If
you are on a trip to Goa, don't miss the river cruises across the rivers of
this small state. One of the exciting ways of travelling around Goa, river
cruises will take you far from the main land amidst the picturesque
surroundings of nature. Along with its golden sand invigorating beaches, Goa
is home to a number of long and wide beautiful rivers. These rivers and
lakes making Goa a perfect location for long and languid river cruises.
Select from the a variety of options available such as daytime, sunset or
moonlight river cruises according to your convenience and venture into a
different world. Have your dinner while you sail out into the river passing
through the lovely Goa coastline or relax, while listening to music on the
evening cruise and spot the dolphins or crocodiles moving in the river.
A river cruise on the Mandovi river is an exhilarating experience, which
you should not forget to include in your Goa itinerary. Goa Tourism
Development Corporation (GTDC) offers the fantastic river cruises across the
Mandovi river. GTDC has introduced a variety of cruises namely - Pearl of
the Orient, Dolphin Fantasy and Backwater Thrills to Savoi Verem on board
Poseidon. Day cruises on the Mandovi river are available in two options -
the first one is down the Mandovi river into the bay of Zuari, while the
second one is up the Mandovi to Aldona and a mineral water spring on the
way. In addition to GTDC, there are a number of private operators that
conduct river cruises based on interesting themes.
Santa Monica
Santa Monica, is a luxury launch operated by Goa Tourism Development
Corporation. It will take you on a thrilling river cruise every evening
across the Mandovi river. Santa Monica can accommodate around 200 people in
a trip together. In your trip enjoy the various cultural programmes
performed by the local artists. If you want to drink there is a bar which
serves exotic drinks to satisfy your desire. If you want to throw special
parties, you can book the Santa Monica, but you have to pay the charges on
the hourly basis.
River Cruise Options
Sunset Cruise : Sunset Cruise is a one hour trip, between
6.00 pm to 7.00 pm. In this trip you will enjoy cultural programmes
including the various types of dances such as the Fugdi Dance, the Dekni
Temple Dance and the Corredinho Dance. Sightseeing is also the part of the
sunset cruise, you will come across Reis Magos Church and Fort, the Aguada
Fort, the Cabo Raj Bhavan and several other attractions on your trip. For
all these you have to pay a small amount of Rs. 100.
Sundown Cruise : This is also an hour's trip, which starts
off at 7.15 pm and ends by 8.15 pm. Like the sunset cruise, in the sundown
cruise also cultural entertainment programmes are organized.
Full Moon Cruise : Full Moon Cruise is a special type of
cruise, which gives you an opportunity to enjoy the excitement of river
cruise trip for a bit longer time. The trip offers a good chance to get a
magnificent view of the sky in the glistening beauty of moon. Full moon
cruise begins every evening by 8.30 pm and continues up to 10.30 pm in the
night. In this trip you have a charge of Rs. 150. Dinner is also available
on board at extra cost.
Pleasure Cruise : Pleasure Cruise is a long trip which
starts off by 10.00 am and ends at 3.00 pm. The trip includes visits to St.
Thomas Church of Aldona and Old Fort of Khorjuvem. On the way you can enjoy
the music alongwith sun bathing. The cruise charges include welcome soft
drink and lunch at Goan House.
Dolphin Fantasy Cruise : Dolphin Fantasy Cruise, takes you
on a exciting trip to view the dark water beauties in joyous mood. Apart
from seeing closely the headlands jutting out into the sea, you can also see
the Raj Bhawan, Aguada Fort and Reis Magos. Dolphin Fantasy Cruise operates
once in a week only on Mondays between 9.30 am to 11.00 am.
Pearl of the Orient : A beautiful blend of natural and
cultural heritage of Goa, Pearl of the Orient will take yon on a memorable
trip. Pearl of the Orient operates weekly on every Saturday between 9.30 am
to 1.00 pm.
Backwater Thrills : Savoi- Verem, a backwater cruise take
you along the riverside tip of Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Divar island
covering the river coastline along Pilgao, Khandola, Amona, Betki and halt
at Savoi-Verem village to breathe in the spicy world, fragrant fruits, tall
trees and medicinal plant and experience the famous Goan Hindu lunch.
Backwater Cruise, operates twice a week on every Tuesday and Friday from
10.00 am to 4.00 pm.
