Baga Beach

Located 15kms north of Panaji, in Baga Village is the small but perfect Baga beach. Baga beach is a part of the Calangute beach which is connected to each other by a 3 km long road. Visited by thousands of tourists annually but comparatively quieter, this pretty, crescent shape beach is mainly known as a fishing coast. 

Nestled by a rocky, wooded headland, the coast line of Baga, starts at Fort Aguada continues as the Sinquerim beach, followed by the beaches of Candolim, Calangute and then merges into Baga beach. Then again it continues as Anjuna Beach and then Vagator and finally ends at Chapora Beach and Fort.

Even though a small beach, plenty of local shops, cafes and beach shacks plus good restaurants and water sports activities makes Baga an ideal tourist destination in Goa. Known for its hopping 'shack life', Baga beach has several beach shacks that sell delicious Goan food and thirst-quenching Feni. The beach drops steeply to the water where fishing canoes make use of the good boat launching conditions and provide rides. 

Nightlife in Baga, a mixture of Western and Goan culture is considered the liveliest in Goa. Tito's Bar right on the beach is one of Goa's most famous discotheques cum bar and restaurant, which has a well-equipped dance floor and sound system and Kamaki and Mambo’s are the other famous bars in Baga.

Beach Activities

A former hippie hideaway, the clean golden brown sandy beach is also great for long, leisure walks. There are more open, less crowded areas farther down the beach to the left of the entrance, ideal for sunbathing. Although the sea here is not safe for swimming especially from end-May to early October, when the monsoon is active, the Baga river that flows down its 10 kms course along one side of the beach offers a safer and pleasant diversion for children and those who love water. But there are swirling currents where the river meets the Arabian sea beside a group of large rocks.

Besides swimming and sunbathing, another attraction of the beach is its water sport facilities. One can enjoy parasailing, water skiing, windsurfing, snorkeling, kayaking and much more. Baga beach is also popular for its spectacular sunsets and fishing. A large number of fishermen in their traditional attire can be seen with their daily catch, especially in the mornings and evenings.

Besides all these activities, Baga beach provide a great shopping experience for the tourists. Along the road beside the beach is the Saturday flea market also known as Saturday night market (because it is lively even in the night ) which is good for shopping. There is a temporary stage in this beach which is almost always alive with music performances by local musicians.

The main attractions in Baga are ;

Baga Retreat House
Situated on the peninsular end of the Calangute shore is the Baga retreat house or the Casa de Retiro hovering on a hill. Established in 1953 by Father Le Tellier, this is a major tourist spot near Baga beach. Dedicated to St. Francis Xavier, the retreat house is used for prayer and meditation. 

Medicinal Spring

Situated near the Bom Viagem Convent, the Medicinal springs at Mottant is an ideal spot for picnics. The water here is believed to have medicinal properties.

Sea Cure
Baga is also known for its sea Cure. Every year during the month of May, locals visits Baga beach and take bath in the sea which they consider as a remedy for body ailments like arthritis and joint pains.

Sangodd River Fest

A river fest, celebrating the Baga river known as sangodd is celebrated in Baga annually.