Twelve kilometers from Panjim, the Goan capital, is Candolim beach in north Goa. Beginning at Fort Aguada and merging with Calangute beach towards the end, it is one of the longest beaches in the state and is located in the Bardez taluka. The beach in itself is very calm and peaceful, at times tourists come here from Rajneesh Ashram in Pune to take a break. What adds to the scenic beauty of the sand and sea are the scrub-covered dunes at the back of the beach quite popular with tourists.
The main road that is the Candolim Calangute road is packed with shops and restaurants, but the beachfront is rather free of any commercial activity apart from some water activities. Though the beach is close to bustling Calangute beach, life is rather laid back at Candolim. Even the village isn’t very clustered, it quite spread out so there isn’t any center to it as such. The area around the beach can be termed as resort free as there aren’t any resorts there. However, the beach has quite a number of inns at reasonable prices with good facilities.
Another interesting feature about the Candolim beach is the ship River Princess, which has been stuck at the shores of the beach since 2000.
Activities: Parasailing, water skiing, and windsurfing are common activities here. One witnesses people stating such water games each evening to feel the wind that blows in a particular direction. People spend a good time enjoying it until the sun sets completely. Additional choices at Candolim beach are trips to spots with dolphin and crocodile presence besides visiting the islands for fishing.
Safety: Always Swim between Red and Yellow Flags, as this area is safe and constantly watched by the Lifeguards.
Red Flags means No Swimming, which means this beach is closed and dangerous.
Do not mix alcohol/Drugs with Swimming, as 80% of drowning victims are between the age of 20 to 40 and have consumed alcohol or drugs.
If in troubled not panic. Just raise one arm and wait for the lifeguard to rescue you.
Never Swim after Sunset.
Never Swim Alone.
Keep your cell phone in your language or hand out another person before going in the water.
In the case of crimes, victims are advised to report to the nearest Police Station.
How to Reach: You can either hire yourself some transport or use public transport, there are lots of choices available. For taxis, motorbike taxis and autorickshaws you can nearly always find some available near and it’s best to negotiate the price before you get in. The nearest Train station is Pernem or Tivim near Mapusa and the nearest Kadamba bus stand is in central Mapusa. To reach Candolim from Mapusa or Pernem you can continue by local bus or taxi. If you planning to just have a ride then either take a Taxi, Cab or rent a Bike. So you can view the rest all nearest beaches and other attractions.
Distance:
12.9 km from Panaji – 24mins
39.5 km from Dabolim Airport – 58mins
48.3 km from Margao Railway Station – 1 hour 11 mins
20.3 km from Thivim Railway Station – 30mins
