Friends trip: Anjuna, Vagator and Baga

Day 1: Arrive in Anjuna & Vagator

Anjuna & Vagator

• Anjuna Wednesday Flea Market · 3 h. Every Wednesday in season (roughly Nov–Apr) on the bluff above the beach; bargain politely and carry cash.

Local tip: Every Wednesday in season (roughly Nov–Apr) on the bluff above the beach; bargain politely and carry cash.

Open day 1 route in Google Maps

Day 2: Explore Anjuna & Vagator

Anjuna & Vagator

• Chapora Fort sunset · 1.5 h. A short steep walk to the ruined ramparts above Vagator; sunset is crowded but worth it. Wear proper shoes.
• Vagator and Ozran beaches · 3 h. Ozran (Little Vagator) has the carved Shiva face on the rocks; walk down the steps and watch the tide.
• Assagao and Anjuna café trail · 3 h. Assagao's old Portuguese houses now hold bakeries and brunch places; a scooter or taxi links them.
• Chapora river kayaking · 2 h. Guided paddles through mangroves near Siolim; go early for birds and calm water.

Local tip: A short steep walk to the ruined ramparts above Vagator; sunset is crowded but worth it. Wear proper shoes.

Open day 2 route in Google Maps

Day 3: Anjuna & Vagator → Calangute, Baga & Candolim

Calangute, Baga & Candolim · Anjuna & Vagator to Calangute, Baga & Candolim, Taxi ~20–25 min

• Water sports at Calangute and Baga (parasailing, jet ski, banana ride) · 2 h. Operators sell packages on the sand; agree what is included and the ride lengths before paying. Rides stop when the red flag is up and through the monsoon.
• Fort Aguada and the lighthouse · 1.5 h. The 17th-century Portuguese fort above Sinquerim has views over the Mandovi mouth; go late afternoon for the light, and avoid the midday heat.

Local tip: Operators sell packages on the sand; agree what is included and the ride lengths before paying. Rides stop when the red flag is up and through the monsoon.

Open day 3 route in Google Maps

Day 4: Grand Island boat trip with snorkelling

Calangute, Baga & Candolim

• Grand Island boat trip with snorkelling · 6 h. Boats leave from Sinquerim or Coco Beach with lunch included; visibility is best Dec–Mar. Check life jackets and the boat licence.

Local tip: Boats leave from Sinquerim or Coco Beach with lunch included; visibility is best Dec–Mar. Check life jackets and the boat licence.

Open day 4 route in Google Maps

Day 5: Depart from Calangute, Baga & Candolim

Calangute, Baga & Candolim

• Morning dolphin-spotting boat ride · 1.5 h. Short boat rides from Sinquerim, Candolim or Baga; dolphins show most mornings in calm seas, but sightings are never guaranteed.

Local tip: Short boat rides from Sinquerim, Candolim or Baga; dolphins show most mornings in calm seas, but sightings are never guaranteed.

Keep a buffer before your flight; check-out is usually noon.

Open day 5 route in Google Maps