16 Top Things to Do in North Goa in 2024

North Goa! A mesmerizing blend of sun-kissed beaches, vibrant markets, and rich history. Yet, despite its appeal, finding the top things to do here can sometimes feel like looking for a needle in a sandy haystack. It's 2022, and you'd think that with the plethora of information available, choosing the best experiences would be a breeze. Unfortunately, many travelers still find themselves overwhelmed, facing unreliable sources, outdated recommendations, or just plain too much information. Ever found yourself endlessly scrolling, hopping from one travel blog to another, only to end up more confused than when you started? You're not alone. The digital age, while incredible, often leads to information overload. This is where we step in. With this blog, we aim to streamline your search, offering a curated list of the 16 top things to do in North Goa this year. No more doubts, no more endless searching—just a clear path to unforgettable experiences. Dive in!   

Starting with the iconic location from Dil Chahta Hai, Chapora F ort stands tall as a witness to Goan history since the 1700s. Surrounded by steep walls, Chapora Fort hugs various water bodies along its boundaries; including Vagator Beach, Chapora river, and of course, the deep blue ocean.  Soaking in the mesmerizing landscapes from Chapora is one of the most common things to do in North Goa with friends.    

Best time to visit Chapora Fort : Sunrise/Sunset   

Average time required to explore the location : 2 hours   

The ideal mode of transport : taxi/rented car  

The Big Vagator and Little Vagator have much in common, i.e., the breathtaking sights. Surrounded by turquoise blue waters, the sandy shacks of Vagator are the perfect location for relaxing by the beach while watching the dolphins swim in India. One of the most off-beat things to do in Goa is watching Dolphins at Vagator. Do not forget to stay for the sunset and experience the best nightlife in Goa.   

Do not miss Parasailing, Dolphin Watching, Jet skiing!  

Going for a Scuba Dive is one of the top things to do in North Goa, not just because it’s fun and sounds beachy. But Goa is also popular for the variety of marine species that reside in its waters, being in the top three places to go for a scuba dive in India, Goa is acing its game in the marine world.   

Price – 1500 onwards   

Location : Grande Island, Candolim, Nagoa, Sao Gorge Island   

Banana Boat Rides are the signature things to do in Goa. These boats shaped like bananas have a seating capacity of six and are sent to the ocean for a fun 15-minute thrilling ride. Getting flung by the water, and starting all over again is typically the essence of a wholesome banana ride.   

Price – 200- 400    

Location – Agonda beach, Baga beach, Calangute beach, Anjuna beach, Palolem beach and Candolim Beach.  

The Dudhsagar falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in India, naturally, it becomes one of the most visited treks in Goa. Located in the middle of luscious green hills, the view is to die for!   

Price :  

INR 20 per person   

INR 300: camera   

INR 5000: professional camera   

Experiencing marine life in all its glory is one of the most thrilling adventures in Goa, going for a snorkel can take around 4-5 hours alone and you can relax later by the shore. Most popular beaches of Goa have Snorkelling services, so tourists can fit their schedules accordingly.   

Price : 1500-3000   

Location: Grande beach, Palolem Beach, Sinquerim Beach    

Kayaking is one of the safest beach experiences in Goa. Riding at your speed and soaking in the beauty of the Goa landscapes is definitely on our to-do list. Relaxing in the middle of the ocean while paddling a Kayak sounds wonderful, doesn’t it?   

Price :  500-300   

Location – Bicholim Taluka  

The beaches of Goa scream of a Boho vibe, getting braids and tattoos at the beach is not an unusual activity. Be it a temporary or permanent one (if you are feeling too gutsy); getting a tattoo is one of the things to do with friends in Goa.  You won’t regret it later, as it will be off within a few days!   

Price : depends on the tattoo and the artist   

Location: multiple, Calangute beach, Northern Goa   

Goa is culturally important, especially when we speak of food and spices. The delicious cuisines that the tourists enjoy in the Goan land owing to the flamboyant spice plantations in Goa cannot be forgotten. Hence, several plantations offer tours to visitors for experiencing this spicy life, this has now become a major trend in Goa and is a must if you are here for a couple of days.   

Price : INR 300-500 per person    

Location : Panjim Savoi   

The Arvalem Waterfalls is one of the off-beat places in Goa and is a place of beauty. The waterfalls from a height and form a pool or lake of some sort at the bottom. Visitors find this sight beautiful and relaxing. You can sit here and listen to the water falling from a distance and relax to the sound of the birds, this is a must-visit place in Goa.   

Price: No fees   

Location – Near Mapusa Beach, North Goa   

Standing on a Hilltop, the Reis Magos Fort has been a residence to viceroys, a jail , and a hospital. Owing to its great cultural importance as a witness to Goan history for over four and a half centuries, this abandoned fort has seen many chapters of time unfold. Taking a trip to this cultural ruin is one of the top things to do in North Goa.   

Timings : 9:30 am to 5:30 pm (closed on Mondays)   

Location : Bardez   

Enjoy the luscious green valleys of G oa, turquoise waters, and brown sands from a bird-eye view; soaking in the cool breeze. Parasailing is one of the most common adventures to participate in Goa, parachutes are tied on boats at the height of 300ft and above and the sailor hauled up in the air has no control over its movement. This is the perfect time for you to relax and soak in the beauty of Goa.   

Price: 700-1500   

Location : Candolim beach, Anjuna beach, Majorda beach, Baga beach and Dona Paula beach.   

One of the coolest things to do in North Goa is to go carefree on a jet ski across the beach. With your water scooter zooming through the waves, and hair flying through the breeze you’ll feel nothing short of a protagonist. If you are someone who does not know how to swim but craves the thrill and rush of an ocean, jet ski rides are just the thing for you!   

Price : 500- 1500  (15-30 minutes ride)   

Location: Colva Beach, Candolim Beach, Baga Beach.   

On Goa’s finest cruise boats, Goa Boat Cruises offers fun-filled sunset evening sails.    

Sailing on the Mandovi River while basking in a beautiful view of Panjim, is undoubtedly one of the top things to do in North Goa.   

Various entertainment activities, including outstanding dance styles like Dekhni and Fugdi, are available for over two hours. This cruise is open to people of all ages who want to have a good time with live DJs and music shows. The main attraction of the dinner cruise in Goa is dancing to traditional Goan music and themes.   

Price : 3000 onwards   

Location: Mandovi river, Panjim   

Fort Aguada is one of Goa’s most renowned tourist spots, with its magnificent stretch of unending blue waters in front of it.    

It attracts a large number of tourists throughout the year because it is a popular tourist site and serves as a reminder of the Portuguese empire’s grandeur.   

Because of the presence of three freshwater springs inside, the fort was given the name Aguada, which means water in Portuguese, and it has stood strong since 1612.   

Price : No fee   

Timings : 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM   

The name Basilica of Bom Jesus is familiar to any ardent traveler or history buff. The church, which dates back over 400 years and is built in the Portuguese style, is one of Goa’s UNESCO Heritage Sites. Can you guess what the main attraction is here? Every ten years, the mummy of St. Xavier is brought out for public viewing! There are also artworks relating to St. Xavier’s life and relics of other saints such as Jesuit Rudolf Acquaviva and Antoni Francisci on display.   

Timings: Monday to Saturday-9:00 AM to 6:30 PM, Sunday- 10:30 AM to 6:30 PM    

Location – Old Goa Road   

You can always expect to have a great time in North Goa, whether you’re travelling with friends, and family, or backpacking solo.     

There are enough attractions in the area to entice every kind of tourist.    

So, pack your bags and start planning your Goa vacation!  

I hope you understand why North Goa stands out as a mesmerizing blend of history, culture, adventure, and serene beauty after going through this comprehensive list. From forts that whisper tales of the past to thrilling water sports and peaceful beach vibes, there's something for every traveler in North Goa. As you ponder on which activity to indulge in first, remember that the true essence of Goa lies in immersing yourself in its vibrant aura. If you have any doubts or want to learn more about it, feel free to get in touch, we would be happy to help you plan your perfect getaway.