Cavelossim Beach

Cavelossim is a 4-kilometer-long beautiful sandy beach in South Goa. It is a serene paradise where you will have green coconut groves on one side and the blue Arabian Sea on the other. There are only a handful of beach shacks, restaurants, and hotels. Cavelossim is a great choice if you are looking for a quiet and relaxing holiday surrounded by pristine nature. There are no noisy crowds, no beach parties, and only a few water sports activities. Goa has 35 beaches. Cavelossim easily ranks as one of the best beaches.

Cavelossim Beach also has the beautiful Sal River on the other side just after the coconut groves. The Sal River meanders through Goa’s countryside to meet the Arabian Sea at Mobor, which is the southern section of Cavelossim. The 17th century Betul Fort is on the other side of the river. It is now in ruins but you will still get fantastic views of the estuary and the sea from there. You can also hike up to the Betul Lighthouse on top of a hill overlooking the sea and river.

Most of the hotels, luxury villas, and the restaurants are located on the river side. There are a few upscale 5-star properties in Cavelossim like Novotel, The Leela, Holiday Inn, and Radisson. All of them are large properties. If you prefer privacy, then you can look at a luxury pool villa. The Fishermans Wharf, Betty's Place, Riverside, Robin's Ark, and Mike's Place are the best places for food and drinks in Cavelossim.

Cross the river and head to the Cutbona Jetty to see a working fishing harbor. It is one of South Goa’s busiest fishing ports.

Cavelossim Map

You will find several operators offering cruises on the Sal River. It will be a very scenic cruise. You have the chance to see dolphins. The Sal River also has a small mangrove area. From Cavelossim, you can visit many nearby beaches like Mobor, Varca, Agonda, and Palolem.

Cavelossim 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 Cavelossim

Best Time of the Year to Visit Cavelossim Beach

Cavelossim is one of the most beautiful beaches in South Goa, so there are tourists almost throughout the year. But it never gets as crowded as some of the popular beaches in the North, even in the peak season. Most tourists, though, visit in the winter as the weather is the mildest then. It is more pleasant. The summer, in contrast, is hot, and it can rain heavily during the monsoon. Water sports and many of the shacks are likely to be closed. Water sport is not always safe at this time. Most shack and restaurant workers go back to their villages, doing other jobs. This is also the time for plantation.

The winter months between November and February are definitely the best time of the year to visit Cavelossim.

Weather

Like other places in Goa, Cavelossim is also hot in the summer, with the daytime temperature reaching 36°C and even more on some days. But it cools down considerably in the evening. The temperature is still high during the monsoon. Add to that the high humidity, and it can become unpleasant on many days. Chance of thundershowers on some days! There can be water logging too. The waves are also likely to be higher this time of the year.

Winter, between November and February, is pleasant. The temperature ranges between 20°C and 22°C, so it is very comfortable. There is almost no rain, and very little humidity. The sun is mild so you can spend an entire day on the beach, cruising the Sal River, or seeing some of the sightseeing spots of Goa.

How to Reach Cavelossim

• By Air — The Dabolim airport is 34.0 kms from Cavelossim. The airport is connected by many major Indian and international airlines like Air India, Indigo, Etihad, Air Arabia, Air Asia, Qatar Airways, and Jet Airways. You can take a flight from Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Pune, and some international cities. The new Mopa airport in North Goa is 76 kilometers away.
• By Rail — The Margao railway station is 14.8 kms from Cavelossim.
• By Road — The Margao city center is 18.3 kms from Cavelossim.

Top 10 Things To See And Do At Cavelossim

Cavelossim in South Goa is a top travel destination. Most guests like to just relax and unwind in this serene paradise. However, if you want, you can also visit many places and try various activities.

1. Sal River Cruises – Cruise on the beautiful Sal River. You can visit its confluence and also the mangrove area. You will see many birds, bats, and even the occasional dolphin. You can also visit the wooded Estevam Island.
2. Dolphin Trips – There are specialized dolphin trips here. The best time to see them is early in the morning and close to the evening.
3. Fishing Expeditions – Hop on to a fishing trawler and go on an adventurous fishing trip. The vessel already has everything. It will be a unique experience for sure.
4. Visit the Cutbona Jetty – Cutbona is a busy fishing harbor on the eastern side of the river. You will see many trawlers lined up along the jetty and others bringing in the catch or going out to the sea. It’s a wholesale market so many vehicles pick up the fish to sell them at various markets in Goa.
5. Forts - There are two forts close to Cavelossim… the Betul Fort and its lighthouse, and the Cabo de Rama Fort. They both offer good sea views from the top.
6. Portuguese Mansions – Visit Palacio do Deao and the Menezes Braganza House to appreciate colonial Portuguese architecture. Palacio do Deao has a beautiful garden, old furniture, and a stunning verandah. You can see many artifacts also in the Menezes Braganza House.
7. Water Sports – Enjoy kayaking, parasailing, speed boats, banana boats, and Jet skiing.
8. Ayurvedic Massage – There are massage parlors and health centers in Cavelossim where you can get an authentic ayurvedic massage with essential oils. This ancient healing remedy will remove your body pain and stress..
9. Shanta Durga Temple – Half an hour from the beach, this is one of the best Hindu temples in Goa. It stands on the top of a hill.
10. Nearby Beaches – There are many scenic beaches you can visit nearby like Agonda, Palolem, and Varca.

Cruising the Sal River

Goa’s third largest river, the Sal flows for 35 kilometers and meets the Arabian Sea at Cavelossim. It is a very scenic river where you can see a lot of flora and fauna. Throughout the neighborhood, you will find the river flowing on the other side of the beach, which makes Cavelossim unique. There is just a thin strip of land between the beach and river, which you can easily walk in a few minutes.

There are various cruises on the river. You can go on just a short cruise for an hour, a sunset cruise, or a more extensive 5-hours cruise. Foods, drinks, and books on birds are placed on your table. There is also live music in some cruises.

Visit the NUSI Maritime Academy, the wooded Estevam Island, navigate through the mangroves, and see churches and traditional homes on both the banks. It will go briefly into the Arabian Sea and continue upstream, going all the way to Varca, before coming back to Cavelossim. The 5-hour cruise starts at 10 in the morning. It reaches Dolphin Bay after about 15 minutes. Later in the day, you will reach the “Bat Tree”, where you will see many bats. Keep your camera and binoculars close.

Shree Shanta Durga Temple

It doesn’t look like a traditional Hindu temple. You will be surprised when you see it. Dedicated to the Goddess Shanta Durga, the Portuguese destroyed the original temple. The present structure was constructed later by Chhatrapati Shahu. It’s a must visit for those who are spiritual and for the history buffs.

Shopping at Cavelossim

Cavelossim is peaceful, but there are good shopping opportunities here. Most of the shops are along the main street.

Buy a souvenir, clothes, books, groceries, and more when you are in Cavelossim. There are many jewelers and leather shops too. Big shops and small street-side stalls.

• The Saga Store – One of the biggest shopping centers in South Goa. You will find branded clothes from Lacoste, Levis, and shoes from Adidas. Both Indian designers and international fashion brands. Many household and gift items.
• D'mello SuperCenter – Choose from wine, groceries, pharmacy and everything else under one roof.
• Dharamdas and Sons, Leather Gallery – All kinds of leather goods.
• Aradhya Jewellery, House of Diamonds, Exotic Gems – Find jewelry made from precious and semi-precious stones.
• Aqua Fun – Water ski shop.

At the gift shops, you will find things made of stone, leather, wood, and sometimes decorated with beads. You can also buy cashmere, silk and wool carpets. There are opticians and pharmacies too.

Top 5 Best Restaurants

Cavelossim has some of the best places to eat in south Goa. You will find beach shacks, cabin-like cafes, upscale eateries, and riverside restaurants that serve a variety of cuisines – North and South Indian, Chinese, Konkanai, traditional Goanese, Maharashtrian, seafood, and continental.

There are lots of eateries at Cavelossim, on the beachside, river front, or the small lanes of this town.

1. The Fishermans Wharf – This is a fantastic shack-style riverside restaurant with live entertainment. Try the seafood and authentic Goan delights while enjoying the views.
2. Riverside – The Riverside is an Italian restaurant in the 5-star Leela Hotel. The food is bursting with flavors. It has an excellent location and ambiance.
3. Mike’s Place – Mike’s is a multi-cuisine restaurant and bar very close to the river. It is opposite of Novotel. There is also live music. Outstanding foods to try here – shark steak and grilled red snapper.
4. Robin’s Ark – The restaurant is situated between the sea and river. Chili Beef and prawns are both awesome. Try their Indian, continental, Mexican cuisines. Live music, outdoor seating, lovely food, excellent service.
5. Betty’s Place – It is located just behind the Holiday Inn Resort. Beautiful ambience... tasty food.... courteous staff. You have to try the fish tikka and the Goan prawn curry. They also run a cruise service on the Sal River.

Nightlife in Cavelossim

Cavelossim is serene and quiet. But the beach and town comes alive after dark. Popular bars, pubs, and nightclubs in Cavelossim:

1. Mike's Place – Close to the Sal River. A must visit. There is music every night and a dance floor. Everything included from Indian dancing to UB40.
2. Club Tito's – Located at the upscale Radisson Blu Resort. High profile and celebrity DJ’s. Bollywood, progressive, and electro music. Big dance floor. Do not mistake this with the Club Tito's at Baga beach in North Goa. The two places are different.
3. Jazz Inn – In-house DJ nights. International and domestic acts. Reggae is the favorite here.

Water Sports in Cavelossim

There are plenty of water sports activities to choose from at Cavelossim –

* You can get discounts by trying different activities from the same provider. You have to negotiate to arrive at a special price.

Hotels

Leela Goa

There are many good hotels and resorts in Cavelossim including 5-star and 4-star properties. A few of them are international brands as well. You can expect intenational standard living here. The most popular hotels in Cavelossim are:

• Radisson Blu Resort 5*
• The Leela 5*
• Holiday Inn 5*
• Dona Sylvia Beach Resort 5*
• Karma Royal Haathi Mahal 4*
• Mayfair Hideaway Spa Resort 4*
• Veeniola Holiday Home 2*
• Gaffino's Beach Resort 2*
• The Byke Old Anchor Beach Resort 2*

Villas

Choose from the finest luxury villas in Goa at Cavelossim. In many ways, the villas and luxury apartments are better than hotels and resorts. You will have more privacy. The luxuries and amenities are comparable with 5-star hotels. You will have more space per person, so you can spread out and relax. The rooms are larger and come with attached balconies or terraces with sea or river view.

Facilities and amenities include – a private swimming pool, large garden, barbecue, free Wi-Fi, plasma television, modular kitchens, maid and chef services, and more.

Villa rental in Cavelossim will save you money per person as compared to hotels. Properties with sea views cost more. The cost also depends on the amenities, season, and the duration of your stay.

You can choose from Villa Vanessa, Villa Grand Boutique, The Pinnacle Montana Villa, Villa Pinewood, Mila Calista Heritage, Clarion Village, Villa Theresa, and more.

Here are some of the top villas to rent in Cavelossim:

Beachfront seaview 3-bedroom villa. Complete privacy. Best location for family. From 12 000 Rs. per night

European style 3-bedroom villa in gated residential complex. Shared Pool. South Goa. From 17 000 Rs. per night

Small 1-bedroom villa in gated residential complex. Prime location of South Goa. From 10 000 Rs. per night

You will other top villas and apartments available on short and long-term rent in Cavelossim as well. You can check our other villas here.

Related articles:

• Colva beach
• Benaulim beach
• Best time to visit Goa