Sailing in Goa

Experience Sailing

Goa has been charming tourists from all over the world. Even though Goa is considered as a vacationer’s paradise, it has become a booming hub for various water sports adventures in India. Right from parasailing, Goa offers a wide range of water sports like windsurfing, snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing etc. A lot of beaches have been offering these activities for a while, and sailing is comparatively a new addition to the list.

Sailing is more of a relaxed water activity, as compared to other activities which are thrilling adventure sports. Popularly known as Catamaran sailing, it is quite similar to conventional sailing. Even though it is relatively new to Goa, the trend is catching up and many beaches now offer sailing.

What is sailing?

Sailing is one of the relaxed water activities in Goa. Sitting in a boat and traveling the ocean is what sailing is all about. Gazing at the magnificent beaches of Goa while roaming around in the Arabian sea is one of the best experiences you can have while in Goa. Known by the professionals as Catamaran sailing, a Catamaran is a multi-hulled watercraft featuring two parallel hulls of equal size. Most of the boats/yachts in Goa are Catamaran. It can be done individually, but the more popular way of sailing in Goa is in groups.

Must visit places for sailing in Goa

All the popular beaches in Goa including Baga beach, Anjuna beach, Colva beach, Calangute beach etc. have local instructors and institutes who offer sailing. Here are some of the popular places for sailing in Goa:

Dona Paula

Sailing at Dona Paula is a whole day activity. The tour starts in the morning, lands in old Goa where you can get off and enjoy the architectural beauties of the state like the Churches and the old buildings. The tour then passes through Panjim, and back to Dona Paula.

Champions Yacht club

Located in the state capital Panjim, this club offers just the right sailing experience in Goa. If you’re visiting South Goa, this is the ideal place to experience sailing.

AquaSail 360 sailing

Aquasail 360 is one of the institutes in Goa where one can properly learn to sail by taking lessons. The teaching course takes about 12-15 hours, divided in sessions of 2-3 hours each. There are instructors available who are international sailors, who guide you throughout the process. Located in Bambolim, South Goa, this is one of the best places to learn sailing. They even reward you with a certificate after completing the course.

Prices for sailing in Goa

Different beaches in Goa have different institutes and instructors offering sailing to the tourists. The prices for sailing is approximately the same, although it may vary from beach to beach, depending on the institutes. The prices may even hike during the peak season in Goa.
On the other hand, the training institutes charge approximately around Rs. 20,000+ per person for the training course. People of all age groups can learn sailing.

Making the plan:

Before you make plans for a thrilling adventure in Goa like parasailing, it is advisable to note a few points in advance:

Though all precautions are taken by clubs and institutes, it is better to take all safety measures. Make sure to inform your instructors beforehand if you do not know swimming.
Make sure to check all equipment and to use them with utmost care.
Take care of all your belongings and do not take anything valuable with you during your time of sailing.
Do not indulge in drinking during or before the sailing sessions.

The true Goan culture which is widely popular amongst the tourists is the relaxed, laid back kind, and sailing definitely blends in with it. Even if you’re visiting with your family or friends, sailing is a perfect activity for all, and is undoubtedly one of the best experiences to have in Goa.