Galgibaga Turtle Beach

Sea turtles, it seems, have a taste for the best beaches. Galgibaga, along with Agonda in the south and Morjim in North Goa, are the three beaches in Goa where Olive Ridley turtles lay eggs between October and March. Sea turtles, unlike tortoises, are bigger, heavier and prefer to live in the water mostly. So the female, after laying the eggs at a secure spot on the sandy beach, returns to the sea. The eggs hatch within two months and baby turtles simply swim into the ocean waves. Given their dwindling numbers, a conservation program run by the forest department ensures proper fencing of the nesting area. At any time, you are likely to see three-four enclosures meant to protect the eggs from accidental damage. Each enclosure carries a date when the eggs were laid. The friendly conservation staff can give you all the information you need and might even show you pictures or videos of the turtles or baby turtles at the time of birth!

Tip: Turtles usually come to the shoreline at night. So, to stand a better chance of spotting them, plan a visit accordingly. It is better to do a recce during the day so you are familiar with the location when you return at night.

If you are staying at Palolem, there are two ways to reach the Galgibaga Beach and both are beautiful. It is best to take the Margaon-Karwar highway while getting there, as it is a neatly marked route. On the way back, you can try the other internal route crossing a narrow iron bridge over a serene river and enjoy a few scenic villages and greenery. Simply ask the locals for directions to Palolem and they will guide you via this shorter route that lands you at Chaudi.
Tip:
Stop at the Talpona Beach on the way to Galgibaga for food or coffee.