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River Cruises

The Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) runs a variety of river cruises on the Mandovi river — daytime, sunset and moonlight. There are two types of day cruises -- from the Panaji jetty, down the Mandovi into the Zuari bay and up the Mandovi to Aldona and a mineral water spring.

A few private firms also offer a variety of imaginative cruises or boat tours for sunset views as well as for crocodile or dolphin spotting.

Santa Monica
Santa Monica is the pride of Goa Tourism Development Corporation Ltd. This luxury launch is built on twin hull and used for daily evening cruises on river Mandovi with 'live' cultural programmes performed by the best cultural troupes of Goa.

The launch can accomodate approximately 200 passengers at a time. There is a bar counter to quench your thirst. Santa Monica launch is also available for special parties on hourly charges.

The Santa Monica cruise is the most attractive entertainment with live Goan Cultural Show and music on board.

Dolphin Fantasy, Pearl of the Orient and Backwater Thrills to Savoi Verem are on board the Poseidon, a newly acquired 24-seater fibreglas luxury launch.

1. Sunset Cruise: Dep.6.00 PM, 1 hour, Rs. 100/- per head
2. Sundown Cruise: Dep.7.15 PM, 1 hour, Rs. 100/- per head

For above cruises, children above 6 years charged ticket.

3. Full Moon Cruise/Special Cruise: Dep. 8.30 PM, Arr. 10.30 PM, Rs. 150/- per head
4. Dolphin Fantasy Cruise: Takes you on a trip to watch the dark graceful water beauties in playful mood. Besides to sight closely the headlands jutting out into the sea crowned on either side by Raj Bhavan, Aguada Fort and Reis Magos.
- Days of operation: On every Monday only.
- Timings: From 9.30 a.m. to 11.00 a.m.
- Rates: Rs. 250/- per person inclusive of snacks and cold drinks

5. Pearl of the Orient: A blend of natural and cultural heritage - a memorial cruise walking Tour of Old Goa.
- Days of operation: On every Saturday.
- Timings: From 9.30 a.m. to 1.00 p.m.
- Rates: Rs. 250/- per person inclusive of snacks and cold drinks

6. Backwater Thrills: Savoi Verem. A cruise along the riverside tip of Dr. Salim Ali's Bird Sanctuary, Divar island and cover the river coast line along Pilgao, Khandola, Amona, Betki and dock at Savoi-Verem village to sniff through the spicy world, juicy fruits, exotic trees and medicinal herbs at Savoi Verem plantation and experience the typical Goan Hindu lunch.
- Days of operation: On every Tuesday and Friday.
- Timings: From 10.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m.
- Rates: Rs. 550/- per person inclusive of snacks and cold drinks on the board of the launch and lunch at Savoi Verem plantation.

The minimum booking for these cruises is 5 seats.

Special Hire of Launches for longer periods is also available. Check at the Panaji jetty ticket counter for the latest timings and rates.