Attractions in South Goa to Add to Your Bucket List

A testimony to its scenic beauty and rich history, Goa unfolds endless stories within its beaches, forts, churches, and landscapes. The list of attractions in South Goa is long, so here are our top recommendations!

Butterfly Beach

A popular beach to sight dolphins, the Butterfly Beach is similar to a small cove nestled with dense trees.

Bogmalo Beach

Stretched around a mile of curving sandy beach, the Bogmalo Beach is a popular place for experienced adventure activities.

Agonda Beach

Agonda Beach is a beautiful, lesser-known beach with rich aquatic life, especially famous for its Olive Ridley Sea Turtles. 

Mobor Beach

One of the most popular beaches in South Goa, Mobor Beach is a site full of amazing adventure options.

Palolem Beach

Popular for its pristine waters and its vibrant, energetic nightlife, Palolem Beach is a hotspot for adventure activities in South Goa.

Majorda Beach

Listed amongst the most beautiful beaches of South Goa, Majorda Beach is famous for its slender palm trees and traditional Goan coastal cuisine. It is also popularly known for its delicious European bakery items.

Cola Beach

The stunning aquatic life, large volcanic boulders and tall hills of the Cola Beach make it a hidden gem perfect for your next vacation.

Polem Beach

The last beach amongst the coastline of Goa, the Polem Beach is a small and secluded beach perfect for people looking for a relaxing day without jostling crowds of people.

Pequeno Island

Also known as Bat Island, Pequeno offers a long list of adventures to its tourists throughout the year. It is known for snorkelling and privacy for those that want a little piece of paradise to themselves. 

The Grande Island

Famous for scuba diving and snorkelling, The Grande Island is one of the most beautiful islands with sandy beaches and fascinating coastal life.

St Xavier’s Church

Your visit to Goa is incomplete without visiting St Xavier’s Church that boasts an incredible style of architecture and religious prominence.

Cabo de Rama Fort

A sparsely-crowded Portuguese fort that lies in ruins today, Cabo de Rama Fort is a haven for history buffs. It is nestled between Cavelossim and the Agonda Beach.

Dudhsagar Falls

A four-tiered waterfall situated on the banks of the Mandovi River, the 1017 ft. tall Dudhsagar Falls is a must-visit tourist attraction.

Bamanbudo Waterfalls

Another popular destination in South Goa, the Bamanbudo Waterfalls is a perennial waterfall known for its clear waters gushing through the tall mountains.

Shantadurga Temple

Shantadurga Temple is a beautiful temple complex dedicated to ‘Shree Shantadurga Devi’ who had come to broker peace between Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. If you are looking for some inner peace and spiritual relaxation, Shantadurga Temple is sure to provide the perfect tranquil environment.

Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary

Stretched across an area of approximately 211 sq. km, Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary has a rich habitat and many perennial streams. You can spot several endangered species of animals as well as rare species of birds and butterflies here.

Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary

Known as the largest wildlife preserve in Goa, the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for its lush vegetation, biodiversity and myriad of wildlife.

List of Things to Do in South Goa

Scroll down to explore our handpicked list of things to do in South Goa to fulfil your dream vacation. This list caters to people of all age groups and interests. Read on to find out more about the experiences that await you in South Goa. 

Water Sports in South Goa

South Goa is a treasure chest of thrilling water sports and the pefect location for adrenaline pumping adventures. You can enjoy several aquatic activities at several of the beautiful beaches, gushing waterfalls, shimmering lakes, and steep cliffs of Goa. Jet skiing, kayaking, banana riding, canoeing, water trampoline, scuba diving, parasailing, fishing, canyoning, flyboarding are a few of the must try activities you can enjoy!

Popular Sites:

Mobor Beach

Colva Beach

Agonda Beach

Benaulim Beach

Palolem Beach

Dudhsagar Falls

Beach Camping in South Goa

A popular activity for couples, beach camping is a great way to spend some quality time with your partner under a blanket of stars, listening to the crashing waves and feeling the warmth of campfire. Witnessing the sunrise and sunset over the horizon on a secluded beach is the experience of a lifetime.

Popular Sites:

Palolem Beach

Cola Beach

Best Time to Visit:

Throughout the year

Hot Air Balloon Ride

If you are not afraid of heights and love flying as you take in an aerial peek at your surroundings, a Hot Air Balloon Ride might be just what you are looking for. The balloon ride offers spectacular views of the surrounding picturesque landscape. Don’t forget to carry your binoculars and camera along for some great views and stunning pictures!

Popular Sites:

Assolda Ground, South Goa

Price: Approx. ₹9,000 onwards per adult

Best Time to Visit:

April - October

Bird Watching

With many National Parks and sanctuaries, South Goa is a paradise for birding enthusiasts. You can visit these places to witness rare endemic and migratory birds in their natural habitats. Some popular and unique birds in South Goa include the White-Bellied Blue Flycatcher, Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, White-Bellied Treepie, Malayan Night Heron and Rufous Babbler.
 

Popular Sites:

Colem 

Arossim

Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary

Best Time to Visit:

Throughout the year

Go on Heritage Tours

For history buffs who visit Goa, there are plenty of places and things to see in South Goa which will allow you to tap into a rich heritage. The churches, temples, museums, forts and palaces of Goa boast majestic architecture and beautiful history inside the magnificent structures.
 

Popular Sites:

Basilica of Bom Jesus

Se Cathedral

St Xavier’s Church

Wax World Museum

Cabo de Rama Fort

Shantadurga Temple

Shri Manguesh Temple

Best Time to Visit:

Throughout the year

Take an Ocean Trek

The South Goan coastline consists of several trekking trails which offer a panoramic view of the natural beauty. Ocean treks is one of the most exciting and offbeat activities to do in South Goa. Hike down to wave-cut sea caves concealed in the rocky outcrops of Canacona at the extreme southern tip of Goa. You can also hike along the rolling hills of the coast south of Cabo de Rama fort. If you want a longer trek, go for the hike to Dudhsagar Waterfalls. This trek after monsoons is sure to give you a memorable experience.
 

Popular Sites:

South Goa Coastline

Cola Beach

Dudhsagar Waterfalls

Attend Music Festivals

The nightlife at Goa is incredible and offers a wide array of fun and exciting options. You can either dance at a silent disco/rave or party at nightclubs. You can also have a magical experience on one of the many luxury night cruises or attend popular music festivals and other events.

Popular Sites:

Colva Beach

Agonda Beach

Palolem Beach

Shop at Flea Markets

No vacation is complete without going on a shopping spree at the local markets and exploring the vibrant cultures of the city. Shopping is one of the best things to do in South Goa after an adventurous day partaking in different activities or chilling at the beach. The flea market at Palolem Beach and the Colva Market are unmissable spots for buying bohemian, handmade jewellery and stylish items of clothing.
 

Popular Sites:

Palolem Beach Market

Colva Beach Market

Margao Municipal Market

Water Sports in South Goa to Get an Adrenaline Rush

Goa is a haven of water sports for aquatic sports enthusiasts and adventure junkies out there. Here is a compiled list of water sports in South Goa that you must try.

Scuba Diving

For a novice, scuba diving in Goa is one of the best experiences. All you need is a certified instructor to help you unfold the surprises that lie beneath the deep blue waters of the Arabian Sea. You can scuba dive along the Sail Rock or The Grande Island to witness vibrant coral reefs, schools of fish and other stunning marine flora and fauna. 
 

Popular Sites:

• Sail Rock (8-24 meters depth).
• The Grande Island (8-40 meters depth).

Best Time:

You can visit Sail Rock throughout the year but the best time to visit Grande Island is from October to April

Price:

Approx. ₹3,000 onwards per adult depending upon the site

Kayaking

Goa’s seas and backwaters provide an amazing variety of places and experiences that will leave you spell bound. Witness the charming backwaters from your Kayak as you paddle along the dense mangrove forests. Check out deserted beaches, exotic marine life and come back after an energizing adventure. South Goa has amazing places to try sunset kayaking and is a must try. 
 

Popular Sites:

Bambolim Beach

Palolem Beach

Hollant Beach

Dona Paula

Best Time:

September to May

Price:

Approx. ₹500 onwards per adult

Sailing and Windsurfing

Experience the joys of sailing and windsurfing by riding along the large waves on a sunny day and fill your soul to the fullest.
 

Popular Sites:

Colva

Bogmalo Beach

Dona Paula Beach

Best Time:

January to March

Price:

Approx. ₹10,500 onwards per adult

Banana Boat Ride

As intriguing as it sounds, the Banana Boat Ride is an adventurous ride on a huge, banana-shaped inflatable boat. Riding along the water with friends and family at high speeds is a one-of-a-kind experience.
 

Popular Sites:

Palolem Beach

Agonda Beach

Best Time:

September to March

Price:

Approx. ₹500 onwards per adult

Canyoning

A power pack of different thrilling activities, canyoning is meant for adrenaline junkies who are ready to go the extra mile to get the adventure they are seeking for. With a range of six waterfalls, the Upper Sauri Canyon is one of the most popular places for canyoning in South Goa.
 

Popular Sites:

Upper Sauri Canyon

Best Time:

Throughout the year except for the monsoons

Price:

Approx. ₹3,500 onwards per adult

Winch Boat Parasailing

Winch Boat Parasailing offers you a magnificent view along the coasts of the Arabian Sea. This activity allows you to experience the best of an adrenaline rush through high speed amidst the pristine waters, coastal vegetation, and marine life.
 

Popular Sites:

Mobor Beach

Best Time:

Throughout the year

Price:

Approx. ₹1,800 per adult

Jet Skiing

Jet-skiing is a spectacular activity that can satisfy your thrill in a moment. Even if you have no experience with water sports before, jet-skiing is a must-try.
 

Popular Sites:

Colva Beach

Mobor Beach

Best Time:

October to March

Price:

Approx. ₹500 per adult per minute