White Water River Rafting in Goa, my Experience
White Water River Rafting in Goa, a must do adventure activity in monsoons.
Whoever has discouraged you from visiting Goa during monsoons need some enlightenment in that matter! The monsoon story of Goa has always been a mixed one for the locals… for some pleasant and for some not so pleasant. But for tourists I can say it is going to be a pleasant one always!
During peak monsoons, when rivers are filled to brim, tourists can now raft along the stunning forested wilderness of the Mhadei River. In fact, more the rains more will be the fun.
I got a taste of this thrill of white water rafting this monsoon – thanks to Goa Tourism.
River Rafting Experience in Goa
White Water River Rafting in Goa was unheard of till sometime back. Southern River Adventures started this tour in 2012 in association with Goa Tourism.
The entire rafting trip lies in Western Ghats of Goa which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. During July to September when rains lash this little state of India, tourists can indulge in white water river rafting activity in Mandovi River (locally known as Mahdei River).
The founder of this activity in Goa isJohn Pollard. He is reputed to be the pioneer of river rafting activities in South of India. He introduced 6 new stretches of rafting to this part of the country since 1999 and has safely rafted 50,000 people accident free.
White Water River Rafting in Goa
Mahdei River carries the outpouring water of South West monsoons, rushing and gurgling along the slopes of Western Ghats. As the river swings, surges and turns along its course of flow, it offers fine rafting of class 2 to 3 rapids with stunning forest backdrops.
Being a first timer, I did not know what to expect. But then the whole activity was handled so well that I found this very exciting, safe and adventurous.
Probably now I can venture out and try some class 4 to 5 rapids in Himalayas. River rafting experience in Goa is definitely a must try trip for both first time rafters and seasoned paddlers alike. The trip is of one hour duration.
All of us assembled near Earthen Pot restaurant in Valpoi. We were given a small lecture on the rafting requirements here. Here the activity operators ask each participant of any medical ailments they suffer. Accordingly they are segregated.
From here we were driven to the starting point in the banks of Mahdei River. We were grouped in batches of 6 to 8 people.
Each of us was given life jackets and helmets and of course the oars. There were 8 rafts that day, each led by highly skilled and experienced guide.
Thrilling Experience in Mandovi River
And amidst all cheering among ourselves
we started our journey of 10kms along Mahdei River!
I was seeing this side of stunning scenery of the UNESCO World Heritage area of the Western Ghats for the first time. With rains the entire stretch looked so green and fresh, we could spot some birds too.
Then came the rapids! Our guide kept screaming to move the oars: Forward Forward… Backward Backward!!!!
River Rafting Experience in Goa
Where?!!
I was dazed at the onset of first rapid. I was frozen fearing I would fall off in to the river. After I crossed it, I realized I am still sitting safely in the raft some braveness sunk in and my spirits soared.
The rapids of the river has some impressive names: ‘Big Daddy’, ‘Giant Haystacks’, ‘Y fronts’, ‘Pipeline’… for the first time when the guide said Big Daddy is coming… I wondered where… and what!
In between the rapids too we were active with co tourists from rafts splashing water on to other rafts.
By the end of the trip we were soaked
head to toe with water, happiness and content!
Travel tips for White Water River Rafting in Goa
- First and foremost if you love your life listen and obey every instruction of the experienced and skilled guides.
- Carry an entire set of fresh clothes to experience a new dry you after the thrilling activity.
- Leave your high heels and sandals behind, shoes are the best.
- The season lasts for only sixteen weeks an year and there are two trips per day at 10 and 2.30. So plan ahead and book yourself a seat to avoid disappointments.
- It is best to be punctual here! Be there half an hour ahead of time.
- The costing of Rs.1800 includes drive to river bank and back, and all the necessary safety accessories there.
Some Don’t & Dos
- Don’t carry your camera. The guides carry cameras, click and share them at a nominal cost.
- Don’t be late and delay the team.
Rafting trivia: The first rubber raft was made by Lt. John Fremont and Horace H. Day believed to be built it the 1840s. They planned to survey the Rocky Mountains and Great Plains.
Contact details of Goa Rafting
Address: Southern River Adventures And Sports Pvt. Ltd. (Goa Branch Postal Address) 115 Borvanwado, Nachinola, Bardez, Goa, 403508.
(Operations at) Earthen Pot Restaurant, Sayed Nagar, Valpoi, Sattari, Goa.
Call: +91-9545305734 or +91 8805727230
Email: goarafting@gmail.com
Here is You Tube link to the white water river rafting in Goa that I experienced on 30th July 2016. It was taken by the guides there and shared with us.
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I have visited Goa several times but never during the monsoons and now I see why I should. A lot of people I know have said monsoons are a great time to go to Goa and though I love the rains, I could not imagine what would be the point of going to a place with so many beaches when it was raining. However, to experience a very different side of the Western Ghats and to try river rafting, it makes total sense! I do love my life, so I will make it a point to listen to the skilled rafters. These adventures are amazing as long as you’re safe!
Watched your video and Woooo! That’s crazy white river rafting is still one of the best water adventures to try! It might just look scary but once you get there, you just need to listen to your guide and enjoy!
You sure had an adrenaline-pumping river rafting experience. Goa in monsoon acquires a totally different avatar which is so mesmerizing. This is a great adventure activity, different from the water sports on the beaches of Goa.
I would always refrain from going to Goa during the monsoon season. And even after going to Goa almost every year, I was unaware about them having river rafting. Thank you for sharing this information.
Oh nice! I didn’t know that it would be better to do white water rafting during the monsoon season. I’ve always wanted to do it but I’m scared because I don’t know how to swim. That adventure in Goa sure looks a must try activity!
I had no idea you could go white water rafting in Goa, it really needs to be publicised more. 2 years ago, I spent 5 days in Goa in my hotel during monsoon season as it rained everyday. It was a good move to start on grade 2-3 rapids on your first time, mine was on grade 4-5 & it freaked me out, I haven’t done it since!
I’ve always had some fear of rafting for some reason. I don’t know why. After reading this post, I just want to get to Goa or anywhere and just do it.
Yes, it’s best to leave it to the experts. So they don’t allow you to bring camera even if it’s a go Gopro? Hmm… That’s a bit sad, I would have loved to take a video of the entire experience if I ever go rafting there. I have never done this activity by the way, I imagine it would both thrilling and scary.
wow! I didn’t knew Goa has such things to offer too. Every other person said avoid Goa in monsoons but i think they are so wrong.Every place has their own colors in different weather.
White water rafting on Mahdei River soundalike a lot of fun! Class 4 and 5 are intense but well worth the fun! Haven’t done rafting in a long time. Great tip for people that are planning on going rafting in Goa, and the price seems reasonable as well!
We just went rafting for the first time in years this past summer and had so much fun! I’m glad you did too. It’s a little scary, but exhilarating. Thanks for sharing your experience with us.
My dream acitvity to do! Looks like you had most fun too! #photofriday
Yeah, its a thrilling experience. I did it in Dandeli and was scared initially just like you. Nice description of your experience.
Watched the video – looks like fun – wet fun lol.
Nice. I have tried it. It is so much fun
Loved my Rafting experience in Goa last yer. Your post brought back some awesome memories of that trip. 😀
I love rafting.. such a brilliant experience it is!
Rafting is always a delight. I suppose you had a nice adventure.
Looks trilling and much safer the way these guys do it 🙂
WOW, Video is a cherry on the top. This is in my wish list too.
Though i have never experienced it but i can feel its thrill.
Afraid I have a healthy fear of water – white water at the top of the list, so I will enjoy rafting through excellent posts like this one!
Rafting is indeed thrilling, I have never tried it. But u seemed to enjoy a lot. 🙂
Yes it is a must do activity, but during monsoon rafting is not allowed in Manali due to heavy rain and sudden increase in water level of rivers.
Rafting is a thrilling experience, I enjoyed it in Rishikesh in uttarakhand . You too enjoyed there ? workable information about the rafting in Goa.
Now go do it at Ganges too! 😀
Wow.Such a thrilling adventure.Thanks for the video.
Cheers,
Sriram & Krithiga
Full of thrills!
Wow! What an adventure! I guess things depend on how you looks at them. Cheers to Goa for coming up with a way to enjoy to provide visitors a good time during wet season.
Great , Thanks for sharing 🙂
Wow! This is in my bucket list. Loved the video. Thanks for sharing your experience 🙂
I’ve done rafting in the Teesta river. It felt great! And, to be honest, I was a bit scared as well. Great experience, Indrani… 🙂
Amazing and adventurous .
Looks like loads of fun ! Would love to experience the Monsoon.Thanks for tips.
Rafting is a thrilling experience. Nice to see you enjoying it.