beach.
Palolem Beach Goa :
Palolem is an impossibly beautiful crescent cove in the far south of Goa.
Palolem is so languid and balmy that even the water has only enough energy to lap half-heartedly onto the
Palolem beach. There's a lot to do here but to but to soak yourself up the rays, and going walking or paddling in the shallows is the best option.
Palolem is just 3 km away from Canacona Railway Junction, now on the Konkan Railway. You can hire taxis and auto-rickshaws to reach Palolem beach from Margao, 40 km away. There are regular buses from Margao to Palolem that would drop you at Canacona village.
