Boat ride prices in Goa depend on the type of trip. Mandovi evening cruises start at ₹500 per person with GTDC; dolphin trips are listed from ₹350, while Aguad by Boat costs ₹1,000 for adults. A standard one-hour boat ride under the unified water sports rates is ₹1,000 per passenger and requires at least six passengers.
Use this guide to compare the main options by fare, boarding point, schedule and inclusions. For a GoaWala-bookable Mandovi cruise, see sunset cruises and dinner cruises; these are separate catalogue listings from the fares below.
Goa boat ride prices at a glance
The fare depends on whether you want an evening river cruise, dolphin ride, heritage trip, or a private standard boat ride. These are distinct products, so check the departure point and what's included before choosing.
| Boat ride | Price | Departure point / schedule |
|---|---|---|
| GTDC evening Mandovi cruise | ₹500 per person; 10% discount for online booking | Santa Monica Pier or Shantadurga Pier, Panjim; daily 5 pm–10 pm; one-hour cruise |
| GTDC Mhadei heritage cruise | ₹750 per person for Hi-Tea or Sunset; ₹1,600 per person for dinner, including GST | Santa Monica Jetty / New Police Jetty, Panaji; daily except during monsoon |
| Miramar dolphin ferry ride | ₹350 per person | Miramar Beach; 9 am–6 pm |
| Standard boat ride | ₹1,000 per passenger; minimum six passengers per boat | One-hour trip; departure point not specified in the rate information |
| Dolphin sighting trip under unified rates | ₹350–₹800 per passenger | Fare depends on duration, distance and group size |
| Aguad by Boat | ₹1,000 adults; ₹500 children | Kala Academy jetty, Panjim; departures at 4 pm, 5 pm and 6 pm |
Mandovi evening cruise: ₹500 per person
GTDC's one-hour evening cruise boards at Santa Monica Pier or Shantadurga Pier, below the Mandovi Bridges in Panjim. Cruises run daily between 5 pm and 10 pm. The fare is ₹500 per person, and online booking gives a 10% discount.
The cruise includes DJ music, two Goan folk dances and views of the coastlines on both sides of the Mandovi. Snacks and beverages cost extra and are payable in cash on board; outside food and beverages are not allowed, except infant meals for children up to 3 years old. Children above 3 feet need a ticket; children up to 3 feet travel free.
For cancellations, GTDC gives a full refund if cancelled at least 24 hours before departure; cancellations less than 24 hours before receive no refund. Compare this public cruise with GoaWala's sunset cruise options or dinner cruises, which have their own listing prices and booking details.
Mhadei Heritage cruises: tea, sunset or dinner
GTDC's Mhadei Cruise boards at Santa Monica Jetty / New Police Jetty in Panaji. The listed service operates throughout the year except during monsoon, with three scheduled cruise options. Fares include GST.
| Cruise | Time | Fare per person |
|---|---|---|
| Hi-Tea Heritage Cruise | 5:15 pm–6:30 pm | ₹750 |
| Sunset Heritage Cruise | 6:45 pm–8:00 pm | ₹750 |
| Luxury Dinner Cruise | 8:15 pm–10:00 pm | ₹1,600 |
Dolphin rides from Miramar
The Dolphin Ferry Ride Point is at Marriott Resort Road, Miramar, Panaji. The listed Miramar ferry ride runs from 9 am to 6 pm and costs ₹350 per person. Separately, the unified water sports rate structure lists dolphin sighting trips at ₹350–₹800 per passenger, depending on duration, distance and group size. Check which specific trip and fare applies before paying. For more options by location and timing, read the Goa dolphin trips guide.
Aguad by Boat: Panjim to the Aguad complex
Aguad by Boat leaves Kala Academy jetty in Panjim and crosses the Mandovi to the Aguad Port and Jail Complex in Sinquerim. Departures are listed at 4 pm, 5 pm and 6 pm daily; the crossing takes around 15–20 minutes and does not operate during monsoon.
The fare is ₹1,000 for adults and ₹500 for children, including entry to the Aguada Jail museum. For more about the destination, see the Fort Aguada visitor guide.
Chorao Island and the bird sanctuary boat ride
To reach Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary on Chorao Island, take the free pedestrian ferry from Ribandar Ferry Wharf. The crossing takes around 20 minutes; the wharf is about a 15-minute drive from Panaji. Inside the sanctuary, boat rides cost around ₹750 and accommodate up to 10 passengers. October to March is the stated best time to visit.
How to choose and what to check
For a short evening outing with music and folk dance, compare the GTDC Mandovi cruise with the GoaWala sunset cruise page. For dinner on the river, check the GoaWala dinner cruise page. For a boat reserved for your group, browse private yacht charters or luxury yacht rentals; those are private yacht products, not public ferry or sightseeing fares.
A hotel transfer is a separate booking question: check whether your chosen listing includes it on the cruise with hotel pickup page. The public fare facts here do not establish that pickup is included. Before booking any ride, confirm the exact boarding pier, departure time, fare basis, child ticket rule and whether refreshments are included.
Book with GoaWala
1 option from ₹9,500 per boat — live prices, November 2026.
| Experience | Price | Guests | Duration | Starts from | Free cancellation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MANDOVI LOUNGE Boat – Up to 8 Pax | ₹9,500 per boat | up to 8 | 2 Hours | Britona | up to 14 days before |
| Calma Sundowner Cruise | ₹400 per person | — | 1 Hour 30 Minutes | Panaji (Central Goa) | up to 24 hours before |
| Capital Sundowner Cruise | ₹400 per person | — | 1 Hour 30 Minutes | Panaji (Central Goa) | up to 24 hours before |
| Infinity Sunset Cruise | ₹400 per person | — | 1 Hour | Panaji (Central Goa) | up to 24 hours before |
| Paradise Sunset Cruise | ₹400 per person | — | 1 Hour 30 Minutes | Panaji (Central Goa) | up to 24 hours before |
| Princesa Sunset Cruise | ₹450 per person | — | 2 Hours | Panaji (Central Goa) | up to 24 hours before |
| Vihaan Sunset Cruise | ₹500 per person | — | 1 Hour 30 Minutes | Panaji (Central Goa) | up to 24 hours before |
| Vihaan Dinner Cruise | ₹790 per person | — | 3 Hours | Panaji (Central Goa) | up to 24 hours before |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a boat ride in Goa cost?
Listed fares range from ₹350 per person for the Miramar dolphin ferry ride to ₹1,600 per person for the GTDC Mhadei Luxury Dinner Cruise. A standard one-hour boat ride is ₹1,000 per passenger, with a six-passenger minimum per boat.
Where do Mandovi river cruises leave from?
GTDC evening cruises leave from Santa Monica Pier or Shantadurga Pier, below the Mandovi Bridges in Panjim. The Mhadei Heritage cruises board at Santa Monica Jetty / New Police Jetty in Panaji.
Is food included on the ₹500 GTDC evening cruise?
No. The cruise includes DJ music, two Goan folk dances and Mandovi coastline sightseeing. Snacks and beverages are extra and payable in cash on board.
Do children need tickets for the GTDC evening cruise?
Children above 3 feet need a ticket; children up to 3 feet travel free.
How much is the dolphin ride in Goa?
The Miramar ferry ride is listed at ₹350 per person. Under the unified water sports rates, dolphin sighting trips range from ₹350 to ₹800 per passenger depending on duration, distance and group size.
Does Aguad by Boat include museum entry?
Yes. The listed fare is ₹1,000 for adults and ₹500 for children, including entry to the Aguada Jail museum.
Does a Goa cruise booking include hotel pickup?
The public cruise fares in this guide do not say that hotel pickup is included. Check the specific listing or the cruise with hotel pickup page before booking.
Sources
- Evening Cruises
- Mhadei Cruise
- Dolphin Ferry Ride Point Guide: Tickets, Hours, Photos & Reviews | Panaji
- Smooth sailing! Uniform rates for water sports unveiled | The Goan
- A first-timer’s guide to Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary in Goa - The Times of India
- When in Goa, discover Aguad by boat | Gomantak Times
- GTDC
- Department of Tourism
Last checked 7 November 2026
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