Your work or college life must weigh heavy on you sometimes and you may feel the need to not do all that for a while. And when you are in Goa, relaxation gets even better. With over 100 km of coastline, you can lay on numerous sand-covered beaches, lazing on a hammock under palm trees. But, for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, embark on sailing in Goa and make unforgettable memories. For millennia, it was the only way possible for people to cross seas from one continent to another. Now, it has become an extremely popular activity among those, who like laying back in style. It is a one-day activity so you do not have to plan a long holiday; you can do it as a mere weekend getaway.

When?
Sailing in Goa is organised between the months of October and May, giving you ample time to plan your vacation. During this time, the weather is cool and the seas calm, making for perfect conditions for the activity. The only time this leisurely sport is not available in the state is from June to September. It is the monsoon season, wherein rains are often accompanied by strong winds, making the ocean turbulent. Owing to perfect wind conditions, you will enjoy the sport in the afternoon, but this also depends on the tides. Normally, getting the boat out of the marina after 10:30 AM is considered ideal. If you decide to do it in the afternoon, you may also get a chance to witness a surreal sunset in the evening.

Safety
Considering your safety, each batch of participants is accompanied in open waters by a team of experts, who are trained and certified in the sport. They have gained experience by setting sail around the world for a long time. Before you start, you will be briefed by them on the basics of the sport and its safety aspects. You should clear any doubts you have by asking questions and these passionate experts will joyfully answer them all. Though you will be under their strict supervision at all times, we do not leave any room for error; hence, we provide you with life jackets on board. Wearing them is a must during the entire programme so that if you are thrown into the water, you can float while our experts reach you to bring you to safety. The team also has a first aid kit and rescue boats to avert any mishap while at sea.

Different Excursions Offered:
 

Bambolim
Board the boat and travel on the Zuari Bay till Bambolim Beach. Once here, de-board and step on its sandy shore, and if you want, you may head to the shallow waters for a little swim. There are numerous shacks here that sell delicious seafood, which you may sample at your own expense. After spending time on the ocean front and reenergising yourself with snacks, get back on board and return to Dona Paula. The entire experience will take about 5 hours, and at the end of it, you would feel completely relaxed.

Beach Bohemia – Spring Beach – Mormugao Fort
Begin this sailing in Goa programme at 3:30 PM, and head to a spot called Spring Beach. It houses a freshwater spring just a few steps from the ocean that gives it its name. After stepping foot on the land, you may spend the day as you want. You may swim in the waters and wash the salt afterwards with a dip in the spring or you may just relax on the sands. Later, move to Mormugao Fort, located on hills a little further from the beach. At its peak, it houses prisons, chapels, residential quarters and a bulwark.

While here, see the ruins of its massive fortification walls and one of the chapels. Post the tour, return to the seafront, and rest. Just a few moments before sunset, start sailing back to the village and see the downing sun, casting its orange aura on the sea. To enjoy all this, keep aside 3-5 hours from your schedule.

Grande Island
Begin this sailing in Goa by stepping on the yacht or catamaran to navigate the Arabian Sea on the way to Grande Island. On the way, click pictures of the velvety beaches and the lush hills you pass by. Once on the isle, you may engage in snorkelling (at your expense) to see the rich underwater life of the island. You may also explore the landform on foot and see the ruins of what used to be a weather station. If time permits, you may climb to the top of an old lighthouse to see panoramic views of the ocean and spot white-bellied sea eagles. Start your return journey in the afternoon to reach Dona Paula by evening after about 8 hours of uninterrupted fun.

Mercaim
If you want a complete package of boating, motor boating, wildlife spotting and historical exploration during your Goa sailing experience, then this option is perfect. After starting from Dona Paula, follow the Zuari River upstream and pass under a bridge on the way to Mercaim. On reaching here, drop anchors, step on land and then into the motor boats. Speed upstream on the Cumbarjua River, which joins the Zuari and Mandovi Rivers. All along the way, the sight of dense mangrove forests will treat your eyes and if it is low tide, then you may also get to see crocodiles. These large animals spend the day basking in the sun on the muddy riverbanks.

Further ahead, emerge into the Mandovi River and follow it till Old Goa, the cultural centre of the state. Post getting a glimpse of gigantic medieval-era churches, start boating again and pass Panjim. The yacht or catamaran will be anchored here that you will step on again to encircle Cabo Raj Niwas, the home of the Goan Governor. After seeing this 16^th-century fort, head back to Dona Paula. This tour, inclusive of motor boating and wildlife spotting, will be completed in around 10 hours.

Hollant
This is one of the few sailing adventures in Goa that will take you to a secluded and lesser-known spot – Hollant Beach. Hollant is a small cove, lined by a sandy shore, which also has lush palms and a slightly rocky terrain. On the way, go past Baina Beach, Dabolim Airport, Pequeno Island and Bogmalo Beach. Post reaching Hollant, you may go for a swim in the shallow waters off it. You can simply relax here or visit the seafront of Velsao. In the evening, have a scrumptious meal at an on-site restaurant and later return to Dona Paula on a motor boat.