If you’ve ever thought of sailing down the river in a houseboat then this is one thing you can scratch off your bucket list when you get to Goa. An overnight trip on the Houseboat is exactly what you are looking to have a unique experience during your holiday in Goa. You will get to sail down the serene backwaters of Chapora River, soaking up the scenes of the rustic, sleepy side of Goa. You will see quaint villages, beautiful churches, farm land, and verdant palm trees along emerald banks as you cruise into the sunset.
This is a perfect getaway that helps you escape from the other sights and sounds, straight into the lap of Mother Nature. You will get to see a variety of birds and if you are lucky you might spot a pod of dolphins out in the open where the Chapora River meets the Arabian Sea.
Chapora River is located in North Goa and flows westward to the Arabian Sea. Vagator Beach lies to the south of the river and Morjim Beach to the North. This river was the demarcation of Portuguese Goa and India during the Portuguese rule in Goa. You will see Chapora Fort perched on top of a hill. It was built in 1617, however the fort you will see was constructed a century later and replaced the old construction. The fort now lies in ruins but the view from the top remains spectacular.
Your trip begins from the Siolim Jetty at 1700 hrs (5:00 pm) where you will then board the Houseboat and begin your adventure. The crew will take you sailing down Chapora River towards Morjim Beach where you can swim if you choose.
You will be able to watch the sunset from the beach before you head back into the backwaters at 1930 hrs (7.30 pm.). The sunsets are breathtaking. The skies are splashed with hues of vibrant colours. As you sail into the interiors, you will hear the call of the birds while they fly back to their roosts for the night.
You can enjoy a hearty dinner laid with sumptuous Goan and Indian cuisine (veg and non-veg) while you listen to the sounds of the waves gently lapping against the houseboat. The boat is anchored for the night in the centre of the backwaters. There’s no better lullaby than that of the waves. There is also a full stocked bar so enjoy your favorite liquor before meals. Please note that liquor is not part of the package but reasonably priced.
You are free to spend some time on the upper deck gazing at the stars. This is another wondrous sight especially on a clear night. The skies are cloudless between November and May. The weather during November to the end of February is very pleasant during the night with a minimum of 19-20 degrees Celsius.
The chirping of birds will be your alarm clock. You will continue sailing along the backwaters in time to catch the sunrise while you sip on a hot cup of tea or coffee. This is followed by a hearty breakfast off eggs (to order) pao bhaji, toast with jam/ butter.
You will get to see early morning village life as your houseboat sails by Goan villages. The baker doing his rounds delivering fresh morning bread, the farmers working their fields, it’s definitely a sight to behold.
You can try your hand at fishing either before before the houseboat sets sail again. You will be served a Goan/ Indian lunch (Veg/ Non-Veg) by midday this will include the fish you catch.
You will be dropped off at the Siolim Jetty at 1100 hrs.
The cost of this amazing over-night stay on a houseboat is 6250 INR per head/ cabin (non ac) on twin sharing basis. The costs include Tea, snacks, mineral water, dinner, breakfast. The cost is inclusive of all taxes.
Single Person Supplement – INR. 8000/- inclusive of tax, transport, dinner, breakfast and lunch and all in house drinks apart from Wines.
These trips are conducted everyday from November right through to April. We advise you to book in advance to ensure that you get to experience this wonderful overnight trip in a Houseboat.
This is an ideal trip for a family, or a couple. You will have all the privacy you want.
Check Also - Overnight House Boat Tour – Explore Mandovi River Backwaters
Houseboat is a specifically designed boat that can be used as a mode of transport as well as a dwelling place. It has all the amenities one requires, a bedroom, a kitchen, bathroom, and enough space to move about. They are usually used in backwaters and canals.
You will board the houseboat at the Siolim Jetty.
Your trip will begin at 1700 hrs (5:00 pm).
Your trip will end at 1100 hrs (11:00 am) after Breakfast.
Your trip includes sightseeing, tea, snacks, mineral water, drinner, breakfast.
You will see the scenery of the backwaters of Chapora River, the 16th century Chapora Fort, Goan village life, sunset, and sunrise. You will cruise westwards into the Arabian Sea and head north to Morjim Beach.
You will be served a delectable Indian or Goan meal. You will have a choice of veg and non-veg dishes.
Yes, you can but that will be an added price.
Yes, it is advisable to do an advance booking because this trip is popular.
This is a daily trip.
The trip is available from November to May.
Yes you can.
We cannot guarantee that you will spot crocodile though there is always a possibility.
A change of clothes, sunblock, a pair of shoes that has a good grip (you can wear flip-flops once you’re in the houseboat), a hat/ cap.
You can pay directly via our website by using your credit/ debit card.
Please read our booking and cancellation policy.
If the trip gets cancelled from our end then you will receive a 100% refund within 7-10 working days. Check Our Booking Policy
You can communicate with us via email / whatsapp or on mobile number given on our website.
We have a few board games but if you wish you can bring games of your own choice, a deck of cards, or carry your favourite book along. You can try your luck at fishing when you wake up in the morning, before the boat continues cruising down the backwaters.
Of course you can. It will be a whole new experience seeing a starry cloudless sky.
Absolutely. Your children will love this overnight houseboat trip.