Private 8-Day Complete Goa Birding Circuit
An eight-day Goa birding program spanning Western Ghats forest, lateritic plateaus, wetlands, sandbars, the Zuari waterways and southern reserves.
About this tour
This private eight-day circuit explores Goa through a deliberately varied sequence of forest, wetland, plateau, river and coastal habitats. The route includes Bondla, Bhagwan Mahavir, Netravali and Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuaries, as well as Socorro and Quitol plateaus, Morjim sandbar, Carambolim and Maina-Curtorim wetlands, the Zuari waterways and Agassaim mudflats.
Early starts and full field days create time for Western Ghats specialties, winter visitors, waterbirds and coastal species. The last day remains flexible so the naturalist can revisit the most useful habitat for priority birds still outstanding. The supplied price is USD 1,350 per person for groups of two to eight.
Planning a wider trip? Read our birdwatching guide to India.
Birds you can spot
Halcyon pileata
target
Alcedo meninting
target
Strix leptogrammica
target
Todiramphus chloris
target
Rubigula gularis
target
Buceros bicornis
target
Brachypodius priocephalus
target
Ocyceros griseus
target
Anthracoceros coronatus
target
Harpactes fasciatus
target
Falco peregrinus
target
Pelargopsis capensis
target
Sitta frontalis
target
Icthyophaga leucogaster
target
Dryocopus javensis
target
Guides
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival and nearby forest birding
Arrive at camp, settle in and begin with an afternoon forest session. A night walk follows dinner when conditions are suitable for nightjars and owls.
Day 2
Bondla and Bhagwan Mahavir
Bird Bondla in the early morning, return for a Goan lunch and continue into Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary. Expect a combination of walking and short vehicle transfers.
Day 3
Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary
Use a full day in Netravali forest, with packed breakfast, lunch at a local spice farm and further afternoon birding. The focus is on Western Ghats forest birds and mixed feeding flocks.
Day 4
Socorro, Morjim and Carambolim
Begin on Socorro plateau, continue by motorized canoe to Morjim sandbar and finish at Carambolim wetland. This day shifts from open plateau birds to shorebirds and freshwater species.
Day 5
Zuari waterways and Agassaim
Take a motor-boat birding trip through the Cumbharjua Canal, then walk the Agassaim mudflats for kingfishers, raptors, terns, gulls and shorebirds.
Day 6
Cotigao and Gaondongrim
Spend the morning and afternoon in and around Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, with lunch outside the reserve and a later session in the Gaondongrim fields.
Day 7
Maina-Curtorim and Quitol plateau
Start at Maina-Curtorim wetland with a packed breakfast, then continue after lunch to Quitol plateau. Longer wetland walks are balanced by intermittent driving on the plateau.
Day 8
Flexible target-bird morning and departure
Choose the final birding location according to remaining priority species and recent local activity. Check out and depart during the afternoon.
Locations & map
- Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary - Goa India (Western Ghats forest birding.)
- Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary - Goa India (Forest specialties and nocturnal birds.)
- Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary - Goa India (Forest route with walking and driving.)
- Socorro plateau and Morjim sandbar - Goa India (Plateau, river sandbar and coastal birding.)
- Cumbharjua Canal and Agassaim mudflats - Goa India (Boat and shorebird sessions.)
- Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary - Goa India (Southern Goa forest birding.)
- Maina-Curtorim and Quitol plateau - Goa India (Wetland and open-plateau birding.)
Availability & pricing
Availability: Available on request · Season: Dates are arranged on request. The principal Goa birding season runs from mid-October to late April.
Included
- Twin-share accommodation - Included for the itinerary.
- Meals specified in the itinerary - Included according to the published program.
- Naturalist services for the tour - Included.
- Local transport, airport pickup and drop-off - Included; exact airport and times are confirmed after enquiry.
- Sanctuary entry and specified boat charges - Included.
- Applicable taxes - Included.
- Bottled water - Included.
Not included
- Flights - Not included.
- Personal expenses - Not included.
- Alcoholic beverages and extra food or drinks - Not included unless specifically confirmed.
- Services outside the agreed itinerary - Not included.
Transport & stays
- Private road transfers and motorized boats/canoe Local field transfers, airport pickup/drop-off and specified boat journeys are included. | Meet: Dabolim or Mopa airport, Goa | Pickup: Included; confirm flight details after enquiry.
Policies & FAQ
Cancellation Policy
Payment Terms
Insurance & Safety
Are the departures fixed?
No. Dates are arranged on request, subject to guide, accommodation and local access availability.
How physically demanding is the birding?
The program combines walking and driving. Some wetland, plateau and mudflat sessions involve longer walks, while forest days use intermittent walks and vehicle transfers.
Can target birds be prioritized?
Yes. Share your priority species through the BirdWatch enquiry form so the operator can confirm the most suitable routing and season.
Send inquiry
Ask about this tour before booking. Your preferred date is optional and availability will be confirmed after your inquiry.