Mandovi River Cruises

The Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) runs a variety of river cruises on the Mandovi river — daytime, sunset and moonlight. There are two types of day cruises -- from the Panaji jetty, down the Mandovi into the Zuari bay and up the Mandovi to Aldona and a mineral water spring.

A few private firms also offer a variety of imaginative cruises or boat tours for sunset views as well as for crocodile or dolphin spotting.

  

Santa Monica

Santa Monica is the pride of Goa Tourism Development Corporation Ltd. This luxury launch is built on twin hull and used for daily evening cruises on river Mandovi with 'live' cultural programmes performed by the best cultural troupes of Goa.

The launch can accommodate approximately 200 passengers at a time. There is a bar counter to quench your thirst. Santa Monica launch is also available for special parties on hourly charges.

The Santa Monica cruise is the most attractive entertainment with live Goan Cultural Show and music on board.

Dolphin Fantasy, Pearl of the Orient and Backwater Thrills to Savoi Verem are on board the Poseidon, a newly acquired 24-seater fibrerglass luxury launch.

1.   Sunset Cruise         
*     Dep.6.00 PM     1 hour   
                 
2.   Sundown Cruise         
*     Dep.7.15 PM     1 hour   
                 
3.   Full Moon Cruise/Special Cruise 
*     Dep.8.30 PM     1 hour   
      Arr. 10.30 PM         
For above cruises, children above 6 years charged ticket.

4.     Dolphin Fantasy Cruise:-   
      Venture into the sea, Watch the dark graceful water beauties in a playful mood and the rhythmic dance of love. Sight closely, the head lands jutting out into the sea, Crowned on either side by Raj Bhavan, Aguada Fort & Reis Magos.

*Days of operation:    On every Monday only.
*Timings:    From 9.30 a.m. to 11.00 a.m.
           
5.     Pearl of the Orient:-   
      A blend of Natural & Cultural heritage Cruise-cum-walking tour to visit World Heritage Monuments at old Goa.

*Days of operation:    On every Saturday.
*Timings:    From 9.30 a.m. to 1.00 p.m.
           
6.     Backwater Thrills:-   
    
Cruise along the riverine tip of Islands of Chorao, Divar, Old Goa. Enjoy the endless sight and sounds of Mandovi’s thick mangroves. Dock at the country side to sniff through the Spicy World, Juicy fruits, exotic plants and medicinal herbs at Savoi Verem, Spice plantation. Experience the typical Goan cuisine served in earthen pots and banana leaf.
*     Days of operation:     Tuesday - Friday.
*     Timings:     From 9.30 a.m. to 4.00 p.m.

Special Hire of Launches for longer periods is also available. Check at the Panaji jetty ticket counter for the latest timings and rates.

The boat cruises are a must for every tourist’s itinerary in Goa. Enjoyment guaranteed to every man, woman and child of any age. You can sit and enjoy the different rhythms of the music, the boat, the drumming of the dancers’ feet and the rhythm of the Mandovi River as old as Time itself flowing beneath you. Drink in the beautiful vistas of the open Arabian Sea with the capital city of Panaji flowing prettily past, further up river past the velvety green island of Chorao.

Swing to the rhythm of the music, the waves and dance on board our luxury launches Santa Monica and Shantadurga. The Santa Monica is a luxury launch built on a twin hull and used for daily evening cruises on river Mandovi. The sunset and sundown cruises along the River Mandovi are an experience to remember. The boats take you either west to see the sunset or east to the island of Chorao. To add that extra zing to the evening a live band plays on board and folk dances are performed for passengers. One of the best times to take the evening boat cruise is during the Christmas-New Year season when Panjim’s entire riverfront with its beautiful heritage buildings and trees are outlined in fairy lights.

 The early evening cruise is an experience that never leaves you, especially if you get a seat in the front of the boat and watch the banks of the River Mandovi slip smoothly by. You would understand why the Portuguese, who sailed down the same route, were so fascinated by this lovely smiling land that they had to have and hold Goa for the next 500 years.

Cost

Boats	Capacity	Rate per hour of sailing  5.00pm -9.00am	Rate per hour of sailing 9.00am-5.00pm	Detention charges per hour
Santa Monica	120	18,000/-	9,000/-	7,000/-
Shantadurga	120	12,000/-	6,000/-	5,000/-
Rowing/ Pedal	4	140/-

CANCELLATION: No cancellation of boat is allowed once booked.