River Cruises

The Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) runs a variety of river cruises on the Mandovi river — daytime, sunset and moonlight. There are two types of day cruises -- from the Panaji jetty, down the Mandovi into the Zuari bay and up the Mandovi to Aldona and a mineral water spring.

A few private firms also offer a variety of imaginative cruises or boat tours for sunset views as well as for crocodile or dolphin spotting.

Santa Monica

Santa Monica is the pride of Goa Tourism Development Corporation Ltd. This luxury launch is built on twin hull and used for daily evening cruises on river Mandovi with 'live' cultural programmes performed by the best cultural troupes of Goa.

The launch can accomodate approximately 200 passengers at a time. There is a bar counter to quench your thirst. Santa Monica launch is also available for special parties on hourly charges.

The Santa Monica cruise is the most attractive entertainment with live Goan Cultural Show and music on board.

Dolphin Fantasy, Pearl of the Orient and Backwater Thrills to Savoi Verem are on board the Poseidon, a newly acquired 24-seater fibreglas luxury launch.

1.	Sunset Cruise
*	Dep.6.00 PM	1 hour	Rs. 100/- per head
2.	Sundown Cruise
*	Dep.7.15 PM	1 hour	Rs. 100/- per head
3.	Full Moon Cruise/Special Cruise
*	Dep.8.30 PM	1 hour	Rs. 150/- per head
	Arr. 10.30 PM
For above cruises, children above 6 years charged ticket.
4.	Dolphin Fantasy Cruise:-
	Venture into the sea, Watch the dark graceful water beauties in a playful mood and the rhythmic dance of love. Sight closely, the head lands jutting out into the sea, Crowned on either side by Raj Bhavan, Aguada Fort & Reis Magos.
*	Days of operation:	On every Monday only.
*	Timings:	From 9.30 a.m. to 11.00 a.m.
*	Rates:	Rs. 250/- per person inclusive of snacks and cold drinks
5.	Pearl of the Orient:-
	A blend of Natural & Cultural heritage Cruise-cum-walking tour to visit World Heritage Monuments at old Goa.
*	Days of operation:	On every Saturday.
*	Timings:	From 9.30 a.m. to 1.00 p.m.
*	Rates:	Rs. 250/- per person inclusive of refreshments
6.	Backwater Thrills:-
	Cruise along the riverine tip of Islands of Chorao, Divar, Old Goa. Enjoy the endless sight and sounds of Mandovi’s thick mangroves. Dock at the country side to sniff through the Spicy World, Juicy fruits, exotic plants and medicinal herbs at Savoi Verem, Spice plantation. Experience the typical Goan cuisine served in earthen pots and banana leaf.
*	Days of operation:	Tuesday - Friday.
*	Timings:	From 9.30 a.m. to 4.00 p.m.
*	Rates:	Rs. 550/- per person inclusive of refreshments & lunch

Special Hire of Launches for longer periods is also available. Check at the Panaji jetty ticket counter for the latest timings and rates.

The private cruise operators which operate their own cruises can be contacted at the numbers given below: