Dolphins in Goa

Goa is one of the best places in India to see dolphins. You have a good chance of coming very close to a pod of these playful mammals and can see them jump up, swim and eat together, and have fun. Just take a boat out to the sea and you can see them. But you don’t have to book the entire boat. You will find many tour operators that run dolphin-sighting tours in Goa. Enjoy a cruise on the Arabian Sea for a couple of hours and come close to the dolphins. Snacks and drinks are served on the boat.

You can also see dolphins at the mouth of many rivers and even from several beaches, such as Palolem, Cavelossim, and Coco. Grand Island is also a good place to see them. You can also enjoy snorkeling, scuba diving, and swimming here.

Which Dolphins Can You See in Goa?

35 varieties of dolphins live in the seas around the world. In Goa, you can see two of them – The Indo-Pacific Humpback dolphins, which are very friendly, and the Finless Porpoises, which are shy.

• The Indo-Pacific Humpback variety has a noticeable hump and an extended back flipper. They are seen along the entire coast of the Indian Ocean, and also in South Africa and Australia. This large species can weigh up to 150 kg.
• Finless Porpoises are smaller. They have a cute smile and usually live in freshwater. But you can see a small population in the Goa waters. It is more difficult to spot them though, because of their fewer numbers and shy nature.

Beaches Where You Can See Dolphins in Goa

You don’t necessarily have to head out to the sea as you have a chance to spot them from many beaches. Here are some of the best places –

1. Palolem – It is one of the most scenic South Goa beaches. You can see them close to the southern end of the beach. There is also Butterfly Beach and Honeymoon Beach, which remains secluded, as the only way to reach them is through the sea. The water is crystal clear, which makes it perfect for spotting.
2. Coco – Coco is a small beach close to where the Mandovi River meets the Arabian Sea. The Nerul River also meets the Mandovi at the western end of the beach. There is a dolphin sighting point at the place where the Nerul, Mandovi, and the sea meet. You can also see jellyfish here.
3. Sinquerim – Sinquerim Beach is below the Aguada Fort in North Goa. It is a secluded beach with very few tourists. As a result, the water remains undisturbed. Often, the dolphins come very close.
4. Cavelossim – This South Goa scenic beach has the Sal River meeting the sea. A large estuary forms here. You have a chance to see swimming and playful dolphins at the mouth of the river.
5. Morjim – Morjim Beach is best known for its Olive Ridley Turtles that come here to nest. But it is also a very good dolphin spotting site. You will often see them on the sea and also on the Chapora River.

What to Expect, What to Do on a Sea Trip

Many boat operators can take you to the sea for an hour or two for a dolphin-spotting adventure. They know the best spots and can take you there directly. You can see large pods, sometimes having more than 50 dolphins. Do not throw anything into the water or try to feed them. They are playful, but even then, you should never swim with the dolphins. The skin of humped dolphins is abrasive and your own skin can suffer from contact.

Make sure to carry a cap and your sunscreen. Keep yourself hydrated.

The Best Time to See Dolphins

The best time to see them is early in the morning and late in the afternoon, close to sunset time.