The tourist season begins in Goa in October. The silvery beaches and blue sea here attracts tourists, drawn towards the scenic beauty of this tiny State, they not only prefer to spend vacations but also plan occasions of celebrations. A new trend of spending fun time with family and friends on rented yachts and cruises has been witnessed in Goa in recent years. These yachts offer a combination of luxury and adventure to people from various walks of life. Friends throwing a birthday party, romantic couples wanting to have their pre-wedding shoots or celebrate wedding anniversaries, newly married couples who want to go for honeymoon getaways or just a family outing together – all of them want to enjoy a unique experience onboard a yacht or a cruise – though it comes pricy.
Several agencies in Goa offer yachts on rent and their charges depend upon the amenities provided and the number of guests that will be onboard. There’s everything – from music systems to food and beverages, to bedrooms and washrooms. Given on an hourly basis the rent varies anything from Rs 8000 to Rs 36,000 or even more for two hours. While the yachts are smaller and have a carrying capacity of 15 or less, the cruises can carry even 150 persons at a time.
Yachts are preferred for personalised occasions where less number of people can be on board. For a larger gathering a cruise is booked where dinner parties can be organised for 50, 100 or more people. Yachting is a mix of calmness and excitement in the sea waters. Whether one wants a peaceful cruise at sunset, thrilling water activities, or fancy parties on a yacht, Goa offers all of these. Many types of boats, from modern ones to traditional Goan ones, allow the experience of yachting.
There are around seven to eight players in the Goan yachting business and all of them operate from North Goa. Most of them offer similar services, though Yacht Life Goa was the first to start the business in the State of Goa. Started In 2019, Yacht Life Goa has one of the largest fleets of luxury yacht charters in Goa, featuring six premium vessels, including India’s first 150-ft super yacht, RA 11 and a Leopard 39 sailboat, among others. The yachts operate in the rivers only, with certain exceptions like Leopard 39 that moves out to the deep sea.
“We have six yachts under us. RA11 is used for per head parties once in a while. There may be many agents across Goa, but Yacht Life Goa stands apart as we own our fleet. What others rent, we operate,” says Zyrell Fernandes, COO at Yacht Life Goa, adding, “We operate 24 hours a day, offering exclusive yachting experiences along the River Mandovi. Each of our yachts is equipped with water, beverages, and light snacks, apart from add-on services like drone shoots, professional photography, decorations, and curated celebrations.”
“Our yachts are booked by premium clients who value quality, privacy, and elevated experiences. We cater to individuals, families, and groups seeking exclusive and memorable moments on the water. Our yachts operate from the base at the COP Jetty in Panaji across the Mandovi River and adjoining backwater routes,” shares one partner at Yacht Life Goa.
For Yacht Life Goa’s founder and director Leon Nicholas Fernandes, it was a passion project, driven by his love for the sea and adventure. “At Yacht Life Goa, we’re not just offering yachts, we’re curating experiences that define what it means to live the good life by the waters of Goa,” boasts Leon, a Goan, born and brought up in Goa who always felt a deep connection to the water.
“What began as a personal pursuit has now evolved into a full-fledged company built on passion, service, and authenticity and values that continue to shape every experience we offer,” says Leon who, before entering the yachting industry, had worked in the media business where he developed a sharp understanding of storytelling, hospitality, and audience experience.
These are fully crewed luxury yachts with onboard hospitality staff offering catering and beverage service. There are decoration setups, music and lighting options along with add-on experiences such as photography, drone shoots, and event curation. The types of occasions celebrated on yachts are birthdays, anniversaries, proposals, casual cruising and private sails as well as early morning sailing experiences. The price packages start at Rs 10,000 onwards and can go up to several lakh, depending on the yacht and experience chosen. Our 70% of the clientele is domestic, while 30% are international tourists, states Zyrell.
Apart from yachts, there are dinner and sunset cruises too, giving an unforgettable cruising experience of a night out. People celebrate special occasions or simply seek a unique way to enjoy their evening with close friends and family. The cruises offer dinners too with Goan as well as international cuisine while gliding along the serene rivers. These cruises offer a unique dining experience with a backdrop of shimmering waters and starry skies. There is also live music, traditional dance performances, suited for romantic evenings, family gatherings, or corporate events.
Sunset cruises offer a spectacular view of the sunset moment when the golden rays of the sun are seen diving into the waters leaving an orange hue in the sky. There are light snacks, beverages to choose from. It’s a memorable evening providing a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle in the town, and giving a quiet moment to connect with nature. Many solo travellers too, enjoy the ‘me time’ spent on the sunset cruises floating amidst the rivers in Goa.
