Goa is a traveler’s paradise that offers enjoying like no other destination. With elements like water sports, lively clubs, night markets, beaches, shacks, and shopping experiences; Goa overwhelms every heart and soul. Be it solo travelers; honeymoon couples, family groups or youngsters; Goa has a lot to offer to everyone. All in all, you are treating yourself while planning a trip to Goa. Enjoy your vacay while you indulge in these exciting things to do in Goa. You will never want to come back from Goa and its lovely beach parties!
20 Best Things To Do In Goa
From beach activities, exploring islands, shopping at flea markets to thrilling water sports, the list of things to do in Goa does not end. Have a look at the top activities to add to your list. Make sure you mark your favorites!
- Snorkeling – Enjoy Underwater Life
- Water Sports – For Thrill, Fun, And Excitement
- Beach Hopping – The Best Way To Explore Beaches
- Shopping – Visit Arpora Night Market
- Seafood Tour – Drool, Taste, and Relish
- Basilica Of Bom Jesus – Relive History And Heritage
- Grand Island – Rekindle The Romance
- Dolphin Watching – For An Offbeat Experience
- Casino – Try Your Luck
- Dinner Cruise – For A Cruise Experience
- White Water Rafting – A Favourite With Adventure Junkies
- Spice Plantation Tour – An Aromatic Experience
- Hot Air Ballooning – Enjoy The Stunning View
- Kayaking – Kayak Through The Mangroves
- Menezes Braganca House – See A Vintage Portuguese Household
- Butterfly Conservatory – Pay A Visit
- Dudhsagar Falls – Take A Trek
- Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary – Witness Endangered Animals
- Goan State Museum – Learn About Goan History
- Chapora Fort – Explore History
1. Snorkeling – Enjoy Underwater Life
Image Credit: Robert L for Pixabay
Goa is blessed with an array of pristine beaches and islands and most of them are a hub of thrilling adventure activities like snorkeling. Be it North Goa or South Goa; snorkeling is quite famous and considered as one of the must do things in Goa. Professionally-guided snorkeling trips are organized on many beaches and islands of Goa, where one is taken underwater to enjoy and experience the vibrant beauty of the underwater world. The colorful fishes and corals look pretty and make the activity worthwhile in every sense.
Location: Grand Island, Monkey Beach, Bat Island, and Sunny Island
Opening Hours: 9 am to 6 pm
Tickets: Starts from INR 999
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2. Water Sports – For Thrill, Fun, And Excitement
Image Credit: Amgues for Pixabay
Goa is not only about scenic beaches, shopping, seafood, and nightlife but also about adventure water activities. One of the best things to do in Goa, particularly for thrill-loving souls is none other than trying the different water sports here. From water skiing, parasailing, diving, kite surfing, jet skiing to water scooter ride, flyboarding, paddle boarding, surfboarding, and sport fishing; Goa offers everything. If you have a daring heart and wish to experience some real thrill and fun; Goa is the perfect choice for you! Water sports are one of the must do things in Goa for thrill-seekers.
Location: Dona Paula, Baga, Calangute, Anjuna, Candolim, Grand Island, Bogmalo, Vagator, Colva and Palolem beaches.
Opening Hours: Varies with the sport
Tickets: Varies with the sport
3. Beach Hopping – The Best Way To Explore Beaches
Goa is all about beaches and the best way to enjoy the beauty is by exploring them. There are touristy and crowded beaches like Calangute, Baga, Anjuna where one can enjoy water sports, go for tattoo making or relish sumptuous food at beach shacks whereas there are serene and less explored beaches like Bogmalo, Cavolim, Colva and Palolem which are known for overwhelming quietude and scenic beauty. Go beach hopping to cover them all! It is without a doubt one of the best things to do in North Goa to enjoy the surreal beaches here.
Location: Bogmalo, Cavolim, Colva and Palolem
Opening Hours: NA
Tickets: None
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4. Shopping – Visit Arpora Night Market
Don’t leave Goa without visiting this riveting place and if you happen to be here don’t go back with empty bags. A trip to the Saturday night market at Arpora is one of the most sought-after activities in Goa at night with family and friends. The night market area is divided into three zones; the lower field has local products from all over the country, the middle part has the center stage whereas the upper zone comprises of designer shops and boutiques. One can pick local handicrafts, dresses, accessories, trinkets, shoes, local food, and raw ingredients. There are numerous food stalls as well to satiate the food lovers. Eat, shop and be merry as this is the Goa Mantra!
Location: Aguada Siolim Road, The Haystack, Arpora Goa
Opening Hours: Every Saturday from 6 pm to 2 am
Tickets: None
5. Seafood Tour – Drool, Taste, and Relish
Been to Goa and haven’t tried seafood? It’s sinful and not acceptable at all. Along with sightseeing, shopping, and water sports; Goa is about great food and the wide range of seafood available here will leave you with an instant foodgasm. If you are a foodie, trying Goan specialties is surely one of the best things to do in Goa. Drool and savor the taste of grilled kingfish, pomfret recheado, Batter-Fried Calamari, Tonnak, tisryo, Rawa fried mussels or crab masala and pamper your taste buds to a great extent.
Location: Some places to try are – Copperleaf, Suwadik, Sam’s Goan beach Shack, Pousada by the Beach, Zeebop.
Opening Hours: NA
Tickets: NA
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6. Basilica of Bom Jesus – Relive History And Heritage
One of the interesting things to do in Goa is exploring the Old goa town particularly Basilica of Bom Jesus. It is the oldest church in Goa and holds mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier. This is a must-see Goa attraction and allures tourists from different parts of the World. Built in the year 1594, Basilica of Bom Jesus reflects the rich history of Christianity in India. Check out St. Francis Xavier. Fresco paintings, the image of the Holy Trinity and image of St. Ignatius Loyola, protecting infant Jesus kept inside the church. Visiting the church is one of the best free things to do in Goa.
Location: Old Goa Road, Bainguinim, Goa
Opening Hours: 8 am to 9 pm
Tickets: Free
7. Grand Island – Rekindle The Romance
Goa is a honeymooners’ paradise and there are a lot of things to do in North Goa for couples to intensify their romance quotient. One of these things is an invigorating trip to Grand Island. Reached by a mere 20-40 minutes ferry ride; this scenic island has a few activities to offer. If you love to spend some cozy time together, take a walk through the spice plantations or if you are fond of adventure, enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling with your beloved here.
Location: Sautavaddo, Calangute, Goa
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
Tickets: None
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8. Dolphin Watching – For An Offbeat Experience
Image Credit: Michelle Maria for Pixabay
Go on a boat tour to spot dolphins and enjoy doing one of the most offbeat things to do in North Goa. 20-seater ferries leave from Sinquerim beach which takes people into the sea where they can spot dolphins. It is such fun to spot Indo pacific Humpback dolphins and finless porpoises and one can also spot crocodiles here. This 45 minutes to 1-hour boat ride is super thrilling and will create memories for a lifetime.
Location: Sinquerim, Aguada Fort Area, Candolim, Goa
Opening Hours: 8 am to 6 pm
Tickets: INR 250/ person
9. Casino – Try Your Luck
Image Credit: Graemeevans for Pixabay
Ships anchored on the Mandovi River houses vibrant casinos that welcome tourists and locals with open arms. Popular ones like Big Daddy Casino, Deltin Royale, Deltin Caravela, Casino Pride, Casino Palms, and Crown Casino are open round the clock and host games like 3-card Poker, Roulette, Baccarat, mini flush, and blackjack. Winning here is a pure delight and one of the most riveting things to do in Goa for bachelors. Apart from the gaming zones, there are swanky bars, discotheques, plush restaurants, massage centers to cater to everyone’s requirements.
Location: Mandovi River
Opening Hours: Round the clock.
Tickets: Ticket prices vary at different places, ranging from INR 1500- 5000/person.
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10. Dinner Cruise – For A Cruise Experience
Vacaying in Goa and not cruising makes the holiday incomplete. There are so many options like backwater cruise, sunset cruise, and casino cruise but dinner cruise on Mandovi River is both exhilarating and swanky. The cruise starts from the Jetty at the Santa Monica and takes one through the river. One can enjoy the beauty of Goa after sunset, glittering beaches, and shacks. Before the lavish dinner is served, one can tap their feet to Goan music and folk dances like Dekhni and Fugdi are performed by local artists on the ship. This is surely another one from the list of things to do in South Goa at night which is enjoyed by people of all age groups.
Location: Santa Monica Jetty
Opening Hours: 8:30 pm onwards. It generally takes about two hours.
Tickets: INR 1000/person.
11. White Water Rafting – A Favourite With Adventure Junkies
Surely one of the offbeat things to do in Goa is White Water Rafting on the Mhadei River. The 6 km stretch of the river, ideal for rafting has rapids ranging from moderate to difficult categories. Comprising of whirlpools, low waves, narrow passages, and rocky outcrops; 2-hours long white water rafting on Mhadei seems to be highly exciting, thrilling, and fun for novices as well as experts. Unlike every other water sport, white water rafting is best done from June to September and this is one of the few things to do in Goa in monsoon.
Location: Valpoi, Goa
Opening Hours: NA
Tickets: Starts at INR 1700
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12. Spice Plantation Tour – An Aromatic Experience
One of the lesser popular activities to do in Goa is the spice plantation tour. There are few spice gardens in Goa that offer guided walks through spice plantations. Spice plants and fruit trees like cloves, nutmeg, cumin, curry, cinnamon, pepper, vanilla, coriander, turmeric, banana, coconut, pineapple, mango, pomelo, jackfruit, bimble, guava, papaya, cashews, citrus can be seen and taking a walk through this aromatic spice estates is immeasurably hypnotic and enchanting.
Location: H.No. A-14 , Arla Bazar Keri, Ponda, Kerim, Goa 403401
Opening Hours: 10 am to 4 pm
Tickets: INR 400
13. Hot Air Ballooning – Enjoy The Stunning View
Not everyone knows; about hot air ballooning in Goa. This is one of the most fascinating things to do in Goa for bachelors, families with kids and couples. It starts early in the morning in Assolda where everyone rides the beautifully hand-crafted huge balloon lit by the fire below. Enjoy the jaw-dropping view of Goa while the balloon rises to 900 feet. It is not only one of the amazing things to do in Goa but also one of the most thrilling ones.
Location: Assolda Ground
Opening Hours: 6:30 am to 8 am
Tickets: INR 9350/person
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14. Kayaking – Kayak Through The Mangroves
Kayaking is another water sport, usually done through the mangroves, bays, and backwaters. One can enjoy this soothing activity with their beloved, paddling for a couple of hours. Rekindle your romance while enjoying this fun water sport but don’t forget to wear your life jackets! It is one of the fun things to do in South Goa.
Location: Palolem Beach and Dona Paola
Opening Hours: 9 am to 3 pm
Tickets: INR 500/hour
15. Menezes Braganca House – See A Vintage Portuguese Household
If you are looking for something more than beaches, shacks, seafood, and parties; take out some time to visit the vintage Menezes Braganca House, an ancient Portuguese household in Chandor. With the 15th, 16th, and 17th generations currently residing here; this beautiful place houses all kinds of classical furniture and other utility staff used across all generations. A must-visit for all; this is one of the best picks from the list of offbeat things to do in Goa.
Location: Guddi – Chandor Rd, Culsabhatt, Chandor, Goa
Opening Hours: 9 am to 5:30 pm
Tickets: INR 50/person
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16. Butterfly Conservatory – Pay A Visit
Image Credit -Ashlin for Wikimedia
If you are looking for the most happy things to do in Goa, make a visit to Butterfly Conservatory. You can watch the beautiful butterfly on display and even feed them juicy fruits. Located just 3 kms from Tropical Spice Farm, the conservatory has almost 133 different species of butterflies and is founded by a couple who are nature lovers.
Location: Ponda, Pisgal, Priol, Goa 403401
Opening Hours: 9 am to 4 pm
Tickets: INR 150/person
17. Dudhsagar Falls – Take A Trek
Image Credit – Lizloy for Wikimedia
Taking a trek to the gorgeous Dudhsagar Falls is one of the best offbeat things to do in Goa. The fall is one of the tallest in India dand is aptly named because of the milky white colour of its water. Infact, visiting this fall on your trip to Goa is one of the must-do things to do.
Location: Sonaulim, Goa 403410
Opening Hours: NA
Tickets: NA
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18. Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary – Witness Endangered Animals
Image Credit – Ajith for Wikipedia
Home to many endangered animals, Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary is a gorgeous place to visit. The place has different kinds of wildlife and birds as well. It is truly a birdwatcher’s paradise with over 255 species of birds living here and a large variety of flora of different species. If you are a nature lover, this visiting this sanctuary is one of the best things to do in Goa.
Location: Valpoi, Goa 403505
Opening Hours: 8 am to 5.30 pm
Tickets: NA
19. Goan State Museum – Learn About Goan History
Image Credit – Aaron for Wikimedia
Visiting Goan State Museum is one of the best things to do in Goa not only for history buffs but also for anyone who wants a deep insight about the history of this place. The museum is well maintained and has an amazing collection of statues, precious coins, religious and scared texts and a lot more.
Location: Adil Shah Palace, Avenida Dom João de Castro, Patto Colony, Panaji, Goa 403521
Opening Hours: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Tickets: None
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20. Chapora Fort – Explore History
Image Credit – Prayash for Wikimedia
Famous for history buffs and photo fanatics, visiting this historic fort is yet another famous things to do in Goa. It is a favorite evening hangout spot for people to chill and watch out the gorgeous sunset sky. The basic structure of the fort is really beautiful. You can also visit the surrounding areas if you have time in hand and are in a mood of trekking.
Location: Chapora, Goa 403519
Opening Hours: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Tickets: None
21. Chorao Island – Head On A Cycling Tour
Cycling is a less-experienced activity in Goa that you can add to your travel itinerary. You can tour around Chorao Island on a cycle while admiring the majestic greenery and a scenic landscape along with soaking in the sea breeze. The tour offers a wonderful view of Portuguese churches, colonial villas, and other intriguing elements of the island. Start off the 3-4 hour tour early in the morning around 7:00 pm and witness the best of the place.
Location: Mandovi River, North Goa.
Opening Hours: NA
Tickets: 7:00 am to 11:00 pm
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22. Chapora River – Enjoy A Soulful HouseboatTrip
A houseboat trip is among the most exciting activities to do in Goa that allows you to witness the attractions from a different view. You can opt for a houseboat tour over the Chapora River and enjoy cruising over the serene waters for around 5 hours. While enjoying a houseboat tour, you can spot an array of colorful birds and also soak the stunning sunset views. Besides this, don’t forget to gorge upon traditional Malvani cuisine offered on-board.
Location: Chapora River, North Goa.
Opening Hours: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm approximately
Tickets: INR 1500 onwards
23. Clubbing – Explore The Clubs Of North & South Goa
The famous party scene of Goa is worth the hype backed by the over-the-top clubs, pubs, and bars. If you are looking for fun things to do in Goa, attending a night party is a must-add to your itinerary. Although North Goa is a hub for such party places, South Goa also features a good no. of glitzy stops. SinQ, Cape Town Cafe, Katzensuppe, Cohiba, Mambos, Chronicle, Teso Waterfront, UV Bar, Cafe Lilliput, Club Cubana, Liquid Sky Lounge, etc. are a few options where you can witness the best of Goa nightlife.
Location: Depends on the club.
Opening Hours: Usually 1:00 pm to 2:00 am
Tickets: Depends on the club
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24. Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary – For Bird Watching Experiences
Image Credit: Shyamal for Wikimedia
Located on Chorao Island, along the River Mandovi Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is Goa’s only bird sanctuary. The island enjoys the surroundings of mangrove swamps that makes a heavenly abode for birds of several kinds. You can witness a wide range of local as well as migratory birds including Lesser Whistling Duck, White-bellied Sea Eagle, White-throated Kingfisher, Woolly-necked Stork, Little Green Bee-eater, Long-tailed Shrike, Marsh Sandpiper, Oriental Darter, Besra, Black Kite, Red-whiskered Bulbul, Rose-coloured Starling, and many more.
Location: GV7C+657, Chorao Island, Ilhas, Ribandar, Goa 403006.
Opening Hours: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm
Tickets: INR 10
Best Time To Visit Goa
Being a tourist hotspot, Goa can be visited at any time of the year, but the best time to visit Goa is from mid-November through mid-February. The average temperature during this time is 20°C to 28°C.
March-May: As the temperature soars to the highest degree at this time of the year, and the weather is quite high and humid, people often avoid visiting Goa during the months of March to May. However, as the prices of accommodation are quite low, one can consider this period for a budget tour.
June-September: These months call for the monsoon season. Moreover, as during this time of the year, Goa hosts a bevy of parties and festivals, it can be a good time to visit here, and indulge in its vibrant and lively environs. In addition to that, June to September is also a good time to experience lush greenery, and avail a great number of discounts on accommodations for a memorable experience.
October-February: With the beginning of the month of October is the best time of the year to visit Goa. Courtesy to the comfortable and pleasantly cool weather, this is one of the most preferred times to laze along the sandy beaches and enjoy sunbathing. Though, as it is the peak season of tourism in Goa, the prices of accommodation are quite high.
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This was the list of some interesting things to do in Goa. There are some popular activities, some offbeat ones; some that are adventurous and some that are quite soothing. Plan a full-fledged trip to Goa with TravelTriangle and customize your holiday by picking your favorite choices from the list.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Things To Do In Goa
What is the best time to visit Goa?
The best time to visit Goa is in between November and March. During this period, the weather in Goa is cool and soothing, with clear skies and cool sea breeze.
Which is the best beach to enjoy water sports in Goa?
The best beaches to enjoy water sports in Goa are: 1. Calangute 2. Baga 3. Anjuna 4. Colva 5. Sinquerim
How many days are enough for Goa?
At least 3 to 4 days are required to enjoy a full-fledged vacation in Goa.
What are the activities that can be done in the monsoon in Goa?
White water river rafting, sightseeing, spice plantation tour, and river cruises are some of the best activities that can be done in monsoon in Goa.
What to do in Goa in the morning?
There are plenty of things to do in Goa during the morning like indulging in water sports, go for a trek, go for scuba diving, and visit the waterfalls.
What are the best things to do in Goa for couples?
The top things to do in Goa for couples are - 1. Hot air balloon ride 2. Mandovi River cruise 3. Visit Butterfly Conservatory
What are the must things to do in Goa for family?
Some of the famous things to do in Goa for family are - 1. Visit Fort Chapora 2. Take a dip at gorgeous Dudhsagar Falls 3. Head out on an adventurous trek
Which are the offbeat things to do in Goa?
Visiting Butterfly Observatory and trek to Dudhsagar Falls constitutes some of the best offbeat things to do in Goa.
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