Fun Things to Do in Goa on vacation in 2023

An enthralling beach destination, a paradise for gamblers, one-stop for adventure enthusiasts, ultimate capital for parties, Goa Tourist Spot all this and more. The land of ‘Sun, Sand and the Sea’ remains thronged with tourists all around the year for its happening nightlife, energetic ambiance and lively crowd. Here, with this list of top things to do in Goa, we hope you make the most of your trip to this beautiful beach destination in India.

Popular Adventure Sports Activities in Goa

1. Scuba Diving

Scuba Diving at Grande Island offers an enthralling opportunity to experience the underwater world differently. Trying your hands on this popular activity is one of the best things to do in Goa. Wonderful moments spent while cherishing the marine life will be remembered by you for long.

Best places for Scuba Diving: Grande Island, Agatti Island, Devagh Island, Pigeon Island, Netrani Islands

Best Time to go: October to April

2. Snorkeling

A well-known adventure activity in Goa that brings scores of tourists is Snorkeling. Witness the exotic marine species and delight in the best sights underwater. Feast your eyes on the distinctive corals and marvel at the beauty of the natural wonders. Fun quotient raises when the activity is enjoyed with friends and family.

Best places for Snorkeling: Grande Island, Monkey beach, Bat Island and Bogmalo beach

Best time to go: October to March

3. Hot Air Ballooning

How about enjoying the bird’s eye view of the ‘Party Capital of India’? Slowly emerging as a preferred adventure activity in Goa, the hot air balloon ride should not be skipped at any cost. The magical ride takes you away from the scintillating beaches and shows you a different side of the state.

Best places for Hot Air Ballon Ride: Football Ground, Assolda South Goa

Best time to go: October to March

4. Trekking

How can trekking be left behind while talking about the best things to do in Goa? Enjoy the best sights and sounds while trekking up to your desired destination. The Todo Waterfall in Goa is an ideal place to show your love for this arduous activity. Amusing trails hold a number of surprises especially for you at every turn.

Best places for trekking: Trek To Dudhsagar Waterfalls

Best time to go: July – September and October – December

5. Rafting

Pacify your adrenaline rush by partaking in Rafting in Goa. Be daring, embark on your raft, sway your paddle, meet the challenges thrown at you by the gushing water and conquer the rapids. Besides the memorable moments, the popular watersports in Goa will give you the courage to deal with the risks bravely.

Best places for Rafting: Valpoi Village, Goa

Best time to go: July till September

6. Quad Biking

Quad Biking is for all the thrill-seekers out there. There is nothing better than riding the ATV with your partner to make the most out of your holidays in Goa. ATV rides on the never-ending shorelines offer fun-filled moments that you won’t mind bragging about. Make your way on any kind of surfaces be it muddy, smooth or rough.

Best places for Quad Biking: Mandrem beach

7. Cycling

Get on the wheels and start wandering in the streets of Goa. Pedal across vibrant streets, old churches, sparkling beaches, colorful villas, etc. Cycling in Goa can be fun when it is clubbed with stopping at a famous eatery and savoring the local cuisine. The winding roads, pathways and narrow lanes await your arrival.

Heritage – Cycling Tours

• Vintage Goa Tour
• Riverside Panjim
• Museum Hop Tour

Best places for Cycling: North Goa and South Goa

8. Enjoy Backwater Kayaking

Many of you won’t have heard of Backwater Kayaking in Goa. But, the adventure activity has already gathered many praises from the visitors who have tried this. Glide through the jungles, sail over the river and listen to the rhythmic music of nature. Further, spot some of the rare species of flora and fauna. Backwater Kayaking is a must-try if you’re seeking adventure amidst tranquility altogether.

Best places for Kayaking: North Goa

9. Jet Ski Ride

Take back a heart-racing experience with a Jet Ski ride at the beaches of Goa. Let the strong waves of the ocean splash across your face as your scooter moves through the sparkling waters. Jet Ski is a must for those who are ready to take one of the most thrilling water sports. Experienced operators are there to assist while you enjoy Jet Ski. Once the operators are satisfied with your riding skills, they allow you to take a solo ride.

Approx Cost Per Person: Rs. 400 to 800

Best places for Jet Ski Ride: Baga Beach, Candolim, Calangute, Anjuna Beach, Colva Beach, Miramar Beach and Benaulim Beach

Best time to go: October to March

10. Banana Ride

If you are an adventure person, you can’t miss enjoying a Banana ride in Goa. So, you are sitting on your banana boat attached to another boat that pulls you inside water. Moving through those waves of water, you are made to jump in the water with your life-jacket. That adrenaline rush is something you are going to remember forever.

Approx Cost Per Person: Rs. 200 per person approx.

Best places for Banana ride: Baga beach, Calangute, Anjuna beach, Agonda, Candolim, Palolem, Miramar & Vagator

Best time to go: October to March

11. Parasailing

Enjoy a bird’s eye view of the Goan coastline while a 300 feet rope attached to a speedboat takes you up in the sky. Up in the air with your colorful parachute, let the strong breeze caress your face and treat your eyes with those beautiful sights.

Approx Cost Per Person: Rs. 800 to 1200

Best places for Parasailing: Anjuna, Calangute, Colva, Dona Paula, Majorda, Bogmalo, Candolim and Vagator

Best time to go: October to March

[Explore Parasailing in Goa]

12. Dolphins Ride

Goa is well-known for its dolphin spotting trips. Varca Beach, located in South Goa is popular for dolphin rides. A number of boat trips are organized for the same. So, you not only enjoy spotting the dolphins but also experience a great boat trip in the morning.

Cost Per Person: Rs. 200 per person approx

Best places for Parasailing: Sinquerim

Also Read: 

20 Adventure Activities in Goa

Goa Fishing Adventures:

13. Fishing

What would be better than enjoying fishing by the shining river while the sun brightly shines up in the sky? Fishing is a popular things to do in Goa and all you need to do is, hire some fishing gear and step out. The easiest catches include grouper, wahoo, tuna, and barramundi. We promise you will come again and again after taking back this memorable experience.

Capture your Romantic Moments in Goa:

14. Romantic moments in Goa

Capture your candid moments with stunning backdrops in Goa. The trend of the pre-wedding photoshoot is up on the charts. If wedding bells are ringing in your life and you’re also looking for a perfect destination to be clicked at, then why not Goa? There are beaches, waterfalls, forts, islands and what not to make your photoshoot ethereal.

[Suggested Read: Best Romantic Places in Goa for Couples]

Best Beaches to visit in North Goa:

15. Calangute Beach

One of the largest beaches in North Goa, Calangute Beach is set amid the beautiful Candolim and Baga Beach. This beautiful beach is more like a family destination where the entire family can spend some time together in a lively ambiance. Calangute Beach offers the best water sport activities and accommodation facilities, which is why it is one of the most visited beaches in Goa.

16. Baga Beach

A must pick on Goa’s itinerary is Baga Beach. Happening, colorful and entertaining is what defines this beach. This one beautiful beach features a liveliness factor all day and night. It makes you enjoy water sports during the day and dance to the beats all night. The colorful flea market just by the side adds to your experience at Baga. The list of eateries and bars is endless, we bet it would be too hard to try just one.

17. Anjuna Beach

One of the most popular beaches in Goa, Anjuna Beach is lined up with a number of bars and eateries. This beach is not only well-known for its beauty but also for its flea market. Every Wednesday, the Anjuna flea market allures both the locals and tourists. There is much to shop from this popular market, right from jewelry to clothes and food. Anjuna Beach also hosts some of the most happening parties of Goa.

18. Vagator Beach

Beautiful and serene, Vagator Beach is a great destination for enjoying a picnic with friends and family. Vagator Beach is a great pick if you wish to spend some time in tranquility, away from the crowded beaches of Goa. The star attraction of the beach is the Disco Valley, which is known for trance parties since the 1980s. The disco valley is known to house a number of open-air clubs.

[Must Read: Enchanting Beaches in North Goa for your Vacation]

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19. Sinquerim Beach

This captivating beach offers a peaceful atmosphere and crystal clear water view to all the tourists. Ideal for swimming, Sinquerim Beach is a must pick on your beach holiday in Goa. Sinquerim Beach is dotted with a number of restaurants and bars where you can enjoy some delicious seafood with your favorite drinks.

Best Beaches to visit in South Goa

20. Majorda Beach

A beautiful beach adding to the charm of South Goa, Majorda Beach is calm, relaxed and less crowded. Offering spectacular views of the sunset, Majorda Beach is an alluring beach popular for its water sports, shacks and resorts. Majorda Beach is a paradise for photographers as it offers an opportunity to capture some really enthralling sights.

21. Colva Beach

One of the most popular and happening beaches in South Goa, Colva beach is known for its unusual beauty and serenity. Colva Beach is a great place if you wish to spend some time amid natural beauty and tranquility. The beach is well-known for its nightlife and market. Dotted with shacks and restaurants, Colva is a great option for a picnic with the family.

22. Candolim Beach

While you enjoyed the liveliness at other beaches of Goa, Candolim Beach makes you lay back and enjoy the peaceful side of Goa. It is a great beach for trying out some adventurous water sports. Enjoy food and drinks from the beach shacks near the beach. It is a great place to enjoy the sunset.

[Also Read: 11 Secret Beaches of Goa]

23. Dona Paula Beach

One of the most popular beaches in Panjim, Dona Paula Beach is a tranquil beach, fringed by palm trees. The beach is known for housing some important buildings of Goa including the National Institute of Oceanography, International Centre Goa and Goa University. The pristine beauty of the beach leaves every visitor mesmerized.

24. Miramar Beach

Golden sand, palm trees and soothing breeze of Miramar Beach allures tourists from all over the country and the world. Offering a great view of Fort Aguada, Miramar Beach features immense tranquility which is perfect for a long stroll. Don’t forget to munch some delicious food from the eateries around the beach.

[Suggested Read: 26 Best Beaches to Visit in Goa]

Popular church and fort to visit in Goa

25. Basilica of Bom Jesus (Old Goa)

One of the most revered churches in the world, Basilica of Bom Jesus is a beautiful church dedicated to Infant Jesus. Declared as a World Heritage Monument by UNESCO, Basilica of Bom Jesus is best known for its architectural style. The church has been designed on the lines of Gesu, which is an example of Jesuit architecture. White marble floors and beautifully designed frescoes of the church add to its charm. The front wall of the church features the letters ‘HIS’, which are the first three letters of Jesus in Greek. Basilica of Bom Jesus is believed to be one of the oldest churches in India. Basilica of Bom Jesus is best known for having the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier, who is considered the patron saint of Goa.

26. Se. Cathedral (Old Goa)

One of the largest churches in Asia, Se Cathedral was built back in the 16th century. This very celebrated structure of Goa was built to commemorate the victory of the Portuguese under Afonso de Albuquerque over a Muslim army. Today, Se Cathedral is one of the most prominent churches in India. The church is best known for its beautiful architecture. It features a ‘Golden Bell’ in its tower, which is considered the best in the world. The church remains open all days from 07:30 am to 06:00 pm.

27. Fort Aguada

Built back during 1609-12 AD, Fort Aguada is one of the most well-preserved Portuguese monuments in Goa. The fort was built to prevent the attacks on Old Goa by the Dutch and Marathas. Today, the fort is a major tourist attraction of Goa. The views from this fort are immensely beautiful. Fort Aguada Light House adds to the beauty and charm of the fort. The lighthouse was built in the year 1864 and is one of the oldest lighthouses in Asia. Do visit the lighthouse and enjoy the panoramic views of the beautiful beaches.

Ayurvedic Massage in Goa:

28. Massage

After partying all day and night at the happening beaches of Goa, it is time to pamper yourself. Goa has a number of massage centers where you can go and take head massage, back massage or full body massage. Relax and rejuvenate in the soothing ambiance of these centers and forget every stress of the world.

Approx Cost Per Person: Starting from Rs. 100

[Explore Ayurveda in Goa]

Romantic Candlelight Dinner in Goa on Beach:

29. Candle Dinner on the Beach

Make your loved feel more special with a candlelight dinner in Goa. Plan it near the beachside or on a cruise and color them with your shades of love. Spend some quality time with your partner in a secluded corner of Goa. Away from those happening and crowded beaches of Goa, enjoy some great Goa food under a starry sky in a soothing ambiance. Gather some beautiful memories with your partner.

Approx Cost per Person: starting from Rs. 500

30. Casino in Panjim

Goa is a paradise for gamblers. Yes! Goa is not only about parties. There are a number of casinos in Goa, the most popular ones are located in Panjim. The casinos of Goa offer games like poker machines, gaming machines, table games, American Roulette, Black Jack, Rummy, Baccarat, Stud Poker, Pontoon, and Flash. Some famous casinos of Goa are Deltin Royale, Casino Pride, and Casino Carnival.

Eat and Drink Option in Goa

Whether you wish to treat your taste buds with the famous seafood of Goa or munch on other cuisines of India, Goa has a restaurant to satisfy your hunger. From those classy cafes to local food joints, the city has every option for you. All you need to do is select your favorite and head out to enjoy a meal.

31. Seafood

We all know that Goa is popular for its seafood. The most popular dish coming from this cuisine is fish curry and rice. Apart from this classic dish, there is a wide variety to try from the Goan cuisine. Some popular items from Goa’s seafood are pomfret, dormer, shark, tuna, mackerel, crabs, prawns, tiger, and lobster.

Drinks

Undoubtedly, Feni is the most popular drink in Goa. This local liquor of Goa is prepared using natural products like cashews and coconut milk. Other than feni, Kingfisher and Kings are the two local favorites of Goa. Hard liquors are also easily available at cheap rates in the city.

[Plan your trip to Goa with our tastefully crafted Goa tour packages]

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Geetika Handa

Geetika Handa is a travel writer who has an interest in sharing her experiences with all. She provides a detailed account of any travel topic she chooses to write on. You can get detailed information and tips about choosing the right kind of holiday packages in the country from her write-ups.