Another new concept which has been popular for some time in Goa is the sea rafting. Sea rafting is essentially the same rafting experience, just in the sea instead of the rivers. Most of the famous beaches in Goa are now offering sea rafting as an additional new water
Rafting
Experience Rafting
What is the first destination that comes to your mind when we say water adventure sports? It has to be Goa. It’s the number one vacation destination of every tourist in India, and also very popular amongst the foreign tourists visiting India. Sure Goa is more popular for its pristine beaches and the hippie culture, but it is equally popular for being the hottest hub for water adventure sports in India. Right from leisure water activities like sailing to some of the most thrilling water adventure sports like snorkeling and rafting, Goa has the complete package. Goa is blessed to be situated in Sahyadris, with lots of mountains and streams and rivers along with it. Apart from the beaches, where most of the adventure sports take place, there are a few other activities which have found their way in the dense forests and rivers in Goa. Rafting is the most popular amongst them. Rafting in Goa has attracted thousands of adventure seekers from all over the world.
What is rafting?
Rafting is a recreational activity which involves navigating through a water body (usually a river) on an inflatable raft. The rivers are usually bumpy and rocky, and rafting through it requires team efforts and dealing with a lot of risks. These are quite often considered as the integral parts of the rafting experience.
Must visit places for rafting in Goa
Best River rafting in goa is one of the most exhilarating life experiences and one must try this activity once during their vacation in Goa. The sport is extremely popular in Goa, where one can find rafting trips to Mandovi river, Valpoi river, Tilari river and adventure trips to Tiswadi and Dandeli.
Mandovi river
Located at a distance of 46 km from Goa, the Mandovi river offers the thrilling experience of rafting and swimming in the water body. The Mandovi river flows through the Mandei Wildlife Sanctuary, so you can enjoy the dense forests too.
Valpoi river
Rafting in Valpoi river is a treat too, which covers a distance of about 10 km, and is more thrilling than rafting in other rivers. A typical rafting session takes up to two to three hours, depending upon the institutes.
Sea rafting
Prices for rafting in Goa
There are quite a few institutes available near Mandovi and Valpoi rivers who offer the rafting training and equipment. Rafting can be done by anyone with a minimum level of fitness. These institutes provide all the necessary equipment on a rental basis. The charges for these are quite minimal and are approximately the same. While it is completely dependent on the institute itself, they roughly charge the same for a session. Although it is observed to have a price hike during the peak season in Goa.
- The rental charges for the rafting equipment is approximately Rs. 2300 per person.
- Minimum age for rafting is 10.
- The charges are inclusive of the rental equipment viz. the raft, a helmet, goggles and a life jacket.
- A rafting session usually lasts for about 2-3 hours.
- There are separate batches throughout the day.
- Photos and videos cost extra.
- Sea rafting also costs approximately the same.
Making the plan
Rafting is one of the most thrilling adventure sports and one needs to take various precautions before and during the rafting session.
- 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 rafting.
- Do not indulge in drinking during or before the rafting sessions.