What are the best things to do in Goa for couples? Lay in bed late, have a leisurely breakfast for two, hit the beach. Soak up the sun till it dips into the Arabian Sea and then party the night away. Lather, rinse, repeat.
That kind of sums up all the things couples do in Goa, right? Mostly. But you could slide off that checklist and try your hand at our list. These are some of the most fabulous things for you to do in Goa as a couple and none of them involve the beach. So flip on your adventure switch and come away with us.
1. Have Breakfast with the Dolphins
Pack up some sandwiches, hire a boat on the beach and head out to the sea for a romantic breakfast for two early in the morning. Or pack a six-pack. You’re a grown up and who says you can’t have beer for breakfast? Look hard and you’ll be able to see a pod of dolphins splashing around.
2. Private Party on Butterfly Island
One of the best things to do in Goa for couples? Take a boat ride to Butterfly Island for a late night party for two. This tiny island close to the northern end of Palolem Beach in South Goa is accessible only by water and is more like a big sandbar than an island. But it’s super clean, offers privacy and is utterly romantic. Have a steady supply of your favorite drinks, some food and spend the evening there gazing at the stars with your SO.
3. Cruise on the Chapora River
Get your own, personalized cruise on a houseboat (you read that right!) on the Chapora River. Book at one of the many businesses offering these cruises and opt for a day trip or an overnight one. Among all the things you can do in Goa as a couple, this one would stand out because it gives you a new perspective of life in Goa – soak in the scenes by the river as you cruise along – fishermen readying the nets, sand dredgers hard at work, songs wafting from the paddy fields and people going about their business in villages hemmed to the side of the river.
4. Walk around in the Old Latin Quarters of Panjim
Goa is famous for its beautiful churches and they are widely visited by tourists. How about visiting a quaint little church in Fontainhas, the Old Latin Quarter of Panjim? Not really on the tourist map, Fontainhas is Panjim’s historic center and has preserved its Old Portuguese influence. You can see it in the architecture of the buildings and churches like the St. Sebastian Chapel. While here, also visit the 16th century Church of our Lady of Rosary –part of UNESCO World Heritage sites in the state. In fact, one of the most romantic things to do in Goa as a couple would be to spend an entire day walking around aimlessly in the Old Latin Quarters!
5. Visit the Usgalimal Rock Engravings Site
Sounds like a bore trooping off to inspect an ancient archeological site? We promise you it will be anything but! The trip itself – from your starting point to Sanguem in South Goa where the site is, will be an adventure. Goa’s lush green countryside, all those little hamlets along the way and the impromptu stops (you know you’ll do that!) will be worth the drive. Sitting on the banks of the Kushavati River and discovered in 1993, these petroglyphs from the Stone Age are a delight to look at. How’s that for a great thing to do in Goa as a couple?
6. Enjoy Cycling Tours
A great option for things to do in Goa for couples that goes beyond the beach is to take a cycling tour. Many businesses offer these tours and you could take your pick from cycling on an island, the old Latin quarters in Panjim to cycling through the state visiting its many villages and towns. Enjoy the slow pace, the togetherness and the elation you feel when you discover something new with your SO.
7. Go Crab Catching
Go catch your dinner together! Crab catching is a thing people! And you can have your catch cooked to perfection. Many beach-side businesses offer equipment (and guidance) for catching crabs and turning them into a meal for you while you sit and enjoy the sunset. A great option for offbeat things to do in Goa, this crab catching adventure is going to generate many stories for friends back home.
8. Go Crocodile spotting
What is a better thing to do in Goa as a couple than to take a boat ride through the Cumbarjua Canal near Panjim? The canal is inhabited by muggars (no they won’t snatch your wallet!), the Indian crocodile and you can spot them resting in the sun, up close and personal. Getting an adrenaline rush together? Definitely one of the most awesome things to do in Goa as a couple!
9. Visit the little-known Tambdi Surla Temple
A 12th century structure packed away in the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary. Literally no tourists visit this spectacular stone structure which is one of the oldest shrines in Goa and is probably the last surviving instance of the Kadamba-Yadava architecture in the state.
10. See Feni in Making
Another great option for things to do in Goa for couples is to go Cashew-apple harvesting at Valpoi. Available only during the harvesting season from March to May, this easy on the senses activity involves picking the cashew apples, gleefully stomping on the fruit and watching Feni – that exalted Goan liquor – being distilled out of them. Bliss!
Some other noteworthy mentions would be: taking a hot air balloon ride at Assolda, white water rafting at Sattari and visiting Goa’s old forts for a lesson in history. Of course, you will always end up on a beach, you’re in Goa after all! But do try some of these awesome things to do in Goa for couples on your next visit. Got more? Tell us about your experiences in the comments below.
