Island & River Discovery 8N Goa: Mandovi Cruises & Island Hopping | 8 Nights and 9 Days Goa Package

8 Nights and 9 Days
Calangute / Baga - 4NPanaji / Old Goa - 2NColva / Benaulim - 2N
gallery
gallery
gallery
gallery
gallery
1+
gallery
  • Transfer Included
  • Stay Included
  • Meals Included
  • Sightseeing Included

Overview

An immersive 8 nights / 9 days Goa tour package designed for travellers who want to combine beach relaxation, river cruises, island hopping and cultural discovery. This Goa Weekend tour package and extended holiday option (ideal as an 8 and 9 Goa Weekend tour package) covers North, Central and South Goa highlights with signature experiences like the Mandovi River Sunset Cruise, Divar & Chorao Island visits, and Grand Island snorkelling & diving.

Highlights:

  • Mandovi River Sunset Cruise (live music & dinner)
  • Grand Island snorkeling & glass-bottom boat ride
  • Divar & Chorao Island cultural walk and local village life
  • North Goa beaches: Baga, Calangute, Candolim
  • Panaji (Panjim) capital sightseeing & Portuguese architecture
  • South Goa serenity: Colva, Benaulim, Palolem
  • Guided heritage walk in Fontainhas (Panaji Latin Quarter)
  • Water-sports options and dolphin sightings

Special note: Daily plans can be customized; adventure activities (scuba diving, parasailing) are optional add-ons and priced separately.

Itinerary

Day1

Arrival in Goa & North Goa Welcome

Arrival at Goa (Dabolim) Airport or Madgaon Railway Station and private transfer to your hotel in Calangute / Baga. Check-in and relax. Evening at leisure to explore the vibrant beach shacks and local markets. Optional: enjoy a sunset walk on Baga Beach and sample Goan seafood.

Important activities:

  • Hotel check-in and orientation
  • Leisure evening at Baga / Calangute Beach

Tip: Keep the first evening easy to adjust to the coastal pace.

Day2

North Goa Sightseeing & Beach Hopping

Full-day guided exploration of North Goa. Visit the famous beaches and landmarks, blending sun, surf and culture. Experience popular spots, shopping and a lively beach atmosphere.

Planned visits:

  • Calangute Beach and Baga Beach (relaxation, optional water sports)
  • Candolim (quiet stretches and fort views)
  • Fort Aguada & Aguada Lighthouse for panoramic views
  • Explore local flea markets and evening nightlife on Tito's Lane (optional)

Tip: Book water-sports in advance during peak season.

Day3

Mandovi River Sunset Cruise & Panaji Highlights

Morning at leisure. Afternoon transfer to Panaji (Panjim). Explore the Latin Quarter Fontainhas with a guided heritage walk. In the evening, board the iconic Mandovi River Sunset Cruise featuring live music, Goan dance performances and dinner.

Planned visits & experiences:

  • Fontainhas (Latin Quarter) guided walk
  • Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception (photo stop)
  • Mandovi River Cruise — sunset, dinner & entertainment

Note: Cruise timings depend on tide schedules; confirm locally.

Day4

Divar & Chorao Island Cultural Day Trip

A serene day discovering village life and birdlife. Ferry across the Mandovi to Divar Island for a quiet village walk, Portuguese-era homes and local cuisine. Later visit Chorao Island, home to the Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary — excellent for birdwatching and mangrove scenery.

Highlights:

  • Village strolls and local interactions on Divar Island
  • Visit to Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary (Chorao)
  • Relaxed sunset by the riverside back in Panaji

Tip: Carry binoculars for birdwatching and light footwear for narrow lanes.

Day5

Grand Island Snorkeling & Island Hopping

Early morning transfer to the jetty for a full-day boat excursion to Grand Island (Ilha Grande). Activities include snorkeling, glass-bottom boat rides, beach time on the island and optional scuba diving (at extra cost). Lunch on board or picnic on the island.

Adventure highlights:

  • Snorkeling over coral patches and colorful fish
  • Glass-bottom boat viewing
  • Beach time and optional diving sessions

Important: Snorkeling/diving depends on sea conditions; not recommended for non-swimmers without guidance.

Day6

Transfer to South Goa & Relaxed Beach Day

Check out from North/Central Goa and transfer to Colva / Benaulim in South Goa. Afternoon at leisure to unwind on calmer beaches, enjoy beachside shacks and a slower pace.

Activities:

  • Scenic transfer south along the coastline
  • Relaxation at Colva Beach or Benaulim Beach
  • Optional Ayurvedic spa or yoga session

Tip: South Goa is quieter — ideal for couples and families seeking relaxation.

Day7

South Goa Exploration & Heritage

Morning visit to nearby coastal attractions and heritage sites. Explore the serene beaches and historic churches of South Goa. Evening cocoa or sunset at Palolem if time permits.

Planned visits:

  • Benaulim local market and shoreline
  • Visit historic churches (subject to interest)
  • Optional sunset trip to Palolem (scenic drive)

Note: Transport for optional Palolem trip can be arranged at an add-on cost.

Day8

Leisure Day & Optional Activities

A free day to choose how you spend it: relax, shop or take optional experiences. Options include additional water-sports, dolphin watching, a cooking class to learn Goan cuisine, or an Ayurvedic treatment.

Suggested options (payable locally):

  • Dolphin-watching boat trip
  • Parasailing, jet-ski or banana ride
  • Goan cooking class and market visit

Tip: Book popular activities a day in advance to secure slots.

Day9

Departure from Goa

Check-out from the hotel and private transfer to Dabolim Airport or Madgaon Railway Station for your onward journey. If time allows, stop for last-minute shopping or a quick beach photo session.

Departure details:

  • Hotel check-out and transfer assistance
  • Final souvenir shopping stops (time permitting)

Note: Standard check-out and transfer times apply; extendable on request (subject to availability).

Inclusions

  • 8 nights accommodation (as per chosen category) across North, Central and South Goa
  • Daily breakfast at the hotel
  • Private transfers and sightseeing in an air-conditioned vehicle as per itinerary
  • Mandovi River Sunset Cruise with dinner and entertainment (as per itinerary)
  • Full-day Grand Island boat trip with snorkeling & glass-bottom boat (boat seats and basic snorkeling gear included)
  • Ferry transfers to Divar & Chorao Islands and guided village walk
  • Local English-speaking guides for scheduled sightseeing
  • All applicable hotel taxes and service charges

Note: Room upgrades, special requests and any off-program transfers are available at extra cost.

Exclusions

  • Airfare / Train tickets to/from Goa
  • Meals other than specified (lunches, dinners unless included)
  • Adventure activities not listed (scuba diving, parasailing, jet-ski) — available at additional cost
  • Monument entry fees, camera fees, personal expenses and tips
  • Travel insurance, visa fees and medical expenses
  • Any service not specified in 'Inclusions'

Important: Prices are subject to change during peak season and festivals; confirm bookings early.

Get in touch with travel advisor

Nights

We process your information in accordance with our Privacy Policy

Ready to book your Goa holiday package?

Ready to book your dream getaway? Pick your adventure, customize it your way, and let's make it happen. Your perfect vacation is just a click away!

Related Goa Tour Packages

Why Choose TourGrids?

Because your dream vacation deserves the best! From expert advice to personalized trips, easy booking, and unbeatable deals — we make travel stress-free and fun!

Expert-Guided Planning

Get personalized guidance from verified travel experts who understand your needs.

Customizable Packages

Tailor your trip your way — from destinations to experiences, it’s all up to you!

Hassle-Free Booking

Enjoy a smooth, secure, and simple booking process without any stress or confusion.

Best Price Guarantee

Get multiple free quotes and book at the most competitive rates available.

Recent Goa Packages Reviews

Aditi Sharma

Amazing Experience in Goa!

We had a fantastic time exploring Goa with this tour package. The beaches were beautiful, and the itinerary was well-planned. Highly recommend!

3 days ago

Rahul Desai

Romantic Escape

We had the most romantic getaway in Goa. Sunset cruises and candlelight dinners made it memorable.

3 days ago

Karan Singh

Relaxing Beach Getaway

The beach resorts were luxurious, and the food was a delight. Perfect retreat for those looking to unwind. Would book again!

3 days ago

Raghav Khanna

Adventurous Couples Retreat

A wonderful package for couples looking to engage in fun activities together. We made amazing memories!

3 days ago

Ashwin Varma

An Unforgettable Journey

Goa was stunning, and this tour enhanced our experience. From the scenic views to local interactions, it was unforgettable.

3 days ago

Ritika Nair

Great for First Timers

As a first-time visitor, this tour was perfect! We got to see all the major sights without the hassle of planning.

3 days ago

Vani Sharma

The Best Beach Parties!

We had the best beach parties during our stay. This package made sure we didn’t miss out on any action!

3 days ago

Shefali Nanda

Perfect for Backpackers

This budget-friendly package is ideal for backpackers who want to explore Goa without overspending. Loved it!

3 days ago

Kiran Verma

Incredible Value for Money

This package offers incredible experiences for the price. Each moment felt well worth it!

3 days ago

Rohan Mehta

Goa Adventure Awaits

The adventure sports included in the package were thrilling! We enjoyed parasailing and jet skiing. A must-try for adventure lovers!

3 days ago

Priya Joshi

Foodie's Paradise

The food tour included some of the best local cuisines. Each meal was an experience in itself. A perfect choice for food lovers!

3 days ago

Sneha Reddy

Family Fun in Goa

Great family package! Kids loved the water parks, and we enjoyed the sightseeing. Everything was well organized.

3 days ago

Shalini Sinha

Goa Unplugged

A peaceful retreat in serene locations away from the crowd. We truly enjoyed this unwinding experience.

3 days ago

Vinay Agarwal

Luxurious Stay in Goa

The luxury resort we stayed at was fabulous! The amenities and service made our stay comfortable and enjoyable.

3 days ago

Simran Kaur

Nightlife Exploration

Goa's nightlife is unbeatable! The clubbing experience was epic, and the party scene is something everyone should experience.

3 days ago

TourGrids Logo

Your gateway to exceptional travel experiences. Explore, plan, and enjoy every journey effortlessly.

*Caution: Beware of Fake Promotions or Offers.
Please do not trust or engage with any emails, SMS, or web-links asking you to click a link and provide personal details. All official TourGrids communications are sent only from the domain @tourgrids.com or SMS from registered numbers. TourGrids is not responsible for any fraudulent or misleading communications received from unverified sources.