Overview

India has hundreds of rivers. River cruises are a great way to see them all. Although Goa is home to about half a dozen rivers, the Mandovi River is the most notable. It would be wrong to say that the Mandovi River Cruise is the most popular tourist destination in India.

Mandovi River Cruise

Mandovi, which measures 81 km in length, is known as the lifeline to Goa. It flows from the western Ghats and through several Goan cities, including Panaji, before opening into the Arabian Sea. The Mandovi river links important cities such as Panaji with mainland Goa. This river is a great place to enjoy a cultural cruise.

Many cruises are offered by tour companies, but most fall under the following categories:

Big boat river cruise for groups

You can take 50-100 people on the first Mandovi river cruise. These boats organize the following cruises:

Sunset cruise:

The Sunset Mandovi river cruise usually starts an hour before sunset. You will cruise around the jetty, the river banks, and you can see the sunset over the river Mandovi. It’s a beautiful sight.

A larger boat will have a more spacious DJ room, where you can enjoy loud music with your friends. The fee for the boat is about Rs500.

Carnival cruise:

Carnival cruises also depart at dusk, and set sail for the river. This cruise is known for its main attraction, the theme. Carnivals are celebrated in Goa because it is a mixture of Portuguese and Indo culture. This is also evident in the cruises that are offered to tourists to get them acquainted with the festivities. As part of carnival festivities, the boat is decorated and a dance performance is usually performed on the top deck.

Private Yacht Cruise:

Chartering a yacht is another way to enjoy the Mandovi river cruise. This is a more private and peaceful way to cruise the Mandovi river. Although it may be costly, it is an option that will not be duplicated. Goa has yachts of all sizes and utility. Chartering a yacht with hourly rates is the best way to experience a yacht cruise. To save money, it is best to book yachts well in advance. These are the main types of yacht cruises that you can take on the Mandovi River:

Breakfast Cruise:

The Mandovi River breakfast cruise departs at 6-9 a.m. This cruise is perfect for enjoying the peacefulness and serenity that the river and its banks offer in the early morning. Although there is minimal crowding on the river, it can sometimes get crowded with boats, which can affect the view. You can enjoy spectacular views on a breakfast cruise. Sometimes, you may also be able to see dolphins close by the harbor. This cruise is great for relaxing or taking photos due to its unobstructed view. This makes it a great location for pre-wedding photos. Breakfast yacht cruises usually start at Rs28,000

Sunset Cruise:

The sunset cruise, just like the name, is the Mandovi River cruise. You will be taking a chartered yacht out on the river to see the sunset. You can enjoy the stunning sunset over the Arabian Sea while sipping champagne or serenading your partner in this romantic setting. This cruise is perfect for anniversary, birthday, or Valentine’s Day celebrations. These events are priced at around Rs28,500

Backwater Cruise:

Backwater boat rides are another great daytime Mandovi river cruise choice. Goa also has its backwaters, just like Kerala. You can visit the unexplored areas of Goa by taking the backwaters of Mandovi. You will find crocodiles in the waters of Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, which you will be surprised to discover by the boats. There are many indigenous birds that you can spot, including Indian Pond Heron, Lapwing and weaver birds. Parakeets are also common. You may be able to see migratory birds in the Moira backwaters if you’re on time. These sights can also be seen from shikara-type boathouses that come in various sizes to suit your budget.

These backwater boat cruises are around Rs2100 per head

Conclusion

The river Mandovi cruises in Goa offer the best river cruises in India. You can cruise down Mandovi on boats or yachts if you are bored of the beaches and want to experience the best of Goa.