River Cruises in Goa

Goa is one of India's most beloved tourist destinations. Though the Arabian Sea and the miles of golden coastline are popular among tourist, the long and wide beautiful rivers offer the incredible opportunity of river cruises. River cruises in Goa have become a major tourist attraction.

River cruises are operated by Goa tourism department. The beautiful river not only provides blissful sights but as you cruises you can enjoy performances are given on Goan folk songs and dances or delicious food. There are a number of cruises available along the Mandovi River. The options include daytime cruises, sunset cruises, two-hour dinner cruises, and all-day backwater cruise. The following cruises offers you a memorable ride.

Sunset Cruise

The Sunset Cruise starts at the Santa Monica taking you on a leisurely cruise along the Mandovi River. While the boat sails down the river enjoy performances of folk dances and a live band.

Sail past the Panjim riverfront past the jetty and old colonial buildings. The lovely Promenade with its lovely tree lined avenues dazzles in the horizon. As you sail across Miramar watch the Goa's spectacular sunset. Spot the spread of the Mormugao Port and the mass of the Aguada Fort. Feel yourself transported back in history where Goa was discovered and people flocked to its shores.

The Sunset cruise is perfect for romantic couples and families. The soothing ride is available through tout the year.

Dinner Cruise

The Dinner cruise leaves the Santa Monica Jetty at 8.30 pm. It is a two-hour cruise which cruises along the River Mandovi. Lots of entertainment is planned on board. Therea are dance performances of Goa's famous folk dances of dekhni and fugdi. Live music or DJ music are available with people having a jolly good time, while the boat sails down the river.

Participate in the merriment or float past the Adil Shah Palace, the first building in Panjim, being the summer palace of the Sultan. As you cruise you can spot the beautiful colonial buildings, the Promenade where trees dazzle as they are decked in fairy lights. Sight the Miramar beach and the shoreline of Verem and Betim before you are back at the Santa Monica jetty. Refreshments and dinner is served on board with delicious platter of vegetarian and non-vegetarian gastronomic pleasures and a selection of drinks.

Backwater Cruise

The Goan backwaters formed on interlined rivers is almost a secret. The Backwater Cruise takes you along the mangrove-lined banks of the Mandovi River, between the Chorao and Divar islands. The cruise covers the Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, where you can spot a wide variety of birds. If you are lucky, you might even spot large crocodiles sunning themselves on the riverbank.

The boat docks at the Spice Garden at Savoi/Keri, where you are taken on a guided tour of the plantation. Learn about the distillation process where the juice of cashew apples is used to make the delectable Goan Urak and Feni. The cruise also comprise of a delicious Goan meal served in a traditional way on banana leaves. The cruise is a proper dose of adventures and sightseeing.