Mandovi River Cruise Goa
Experience the magic of Goa with a scenic cruise on the Mandovi River, offering sunset views, cultural dances, and lively music.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Golden hour views
Mandovi River Cruise Goa
Best Time
Golden hour views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the magic of Goa with a scenic cruise on the Mandovi River, offering sunset views, cultural dances, and lively music.
"It was a good one hour, enjoyed watching the Goan dance and the upper deck for view and fresh air."
Negotiate Ticket Prices
Try your best to negotiate for a lower price, as prices can vary based on your bargaining skills. :moneybag:
Arrive Early for Best Seats
Get to the jetty early to secure good seats, especially on the upper deck for unobstructed views. :seat:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sunset Over the Mandovi
Mandovi River
Witness the sky ablaze with color as the sun dips below the horizon, painting the river in hues of orange and pink.
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Goan Cultural Performances
Onboard cruise ship
Experience vibrant Goan folk dances and music, offering a glimpse into the local culture.
Live Music and DJ Sets
Onboard cruise ship
Dance the night away to popular tunes and live DJ sets, creating a lively party atmosphere.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Sunset Views
Know Your Cruise Package
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Negotiate Ticket Prices
Try your best to negotiate for a lower price, as prices can vary based on your bargaining skills. :moneybag:
Arrive Early for Best Seats
Get to the jetty early to secure good seats, especially on the upper deck for unobstructed views. :seat:
Keep Your Coupons Safe
Once you buy tickets, you'll receive coupons for food and drinks; don't lose them! :ticket:
Check Food Quality
Some reviews mention starters being cold or 'okish.' Manage expectations for buffet quality. :forkandknife:
Tips
from all over the internet
Negotiate Ticket Prices
Try your best to negotiate for a lower price, as prices can vary based on your bargaining skills. :moneybag:
Arrive Early for Best Seats
Get to the jetty early to secure good seats, especially on the upper deck for unobstructed views. :seat:
Keep Your Coupons Safe
Once you buy tickets, you'll receive coupons for food and drinks; don't lose them! :ticket:
Check Food Quality
Some reviews mention starters being cold or 'okish.' Manage expectations for buffet quality. :forkandknife:
Upper Deck for Views
If you prefer fresh air and views over loud music, head to the open upper deck. :windblowingface:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Mandovi River cruises offer a mixed bag of experiences, with many praising the sunset views and cultural performances. However, some find the cruises overcrowded and overpriced for the route taken, with inconsistent food quality. It's often seen as a one-time experience for enjoying an hour on the water. +1
"Well organised ticket counters and multi level car parking with clean toilets. There are proper direction boards from parking to jetty.
Tickets can be purchased on site too.
500/- per head.
Waiting area & canteen are maintained well.
There is toilet near waiting area too.
Cruise ship is clean and well maintained. Properly air conditioner.
They have dance shows. Enjoyed watching the goan dance. Open dance floor is present. In house snacks and drinks can be purchased.
They announce the landmarks but audio was poor in clarity. So couldn't understand anything.
Since I am not ok with loud music, I went to the open upper deck for view and fresh air.
On the whole it was a good one hour"
asha sam
"Very old ship, mostly overcrowded and not really worth 500 rs., specially considering the small route it takes... nothing really to see except casino ships, drives insanely slow just to complete 1 hr.
OK 1 time if you just want to spent 1 hr on boat deck."
Abhishek Joshi
"First time experiencing a cruise
They have variable prices based on your negotiating skills so try your best negotiating for lower price
They offer buffet veg and non veg with 2 drinks
Once you buy tickets you are given coupons which you need to use on cruise so don’t loose it
Starters were cold and okish, they served finger chips and chicken
Main course was good but it gets too crowded as 600 people are on the same ship at the same time
They have live shows with 4-5 dance performances from their crew
And in between they ask the audience to dance
If you are interested then go for lower deck sitting and avoid upper deck sitting
Stick to your seat if you are alone and other people snatch it as soon as you get up
They provide late night ride bus if you need"
Akashsingh Sisodiya
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The main jetties are located near Panjim, often referred to as Santa Monica Jetty or near Big Daddy Casino. You can reach them by taxi or auto-rickshaw from anywhere in Goa. Many cruises offer late-night bus services back to certain points. +1
Yes, there is multi-level car parking available near the jetty, which is well-organized and has clean toilets.
Reporting times vary by cruise. Sunset cruises typically require you to report around 5:45 PM, while dinner cruises might start later, around 8:30 PM. Always check your booking details.
Yes, there are proper direction boards from the parking area to the jetty, making it easy to find your way.
Taxis are usually available near the jetties, but it's advisable to confirm availability or pre-book if you're concerned, especially for late-night returns.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices typically start around ₹500 per person for a sunset cruise. Dinner cruises with more entertainment can be more expensive, with prices varying based on packages and negotiation. +1
Yes, tickets can be purchased on-site at the well-organized ticket counters. However, booking in advance might be advisable during peak season.
Yes, cruises offer various packages, including sunset cruises, dinner cruises with buffet, and party cruises with live DJs. Some cruises also have different pricing tiers based on inclusions. +1
While on-site purchase is possible, booking in advance is recommended, especially for popular dinner cruises or during peak tourist seasons, to ensure availability.
Some travelers suggest that prices can be variable based on negotiation skills, so it's worth trying to negotiate for a better deal.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Entertainment often includes live music, DJ sets, and traditional Goan dance performances. Some cruises also feature audience participation in dancing. +2
Yes, many Mandovi River cruises are family-friendly, offering entertainment for all age groups, including kids' games and cultural shows.
Most sunset cruises last about an hour, while dinner cruises can be longer, typically around 2.5 to 3 hours.
Yes, most cruises have an onboard bar and canteen where you can purchase snacks and drinks. Some packages include complimentary drinks or starters.
You'll get panoramic views of the river, the city skyline of Panjim, and nearby casino ships. The sunset views are particularly popular.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Dinner cruises typically offer a buffet with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, including starters and main courses. Some packages include complimentary drinks. +1
Reviews are mixed. Some find the main course good, while others mention starters being cold or just 'okish.' It's advisable to manage expectations regarding buffet quality.
Yes, most dinner cruises provide vegetarian options as part of their buffet.
Some packages include a limited number of complimentary drinks, such as two drinks or two tequila shots. Additional drinks can be purchased onboard.
Yes, there is a beer and wine counter, and you can purchase additional drinks if they are not included in your package. +1
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning sunset shots over the river, the vibrant city lights of Panjim, and the lively onboard entertainment. The panoramic views are excellent for photography.
Yes, the colorful costumes and energetic performances make for great photo opportunities. Be mindful of other passengers and avoid flash photography if it's disruptive.
The 'golden hour' during sunset offers the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for photography. Evening cruises also provide opportunities for capturing city lights.
The upper deck offers unobstructed views, making it ideal for photography. However, it can get crowded during sunset.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, it's always good practice to be respectful of other passengers and avoid intrusive photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 The lively atmosphere with music and dancing also appeals to younger travelers. Opting for a dinner cruise can provide a full evening of entertainment, including a buffet meal and various shows. The open dance floor and interactive segments encourage family participation. Remember to arrive early to secure comfortable seating, perhaps on the upper deck for a bit more space, and keep an eye on the little ones during the more crowded parts of the evening.
💑 Couples
+1 Many cruises offer a serene experience with gentle music, allowing you to enjoy each other's company against a beautiful backdrop. Consider a dinner cruise for a more complete romantic experience, often featuring live music and a pleasant dining setting. While some cruises can be lively with DJs, you can often find quieter spots on the upper deck to enjoy the views and conversation.
💰 Budget Travelers
+1 These provide a good value for experiencing the river's beauty and a taste of Goan culture without a significant expense. While negotiating ticket prices is possible, be aware that some packages might include complimentary drinks or starters, which can add to the value.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Mandovi River Cruise Experience
+2When planning your trip, consider the type of experience you're seeking. If a romantic evening with beautiful views is your priority, a sunset cruise is ideal. For a more festive atmosphere with food and dancing, opt for a dinner cruise. Some of the newer offerings include luxury yacht experiences on the Mandovi, promising a more exclusive feel.
+1It's important to note that while many cruises are well-organized, user reviews suggest that crowd management can be an issue on popular sailings, and the quality of food can be inconsistent. Being prepared for these aspects can help ensure a more enjoyable outing.
Choosing Your Mandovi River Cruise Package
+1For those seeking a more comprehensive evening, dinner cruises are a popular choice. These longer voyages (around 2.5-3 hours) usually include a buffet dinner with veg and non-veg options, live music, and a DJ. Some packages even throw in complimentary drinks to enhance the festive mood.
+2 However, reviews indicate that the food quality can vary, with some starters being served cold. Beyond the standard offerings, there are also luxury and private yacht cruises available, such as those sailing on India's first super yacht, 'RA 11'. These offer a more exclusive and upscale experience, often with unique amenities like swimming pools and dedicated music decks.
When booking, always check the inclusions, duration, and departure point to match your expectations. Tips for a Memorable Mandovi River Cruise
Secondly, arrive early at the jetty. This is crucial for securing a good spot, particularly if you wish to sit on the upper deck for unobstructed views and fresh air, away from the louder music.
Finally, manage your expectations regarding food quality. While some find the main course satisfactory, others have noted that starters can be cold. If you're sensitive to loud music, the upper deck offers a more relaxed environment.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit