Adventure
Water River Rafting
Located at the borders of Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary, Mandovi or Mhadei river is one of the most picturesque rivers of India. Goa Tourism Development Corporation has introduced whitewater river rafting here, which attracts tourists from India and abroad alike. Rolling waves in the river churning out white froth that carries your boat amongst the rapids, white water rafting is one of the most preferred water sports that excites a large number of travellers.
Water Scooters
Water Scooters are a safe but thrilling option for people who want to experience water sports but are relatively inexperienced. This sport is a combination of speed and thrill that accompanies riding a bike on the smooth surface of the water. Water scooters are trendy in Goa and are readily available at most of the beaches.
Wakeboarding
Requiring less speed and balance than water skiing, wakeboarding is becoming more and more popular with water sports enthusiasts. It makes use of a single board rather than two; this sport is fun-filled and available on most of the beaches. Kneeboarding is another favoured counterpart that uses a board to rest the knee to ride through the waters. These activities are also considered as training stages for more advanced water sports.
Scuba Diving
If the sublime experience of marine life and the enchanting world of underwater caught your fancy while watching ‘Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara’, scuba diving and snorkelling are the sports for you. Colourful corals, wrecks from the pages of history and the thrill of being in the abandon of the infinite sea, scuba diving is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. And here’s the thing: You don’t need to dish out a moolah for this sport in countries like Maldives or Thailand when Goa offers you stunning experiences of marine life while scuba diving with the best of instructors and safety equipment. You will be required to participate in a 1-hour long training session with the instructors after which you will be all set for the sport 12 meters down the sea. It is advisable to go scuba diving between October to May when the seas are not rough.
Parasailing
Who doesn’t want to enjoy the breathtaking view of the blue Arabian Sea while flying high up in the sky, defying the limits as it were? Parasailing is one of the most popular adventure sports on offer in Goa. Tourists usually prefer winch boat parasailing where the taking off and landing of the parachute happens on the winch boat itself attached at the other end of the parachute. Parasailing is a hot favourite amongst families, kids and couples as it offers the perfect combination of thrill and enjoyment while being comparatively easier than the other water sports. The best time to enjoy parasailing is from October to May when the sea is calmer, and winds are perfect for gliding the parachute.
ATV Biking
ATV (all-terrain vehicle) biking involves riding or racing on four-wheeled bikes that are sturdy enough to withstand different types of terrains. ATV biking can be done through the jungles and spice plantations of Goa that has natural elevations which makes the ride really exciting. You could experience the sights and sounds of the natural habitat in these plantations and forests while on your biking trip. You could also opt for plain tracks that are filled with obstacles that make the biking ride even more adventurous and are more popular during rainy season with experienced bikers. Whether it be the plainer adventurous track or the natural jungle trail, ATV or Quad Biking is perfect for having some fun while travelling in groups for bachelor or hen parties as also on family trips.
Kite Surfing
Kite Surfing is a combination of surfing, jet skiing and wakeboarding. This sport is quite challenging and is open only to adults. This sport must be practised under the supervision of trainers to manoeuvre the power kite. Kitesurfing can be done preferably in the morning during the season when the winds are not too gusty and aid the surfing process.
Places Offering Kite Surfing: Mondego Bay, Morjim, Arambol.
Banana Boat Ride
Banana boat rides are a huge attraction in South Goa. A banana-shaped boat attached to a steamboat runs at an astonishing speed and sprints off the passengers in the sea. The passengers then haul themselves up in the boat again where the process continues. This activity is exhausting but extremely enjoyable at the same time. You could also club this activity along with Ringo rides and jet skiing to add an extra dimension of a thrill to your experience.
Caming
Bamboo and wooden huts amidst the golden sand beaches, sounds of the rolling waves and the relaxing sun make up the charm of camping at Palolem beach in Goa. Camping offers one of the pocket-friendly yet genuinely memorable experiences that one must opt for while in Goa, especially while travelling with friends. Although not an adventure sport, it surely complements the entire thrill associated with traditional water sports. Bonfire, a range of adventure activities, music and some delectable food after a day of hectic water sports sounds ideal, doesn’t it?