Goa Water Sports Guide: Parasailing, Jet Ski and Kayaking at Baga Beach

Baga, in North Goa, is the busiest beach for water sports in the state. Parasailing boats, jet skis and banana rides line up along the shore, and Baga Creek, at the north end of the beach, is a calm spot for sunset kayaking. Here is how to plan it.

How to reach Baga

• By air: Goa has two airports. Manohar International (Mopa) in North Goa and Dabolim near Vasco are both roughly 40 km, about an hour, from Baga. Prepaid taxis and app cabs are available.
• By train: Thivim station, about 20 km away, is the closest for North Goa. Madgaon, the main station, is about 50 km.
• Getting around: most visitors rent a scooter or use taxis. Baga is next to Calangute, so you can walk between the two along the beach.

When water sports run

The season is roughly October to May. During the monsoon, from around late May or early June to the end of September, the sea is rough and offshore water sports are stopped for safety. November to February has the calmest sea and the best weather; April and May are hotter but quieter.

What each ride is like

Parasailing

You are strapped into a harness attached to a parachute and towed up behind a speedboat, flying high over the sea for a few minutes. Take-off and landing happen on the boat, so you stay dry. Solo and tandem flights are both possible. It is the most popular choice for first-timers because you sit, not steer.

Jet ski

A short, fast ride on a personal watercraft, usually with an instructor sitting behind you or guiding from nearby. Expect spray and sharp turns.

Sunset kayaking on Baga Creek

A calm paddle through the creek and mangroves, ending as the sun goes down. Good for families and for anyone who wants a slower experience.

Safety checklist

• Wear the life jacket you are given, every time, and keep it buckled.
• Do not ride after drinking alcohol. Operators will (and should) refuse you.
• Leave phones and wallets with someone on the shore, or use a waterproof pouch.
• Follow the red and yellow flags and the lifeguards. If the sea is rough, the ride will be paused.

Things to do nearby

• Calangute and Candolim beaches: the long stretch south of Baga, lined with shacks.
• Fort Aguada: a 17th-century Portuguese fort and lighthouse at the tip of Candolim.
• Anjuna flea market: held on Wednesdays during the season, a short ride north.
• Chapora Fort: for the view over Vagator beach, best at sunset.

Want to go under the water? Read our beginner's guide to scuba at Grande Island.