Backwater Kayaking Goa: A Comprehensive Guide About This Exciting Activity

Backwater kayaking Goa offers tourists the perfect opportunity to explore the diverse variety of flora and fauna, including fish, reptiles, birds, and otters, which are less likely to be seen while on land. Tourists kayaking in Goa can enjoy moving through the mangrove forests situated in most of the region’s backwaters, which are crucial in maintaining the coastal biodiversity. Additionally, tourists can paddle through the local villages to get a glimpse of the unique local culture, traditional beauty, and vibrant lifestyle.

5 Places For Backwater Kayaking Goa

Here is a list of the 5 destinations for backwater kayaking in Goa that ensures you a surreal experience.

1. Chapora River

Photo: Alexey Komarov / Wikimedia Commons

Chapora River is one of the ideal destinations for tourists to enjoy backwater kayaking in Goa. It offers opportunities for tourists to paddle through the amazing mangrove forests and enjoy a peaceful experience, as there is always minimal boat traffic in the Chapora River. While kayaking on the Chapora River, tourists can get an opportunity to learn about the local way of life as the tour is often done through small Goan villages. Additionally, tourists can enjoy views of the Chapora Fort and surrounding hills, adding an amazing visual appeal to the experience.

Things To Do: Exploring the mangrove forests, wildlife spotting, visiting the riverside villages
Timings: 7 AM – 8 AM & 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Fee/Person: ₹600 – ₹1,200

2. Sal Backwaters

Photo: Nihal Wadkar / Wikimedia Commons

Sal Backwaters is one of the best destinations for kayaking in Goa, offering beautiful views of the blooming red and white lotus flowers and creating a visually appealing experience for tourists. It is an ideal destination for tourists to enjoy birdwatching with the various bird species, including migratory birds, which can be found in the area. Sal Backwaters offers calm waters, which are perfect for beginner kayakers, creating a relaxing paddling experience for tourists. Moreover, tourists can enjoy sunset views that reflect over the backwaters, creating a unique and memorable experience.

Things To Do: Exploring local fishing villages, spotting wildlife, taking photographs
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Fee/Person: ₹500 – ₹1,000

3. Mandovi River

Photo: CVV Achary / Wikimedia Commons

Mandovi River is one of the best places for backwater kayaking in Goa, as it offers tourists a chance to spot various wildlife, including reptiles, birds, and sometimes fiery crocodiles. The Mandovi River offers tourists amazing views of the city skyline, hence providing a unique blend of urban flair and natural beauty. The strategic location of the river allows easy access to tourists staying in Goa, as it runs through Panjim, the capital city.

Things To Do: Viewing the sunset
Timings: 7:30 AM – 6 PM
Fee/Person: ₹500

4. Zuari River

Photo: Dinesh Valke / Wikimedia Commons

Zuari River is one of the popular destinations for kayaking in Goa, India, with calm waters, making it ideal for both beginner and experienced kayakers. Tourists paddling through the Zuari River can get opportunities to spot various bird species situated in the vast mangrove forests and crocodiles, making it the perfect destination for nature enthusiasts. Zauri River also offers amazing views of beautiful surrounding landscapes, making it perfect for tourists to take photographs.

Things To Do: Visit riverside fishing villages, visit local temples, and try out the local Goan cuisines.
Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM
Fee/Person: ₹2,500 – ₹3,000 for a 2-hour ride

5. Nerul River

Photo: Nikhilb239 / Wikimedia Commons

Nerul River is one of the best places for backwater kayaking in India, which is close to popular beaches, including Candolim and Calangute, making it an ideal getaway for tourists to have peaceful experiences. Tourists paddling through the Nerul River can enjoy bird watching as the area has a diverse range of bird species, including kingfishers, sea eagles, red-wattled lapwings, and osprey. The calm waters in the river allow beginner kayakers to have a relaxed paddling experience as they view the beautiful surrounding area.

Things To Do: Take photographs, visit riverside villages, try out the Goan cuisines
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
Fee/Person: ₹500 – ₹1,000

Where To Stay

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There are several accommodation options for tourists to stay while kayaking in Goa, ranging from luxury to budget-friendly options. Along the Chapora River, the Siolim village has many boutique hotels and guesthouses which offer affordable prices. For more luxurious options, tourists can consider hotels near Vagator and Morjim beaches. Some of the options near the Sal Backwaters include the Leela Goa and Kenilworth Resort & Spa, which are popular in the area. While kayaking on the Mandovi River, tourists can consider the Goa Marriott Resort & Spa and Vivanta Goa, Panaji.

Where To Eat

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While backwater kayaking in Goa, tourists can explore several dining options, including the beach shacks located at Morjim Beach within the Chapora River area. Around the Sal Backwaters, there are beach shacks along the Mobor beach, which offer fresh seafood and drinks. The Mandovi River also offers options from traditional Goan restaurants to international cuisines, including the Ritz Classic, which has Goan fish thali and Black Sheep Bistro, which offers Goan and international cuisines.

Best Time To Visit

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The best time to visit Goa for kayaking is between October and March when the weather is quite favourable with sunny conditions and moderate temperatures, the rivers have calm waters, and the area generally experiences mild winds, making it perfect for backwater kayaking in India. November to February is also an ideal time for tourists to visit Goa to get a peaceful kayaking experience in some of the popular destinations, such as the Chapora River.

Other Factors To Consider

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Average Cost Of The Trip

The average cost of the trip to Goa for an extensive kayaking experience is approximately ₹3,300 for budget travellers, including kayaking costs, accommodation costs, meals, and transport within Goa. As for mid-range travellers, the average cost, including kayaking prices, accommodation prices, meals, and transport, is approximately ₹7,500.

Tips For Travellers

• Choose the right destination depending on the level of your kayaking experience.
• Ensure you book your kayaking tour in advance to secure a spot.
• Ensure you wear comfortable clothes and carry a hat and sunglasses for protection from the sun.
• Ensure you dispose of waste properly and respect the environment.
• Check the tide chart before kayaking, as it may affect your overall experience.

Backwater kayaking Goa offers tourists the perfect opportunity to spot various animal species, including birds and view the beautiful surrounding landscapes, which are mostly covered by mangrove forests. Tourists kayaking in Goa can get a unique cultural experience as the kayaking trail often passes through riverside villages. Plan your trip today with TripXL and enjoy paddling at some of the scenic calm waters in Goa.

Cover Photo: Brandon McDonald / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Frequently Asked Questions