Croc Cruise in Goa

This four hour cruise of the backwaters of Goa starts near Panaji and cruises upriver to view both the famous bird sanctuary and also the crocodile sanctuary where you can get sight of Goa's iconic crocodiles as they laze in the sunshine.

About the Goan Crocodiles

The huge, deadly looking Goan crocodiles with dagger-like teeth can be seen in the wild,  in the narrow creek that intrudes into the thick mangrove jungle near the small village of Kumbarjua upriver from the sea

Most of the crocodiles that live in the Kumbarjua Canal spend their days sunbathing on the muddy banks of the canal, as they watch visitors pass by in their canoes and small cruise boats. The canal itself is a 15 km stretch of water located about 20 minutes drive away from Panaji. The canal links the two biggest rivers in Goa - the Zuari and Mandovi.

This is the only place in Goa where crocodiles can actually be seen in the wild although some stray crocodiles are sometimes also found in places like Chorao, Tivim and Quepem. The somewhat notorious beach crocodile was a hoax that fooled many news organisations a few years ago

The crocodile have settled here because of the mangrove habitat which serves as spawning ground for fish, prawns, and mollusks. This marine-life-rich ecosystem also sustains a healthy population of bird-life and crocodiles.

The Goan population of crocodiles in the Kumbarjua canal is currently estimated to be between 40-50. Although the number is healthy and stable, it is low and the crocodiles are recognised as highly endangered.

Interestingly, the crocodiles found in Goa (Crocodylus palustris) are actually freshwater crocodiles - sometimes called 'freshies' as opposed to ‘salties’ - and they have adapted themselves to surviving in the saline waters of the Canal. This is an extremely rare phenomenon which is not seen anywhere else on the Indian subcontinent.

The crocs are called 'muggers' locally. Despite their fearsome appearance, they are actually pretty harmless (unlike their salt-water cousins who prey on livestock and sometimes humans). The Kumbarjua crocodiles are very used to human presence so much so that the local children can even swim in the canal with the crocodiles nearby. There have been no cases of human killing by the crocodiles here in living memory. The truth is that if anybody ventures too close, they simply slide into water and move away to somewhere quieter.

In the village of Durbhatwadi on the canal, the crocs are even worshipped on the day of the new moon in January as the guardian spirit of the community.

As cold-blooded animals the crocodiles need to spend a lot of time in the sun to keep themselves warm. Hence, you can see them sunbathing on the muddy shores of the canal. The greyish-brown skin of the crocodiles ensures they are extremely well camouflaged on the mud banks.

These fresh-water crocodiles are scavengers who also prey on sick fish and birds as well as crabs, dogs, cats, and - the very big ones on buffaloes or deer. They may even eat rocks to act as a ballast and help them stay underwater for up to an hour at a stretch. They don't eat frequently and only get hungry once every two weeks or so.

Crocodiles are a hole-nesting species, with the eggs laid in a pit away from the water's edge and guarded by the mother crocodile. Out of the typical clutch of about 30 eggs, only two or three hatchlings are expected to survive, the others becoming snacks for predators like mongoose, rats, ants, birds, and even some humans who consider crocodile eggs a delicacy. A full grown adult can grow up to 4 mt in length. To communicate, they bark like a dog or let out a bellow.

The life span of a crocodile is between 60 to 80 years. During the mating season which lasts from November to February, the crocodiles make a spectacular sight thrashing, jaw-slapping and blowing of water bubbles.

Crocodiles have been hunted worldwide for their skin and in India they are classified along with tigers as highly endangered.

Your Cruise

14:00 hrs.: Board the at the Britona Jetty and sail the backwaters of the Mandovi river towards Old Goa alongside the Chorao and Diwar islands. 

Witness the presence of marsh crocodiles and over 3 species of kingfishers amongst other varied fauna. Connect with nature in the wild backwaters of the Kumbarjua canal and be aware of the delicate balance between nature and humans in the wild. One can observe that these tranquil waters are home to an array of wintering migratory birds as well as native ones and provide an excellent opportunity for bird watching as well as photography. Catch sight of exquisite riverscapes and be assured of crocodile, osprey, kingfisher and sea eagle sightings on this trip. 
Ask for a pair of binoculars to observe the various forts and monuments that • dot the banks of th is canal. 

This cruise combines the options of nature watching and a backwaters mangrove experience in one of the best mangrove forests of Goa. Observe the rich biodiversity of these tranquil Mangroves and enjoy the scenic beauty of these picturesque backwaters. Or just relax, as you cruise along these calm waters and enjoy the joyful camaraderie of your fellow companions. 

18:00 hrs.: Disembark at Britona Jetty. 

TRIP INCLUSIONS: 

• 02 beverages per person - Beer/ Aerated Soft Drink/Bacardi Breezer / Juice. 
• Snacks include: Potato/ Banana wafers, Cheese cubes & Cream Crackers, Seasonal fresh fruits. 
• Sea Eagle hat, Sun Overcoat, Information booklet and Map.
• Use of field equipment including binoculars, distance 

Do Bring

• Suntan lotion or sunscreen.
• Sunglasses. 
• Camera.