Who can resist the thrill of watching dolphins frolic in their natural surroundings, cavorting in graceful curves above the sea? Or gazing at crocodiles sunning themselves on the muddy banks of the Cumbarjua Canal before slithering back into the water?
Legend has it that these crocodiles, or 'muggers' as they are commonly known, were introduced here centuries ago by the Adil Shahs of Bijapur, so that enemies would not swim across and attack their holdings on the banks of the Mandovi River.
Legend or reality, the fact remains that these crocodiles are actually freshwater creatures whose unique characteristic is that they have managed to adapt to the saline mangrove eco-system of Tiswadi's Cumbarjua Canal.
From October to May, dolphin-spotting trips are conducted off Goa's beaches and crocodile-spotting trips in the backwaters.
Duration: 3-4 hrs
Departure: 10 am
Duration: 2 hrs 30 min
Departure: Fixed daily, and depends on the tides
Duration: 2 hrs
Departure: Fixed daily, and depends on the tides
Duration: 2 hrs
Departure: 9 am
Duration: 7 hrs
Departure: 9 am
Highly endangered by incessant hunting, these turtles are now much safer thanks to major conservation efforts. The nesting season is from November to March, when you may spot a tiny hatchling emerge from its nest and head for the sea.