Colva Beach Goa, one of the longest beaches in South Goa, is located about 6 km from Margao and 40 km from Panjim. It is known for its white sand, swaying palm trees, and colorful fishing boats add to the charm of this less crowded beach.
Colva Beach Goa has a rich history and culture, as it was once a retreat for the Portuguese aristocracy and a fishing village for the locals. It is also home to the Our Lady of Mercy Church, which hosts the annual Fama of Menino Jesus festival.
Best Time to Visit Colva Beach Goa
- The best time to visit Colva Beach, Goa, is between November and February, characterized by pleasant and dry weather with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 32°C.
This period also marks the peak season for tourism in Goa, resulting in crowds and higher prices.
- The monsoon season from June to September should be avoided for visiting Colva Beach, as the beach becomes unsafe for swimming due to high tides and strong currents
It is also the off-season for tourism in Goa, so expect fewer crowds and lower prices.
Must read: All You Need to Know About Colva Beach, Goa
Things to Do at Colva Beach Goa
Dolphin Spotting: You can see the friendly and playful dolphins in their natural habitat by hiring a boat or joining a tour at the Colva Beach Goa.
- Dolphin spotting mainly occurs from 7 am to 10 am.
- Prices vary based on the boat type and number of people.
- Shared boat costs around INR 300-500 per person.
- Private boat rates range from INR 1500-2000.
Water Sports: The must-do activities at Colva Beach include bumper rides, jet skiing, banana rides, snorkeling, kayaking, speed boating, wakeboarding, parasailing, and paragliding, offering a diverse range of water sports and adventure experiences for visitors to enjoy.
- Water sports operate from 9 am to 5 pm.
- Prices vary based on the activity and duration.
- Parasailing costs around INR 300-500 (approx), Windsurfing - INR 400-600 (approx), Speedboat rides - INR 500-700 (approx), Jet skiing - INR 600-800 (approx), Banana boat rides - INR 200-300 (approx)
Sunset Viewing: One of the most romantic and serene activities at Colva Beach Goa is sunset viewing. You can also rent a beach chair or a mat for a more comfortable experience.
Tasting Goan Food: Try the mouth-watering seafood, curries, vindaloo, xacuti and other local delicacies. Pay around INR 100-200 for a plate of seafood, INR 50-100 for a plate of curry, INR 30-50 for a piece of dessert.
Explore Pandava Caves: Located in the Sattari district of North Goa, the Pandava Caves are believed to have been carved out by the Pandavas during their exile. Visitors can explore these ancient caves, which hold significance in Indian epic tales.
Our Lady of Merces Church: Dedicated to Our Lady of Mercy, it showcases unique Goan-Portuguese architecture and offers a glimpse into the region's colonial past.
Dr. Jose da Silva Pereira House: A historical landmark near Colva Beach, the Dr. Jose da Silva Pereira House reflects the influence of Portuguese design and craftsmanship.
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Nightlife in Colva Beach Goa
Cohiba: Offers live music performances every day of the week, with popular bands and a lively atmosphere. Known for its open-air location, variety of drinks, and vibrant crowd. Ladies' nights on Wednesdays and Retro Saturdays are particularly popular here.
Saltamontes - Garden Cafe & Bar: A perfect spot for Jazzy weekends, soulful live melodies, and chilling with friends. Known for its Garden Concert Series with open mic and jam sessions.
Down The Road: Hosts talented local artists in a vibrant setting with an extensive bar, inviting open-air seating, and a buzzing dance floor. Offers eclectic tunes and electrifying weekends as the sun sets.
Boomerang Beach Bar & Restaurant: Offers a picturesque setting right on the beach, providing a perfect spot to enjoy sun, sea, sand, good food, drinks, music, dancing, karaoke nights, live bands, live matches onscreen, pool tables, and more.
By the Bridge Beach Shack Restaurant: Offers a serene and beautiful setting for unwinding and grooving in style. Provides a multi-cuisine spread, live music, karaoke, and a relaxing ambiance to chill and experience a happening night by the beach
Must Read: Best Things To Do In South Goa
Best Places To Eat Near Colva Beach
Mickey's Restaurant: This is a popular restaurant that serves authentic Goan food, especially seafood, along with continental and Indian dishes.
The price for two is around INR 800-1000. The must-try dishes are fish curry rice, prawn balchao, chicken cafreal and bebinca.
Leda Lounge and Restaurant: This is a stylish restaurant that serves fusion food, combining Goan, continental and Asian flavors.
The price for two is around INR 1000-1200. The must-try dishes are mushroom xacuti, Thai green curry, grilled fish and chocolate cake.
Kentuckee Seafood Restaurant and Bar: This is a casual restaurant with a beachfront serves fresh seafood, grilled or fried, along with continental and Indian dishes
The price for two is around INR 600-800. The must-try dishes are calamari fry, fish tikka masala, chicken biryani and caramel custard.
Pinacolada Beach Shack: This is a lively beach shack that serves mouth-watering seafood, Goan and continental dishes.
The price for two is around INR 500-700. The must-try dishes are crab masala, butter garlic prawns, veg burger and fruit salad.
Nazaré Beachfront Restaurant: Situated within the luxurious Beleza by the beach resort, this restaurant offers an exquisite dining experience with panoramic views of the Arabian Sea.
The price for two at Nazaré Beachfront Restaurant is around INR 300-800. Must-try dishes include Prawn Cocktail, Mediterranean Fattoush Salad with Quinoa, Arugula Salad with Orange Dressing.
Where to Stay at Colva Beach Goa
The Golden Crown Hotel & Spa: This is a 4-star hotel, located about 1 km from Colva Beach Goa. The hotel has 50 rooms that are equipped with air-conditioning, television, minibar, tea/coffee maker, safe, Wi-Fi and attached bathroom.
The hotel charges around INR 4000-6000 per night for a double room with breakfast included.
Beleza by the Beach: This is a 4-star resort that offers luxurious villas, a private beach, a swimming pool, a spa, a fitness center and two restaurants. The resort is located about 2 km from Colva Beach Goa and has a stunning sea view.
The resort charges around INR 6000-8000 per night for a double villa with breakfast included.
Soul Vacation Resort & Spa: This is a 3-star resort that offers cozy rooms, a swimming pool, a spa, a yoga center and a restaurant. The resort is located about 500 m from Colva Beach Goa and has a charming garden view.
The resort charges around INR 3000-4000 per night for a double room with breakfast included.
Colmar Beach Resort: Colmar Beach Resort is a 3-star resort that offers comfortable rooms, a swimming pool, a garden and a restaurant. The resort is located about 100 m from Colva Beach Goa and has a splendid beach view.
The resort charges around INR 2000-3000 per night for a double room with breakfast included.
Amigo Plaza: Amigo Plaza is a budget guest house that offers clean rooms, free Wi-Fi and breakfast. The guest house is located about 200 m from Colva Beach Goa and has a simple street view.
The guest house charges around INR 1000-1500 per night for a double room with breakfast included.
Places To Visit Near Colva Beach Goa
Cabo de Rama Fort: Cabo de Rama Fort dates back to the 16th century and offers a panoramic view of the Arabian Sea and the Colva Beach. The fort is open from 9 am to 5:30 pm and the entry is free.
Palolem Beach: It is known for its crescent-shaped shoreline, calm waters, palm trees and colorful shacks. It is also a popular spot for kayaking, fishing, dolphin spotting and yoga.
Spice Plantations (Tropical Spice Plantation): Tropical Spice Plantation is popular for its organic farming methods and the chance to see spices like black pepper, cardamom, and nutmeg growing in their natural habitat.
Varca Beach: Famous for its soft white sands and peaceful environment, Varca Beach is ideal for those looking to relax by the sea. It’s less crowded than other beaches, offering a more intimate experience with nature
Majorda Beach: A central beach in South Goa known for its soft golden sands and picturesque setting. Majorda Beach is a popular spot for sunbathing, water sports, and enjoying Goan delicacies at beach shacks
Goa Chitra Museum: This ethnographic museum houses a vast collection of traditional Goan artifacts. It’s a treasure trove for those interested in the local culture and history.
Japanese Garden: Perched on a hilltop, this garden is a slice of Japanese tranquility in Goa. It offers panoramic views of the sea and is a great spot for sunrise or sunset.
Rivona Caves: These 6th-century Buddhist caves offer a glimpse into ancient religious practices. Carved out of laterite rocks, Rivona Caves feature a ‘Pitha’ believed to be used by monks for meditation.
Ancestral Goa (Big Foot Museum): An open-air museum that recreates Goan rural life from a century ago. It provides a glimpse into the region’s past with life-size sculptures and dioramas.
Old Goa Churches: Old Goa Churches are a UNESCO World Heritage Site which includes the Basilica of Bom Jesus, the Se Cathedral, and the Church of St. Francis of Assisi. The churches are open from 9 am to 6:30 pm and the entry is free.
How to Reach Colva Beach
By Bus:
Bus numbers: 8A, 8B, 8C from Margao and 33A from Panjim.
Buses run every 15 minutes from 6 am to 8 pm.
Fare: around INR 10-15 per person.
Journey time: 20 minutes from Margao, about an hour from Panjim.
By Taxi:
Taxi operators: Goa Miles, Ola Cabs, Uber Cabs.
Fare: around INR 300-400 from Margao, INR 800-1000 from Panjim.
Journey time: 15 minutes from Margao, about 45 minutes from Panjim.
Fast and comfortable but can be expensive compared to buses.
Nearest Transportation Hubs:
Nearest bus stop: Colva Circle, about 1 km from the beach.
Nearest railway station: Margao, about 6 km from the beach.
Nearest airport: Dabolim, about 21 km from the beach.
