Goa is land of beautiful beaches, tasty seafood, bustling nightlife and a rich cultural heritage. North Goa is preferred by travelers looking for the touristy things to do in Goa whilst South Goa is popular among people seeking a laid back peaceful vacation in Goa. Have you ever wondered which are the Best Beaches in South Goa? Your search ends here. In this Article we’ll discuss the Top 10 Best Beaches in South Goa in 2023 which you should add to your bucket list while on your next voyage to Goa.
1. Palolem Beach
Palolem Beach is one the most popular beaches in Goa and is known for it pristine natural beauty. This crescent shaped Beach is a must visit spot and has to be at the top of this list of Best beaches in South Goa.
While taking a dip in the waters of Palolem Beach bear in mind that the northern part of the beach is relatively safe as the waters are more calmer compared to the southern part. The adventure seekers can also enjoy some water sports at the beach. This beach definitely deserves the top spot in the list of Best beaches in South Goa in 2023.
Nightlife at Palolem
Palolem Beach has a very happening nightlife. Head to ‘Leopard valley’ which is one of South Goa’s popular night clubs for a night of good music and dance. You can also try out the silent partys at the Neptune Club in Palolem which takes place on Saturdays from 9pm to 4am and will cost you around ₹600 per person.
Things to do in Palolem:
– Scuba diving
– Kayaking
– Dolphin Spotting
– boat ride to Butterfly Beach
– take a ferry to Conco island ( Monkey Island) – This island is a small piece of land with lush green vegetation and is a good spot for a picnic.
2. Agonda beach
Agonda Beach is a place one ought to visit when they want to spend some quiet time with themselves or with their family. It is one of the nesting site for the Olive Ridley turtles in the month of September. Agonda beach is a perfect spot to have a laid back and relaxing time with your loved ones.
Things to do in Agonda:
– Boat ride to Butterfly Beach and Honeymoon Beach
– Shopping at the market near the beach
– Have a delicious meal at the shacks on the beach. Some of the popular restaurants there are Simrose and Fatima’s Corner.
– Visit the Cabo de Rama Fort – This fort was constructed by the Maratha King Shivaji Maharaj and was dedicated to Lord Ram. Legend has it that Lord Ram and his wife Sita stayed here during their exile from Ayodhya.
3.Galgibaga Beach
Also know as the Turtle beach, Galgibaga is one of the lesser known beaches of South Goa. It is relatively untouched and you will find very few tourists and shacks.
Another interesting fact about this beach is that it is one of the few sites of nesting for the Olive Ridley turtles in Goa. This species of turtles is the second smallest and the most abundant of all sea turtles found in the world.
Things to do in Galgibaga:
– take a casual stoll on the beach during sunset
4. Mobor Beach
Mobor Beach is one of the less crowded, serene beaches in Goa. It is located about 35 minutes away from the Margao bus stand. Nested in between the Sal River on one side and the Arabian sea on the other, Mobor beach is also a part of a Natural Park and hence you may be able to see some rare birds in this region. Since there are a few luxury Resorts in this area, Mobor might be wrongly assumed to be a private beach resulting in less crowding.
Things to do in Mobor :
– Watersports
– Bird watching
– Take a Cruise ride in the Sal River
– Oyster Catching and underwater fishing
5. Cavelossim Beach
Next on this list of Best beaches of South Goa is the mesmerising Cavelossim Beach. This Beach although a bit crowded is a treat to the eye. This beautiful strip of sand is one of the most popular beaches of South Goa. The beach is bounded by the Sal river on the east and Arabian see on the west.
This breath-taking beach is ranked The Fourth best beach in Asia by TripAdvisor in 2022 making it a must add beach to your bucket list while visiting Goa. This beach offers a vibrant night life and is a heaven for Party lovers.
Things to Do in Cavelossim:
– Go for a Dolphin Sighting boat ride
– stay at a Resort along the Cavelossim Beach
– Visit Cabo de Rama Fort
– Visit the church of Cavelossim
Read more : Best Hotels in Goa near the Beach
6. Cola Beach
This crescent shaped beach is one of the less touristy and relatively untouched places of Goa. There is a sweet water lake with clear waters offering a ton of fun water activities. Kayaking is a must try activity in these waters while enjoying the natural beauty of Cola.
You may consider climbing up the hill for an amazing panoramic view of the Arabian Sea. There are multiple options for accommodation available in Cola, ranging from tents to beach facing cottages.
Things to do in Cola:
– Kayaking in the Lagoon
– other water activities like windsurfing and stand up paddle boarding.
7. Benaulim Beach
This beach was previously named ‘Banavli’ ( in Sanskrit means Arrow) and is changed to the current name by the Portuguese. According to the Hindu scripts Lord Vishnu had shot an arrow which landed at this location and hence was named Banavli.
There are numerous shacks on the beach like Rafaels Beach Shack. You may also take a dip in the ocean and also enjoy a few Watersports at Benaulim beach.
Things to do in Benaulim:
– Enjoy Watersports like jet skiing, parasailing, windsurfing.
– Take a casual relaxing stroll on the beach during sunset.
– Learn a thing or two by observing the Fisherman at work at the beach.
8. Bogmalo Beach
Bogmalo beach is located in Vasco just 15 minutes away from the Dabolim International airport in Vasco. Although this beach is a small fishing spot, one can see many families having a great time during the sunset.
The beach is clean and is well maintained by the local authorities. Bogmalo beach Resort located right on the beach offers some of the most beautiful views of this shoreline especially during the sunset at resonable prices.
Things to do in Bogmalo:
-Take a dip in the ocean
– enjoy Watersports
– Visit the Indian Naval Aviation Museum located less than 5 minutes away from the beach.
9. Betalbatim Beach
Lying on between the Majorda and Colva Beach, Betalbatim beach a treat for the nature lovers. It is popular among tourists as the Sunset beach since the view during the dusk is mind blowing.
An interesting natural phenomenon is noted on the shores of Betalbatim Beach called bioluminescence where the water glows in the dark due to the presence of light producing organisms.
Things to do on Betalbatim beach:
– Watersports like Waterskiing, windsurfing, Parasailing. These Watersports may cost you somewhere between ₹1000 – ₹2000.
-Enjoy the nightlife of Betalbatim and the yummy seafood in the nearby restaurants. Some of the popular restaurants include Martin’s Corner, Fish ka bar and restaurant.
10. Colva Beach
One of the most popular beaches of Goa, Colva beach is a must visit spot while visiting Goa. Although it is a touristy place and attracts alot of tourists during the peak season , Colva offers stunning veiws of the sunset and a beautiful clean beach.
The shoreline is lined by lush green coconut trees which were planted under the orders of Sebastiáo José Roiz (Descendant of Diogo Rodrigues, Landlord of Colva)in the 18th Century.
Things to do in Colva:
– Watersports
-Dolphin Spotting Boat ride
– Shopping at the market along Colva beach road.
For more such information watch this video:
Cavelossim and Benaulim are very clean beaches in South Goa.
Colva Beach is one of the most crowded beaches in South Goa
Benaulim beach, Colva beach are some of the best beaches for families in South Goa.
Around 3-4 days are enough to explore South Goa.
South Goa is relatively cheaper compared to North Goa.