Goa Backwaters & Mandovi Cruise 5N: River Life and Island Visits | 5 Nights and 6 Days Goa Package
- Transfer Included
- Stay Included
- Meals Included
- Sightseeing Included
Overview
A curated Goa tour package ideal for those looking for a relaxing Goa Weekend tour package with a focus on river life, backwaters and island visits. This 5 nights / 6 days Goa Weekend package blends coastal beaches, tranquil river cruises, village island experiences and a touch of adventure (snorkelling at Grande Island). Perfect for couples, small groups and families seeking both leisure and local culture.
Highlights:
- Mandovi River Cruise (evening sunset cruise)
- Divar & Chorao Islands — village life & birdwatching
- Sal River Backwaters — serene boat cruise in South Goa
- Grande Island — snorkeling & island hopping
- Panaji & South Goa beaches (Miramar, Colva, Benaulim)
Special notes: Boat timings depend on tides and weather; Grande Island snorkel subject to sea conditions. Book early for weekend departures.
Itinerary
Arrival in Goa — Transfer to Panaji & Leisure
Arrive at Goa Airport/Railway Station and transfer to your hotel in Panaji. Check-in and relax. In the evening enjoy a gentle walk along Miramar Beach or explore the Portuguese old quarter of Fontainhas with its colourful colonial houses.
Inclusions: airport transfer (as per itinerary), welcome briefing at hotel.
Tip: If you arrive early, opt for a short heritage stroll in Fontainhas to capture vivid photo opportunities.
Panaji City Tour & Sunset Mandovi River Cruise
After breakfast, enjoy a guided half-day city tour covering Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church, Panaji Promenade, and Dona Paula viewpoint. Spend the afternoon at leisure. In the evening board the iconic Mandovi River Cruise — enjoy live music, cultural dance performances and a beautiful sunset over the river.
Activity included: Evening Mandovi River Cruise (standard cruise). Wear comfortable shoes; cruise times vary by season.
Divar & Chorao Island Day Trip — Backwater Village Life
Early breakfast and a short ferry ride to Divar Island to explore quiet lanes, chapels and local life. Continue to Chorao Island (home to the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary) with an optional short birdwatching walk. Experience traditional Goan village crafts, toddy tapping demonstrations (seasonal), and a backwater village lunch.
Late afternoon transfer to Colva / Benaulim in South Goa. Check-in at your South Goa hotel and relax.
Note: Ferry schedules may change; island visits are subject to local ferry timings.
South Goa Backwater Cruise & Beach Time
After breakfast enjoy a scenic Sal River backwater cruise (South Goa) — tranquil estuary views, mangrove-lined banks and a chance to spot local birdlife. Afternoon at leisure on the Colva / Benaulim beaches with optional water sports or a relaxed beach-side lunch.
Included activity: South Goa Backwater Cruise. Wear sun protection and carry a hat for the boat trip.
Grande Island Snorkeling & Island Explorations
Early departure for a full-day island excursion to Grande Island (subject to sea conditions). Enjoy boat transfers, snorkeling over clear reefs, glass-bottom boat options and a beach barbecue (where available). Return to your South Goa hotel for an evening at leisure.
Important: Snorkeling requires basic swimming ability. Equipment and safety briefing included. Activities depend on weather and sea-safety norms.
Departure from Goa
After breakfast, check out and transfer to Goa Airport / Railway Station for your onward journey. If time permits, enjoy last-minute shopping at Panaji or a quick beachside stroll.
End of services. We recommend leaving with extra buffer time for weekend departures and peak-season traffic.
Inclusions
- 5 nights accommodation on twin/double sharing basis (2 nights in Panaji, 3 nights in Colva / Benaulim).
- Daily breakfast.
- Airport / Railway Station transfer on arrival and departure (as per group timings).
- Shared transfers for the listed sightseeing and island trips.
- Mandovi River Cruise (standard evening cruise).
- Divar & Chorao island visits with ferry charges.
- South Goa Sal River Backwater Cruise.
- Grande Island boat transfer, snorkeling gear and guided session (subject to weather).
- Local English-speaking guide for included sightseeing.
- All applicable taxes.
Note: Upgrades to private transfers, premium cruises or private snorkel sessions are available at extra cost.
Exclusions
- Airfare / Train fare to Goa.
- Personal expenses, tips, laundry and telephone calls.
- Entrance fees not mentioned in inclusions and optional activities (e.g., scuba diving, private speedboat hire, casinos).
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended).
- Meals other than breakfast unless specified.
- Any service not mentioned under Inclusions.
Important: Weekend departures (Friday–Sunday) and peak season surcharges may apply — please enquire at time of booking.
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