Adventure Seeking in Goa: 5 Must-Do Activities

ADVENTURE TRIPS IN GOA: 5 MUST-DO ACTIVITIES

Goa is well known for its beautiful, relaxing beaches but if you’re looking for adrenaline and adventure during your holiday, Goa is definitely a place to visit. Off the beaten track, there are plenty of thrill seeking adventure activities on offer across the state. With activities on land, sea and air, there certainly is no shortage of adrenaline-filled adventures for all the family to enjoy. From cultural to energetic experiences on offer, if you’re adventure seeking in Goa, then here are 5 things you must do.

PARASAILING

As one of the top beach destinations in the world and with miles of coastline, the beach plays a large role in most adventures. Topped with perfect weather and cloud-free skies it’s not surprising to hear that many of the thrilling seeking activities gravitate towards the sea. This fun activity is Goa also involves a fast boat ride and an uptake to higher latitude too. Many beached host paragliding but we used our local Calangute beach, there is not a shortage of water sports available here with jet skiing, banana boat rides and doughnut rides there is something for everyone. We decided to take the whole package, the watersport rates are set by the government so ensure you know what you are paying before you agree to a ride or two. We paid INR 800 per activity. After a quick briefing onshore by the parasailing instructors, got geared up with all the safety equipment, we boarded the boat and took a seat in the harness. Off, off and away we went, gliding through the air, I signalled to the instructor to give me a dip in the Arabian Sea, this is a moment I will never forget.

HOT AIR BALLOONING

However, if you don’t fancy getting sand in-between your toes, there are other activities you can enjoy. Imagine soaring through the sky with nothing separating you and the clouds, this weightless magical experience is now available in Goa. The hot air balloon rides depart from Asolna football Ground in Chandor, South Goa. Get there by 6.15am so you can watch the spectacle of the balloon being inflated a highlight in itself. Then we received quick safety briefing from the ground staff. The balloon was launches at 7am for our 1 hour flight. The bird’s eye view of Goa was breathtaking. Such an amazing experience, we spotted tigers, deer, peacocks (our national bird), pigs, birds and a range of other wildlife. Please beware that flights are weather dependent and usually take place between October and May.Although this adventure excursion is a little pricy at around INR 11,000 per person, (discounts apply for kids over 5 years), it is totally worth it. Especially considering what you would pay in other states and worldwide, it is surely more affordable in Goa and the safety precautions are second to none. The balloons themselves are imported and made in the UK so if you can push the boat out, or should I say balloon out then do it in Goa.

BUNGEE JUMPIUNG

If I listen to some of the stories of my ancestors, there were many risk takers. Some looked forward to the annual celebration of Sao Joao, whereby villagers would jump into wells. This is another story for a blog post but this Goan traditional has been taken up a notch by companies such as Jumpin heights in association with Goa Tourism, who arrange daily bungee jumps in Goa. If you would like to take a 55m leap of faith over the stunning Mayem Lake, Bicholim in North Goa, then please contact Jumpin Heights. This adventure sport costs Rs. 4110/- (inclusive of video + GST) and they operate from 09:00 am to 5:00 pm. Other reputative bungy drops sites include Gravity Zone at Anjuna Village (25m drop), Goa Bungee at Anjuna (61m jump), Flysports Adventure Park at Latambarcem and Atlantis Watersports, Calangute (the last two both offer drops of 50,60,or 70 meters). Got guts? Go for the plunge!

EXPLORE THE GOA BACKWATERS BY KAYAK

The Goan coastline is something truly unique but don’t overlook the beautiful backwaters travel along Baga River on a kayak. Put yourself in the driving seat and paddle using a double-bladed oar and a small boat, and be one with nature. A truly liberating experience if you’ve got a couple of hours to spare. There are plenty of routes which take around 1-2 hours and are perfect for beginner or novice kayakers. Remember to go before or after midday when the sun is at its highest and take plenty of water, sunscreen and your own dry bag.

WHITE WATER RAFTING AT VALPOI

Rafting at Mhadei River, Valpoi is one of the most enthralling things to do in Goa during the monsoons. Enjoy a bumpy ride, with the wind blowing through your hair and cold water hitting your face. The peaks and valleys of calm waters and crazy rapids aptly named Big Daddy, Giant Haystacks, Pipeline and even Y Fronts. The rafting sessions run daily from June to September at 9.30am and 2.30pm, they pick you up from The Earthen Pot Restaurant, Valpoi Town and take you in mini vans to the river. A quick but thorough safety briefing by the guides and a quick change of into your safety equipments later and you are on the ride of your life, pure bliss. The 10 km raft packages start at INR 999/- per person for a 60 minute ride. You are not allowed to carry any gadgets with you, but they video the whole experience and you can take home a copy if you wish as a souvenir.