Goa boasts of some of the best and most beautiful beaches in the world. As thousands of tourists descend on its shores every year, it would be prudent to know which beaches offer the best experience, particularly in terms of safety while swimming.
If its summer, it must be the beach in Goa. As thousands of tourists descend on this famous summer holiday spot to cool off at the beaches, it would be prudent to know which beaches are best for different activities, particularly safe swimming.
According to a Times of India report, 24 ‘no selfie’ zones and safe swimming zones along the entire coastline have been demarcated. According to a study, most beaches in Goa are safe, however, swimmers are urged to stick to basic safety measures and ideally swim only in the safe swimming zones marked by yellow and red flags. Life guards have been posted on several beaches, which also bear warning signs and safety tips.
And of course, it goes without saying, no drinking and swimming and most definitely no swimming during the monsoons. Too many lives have been tragically lost for want of adherence to these warnings.
Among the many beaches along the coastline, here’s a sampling of a few that could help you enjoy a safe swimming holiday.
COCO BEACH
Located at the mouth of the Nerul River, on the Mondovi Estuary, the Coco Beach is a safe swimming spot for the fact that its salinity is denser than most beaches and it’s a protected bay of the Mandovi River.
Dolphin boat rides and water sports are another attraction on this popular beach. These trips extend up to the base of the Aguada Fort (with a view of the prison and light house). In the vicinity are Reis Magos Fort and Church. A few guest houses and restaurants along this palm-lined beach make for a great stay too.
Get there:
Location: Near Nerul Village, North of Kegdole beach
Distance: From Kadamba Bus Terminal, Panjim: 10 kms and 17 kms from Mapusa
From Reis Magos Fort: 2.5kms
Best Time to Visit: October to March.
PALOLEM BEACH
Famed for its stretch of white sands, calm waters, and ‘horsehoe’ bay’, Palolem is listed as one of the safest beaches.
Everyone, from long term travelers to package tourists, seems to have found an appropriate place for themselves at Palolem beach. The quieter and laid back north tends to attract families, while backpackers congregate in the center and south where the party scene is. The ocean is also gentler in the north and doesn’t get deep as quick as in the south, which is safer for small children.
A picturesque beach, it is enveloped by a thick forest of coconut palms and beach huts. It is also known for its night life and famed ‘silent’ discos where party goers wear head phones.
One can also go dolphin spotting, fishing, kayaking, or take an inexpensive boat trip along the backwater canals during high tide. During low tide, it’s possible to walk to Butterfly beach which sports hiking trails and affords some awesome sunset views.
Get there:
Location: between Agonda beach to the north and Patnem beach to the south
Distance: 43 kms from Margao and 76 kms from Panjim
Best Time to Visit: October to March.
HAWAII BEACH
Located just 5kms from the capital city, Panaji, the Hawai Beach at Dona Paula, is a small one. Adjacent to a jetty which offers an unbeatable view of the Arabian Sea , the beach is famed for its organized water sports like windsurfing, water skiing, parasailing, motorboat rides and of course swimming. On a small hillock overlooking the beach is the famed statue of Portuguese landlady Donna Paula, after which this area is named. Around the beach area are several restaurants offering authentic Goan cuisine.
Shaped like a cove, this beach rebuts any strong currents and tides and is a safe swimming haven
Get there:
Location: At land’s end, Dona Paula from Panjim via miramar
Distance: 12 kms from Panjim
Best Time to Visit: October to March.
MORJIM BEACH
Often termed as poet’s paradise, Morjim Beach situated in north Goa, close to Ashwem is one of the most tranquil beaches. Lined with restaurants and cottages, it’s also referred to as little Russian for the concentration of Russian inhabitants here. It is also demarcated as a protected breeding site for the endangered Olive Ridley Sea Turtles.
The beach has soft light sand and is shallow and flat making it fordable in parts. The vast expanse of waters are safe for swimming from October to March, but do check out the warning signs put out on the beach from time to time, in case of rip tides or unfriendly seas.
Get there:
Location: In north Goa, next to Ashwem beach and Chapora river.
Distance: 28.2 kms from Panjim and 51 kms from Dabolim
Best Time to Visit: October to March.
COLA BEACH
Cola is a stunningly beautiful hidden beach in South Goa that very few tourists know of as it enveloped by thick foliage of vegetation, palm trees, and hilly terrain. This is so remote that it feels like a private beach.
There are actually two small bays here, which are separated by a small hill. The smaller beach is sometimes referred to as ‘Little Cola’. The uniqueness of Cola Beach is highlighted by the Blue Lagoon. There is a small creek that comes out from the thick vegetation and meets the Arabian Sea here, but just before the confluence, it forms a freshwater lagoon. One can dive into the lagoon and swim in its cool and fresh, sweet water. Kayaking and fishing is also popular here.
Swimming at Cola is relatively safe. However, it is prudent to remember, the depth changes abruptly. So it is best to stay close to the shore.
Both the bays have their own private beach resort and hotel and beach shacks.
Get there:
Location: In north Goa, next to Ashwem beach and chapora river.
Distance: 31.1 kms from Margao and 52 kms from Dabolim Airport. Closest railway station Canacona 16 kms.
Best Time to Visit: November to February
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