Galgibaga beach stay in south Goa

After our eventful and exhausting Rajasthan travel experience, Galgibaga was like a piece of heaven. Located in the south of Goa in the Canacona region (Canacona Taluk) on the banks of the Galgibag River, it is about 56km away from Colva, which is a popular beach resort in South Goa and 54km away from Margao, the cultural capital of Goa. This beach is also known as Turtle Beach and is one of the last hidden treasures of Goa. Galgibaga Beach apart from Agonda and Morjim Beach provides nesting grounds to the Olive Ridley turtles. The whole northern part of this beautiful beach is used for turtle nesting, and here, the state program of olive turtle saving and protection works is actively implemented. This vulnerable species lays its eggs between October and March. During this period, the females come ashore to lay eggs on the sandy beach, and after that, they return to the sea. The eggs get hatched within two months and the baby turtles swim into the sea with the waves. These turtles prefer clean, quiet beaches and in Galgibaga Beach, the Goa forest department takes care of the eggs until they are hatched. They notice the hatching area and close it off so that the eggs are safe from any accidental damage. They keep records and pictures of the turtles laying eggs.

The beautiful Galgibaga Beach

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A beautiful Galgibaga Beach homestay

We did not happen to be in Galgibaga Beach during the hatching period. Instead, we were there in April, when the heat and the humidity were high enough to take siestas in the afternoon. The mornings and the evenings, however, were wonderful and the sea was bathwater warm. We stayed for a week in Galgibaga Beach at a wonderful place called Sabina River Homestay. It was located at the mouth of the Galgibag River and from our terrace, we could see the tides going in and out. Richly flowering fruit trees surrounded the homestay and blood-red hibiscuses, as large as hands, bloomed riotously. We spent our days doing nothing except eating; sleeping; swimming in the sea; watching sunsets; and playing with our host´s two dogs. Boardgames and crab hunting formed our morning rituals and after dusk, we used to lie on the beach to count stars. Only once did we venture into old Goa to admire its Portuguese churches. We escaped back to our slice of paradise as fast as possible.

This place gives us `Saudade`

It was really difficult to break the spell that Galgibaga Beach put on us. Can you imagine a place where the sands are soft and clean and pine trees sigh in the breeze? The only noise was from the multitude of birds that flocked to the fruit trees and the occasional hooting of the long-distance trains at night. Kingfishers and herons stalked on the mud banks just outside the homestay and during low tides, bright orange crabs and mudskippers scarpered around fearlessly. Big, ripe breadfruits plonked down heavily from massive trees and every dusk saw the village men coming together for a drink and watching football on TV at a local shack. If this is not pure travel hygge, I don´t know what is. Galgibaga Beach was the most relaxing place I have ever been.

Galgibaga Beach Travel Guide

How to Reach

Galgibaga Beach is located in South Goa, India. The nearest airport is Dabolim and the closest railhead is the Madgaon Railway Station. It is around 30 km from Margao and one can reach Galgibaga Beach by car, taxi, or local bus. The easiest way to reach Talpona Beach resort is to drive the NH17 Highway, which starts in the south of the City of Chaudi and runs through Galgibaga resort. The closest town is Canacona, located approximately 11.9 km away.

When to Visit Galgibaga Beach

The best time to visit is from October to March when the weather is pleasant and the seas are not so rough. Summer months are intolerably hot and monsoon often creates dangerous undercurrents in the sea. Also note that between May and October, the beach is usually deserted with all beach huts dismantled.

Where to Stay

There are limited options to stay at Galgibaga Beach. Julio´s Sabina River Homestay is one of them. The other options are Casa Galgibaga, Cassoi by Ciarans, and the accommodations at the nearby Talpona or Patnem beaches.

Things to Do

The best things to do here are to relax, rejuvenate, sleep, read, watch sunsets, eat, and repeat. Nature enthusiasts can go for treks or jungle walks at the Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary which is about 30 minutes away. You may opt for leisurely early morning or sunset boat rides down the Galgibaga and Talpona rivers. For more action or nightlife, head to Palolem or Agonda beaches.

Terrace of Sabina River Homestay

Galgibaga Beach Travel Tips

This is one of the near-deserted beaches in south Goa. You will find only a handful of beach shacks and a few amenities in the sleepy, little village.
There are a few grocery shops and a pharmacy. A fruit and vegetable vendor sets up his temporary shack under the bridge in the mornings.
Make sure to hire either a car or a scooter for hassle-free transportation. There is only one or two autorickshaws in the village and the nearest car rental place is at Patnem.
Carry your towels, umbrella, and sunshade to the beach, and don´t expect any shade.
The sea here can be very rough in some areas and not always safe to swim in. Caution is advised when venturing out for a dip.Goa