Galgibaga beach and the Talpona river
Galgibaga is one of the quietest beaches in Goa. It runs for about 2 km between the Talpona and Galgibag rivers, backed by a belt of casuarina trees, and it is one of three beaches in the state protected as olive ridley nesting sites. Construction is restricted, and there are only a handful of simple cafés behind the sand.
We arrive in the late afternoon, when the light comes low through the casuarinas, and walk the beach with a naturalist who explains the turtle protection work and the birds of the river mouth: terns, gulls, plovers and herons. The sea is often rough and is not for swimming.
On the way back, we follow the Talpona river through fishing villages and paddy, stopping where boats are moored and nets drying. Sunset over the river, before the 15-minute drive back to Rajbag, is the end of the day.
Questions travellers ask
Good to know
Where is Galgibaga beach?
Galgibaga is in Canacona, south Goa, about 12 km south of Palolem and close to the Karnataka border, between the Talpona and Galgibag rivers. It is about 15 minutes from The LaLiT at Rajbag.
Can you swim at Galgibaga?
We do not recommend it. The sea is often rough, currents are strong near the river mouths and lifeguards are not always present. It is a beach for walking, birds and quiet, not for swimming.
Why is Galgibaga protected?
Galgibaga is one of three Goa beaches, with Morjim and Agonda, protected for nesting olive ridley turtles. Construction, lights and noise are restricted to protect the nests, which is also why it remains so quiet.
Also in Palolem, Agonda and Canacona
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