Goa to enforce uniform rates and tighten rules on watersports operations

The Goa government is set to bring greater order and fairness to its popular beach tourism sector. Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte announced that the state will soon implement uniform rates, standardised kiosks, and stricter enforcement for all watersports activities, including parasailing, jet-skiing, banana boat rides, kayaking, scuba diving, and speedboat rides, across Goa’s coastline.

The move comes after long-standing issues with overcharging, unlicensed operators, and occasional safety lapses in watersports activities. Tourists had frequently complained about inconsistent rates across beaches, while unregistered agents sometimes misled visitors or cut corners on safety. By standardising rates and regulating operators, the government aims to ensure transparency, accountability, and a safer experience, while protecting the credibility of Goa’s tourism sector.

Speaking after a meeting with tourism stakeholders, Khaunte said watersports have been a major source of livelihood for Goans, but better regulation is now essential. “We must maintain transparency and consistency to provide the best possible experience for tourists,” he said.

Under the new system, rates finalised by watersports associations have already been officially notified in the state gazette. All operators, from North to South Goa, will now follow a single pricing structure, ensuring tourists are not overcharged and that services remain uniform across beaches.

The government will also crack down on unregistered travel agencies illegally selling watersports packages, especially those diverting tourists to neighbouring states. Such practices have now been recognised as a nuisance under The Goa Tourist Places (Protection and Maintenance) Amendment Bill introduced earlier this year.

To enhance safety and credibility, all authorised watersports kiosks will soon follow a standard design, making them easily identifiable to visitors. “Whether you’re at Calangute or Colva, the kiosks will have the same official look,” Khaunte said.

Watersports associations have also agreed to issue ID cards to their staff after police verification, aimed at curbing touting and ensuring accountability. Meanwhile, the Captain of Ports has been instructed not to issue permissions for tourism activities during the monsoon ban period, in order to safeguard marine biodiversity.

In another step toward transparency, the Tourism Department will soon integrate an official portal for registered watersports operators into the Goa Tourism website, allowing tourists to access verified information and avoid middlemen.

The meeting also discussed better coordination among departments, enhanced safety protocols, and clearer communication with local stakeholders, part of a broader effort to make Goa’s coastal tourism safer, fairer, and more sustainable.