Skim the waves. Surf the seas. Float across the skies. The
fabulous Golden Goan Coast is sprinkled with water sports excitements from
windsurfing to paragliding. Read the article below to find out the Top 10
watersports in Goa, we have also managed to highlight a total of 16 watersports
in Goa.
Goa is an excellent destination for
water sports with its pleasant weather and calm waters. The best season for
enjoying water sports in Goa is from October to May when the skies here are
cloudless and blue, and the waters fairly placid. The water sport activities found
on most of all the beaches of Goa are:
⇒Windsurfing - Windsurfing is a unique blend of surfing and sailing, which
requires the surfer to adjust his strength and balance to the changing patterns
of wind and water. Windsurfing trainers and experts claim that Dona Paula bay is
the ideal location for the beginners. The prevailing winds and the calm sea,
ensure almost lake-like conditions. The morning breeze is light and steady —
just right for learners; while stronger winds that set in during the afternoons
offer a perfect challenge for the more experienced. Wind surfing sport is a
sport that is sure to set your pulses racing. Bogmalo, Miramar, Calangute,
Colva, Palolem, Baga, Arossim, Utorda, Benaulim, Vagator and Baga beaches are
also popular with windsurfers. Choose an operator who maintains safety
standards. You should not set off in an offshore wind and should always
double-check the gear before starting. Don’t forget to learn the international
distress signals.
⇒Dinghy
Sailing - These
15-odd feet long crafts hold three to four people comfortably. The Zuari
estuary at Dona Paula is an excellent learning area – its calm waters being the
kindest Goa has to offer. With two sails and side decks to sit upon, dinghy
sailing is as much fun as windsurfing and it is not necessary to be either
agile or youthful to enjoy this form of sailing. With the winds in Goa, so
gentle most of the time, this particular sport offers its participants much
time to relax. Dinghies are available for hire at the Cidade de Goa and the Taj
Holiday Village. Instructors are available for beginners. The best months to
try this sport are from October to April. Generally you’ll find it on any good
beaches of North Goa & South Goa.
⇒Scuba
Diving - While
diving in Goa is not exactly world class due to limited to visibility
underwater (generally in the region of 6 to 12 meters), there is an amazing
amount of marine life as well as hard coral which continues to amaze even the
most experienced divers. The warm waters also teem with playful Bottlenose
Dolphins although they are shy of divers. In addition to the above, Goa is
blessed with a large number of shipwrecks which include Spanish and Portuguese
galleons, World War II wrecks as well as many merchant ships. Very few of these
have been found and explored. There are reportedly around 1,000 wrecks along
the coast of Goa. Most of the diving in Goa is near Grand Island, where divers
can check out a handful of decent coral gardens filled with a healthy marine
life population. The person should never dive alone and should always take at
least one partner with them so that they can always get help when in need. The
person should be totally fit physically and mentally before going for diving.
Listen to pre-diving briefings carefully. Make sure that the water does not
have strong currents. Be careful so that the mask does not get too foggy and
handle the snorkel mouthpiece delicately. Take care not to swim under the hull.
⇒Water
Skiing - For
the speed-lovers Goa offers the thrills of venturing into the sea on
speedboats. The high-class speedboats which are available in some places, can
achieve speeds of up to 30-40 miles an hour. These craft, which can carry
between six to eight people, are available at the Cidade de Goa, Bogmallo Beach
Resort, and Taj Hotels. If you love to feel the ocean waves splashing across
their face while rushing through water, the water skiing sport is just the
right option for you. Some falls and tumbles during training are inevitable. If
the trainers are not satisfied with your performance, they will not let you
venture out. Stamina, sturdy legs and strong back muscles are a must for this
sport. You should not venture out in rough waters. An observer should accompany
the operator in the boat. After a fall, it is important to signal to the
operator that you are okay. Beaches like Calangute, Candolim, Arossim, Mobor,
Utorda, and Rajbagh.
⇒Parasailing
- High fliers amongst the speed lovers can opt for
parasailing. Both the Taj and Bogmallo Resort hotels provide the necessary
equipment for this enthralling sport. There’s a rope about 300 feet long
attached to the parasail harness at one end and to the speedboat at the other.
For Para-sailing one must be comfortable with heights, as this sport gives the
beautiful bird’s eye view of the landscape, the coasts, beaches and the water.
Parasailing that involves a parachute attached to a motorboat. The parachute
goes up in the air as the motor boat starts moving and the person tied to the
parachute just need to take a step or two forward before sailing in the air.
People who love to soar high like a bird and have a view of the coastline and
the vast sea should try the parasailing sport. The beaches offering Parasailing
facilities include Candolim beach, Mobor beach, Anjuna beach, Majorda beach,
Baga beach and Dona Paula beach. Be sure to choose a well-trained operator
because landing on the beach is tricky. You should also check the chord,
harness and gear before you take off. Parasailing should be avoided when it’s
raining or the winds are strong.
⇒Jet
Skiing - One
of the most adventurous water sports in Goa is Jet Skiing. The sport is one of
the most popular in Goa and many tourists try this sport to set their adrenalin
rushing. Jet skiing requires a jet powered water scooter that are accelerated
by a powerful engine. The Jet Ski equipment in Goa has a power of 100-135
horsepower. The machine is simple to operate but an instructor should accompany
you. Be within the area where the operator can see you. The best sites are
Colva, Candolim, Calangute, Miramar, Arossim, Utorda, Benaulim, Mobor and
Rajbaga.
⇒Water
Scooter - Water
scooters accommodate two people on a ride. This action sport provides all the
thrills of a motorbike with the softness of an ocean instead of hard tar road
beneath the feet. They are readily available at Dona Paula jetty, Cidade de
Goa, Majorda, and Candolim beach.
⇒Swimming
- The most common water sport is swimming. The waters around
the Goan beaches are warm and almost always safe. Swimming can be enjoyed by
the young, the old, the infirm, the affluent and the budget traveler alike.
There are lifeguards at all Goan beaches, so check with them about the status
of the sea, before you jump in.
⇒Fishing
-Fishing can be relaxing or stimulating and exciting. You will
probably catch a variety of Snappers, Goldfish, Catfish, Barramundi, Sea
Salmons, etc. Blessed with plenty of beaches, Goa is the ideal place to try out
fishing. Imagine the pride and the winning smile on your face when you come
back holding a couple of fishes and proclaiming it as your prized catch!
⇒Kayaking
- mostly
along the rivers in Nerul, Siolim and calmer Beaches like Morjim and Palolem.
There is a place in Vasco that conducts Night – Kayak trips as well.
⇒Rafting
- One
location within Goa for rafting is the Surla distributary of river Mhadei,
better known as Mandovi. White-water rafting in Goa is famous particularly in
the area of Dandeli which is around 125 kms from Goa but well-connected since
it is a famous picnic spot.
⇒Catamaran
- Hobie
Cat Sailing – A more relaxed sailing activity, Catamaran Sailing is made up of
a twin hull with trampoline in between the hulls and a mast for sailing. Four
people can be normally accommodated. A trained professional is required to sail
the catamaran for the enjoyment with safety. A high level of skill and training
is required. You should pay attention to the emergency procedures and signals
that are explained to you. To enjoy this water sport activity you can enjoy on
beaches like Calangute, Candolim, Dona Paula, Arossim, Utorda, Benaulim, Colva,
and Mober.
⇒Knee-and
- Wake
Boarding – Knee-boarding is very similar to water skiing. It has a
slot for your knees. It requires less focus on balance than water-skiing and is
a simpler technique. The skier has one broad board instead of two narrow ones
on which to maintain balance in wake-boarding. There should always be an
observer besides the boat operator. The person should be at ease with water and
well versed in water skiing. You can enjoy this water sport at Mober beach,
Candolim beach and Rajbagh beach. In the boat, there should be one observer
apart from the operator.
⇒Private
Boat Rides - Sailing:
Imagine the experience of sailing in a boat, changing course of the sails and
calmly cutting across the sea. The Arabian Sea provides a beautiful calm
sailing ground and Goa’s tropical climate is ideal with consistent weather
conditions. Goa offers sailing at Grande Island and that too at night to a
secret beach called Monkey Beach that can be navigated only by sea. So go down
to Bogmalo beach or Majorda Beach, sign up for the trip and camp there at night
overlooking a lighthouse and the stars in the sky. Sailing is available in Goa
only in December – January.
⇒Microlite
Flying - Microlite
flying is the latest addition to Goa watersports but is much exciting to
foreigners. A motorized machine with a forty feet wing span, microlite can
accommodate two to three persons including one operator. You need not to know
gliding for microlite flying because it is an operator’s job. Microlite flying
is a variation of hang-gliding. Ability of being able to assemble a microlite
with commercially available parts is half the fun in itself. A single – seater
should ideally weigh less than 330 kg and a twin – seater, 450 kg. It can reach
a cruising height of around 11,000 feet although most fliers prefer to stick
closer to the ground, 3,000 feet or so. But these can’t be flown at night and
unfriendly weather conditions. It can only be done at Calangute beach.
⇒Banana,
Bump & Ringo Rides
Banana rides are one of the few activities that is safe for
kids. It is really enthralling to sit on a six-seat banana-shaped contraception
and to be towed by a speedboat rolling and pitching over undulating sea waves.
There are some variations in Ringo or bump rides. The flip at the very end of
the ride adds that bit of extra excitement for beginners. As everybody is in
life jackets, it is pretty safe too. The person should be at ease with water.
It’s available on all the major beaches.
⇒Crocodile/Dolphin/Turtle
Spotting
This is another activity that is children friendly. It may not
be a water-sport but it is another way to experience Goa’s meandering rivers.
The Cumbarjua canal near Panaji that links the Zuari and the Mandovi rivers is
a thriving place for mugger crocodiles.
Who can resist the thrill of watching dolphins frolic in their
natural surroundings, cavorting in graceful curves above the sea? From October
to May, dolphin-spotting trips are conducted off Goa’s beaches – most common
being around the Honeymoon Island at Palolem. Dolphin cruises also leave from
Dona Paula into the Arabian Sea up to Grande Island. Activities involve
dolphin-spotting, snorkeling and barbecuing on the island.
The famed giant Olive Ridley turtles pay yearly nesting visits
to Goa’s Galjibaga and Agonda beaches, and to Morjim Beach. Highly endangered
due to incessant hunting, these turtles are now safer thanks to conservation
efforts. The nesting season is from November to March, when you may spot a tiny
hatchling emerge from its nest and head for the sea. Trust me, it’s is a
priceless moment.
So get set to taste real thrill and adventure in Goa! Think of
gusts of wind beating against your face and adrenaline rushing through your
body, even as you brave the waves – but yes, with the assurance of safety.
That’s the taste of adventure sports in Goa for you – especially water sports.
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