River Cruise - Mandovi River, Panjim - Timings, Boating, Best Time to Visit

At a distance 1 km from Panaji Kadamba Bus Terminus, River Cruise is a memorable and must experience activity in Panaji. It is one of the top Goa places to visit. The river cruises start from Santa Monica Boat Jetty and Panaji Jetty on Mandovi river in Panaji town on Old Panaji Road. River cruise is one of the top things to do in Goa.

The river cruise, especially the evening sunset cruise is a beautiful experience. Most of the cruise trips last for one hour with a ride across the Mandovi River till the Miramar Beach point. The cruise trips are usually accompanied with Goan cultural activities like Music, Dance, etc. The activities also include tourists joining the dance at end of the program.

Visitors can also view Adil Shah Palace from the river, which is the first palace built in Goa by Bijapur Sultan Adil Shah. It was later occupied by Portuguese and converted into a palace. Evening time (around 6 PM) is ideal time for cruise trip for best experience. This is usually crowded on weekends and waiting time can go upto 1-2 hours in peak rush.

There is also a Dinner cruise that leaves Santa Monica Jetty at 8:45 PM and comes back at 10:45 PM.

A full day (9.30 AM to 4 PM) backwater cruise trip is also arranged by Goa Tourist Dept from Santa Monica. The Backwater Cruise takes you along the mangrove-lined banks of the Mandovi River, between the Chorao and Divar islandsincluding Dr. Salim Ali's Bird Sanctuary at Chorao Island. It is a must do activity for Bird lovers.

Goa offshore Casino ships are accessible from Panaji Jetty past Santa Monica Jetty.

Charges:

Sunset Cruise (1 Hour): Rs. 300 per person

Dinner Cruise (2 Hours - Wednesday & Saturday): Rs. 650 including dinner (Rs. 300 for children between 5-12 years)

Backwater Cruise (9.30 AM to 4 PM): Rs. 900 for adults & Rs. 450 for children between 5-12 years