Where to See Wildlife in Goa

Goa’s Sal Backwaters wind through lotus ponds and mango groves, where migratory birds come to seek shelter. Hop in a kayak and paddle through these off-the-beaten-path waterways for the chance to spot hundreds of birds, including four types of kingfisher, as well as black-headed ibis, cormorants, purple waterfowl, herons, egrets, and pin-tailed ducks.

Goa's Mollem National Park is most famous for Dudhsagar Falls, but it also serves as a wildlife sanctuary, where several species of snakes, butterflies, and birds reside. You might get lucky and spot a barking deer, bonnet macaque, Malabar giant squirrel, or wild boar on one of the numerous trekking trails. Many travelers opt for Jeep safaris through the park, or take a firsthand look at the jungle canopy on the zipline course.

Flowing through the backcountry, Cambarjua Canal serves as a critical source of life not only for the people living along its banks but also for the diverse local wildlife. Hop aboard a boat for the chance to spot marsh crocodiles and migratory birds among the mangroves and learn about how crocodiles coexist with the local fishing communities.

The Arabian Sea, just off the coast of Goa, is home to its own range of colorful wildlife. Dolphins and colorful kingfishers can often be spotted near Fort Aguada, while the waters of South Goa provide a habitat for Technicolor coral and reef fish. Head out for a dolphin-spotting cruise, embark on a deep-sea fishing excursion, or book a snorkeling adventure near Monkey Island.

The mangrove forests of Goa provide a habitat for all sorts of wildlife and one of the best ways to explore these areas is by kayak. As you paddle along the Nerul or Spike’s rivers, keep your eyes peeled for osprey, sea eagles, kingfishers, fruit bats, mud crabs, and river otters.