Crocodile spotting & spice plantation tour in Goa

Hunt for gharials in the mangroves, then walk through cardamom and pepper to a Goan lunch

A six-hour tour in Goa combining a boat ride through mangroves to spot Indian gharials (crocodiles) with a guided walk through a working tropical spice plantation, ending with an authentic Goan lunch prepared by local women. The tour includes private transportation, an English-speaking guide, refreshments on the boat, and lunch. Children from age one are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Tropical Spice Plantation2h · entry included
2. Old Goa2h · entry included

Crocodile spotting and plantation tour

• Board crocodile spotting boat
• Explore mangrove for Indian gators
• Enjoy refreshments on boat
• Visit tropical spice plantation
• Walk with locals through plantation
• Savour authentic Goan lunch

The experience

The day splits into two parts, each built around what the local guides know. You start on the water: a boat ride through Goa's mangroves where an English-speaking guide takes you in search of Indian gharials, the crocodiles that live here. The mangrove itself is the draw: dense, narrow, the kind of place where the animals stay hidden until they don't. Refreshments come on board. If you're watching for birds as well as reptiles, the migratory species that pass through give you more to spot.

After the boat, you move inland to the Tropical Spice Plantation, the working farm where the tour's second half happens. A local guide walks you through the rows. You'll see green cardamom, black pepper, star anise, betel nut, and tropical fruits like jackfruit, papaya, mango and pineapple growing where they're meant to. The plantation is not a museum. It's a place where people work, and that's what makes the walk different from a botanical garden. The guide explains what each plant is for and how it grows.

Lunch arrives after the walk: Goan dishes prepared by local women in the traditional way. Private transportation picks you up and brings you back, and the vehicle is air-conditioned. Bottled water is included throughout.

What’s included

• Private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• English-speaking guide and local assistance at the plantation.
• boat ride through the mangroves with refreshments on board.
• guided walk through the Tropical Spice Plantation.
• authentic Goan lunch prepared by local women.
• bottled water throughout the day.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (25 to 48 years) · Senior (49 to 70 years) · Youth (11 to 24 years) · Child (4 to 6 years) · Infant (1 to 3 years): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 10 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Trinity Voyage

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to combine wildlife spotting with a working farm and a meal cooked on-site. The boat and plantation are two separate experiences in one day, so you're not staying in one place the whole time.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (11 to 24 years); Child (4 to 6 years); Infant (1 to 3 years): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What are Indian gharials and how often do people actually see them on the boat?

Indian gharials are crocodiles native to Goa's mangroves. The tour is built around spotting them during the boat ride, though sightings depend on the time of day and season. The local guide knows where they're most likely to be found and navigates the mangrove accordingly.

What spices and fruits will I actually see growing at the plantation?

The Tropical Spice Plantation grows green cardamom, black pepper, star anise, betel nut, green chillies, and tropical fruits including jackfruit, papaya, mango, pineapple, soursop and love apples. The walk is guided by someone who works there, so you see the plants in their growing season.

Is the lunch included, and what kind of food should I expect?

Yes, lunch is included and prepared by local women in the authentic Goan style. It comes after the plantation walk, cooked on-site using traditional methods.

How long is the boat ride through the mangroves?

The boat is part of a six-hour tour overall. The mangrove section is the first major stop after pickup, followed by the plantation walk and lunch. The exact time on the water depends on where the gharials are spotted and how the guide navigates.

Do I need any special clothing or gear for the mangrove boat ride?

No special gear is required. Wear clothes you don't mind getting wet or splashed, and bring sun protection. The boat is navigated by a local expert who knows how to move safely through the mangrove.