Goa Kayaking's Sal Backwaters
Check local COVID-19 restrictions before booking
Experience hosted by Prakash
2 hours
Includes drinks, equipment
Up to 10 people
Hosted in English
What you'll do
The Sal Backwaters - This popular and celebrated excursion on flat dammed up waters, takes you on a winding journey through narrow waterways deep in the mangroves, sighting different birds, fish, otters and exotic local plants like cashew, bamboo and mango, on the waters. Red and white lotus and loads of migratory birds, make this a must do trip for all ages.
Meet up at Kareem’s, Water's Edge, Dongorim, Nuvem in South Goa and after a quick introduction, your tour host will start with a briefing on the river, the flora/ fauna, how to handle the kayak properly and what to see and look out for, during the trip. Slowly and silently weave your way along the narrow waterway, spot hundreds of birds at hand shaking distance! 4 types of kingfisher, 3 different cormorants, lapwings, pin-tailed ducks, pheasants, purple water fowl, white, purple and grey herons, egrets, black headed ibis and many more among more than 70 different types which live here. If lucky, you'll see the shy otters frolicking and feeding in the early morning and late evenings. Silently glide into the lotus ponds of our Gods and ancestors! This is one unforgettable experience and the feeling is hard to describe! For a part of the trip, you will even be kayaking in the tall grasses/scrub. Slowly glide under the overhangs of mango, cashew, bamboo and the overpowering mangroves, teeming with birdlife on all sides.
Other things to note
Your bottoms are bound to get damp/wet. A change of clothes and a towel if required, for the drive/ride back to your resort. In the countryside, there are no washrooms/change rooms. You could request the management of a nearby restaurant to use theirs. Carry drinking water, snacks.
Meet up at Kareem’s, Water's Edge, Dongorim, Nuvem in South Goa and after a quick introduction, your tour host will start with a briefing on the river, the flora/ fauna, how to handle the kayak properly and what to see and look out for, during the trip. Slowly and silently weave your way along the narrow waterway, spot hundreds of birds at hand shaking distance! 4 types of kingfisher, 3 different cormorants, lapwings, pin-tailed ducks, pheasants, purple water fowl, white, purple and grey herons, egrets, black headed ibis and many more among more than 70 different types which live here. If lucky, you'll see the shy otters frolicking and feeding in the early morning and late evenings. Silently glide into the lotus ponds of our Gods and ancestors! This is one unforgettable experience and the feeling is hard to describe! For a part of the trip, you will even be kayaking in the tall grasses/scrub. Slowly glide under the overhangs of mango, cashew, bamboo and the overpowering mangroves, teeming with birdlife on all sides.
Other things to note
Your bottoms are bound to get damp/wet. A change of clothes and a towel if required, for the drive/ride back to your resort. In the countryside, there are no washrooms/change rooms. You could request the management of a nearby restaurant to use theirs. Carry drinking water, snacks.
The Sal Backwaters - This popular and celebrated excursion on flat dammed up waters, takes you on a winding journey through narrow waterways deep in the mangroves, sighting different birds, fish, otters and exotic local plants like cashew, bamboo and mango, on the waters. Red and white lotus and loads of migratory birds, make this a must do trip for all ages.
Meet up at Kareem’s, Water's Edge, Dongorim, Nuvem in South Goa and after a quick…
Meet up at Kareem’s, Water's Edge, Dongorim, Nuvem in South Goa and after a quick…
Prakash's commitment to safety
This host committed to Airbnb’s COVID-19-related safety and cleaning guidelines—including adhering to social distancing guidelines, practicing good hygiene, and ensuring that all participants wear a mask.
What's included
- DrinksBottle of drinking water, tetrapack of fruit juice
- EquipmentKayaks each 3.05 m long 110-150 kg buoyancy, Life jackets, paddle leashes,...
From $43
/ person
- 6 Reviews
- Identity verified
I'm Prakash and I started Goa Kayaking in 2009 to offer visitors a completely different, immersive, hands on eco experience from the waters. I've been kayaking on the myriad waterways of Goa for many years with my children, checking out the birds, catching crabs, angling, exploring the mangroves and generally enjoying the peacefulness and serenity of these quiet places. There weren't any kayak tours on offer and in 2009, ours was the pioneer in the segment. The response was overwhelming as visitors wanted something more than the sun, sand, beach shacks and beer. With more than 14 selected different trips , from river running, mangroves exploration, sea kayaking, moonlight kayaking, multi day kayaking trips and more, I would say the experience of showing guests this other beautiful side of Goa, has been most satisfying.
I'm Prakash and I started Goa Kayaking in 2009 to offer visitors a completely different, immersive, hands on eco experience from the waters. I've been kayaking on the myriad waterways of Goa for many years with my children, checking out the birds, catching crabs, angling, exploring the mangroves and generally enjoying the peacefulness and serenity of these quiet places. There weren't any kayak tours on offer and in 2009, ours was the pioneer in the segment. The response was overwhelming as vis…
Where you'll be
You'll be kayaking in the narrow waterways of the dammed up river Sal, deep in the mangroves.
Explore the lotus ponds of our Gods and ancestors!
Next paddle through the brush and tall grasses.
See exotic local and migratory birds at hand shaking distance
Explore the lotus ponds of our Gods and ancestors!
Next paddle through the brush and tall grasses.
See exotic local and migratory birds at hand shaking distance
Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 6 reviews.
It was a great experience and Prakash's introduction about the location and what to expect, added that touch to make the experience "The Best". The Kayaking was amazing, the location was awesome. The Kayaks and the paddles were as expected. The person (guide) who comes along with you during the kayaking is great and we cracked lot of jokes on the way. He tries every bit to show you different types of birds that are present in the area. I had a great experience and I am definitely coming back here for more.
Thanks a lot Prakash for this. :-)
It was a great experience and Prakash's introduction about the location and what to expect, added that touch to make the experience "The Best". The Kayaking was amazing, the locati…
A group of 3 including a lady in her late 50s were thoroughly briefed and then taken down what turned out to be a private trip (another group had cancelled). The lead Satish was great with helping us settle in, any apprehensions on how tiring or complicated this may turn out to be quickly have way to a 2hr leisurely paced trip down the river. The lotus blooms and the the birds are definite highlights. Try going early morning or late afternoons, else the sun may get to you.
A group of 3 including a lady in her late 50s were thoroughly briefed and then taken down what turned out to be a private trip (another group had cancelled). The lead Satish was gr…
We had a lovely time .
Prakash organised the whole activity very well.
Every bit of the activity is well thought of.
The equipment's provided were very good and all the safety precautions were taken.
He gave us a detailed information and instructions and in all we had a lovely time.
It was first time for us but we enjoyed thoroughly and as we followed his instructions we could do kayaking as if we were pro at it.
Thank you
We had a lovely time .
Prakash organised the whole activity very well.
Every bit of the activity is well thought of.
The equipment's provided were very good and all the safety prec…
The kayaking was in a serene environment ! It’s a beautiful experience to Wade through the lotus pond ! Lot of birds to be spotted ! And very peaceful experience ! The guide was close by for all queries and he made sure paddle along with u at ur own pace ! Lot of tree shades along the way to rest ! The guide was quick to spot birds and plants which u would normally miss ! Before boating the kayak - all instructions was given on how to kayak and all queues were answered ! All in all it was a beautiful experience!
The kayaking was in a serene environment ! It’s a beautiful experience to Wade through the lotus pond ! Lot of birds to be spotted ! And very peaceful experience ! The guide was c…
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Activity advisory
Expert industry partners
Every adventure follows industry guidelines. We partnered with the Adventure Travel Trade Association, expert leaders in adventure travel, to define best practices and standards for safety.
Know your comfort level
Please note outdoor activities carry risks, and you may be exposed to dangerous situations as part of this experience. Make sure you can participate safely given your abilities and the conditions (such as location, weather, and equipment).
Things to know
Cancellation policy
Any experience can be canceled and fully refunded within 24 hours of purchase, or at least 7 days before the experience starts.
Guest requirements
Up to 10 guests ages 5 and up can attend.
What to bring
Cap/hat, sunblock SPF35 and above, sunglasses with a tie, extra drinking water, change of clothes, towel, water/aqua shoes/sandals