Tourism
of Goa
Entertainment
& Recreation
River
CruisesThe
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 accomodate
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 fibreglas luxury launch.
1.
Sunset Cruise: Dep.6.00 PM, 1 hour, Rs. 100/-
per head
2. Sundown Cruise: Dep.7.15 PM, 1
hour, Rs. 100/- per head
For above cruises, children above 6 years
charged ticket.
3. Full Moon Cruise/Special
Cruise: Dep. 8.30 PM, Arr. 10.30 PM, Rs. 150/- per head
4.
Dolphin Fantasy Cruise: Takes you on a trip to
watch the dark graceful water beauties in playful mood. Besides to sight
closely the headlands jutting out into the sea crowned on either side by Raj
Bhavan, Aguada Fort and Reis Magos.
- Days of operation: On every Monday
only.
- Timings: From 9.30 a.m. to 11.00 a.m.
- Rates: Rs. 250/-
per person inclusive of snacks and cold drinks
5.
Pearl of the Orient: A blend of natural and
cultural heritage - a memorial cruise walking Tour of Old Goa.
- Days of
operation: On every Saturday.
- Timings: From 9.30 a.m. to 1.00 p.m.
- Rates: Rs. 250/- per person inclusive of snacks and cold drinks
6.
Backwater Thrills: Savoi Verem. A cruise along
the riverside tip of Dr. Salim Ali's Bird Sanctuary, Divar island and cover
the river coast line along Pilgao, Khandola, Amona, Betki and dock at
Savoi-Verem village to sniff through the spicy world, juicy fruits, exotic
trees and medicinal herbs at Savoi Verem plantation and experience the
typical Goan Hindu lunch.
- Days of operation: On every Tuesday and
Friday.
- Timings: From 10.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m.
- Rates: Rs. 550/-
per person inclusive of snacks and cold drinks on the board of the launch
and lunch at Savoi Verem plantation.
The minimum booking for these
cruises is 5 seats.
Special Hire of Launches for longer periods is
also available. Check at the Panaji jetty ticket counter for the latest
timings and rates.
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