21 Unique Things to Do in Goa for an Offbeat Vacation
Looking for unique things to do in Goa during your trip? These offbeat ideas make for an unforgettable experience and give you a peek into life as a local in Goa!
Goa is one of the top tourist destinations in India and for good reason! It’s a beautiful state on the eastern coast and most famous for its beaches. The vibe across Goa is super relaxed and chilled out.
While it’s easy to spend days on end relaxing at the beach, it’s also fun to check out some more unique things to do in Goa! From exploring one of the largest waterfalls in India, to trying shots of liquor made from cashews and uncovering hidden gems of Portuguese influence, this list has a wide range of ideas to make your trip extra special.
I have traveled to Goa more times than I can count since living in Mumbai, and I will always plan to go back! There’s so much to do and uncover and I absolutely love beach life. I hope you enjoy these activities as much as I did!
This post is all about unique things to do in Goa
Unique Things to Do in Goa
#1 Visit the mysterious Netravali Bubbling Lake
Netravali Bubbling Lake gained fame because of the unique phenomenon where bubbles naturally rise to the surface. The name is a bit misleading, because it’s more like a small pond, but it’s still totally worth checking out!
Netravali Bubbling Lake is part of Gopinath Temple. Visitors can create more bubbles by clapping or chanting ‘om’ alongside a priest! While there is a natural scientific explanation for the bubbles, it’s still surprising to see and it’s a perfect place for nature lovers to enjoy!
#2 Let loose and experience nightlife at a Silent Noise Party
Silent noise parties (also called silent discos) are a lot of fun! Everyone wears headphones and dances to different tunes. Even though there’s no music played out loud, it’s still a full-on party.
Have some drinks, dance on the beach, and enjoy this unique way of partying! You can find several silent noise parties throughout Goa, but one of the most well-known spots is at Palolem Beach.
#3 Witness Olive Ridley turtles laying eggs
If you’re traveling to Goa between November and March, you’ll have a good chance to see Olive Ridley turtles! Morjim and Galgibaga beaches are popular sights for turtle nesting and there are conservation efforts by the government to protect them there. They are super cute sea turtles!
#4 Pamper yourself with a unique spa day at an Ayurvedic wellness center
Goa is all about chilling and relaxing, it’s total beach vibes! Naturally, there are many spas all over the state. For a more unique experience, check out an Ayurvedic wellness center for a spa day instead.
Ayurveda is an ancient science of medicine from India that takes a holistic approach to wellness. Instead of mainstream spas, you can enjoy traditional Ayurvedic treatments and therapies to unwind and pamper yourself! You’ll find many options around Anjuna, Baga and Calangute beaches.
#5 Take a self-guided walking tour around Fontainhas to experience the Portuguese heritage
Fontainhas is a famous area of Panaji which is known for its vibrant Portuguese influence and colorful streets. Goa has a unique history due to Portuguese colonialism, unlike most of the rest of India which was ruled by the British.
Explore the churches, small chapels, and houses that showcase beautiful Portuguese architecture. Fontainhas is the perfect neighborhood to really appreciate the sights!
#6 Soak in the views while sunset kayaking
Kayaking is fun in itself, but add the beach and sunset and it’s even more special! You can find kayaking all over Goa. There are small rivers, lakes or the Arabian Sea to choose from.
One of the most popular spots to find kayaks is Baga Beach. The Sal Backwaters in south Goa is also a beautiful place to go kayaking and enjoy nature!
#7 Test your balance while Paddle Boarding in the Arabian Sea… or really challenge yourself with a surfing session!
Looking for unique things to do in Goa while enjoying the water? Try out paddle boarding! You can enjoy stand-up paddle boarding on the Arabian Sea and it’s sure to be a fun experience.
Agonda is a great place to try paddle boarding and they also have opportunities for surfing. I had my first-ever surfing lesson there and while I was absolutely awful, I had an incredible time and the instructors were great!
#8 Attend a music festival
Goa is famous for its contributions to music and is home to some of the best music festivals in India! It became a popular music spot in the 80s and 90s when Goa Trance music began popping up and spreading around the world.
The Sunburn Festival is the biggest music festival that happens in India and takes place in Goa! It’s a 3 day festival which is seriously a fun time! If you like electronic music and you like to party, then the Sunburn Festival is an incredible experience.
#9 Watch the magic of dolphins in their natural habitat
Dolphin watching is always a fun time! It’s the perfect activity for families and ocean-lovers. There are many beaches which offer boat rides into the Arabian Sea where you can try to spot and observe dolphins.
I recommend going to Sinquerim beach for the best views of the dolphins. You’ll especially see them if you visit between October and May, when the waters are calmer and there’s no rain.
#10 Take a shot of Feni, Goa’s staple alcohol made from cashews
Feni is not for the weaklings! Haha… but you have to try it if you’re in Goa. It’s a local liquor produced in Goa from cashews. You’ll be able to find it at pretty much any bar or restaurant that serves alcohol.
To learn more about Feni, there are different tour groups online that offer simple distillery tours and farm visits so you can learn about the process of how Feni is made. There are many guides available in Panaji.
#11 Learn pottery, tile-making or handicrafts at an artisan workshop
Goa is full of local artists and craftsmen who make the most beautiful items! Learn something new by joining a workshop and make a souvenir for yourself that is extra special.
Arambol is a great place to find a wide range of handicraft workshops. It’s a small beach town that is famous for being artsy and hippy. Even if you don’t want to join a workshop, there are so many small markets where you find amazing handicrafts!
#12 Stretch your body with aerial yoga
Goa is full of yoga studios and training centers. But if you’re looking for unique things to do in Goa, then try aerial yoga! It’s a great workout and stretches your body while hanging and twisting around in the air. I don’t have a ton of experience with yoga, but I took my first aerial yoga class in Agonda and it was an absolute blast!
#13 See glowing beaches with bioluminescence
It is MAGICAL to see a beach glowing from bioluminescence. It is a total chance if you will be able to witness the phenomenon, but absolutely worth it if you’re lucky. The beach glows a beautiful blue from bioluminescent plankton.
The best places to see glowing beaches are Galgibag and Betalbatim. My husband saw them at Galgibaga and it became his favorite beach in Goa! It’s a very small and less-visited spot. I have also heard you can see bioluminescence in Morjim, but I have visited Morjim a few times and never was lucky enough to see it there.
#14 Create a lifelong memory and get a tattoo
Whether you’ve had a tattoo in mind for a long time or want a spur of the moment design to celebrate your trip to India, Goa is a great place to get a tattoo! It’ll make for a great memory and story that will stay with you when your trip is done, too.
My husband used to own a tattoo studio in Goa and there are a lot to choose from with some great artists! Just remember, you might need to get it towards the end of your trip because you shouldn’t go underwater in the ocean with a fresh tattoo.
#15 Explore the ancient Usgalimal Rock Carvings
The Usgalimal Rock Carvings are in South Goa and are really mind-blowing! They are roughly 20,000 years old and depict different geometric designs as well as human and animal figures. The site is preserved and offers an incredible glimpse into the lives of prehistoric communities. It’s the perfect spot for history enthusiasts!
#16 Enjoy a traditional Goan meal at a spice farm
There are many organic farms around Goa where you can take tours, participate in farming activities and learn about local spices and plants! It’s a fun and unique way to learn about Goan cuisine. Plus, enjoy DELICIOUS food!
Sahakari Spice Farm is a beautiful and well-established farm which is used to hosting visitors. They offer guided tours which are great and my favorite part is the authentic Goan meal they provide!
#17 Watch trains pass over Dudhsagar Falls while swimming in the pool below
Dudhsagar Falls is the 5th largest waterfall in India and it’s absolutely breathtaking! Tucked away in nature, you can reach the falls with a short trek and can spend the day relaxing in the pool below. What makes this waterfall even more stunning is the train tracks which pass over the waterfall and makes for a picturesque view!
#18 Explore tree top lookouts and watch wildlife from above at Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary
Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary is a beautiful and huge nature reserve inland of Goa. It’s a great place to find hiking trails and reconnect with nature. The park has six treetop outlooks where you can even spot animals drinking from the watering holes!
There are also some beautiful places to stay near the sanctuary too. We stayed at Whispering Mud Resort and it was a unique getaway that I’d recommend! It makes you feel connected to nature but still has the amenities you would want in a stay. If you like more high-end places, there are many options to choose from if you search online.
#19 Cycle around the beautiful Divar Island
Divar Island is a scenic and peaceful spot away from mainland Goa. You can take a ferry or small boat ride to reach the island. Renting a bicycle is a great way to experience the natural beauty and explore the small island which is full of old Portuguese homes, churches, and lush greenery.
#20 Rejuvenate with a Sound Bath session that uses traditional Indian instruments and mantras
Sound healing is becoming increasingly popular, but it’s still a new and unique experience for most people! It’s a great way to relax and feel refreshed while just laying and taking in the vibrations.
Immersive Sound Experience is a Mumbai-based group but they also do sessions in Goa. They offer really unique sound sessions because they use a lot of different instruments. It’s unlike any other sound bath I’ve done and would highly recommend them!
#21 Soak in panoramic views of the Arabian Sea from the top of the Aguada Lighthouse
Aguada Fort is an old Portuguese fortress from the 1600’s that is situated along the coast. It’s a large abandoned area which is interesting to explore. What makes this fort unique is the lighthouse! Get ready for lots of steps but it’s totally worth it when you make it to the top and can overlook the coastline!
This post was all about unique things to do in Goa.
