Water's ri-i-i-ght! :)

Summer retreats - Water sports in Goa
April 13th, 2010

Parasailing in Goa, is an exciting water sport option. As you soar in the air and let the cool air to gently touch your face, the excitement really kicks in. In Goa you can parasail in two ways - winch-boat parasailing and beach parasailing. Winch-boat parasailing is usually done alone and it takes you high in the air. In winch-parasailing you have to take off and land on the winch boat. On the other hand in beach parasailing you have to launch and land from the beach itself. While landing the beach parasailing requires good coordination and expertise on the part of operator and the ground staff.


This article is part 2 of a series on adventure holidaying in India and the costs involved in them.

Water sports

Goa is a paradise for water sports lovers. The long coastal area offers wonderful opportunities to indulge in all sorts of water-sport activities and the coast has always appealed beach lovers and sports lovers to try on some new watery excitement. Surf the seas or float across the skies, the options of sport enjoyment are never ending in Goa.

Surfing in Goa

Beaches such as Calangute, Colva, Pololem, Vagator, Baga, Dona Paula, Miramar and Bogmolo are considered idyllic spots for surfing under the brilliant sun. Blue and tranquil, these beach destinations have come as the ultimate choice in aqua sports fun.

Dona Paula bay is the ideal site to start of wind surfing, especially if you are new to this sport. The light and steady morning breeze works just right for learners; while stronger winds that set in during the afternoons offer a perfect challenge for the more experienced surfers.

Sailing in Goa

Sailing is another pleasant experience that any sport lover as well as beach lover would love to try out. It’s the best recreational and relaxation activity for your beach vacation in Goa. Dinghies are available for hire at the various beach resorts and hotels in Goa and can accommodate about three to four people comfortably.

Water skiing in Goa

Take up a speedboat and venture into the sea for a thrilling skiing experience. These boats can carry between six to eight people, are available at the various beach resorts, water sports clubs and hotels in Goa and one can also opt them for sightseeing on the coastal areas of Goa. In Goa you can take up water ski sport at Calangute, Arossim, Candolim, Utorda and Mobor and Rajbaga.

Scuba diving in Goa

To check out the mysterious marine life of Goa, there are plenty of diving options available in Goa. Most of the diving activities take place around the Grande Island and the most common sites include Suzy’s Wreck, Davy Jones Locker, Sail Rock, Turbo Tunnel, Surge City, Mormugao Harbour, Uma Guma Reef and Bounty Bay.

A four-hour high-speed boat ride takes you the world-class dive site of Angria Bank, 120 miles away from Goa. This island offers an amazing wealth of coral and fishes to the divers. Pigeon Island is another dive site near Goa that has interesting marine life as well as good visibility. Some interesting shallow dive sites are available in the waters between Vengurla and Malvan, and it is just a 2 hour journey from Panaji.

Parasailing

Parasailing in Goa, is an exciting water sport option. As you soar in the air and let the cool air to gently touch your face, the excitement really kicks in. In Goa you can parasail in two ways - winch-boat parasailing and beach parasailing. Winch-boat parasailing is usually done alone and it takes you high in the air. In winch-parasailing you have to take off and land on the winch boat. On the other hand in beach parasailing you have to launch and land from the beach itself. While landing the beach parasailing requires good coordination and expertise on the part of operator and the ground staff.

How to Reach:

Goa can be reached by its lone airport (Dabolim), by train, and by the many buses connecting the state with cities in India (primarily Mumbai, Mangalore and Bangalore). If you are travelling from Mumbai or Pune, car travel would provide you a journey through the breathtaking scenery of Konkan area. Travel from Mangalore to Goa is through Konkan rail and you can see its breath taking scenery and Doodh Sagar Lake.

Distance from Goa to various cities:

Mangalore (305 km)

Bangalore (592 km)

Delhi (1912 km)

Hyderabad (747 km)

Mumbai (593 km)

Mysore (643 km)

Pune (450 km)

Costs for Water Sports at Goa

Goa is one of the more expensive states in India to stay in. During the peak season, which lasts from November to late March, the prices are very high. Especially in December, 5 star hotel rates range from around Rs.20,000 to Rs.35,000 per night whereas in non-peak season it ranges from Rs.3,000/- to Rs.6,000/-. An economic hotel will range from Rs 550/- to Rs1,000/- per night. All tourist spots charge more in the peak season.

To reach Goa by train it will cost you around Rs300/- from Mumbai, Rs 275/- from Banglore, Rs 350/- from Chennai and Rs 530/- from Delhi.

In Goa geared and un-geared motorbikes and scooters can be borrowed on rent. Those planning to stay long can consider buying them too. Rentals are around Rs. 150/- to Rs.450/- (+ about Rs.100/- for fuel based on your usage) a day on a scooter and a little more if one is looking for a geared motorcycle.

Always ask for a discount if renting long-term (one month or more). Ensure that you have all the ownership documents of the bike. Also, avoid taking motorbikes with yellow plates out of Goa - it is a punishable offense.

Fares are reasonable in bus and it is a great way to travel and see the country and is inexpensive. Rs.10 to Rs.15/- often get you a 30-40km ride.

There are many car rental companies available that give Mahindra, Maruti Gypsy etc. for rent. Some of these jeeps are open roof. Expect to pay around Rs.700/- to Rs. 800/- a day.

The White Water River Rafting for a half day (which includes 11-15km) may cost around Rs 500-700 per person and a full day (which includes 17-22km) may cost around Rs 800-1000 per person (excluding the food).

Water Skiing Rates: Rs.400-1,200, it varies with the length of ride and operator.

Scuba-Diving Rates: 2,500 per diver for Grande Island, including two guided dives, full equipment and snacks.

Parasailing Rates: A ride of 3 to 5 minutes cost between Rs.500 to Rs. 1,250.

Windsurfing Rates: Rs. 300-600 for an hour, the rates depend of your operator.

Sailing Rates: Rs. 600-1,500 for an hour.

So if you are a water sports lover then just pack your bags and enjoy the water sports and the water diving locations in Goa with the various options available for you.