Betalbatim Beach

Small is beautiful! The Betalbatim Beach is a classic example of this. Betalbatim Beach is a 1-kilometer-long beach in South Goa between Majorda and Colva. It is one of Goa’s smallest beaches, but one of the most scenic ones. The entire stretch is lined with groves and palm trees swaying to the sea breeze. It has pristine white sand. Betalbatim is one of those rare beaches in Goa and India where you there is soft, white sand. The sea is safe for swimming. The beach gently slopes down to the Arabian Sea. There is a small creek that runs along the sand.

Betalbatim Beach stands out for another reason. The water has bioluminescent phytoplankton, which makes it glows blue and green in the night. It’s a stunning natural phenomenon which you have to see to believe. Initially, it is dim and vague. But as the tides rise and come closer to the beach, you will see the lights growing brighter. Even the beach is lit up spectacularly. This magic of nature is best seen on a full moon night, between November and January. There are only two other beaches in India where you can see this natural wonder – Neil Island in Andaman, and Lakshadweep’s Bhangram Beach.

Betalbatim Map

The beach has a laid-back vibe. There are never a lot of tourists as there are only a few places to stay here. There are only 4-5 beach shacks, which are spread wide apart. If you want a quiet holiday by the sea and want to relax, then this is the right place for you. Betalbatim Beach is best for relaxing, sunbathing, sunsets, swimming, and dolphin watching. Sometimes, they come very close to the beach.

The beach is only 10.7 kilometers from Margao and can be reached easily from the city. You will get taxis in the city and just outside the rail station. Vasco da Gama is at a distance of 18.5 kilometers. Colva Beach is 4 kilometers away. You can easily walk to Colva and Majorda. It will be a very pleasant walk on the beach.

There are bioluminescent planktons in the water just off the Betalbatim beach so on some nights, the sea will glow in the dark. You may suddenly notice bright lights on the waves, but this is not the moon’s reflection. People travel long distances to see these magical sights. It is a natural spectacle.

Betalbatim Gallery

Luxury villa with direct access to the beach. 5* star service. Prime location of North Goa.
Villa for rent from 19 000 Rs. per night

Quick Facts About Betalbatim

1. Betalbatim is in South Goa. There are two small beaches here – the bigger Betalbatim beach and the smaller Sunset Beach towards the north. Wide and sandy beach lined by pine trees. The sea is safe for swimming. There are lifeguards on the beach and a warning system in case bad weather is coming in.
2. Closest airport – Dabolim – 17.6 kms.
3. Closest railway station – Seraulim – 7.1 kms.
4. Margao City Center – 10.7 kms.
5. Vasco da Gama — 18.5 kms. Very serene, clean, and quiet beach. There are few tourists here in spite of the fact that it is close to both Vasco da Gama and Margao. The stretch between Betalbatim and Sunset Beach is almost completely deserted.
6. Developed tourist infrastructure – hotels, resorts, villas, shops, cafes, and restaurants. Martin’s Corner, one of the most famous restaurants in Goa is in Betalbatim. Good beach for a relaxing holiday. Many beach shacks serving Indian, Chinese, and continental food. Drinks. Sun beds and umbrellas. Get a massage on the beach or visit a spa.
7. Visit Margao and Vasco da Gama for sightseeing. Many things to see — Church of the Holy Spirit, Our Lady of Grace Church, Rachol Seminary, Jorge Barreto Park, St. Andrew’s Church, Ashvek Vintage world- Car Museum, the Japanese Garden. Visit South Goa beaches – Colva, which is very close, Majorda, Utorda, Benaulim, Cavelossim, and even Palolem and Agonda, which are further away. Come back to Betalbatim after a long day, relax, and enjoy the serenity.
8. Dolphin spotting close to the beach. Local fishermen offer tours. On some nights, you can see bioluminescent planktons lighting up the sea water.

Best Time Of The Year To Visit Betalbatim

November to February is the best time to visit Betalbatim. It will be more pleasant this time of the year because of the lower temperature. November to February is the winter season in Goa. The stunning blue and green display of the bioluminescent phytoplankton is also seen at this time. Most beach shacks in South Goa are temporary structures that stay closed during the summer, only to open from the middle of October. Those who work in the shacks and shops usually go back to the villages as there are very few tourists. Everything is open in the winter season.

You can also visit in the monsoon. The heat will be less but the humidity will be higher. The monsoon is very romantic because of the cloud cover, sea, rain, and the long stretch of empty beach. But on some days, it may rain for many hours, and so, you may have to stay indoors.

Weather

There are three seasons in Goa and Betalbatim – summer, monsoon, and winter. The summer is hot, with the temperature reaching 36°C on some days. The evening is more pleasant though, as a nice breeze comes in from the Arabian Sea. Avoid direct sun exposure between 11 AM and 4 PM in March, April, and May.

The average temperature is lower in the monsoon (middle of June to early September), but you may still have to stay indoors because of the rain. It will rain almost every day, and on some days, there can be thundershowers as well. The humidity is also very high because of the cloud cover, which will make you sweat. In an average year, July and August are the wettest months. Expect high waves during the monsoon. The sea is choppy, so swimming is risky.

The winter from November to February is very pleasant. There is almost no rain and the humidity too has gone down remarkably. January is usually the coldest month of the year, but you don’t need woolens here even in early morning or late night. The entire tourist infrastructure is available – shops, restaurants, beach shacks, bars, and car/bike rentals. You can take long walks on the beach, see the tourist attractions, or relax at a beach shack without worrying about heat or rain.

How To Reach Betalbatim

• By Air — The Dabolim international airport is 17.6 kms from Betalbatim. The airport is connected by many domestic and international flights – Air India, Indigo, Spicejet, Etihad, Air Arabia, Air Asia, Qatar Airways, and Jet Airways. You will find taxis at the airport’s pre-paid booth. The new Mopa airport in North Goa is 60.7 kilometers away.
• By Rail — Seraulim is the closest railway station. It is 7.1 kms away by the Dabolim-Cavelossim Road. The Margao railway station is at a distance of 9.9 kms.
• By Road – Margao City Center is 10.7 kms from Betalbatim, and Vasco da Gama is 18.5 kms away, both connected by the Colva Beach Road. The Colva Beach is very close – just 4 kms from Betalbatim.

Top 6 Things To See And Do At Betalbatim

1. Long Walks – Take long walks on the beach, all the way to Utorda in the north or Colva and beyond in the south. This is one continuous wide stretch of sand. There will be a lot of greenery all around, adding a nice touch. The beach will be mostly deserted, with a few clusters of shacks with their sun beds and umbrellas. See the local fishermen bringing in their catch. Walk up and talk to them. Take pictures. You can even buy directly from the fishermen. It will be very fresh. You can also hire a bike and explore if you don’t feel like walking.
2. Historic Churches – There are many beautiful churches to see at Margao and Vasco da Gama, close to Betalbatim. Church of the Holy Spirit in Margao was constructed by the Jesuit missionaries in 1564. It was reconstructed in 1645 and improved upon in 1675 as Muslim invaders had destroyed it. A feast is held at the Our Lady of Grace Church on 1^st February every year. Built more than 400 years back, the St. Andrew’s Church in Vasco is one Goa’s oldest churches. It has a simple façade, but the interiors are richly decorated. There is also the Fatorda Church dedicated to Our Lady Of Rosary, and the Rachol Seminary, which houses one of the first printing presses in India.
3. The Gardens – There are many beautiful gardens to see as well. The Japanese Garden of Vasco da Gama is next to the sea and offers breathtaking views of the islands and the Arabian Sea. It’s a well maintained garden. There is a small beach next to it. The Jorge Barreto Park of Margao is famous for its colonial red washed building and arched corridor. While in Margao, also visit the Municipal Garden.
4. Loutolim – This is a small town 10.5 kms from Margao worth visiting for many reasons. See the beautiful colonial mansions, built in Portuguese architectural style. The Ancestral Goa Museum is the main attraction here. An ancient Goa village has been recreated in this outdoor museum with dancing, pottery and other attractions. Also visit the Ancestral Goa theme park or the “Big Foot”. Saviour of the World Church is a small church to see. If you have time then see the Miranda Mansion, an old Goa house.
5. Dolphins and Birds – Dolphins are sometimes sighted just off the Betalbatim beach. The local fishermen offer a trip to see them for a fee. You can also see many sea birds trying to catch a fish.
6. Beaches of South Goa – Betalbatim is in South Goa technically, but it has more of a central location. So you can visit Vasco da Gama, Margao, and even some of the popular south Goa beaches from here. Colva is just 4 kms away, while Benaulim is 7.9 kms further south. You can also visit Cavelossim, which is 16.2 kms away, Agonda at 42.5 kms, and Palolem at a distance of 41.9 kms. It is best to hire a car or bike for the entire day and visit some of the south Goa beaches.

The Beach

Betalbatim Beach

You will fall in love with the Betalbatim beach instantly as you as you enter it. The long sandy shore is lined with pine trees, which makes it different than the other Goa beaches, as they have palm groves. You have to cross a small water body to enter the beach. The approach road is beautifully bordered with large trees. There is a second approach road further north.

You will immediately notice how clean, wide, and deserted the beach is. The sand is golden and powdery. The sea here is safe for swimming. There are no rocks or jellyfish in the water. Betalbatim remains serene and quiet throughout the year, even in the peak season, as there are fewer tourists. There are quite a few beach shacks here – Baggies, Fishermen’s Café, Magzika, Sunshine, Sea Princess, and Silent Nook. Spend a lazy day relaxing, getting a sun bath, and a massage. Try Konkani or continental food. Play beach volleyball or football, and relax in between.

If you love nature, and want a peaceful and relaxing vacation, then the Betalbatim beach will not disappoint you.

Infrastructure

The beach has good infrastructure for tourists. there are quite a few beach shacks, but not too many, to crowd the space. All the shacks serve food, drinks, and have sunbeds facing the sea. Choose from Fishermen’s Shack, Baggies, Joel’s, Little Palms, and Magzika. In the village, you will find a bank, pharmacy, a souvenir shop, tattoo parlor, and several shops. It is a small village with many old houses. Some of them have old colonial Portuguese architecture, like the Church of St. Thomas, which is an architectural masterpiece.

There are no large hotels or resorts here. However, there are many good places to stay like Beleze By The Sea and Nanu Beach Resort. You will also find many luxurious villas for rent in Betalbatim.

Top 6 Restaurants In Betalbatim

There are fewer places to eat and drink in Betalbatim compared to some of the more popular Goa beaches. However, there is at least one restaurant that is considered to be one of the best in Goa.

1. Martin’s Corner – One of the best restaurants in Goa. Turn left from the Betalbatim junction to reach this eatery between Betalbatim and Majorda beach. This is the place for seafood and authentic Goan delicacies – fresh lobster, big pomfret, red snapper, tiger prawns, beer and drinks. Martin’s Corner is costlier than most other restaurants, but it is worth it.
2. Jimson’s Restaurant & Bar – A small, pure, and comfortable restaurant in the village. It is in a small lane that crosses the Dabolim-Cavelossim Road. Good selection of tasty food. Home delivery till late in the night. You will always get a hot meal. Prices are not so high.
3. Greenlands – An outdoor restaurant in a rustic garden, serving Indian, Asia, British food, and seafood. Try the lamb, rice, chicken and shrimps. Good friendly service. A new restaurant, but it has already become popular.
4. Fishka Bar & Restaurant – Very close to Martin’s Corner, serving Indian, Asian, international, seafood, vegan, and vegetarian options. Try the lamb, chicken, or prawns. The signature sizzler dishes are spicy.
5. Alex’s Place Garden Restaurant – Located between Betalbatim beach and Majorda beach, this eatery serves Indian, Asian, vegetarian food, and seafood. Sea front location. Good sun beds to lie on with umbrellas, and yummy food.
6. Joel’s Beach shack, Sea Waves – Sitting next to each other, these are two beach shacks at the southern end of Betalbatim. They have both gained quite a reputation over the years. Family run places serving fresh and tasty food. Great views of the sea. Sun beds with umbrellas.

Hotels

Nanu Resort

Nice decent accommodation and developed tourist infrastructure. There are hotels, resorts, guest houses, and a few home stays close to the Betalbatim beach. Nanu Resort, Beleza by the Beach, Coconut Grove, Martins Comfort, Alagoa Resort, Sunset Meadows, and Sterling are some of the biggest properties.

Villas In Betalbatim

There are many very nice and comfortable villas in Betalbatim as well. Nuala Vuala is a 2-bedroom villa with a private swimming pool just 70 meters from the beach. Villa Country Park is also a 2-bedroom property that offers modern amenities and high-end luxuries. It is close to Martin’s Corner. Fenix has 3-bedrooms for 6 guests. A 5-minute walk to the beach, this is located within a nice grove. Villa La Reine is a huge property with 12 bedrooms, perfect for a large group of 24 people. Nice garden with outdoor sitting, and a private swimming pool.

Properties with sea views cost more. The cost also depends on the amenities, season, and the duration of your stay.

Comfortable 3 bedroom villa with a complex swimming pool. From 8 500 Rs. per night

Comfortable 3-bedroom villa in gated residential complex. Shared Pool. South Goa. From 10 000 Rs. per night

Modern 2 bedroom villa with a complex swimming pool From 9 000 Rs. per night