Dive into an action packed adventure holiday in Goa with these awesome daring days out
Here’s my guide to 30 of the best adventure activities in Goa, broken down by region so you can pick your thrill whether you’re in the north, south or the centre of Goa.
Goa is more than golden sandy beaches and sundowner sunsets. Beneath the lazy palm trees and beside the golden sands lies a playground for adventurers. From ocean dives to jungle trails, river rides to mountain treks, Goa offers heart-pumping experiences across every corner of the state.
A Decade of Bike Based Adventures in Goa and Beyond
As a bike based explorer, it was during my RTW bicycle trip that I first came to India. As a committed overland traveller, I prefer the track less travelled.
Over the years, I’ve pedalled many of the back roads of North Goa and you can read my guide to Adventure Cycling in Goa by way of introduction to this water-heavy list of outdoor sports and activities.
Adventure Activities in North Goa
Rock Climbing in Anjuna
Climb high at India’s original climbing gym. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a novice you’ll find a foothold here. From bouldering to rope work, it’s all here in Anjuna, North Goa.
Equilibrium Climbing
Address: Anjuna Rd, behind Splashdown Water park, Bardez, Anjuna, Goa 403509
Phone: +91 080874 90544
Website: https://equilibriumclimbing.com/
Scuba Diving at Grande Island
Explore the clear waters of the island on this awesome one day dive. Small group trips guided by experienced dive master, Anindya Mukherjee.
Goa Aquatics
Address: Little Italy, 136/1 Guaravaddo, Calangute, Goa 403516
Phone: +91 98226 85025
Website: https://goaaquatics.com/
Parasailing at Baga Beach
Get strapped to a chute and fly high above the surf. Parasailing in Baga is classic Goa — colourful, chaotic, and unforgettable.
“The views from the sky over Baga were insane.”
Scuba Diving in Calangute
Dive under the Arabian Sea with local dive schools in Calangute. Coral gardens, shoals of fish, and occasional shipwrecks make this a favourite spot.
“Professional dive masters and great gear. My first dive was unforgettable.” @themaahie
Banana Boat Rides at SinQ Beach
Group fun at its loudest. Bounce across waves in a banana boat and try to hold on as the speedboat tugs you through the surf.
Snorkeling at Grande Island
Boat trips from Candolim or Sinquerim take you out to Grande Island where clear water makes for excellent snorkeling.
Atlantis Watersports
Address: 1183/1, Calangute-Anjuna Road, Baga, Goa 403509
Phone: +91 96079 04114 / +91 77960 77961
Website: atlantiswatersports.com
Jet Ski Rides in Candolim
Independent water sports operators offer high-speed jet ski rides along the wide Candolim shoreline. Perfect for an afternoon adrenaline rush.
Angel Tours & Adventure
Address: Candolim, Bardez, Goa
Phone: +91 98221 59019
Website: angeltoursandadventure.com
ATV Rides in Bicholim
Head inland to Bicholim where Reem Adventure takes you on ATV trails through forest tracks and rugged hills.
“Muddy, bumpy, wild — just the way off-roading should be.”
Reem Adventures
Address: Opposite Goa Bungy, Latambarcem, Bicholim, Goa 403503
Phone: +91 70664 04723 / +91 74986 00136
Website: reemadventures.in
Cliff Jumping at Vagator
North Goa’s red cliffs offer safe spots for cliff jumping into deep water. Local guides know the best ledges and conditions.
Adventure Breaks
Address: 312/2, Sangolda, Bardez, Goa
Phone: +91 98221 17740
Website: adventurebreaks.in
Kite Surfing at Mandrem
Mandrem is my local beach and the broad golden sands and steady winds make it ideal for kite surfing lessons with local surf schools.
The season generally runs from January to March but there’s often wind at the tailend of monsson too.
“Uli is the best kitesurf instructor in Goa.”
Kiteguru Kitesurf School
Address: Junas Waddo, Mandrem Beach, Goa 403527
Phone: +91 87883 14974
Website: kiteguru.in
Kayaking at Chapora River
Paddle along the Chapora with indie providers who run small-group trips through mangroves and fishing villages.
Konkan Explorers
Address: Morjim Jetty, Morjim, Goa
Phone: +91 9689313506
Website: konkanexplorers.com
Paragliding at Keri Beach
Seasonal paragliding experiences launch from Querim beach, giving panoramic views over Fort Tiracol, the river and the sea.
Had the best time of my life learning how to ridge soar, I did my independent course in Bir Billing, came to Goa to learn ridge soaring and flying in strong winds. Goa paragliding school is highly recommended! The trainers are super friendly and very knowledgeable 😀
Sakshi, Bangalore
Rainbow Paragliding North Goa
Address: House No. 299, Baman bhatt, Arambol, Querim, Goa 403524
Phone: 090168 16890
Website: https://rainbowparagliding.com/
Surfing Lessons in Arambol
Beginner-friendly surf school on Harmal / Arambol beach run early morning classes with soft boards and plenty of patience.
Jono and the team are absolute legeneds and make every effort to make sure you enjoy your stay and get the most from the surf
Jake, Australia
Surf Wala
Address: Arambol Beach, Arambol, Goa 403524
Phone: +91 97654 22931
Website: surfwala.com
Adventure Activities in Central Goa
Mangrove Kayaking in Panjim
Adventure Breaks run trips through the Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary mangroves. Expect egrets, kingfishers, and absolute calm.
Provider: Adventure Breaks
Address: Sangolda, Bardez, Goa
Phone: +91 98221 17740
Website: adventurebreaks.in
Cycling Tours of Old Goa
Hire a guide and cycle through Old Goa’s churches, spice plantations, and riverside trails. A slower but no less adventurous way to see the region.
Address: Fontainhas, Panjim, Goa
Phone: +91 86696 00705
Website: tours.blive.co.in
Hot Air Ballooning in Chandor
Independent operators launch sunrise hot air balloon flights over Chandor, offering a bird’s eye view of Goa’s paddy fields.
Address: Assolda Ground, Chandor, Goa 403714
Phone: +91 98100 41234
Website: tigerballoonsafaris.com
White Water Rafting in Mhadei River
Seasonal but spectacular. From June to September, outfitters guide rafting trips through Class II–III rapids in Valpoi.
Goa Rafting
Address: Valpoi, Sattari, Goa
Phone: +91 94224 57880
Website: goarafting.com
Trekking in Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary
Jungle treks to waterfalls and hidden pools. Local guides keep you safe and share the forest’s secrets.
Guides know the forest inside out. Beautiful trek.
Charlie, UK
Nature’s Nest Goa
Address: Tambdi Surla, Mollem, Goa 403410
Phone: +91 98504 70230
Website: naturesnestgoa.com
Spice Plantation Walking Tour at Ponda
Learn about Goa’s spices and walk rope bridges. Take a walking tour of the plantation and enjoy a delicious meal in the restaurant.
Sahakari Spice Farm
Address: Curti, Ponda, Goa 403401
Phone: +91 83223 43123
Website: sahakarifarms.com
Sailing on the Mandovi
Enjoy a private sailing yacht in Panjim. Take a small group or charter your own on river cruises under canvas, letting you steer if the wind’s right.
Cruising Club India
Address: Britona Jetty, Panjim, Goa
Phone: +91 93597 25624
Website: cruisingclubindia.com
Stand Up Paddleboarding on Hollant Beach
SUP boards are available through local schools along Hollant beach, a calm spot for beginners.
Sahasea
Address: Watersports, Adventure Travel & Outdoor Education
Hollant Beach, Ijorshi, Goa 403806
Phone: +91 86693 94907
Website: https://www.sahasea.com/stand-up-paddle-boarding
Off Road Jeep Safari in Chorla Ghats
Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary offers jeep rides into the Chorla hills, with off-road tracks, waterfalls, and plenty of wild scenery.
Goa Forest Development Corporation
Address: Chorla, Goa
Phone: +91 99236 82447
Website: https://gfdcgoa.com/nature-safari/
Adventure Activities in South Goa
Canyoning at Palolem
Goa Jungle Adventure runs canyoning trips through Palolem’s gorges. Expect cliff jumps, rope descents, and jungle swims.
The canyoning trip was the highlight of our Goa adventure
Rohit, India
Goa Jungle Adventure
Address: Tembewada, Palolem, Canacona, Goa 403702
Phone: +91 98504 85641
Website: goajungle.com
Kayaking on Cola Beach
Guided kayak trips along the coast of South Goa. Take in the serenety and calm of the Arabian Sea as you paddle the Cola coast.
Cola Beach Kayaking
Address: Cola beach kayaking near by blue lagoon goa
Phone: +91 80079 43889
Website: https://colabeachkayaking.in/
Scuba Diving off Palolem
Independent dive outfits in Palolem run day trips to reefs and rocky outcrops further south from the crowded north.
Shanti Divers
Address: Palolem Beach, Canacona, Goa
Phone: +91 94225 59004
Website: shantidivers.com
Trekking to Butterfly Beach at Canacona
Reach this secluded cove by hiking through the jungle. It’s a short trek but packed with adventure and rewards.
A short but wild jungle trek ends at a hidden cove.
Ask for Local Guides or try a Self Guided Trek
Snorkeling at Colomb Bay
Small boats from Palolem or Patnem take you to Colomb Bay’s clear waters for casual snorkeling.
Dolphin Spotting Trips
Traditional boats set out at dawn from Palolem or Agonda for dolphin sightings just offshore. Ask local fishermen for the best deal and timings.
Betty’s Place Boat Tours
Address: Cavelossim Beach, South Goa
Phone: +91 98221 27991
Birding at Cotigao
Go birding in Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary. See rare and exotic birds flora and fauna on a curated walking tour.
Mrugaya Xpeditions
Address: Cotigao Sanctuary, Canacona, Goa
Phone: +91 94230 46961
Website: mrugayaxpeditions.com
Jungle Trek and Camping in Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary
Stay overnight in the jungle and trek to the waterfall. This stunning homestay is deep in the jungle and offers easy access to treks. I’ve stayed here a few times and the waterfall, known as ‘The Sea of Milk’ is always an awe inspiring sight.
Look out for tigers while trekking to the look out point
James, UK
Dudhsagar Plantation & Farmstay
- Address: Karmane, Mollem, Goa
- Phone: +91 70381 18488
- Website: dudhsagarplantation.com
Final Thoughts
Adventure in Goa is what you make it. You can dive deep into the Arabian Sea, climb high into the Western Ghats, or drift quietly along a mangrove creek.
Each region has its own flavour of thrills, from the high-energy beaches of the north to the tranquil backwaters of the south.
Pack your sense of adventure and let Goa surprise you.