Crocodile adventure in Goa, on a boat cruise

Discover the secrets, of the unique and special mangrove-lined water way of the Cumbharjua Canal. Along the entire canal, there are dense marshy Mangrove growths. Adrift in the muddy banks of this river is the crocodile’s domain. The habitat of (Crocodylus porosus and Crocodylus palustris,) the estuarine, or the salt water crocodiles. Estuarine (salt water crocodiles) are the largest growing of all crocodilian species and are the world largest living reptiles.

Female grow up to four metres in length, and males over six metres and can weigh over 600 kgs.

Unlike the African crocodiles, these crocodiles feed mostly on fish, mud crabs, frogs, occasionally a bird, or other small mammals like rat, mongoose, or reptiles like snakes, lizards and monitors. And are very timid, when approached by boat or shunning on the shore, they run for the safety of the water and submerge.

Crocodiles are best seen when the tide’s going low. They come out of the water onto the banks to bask in the sun. Being cold blooded, they need to warm up to maintain their body temperature and also to destroy the fungus and bacteria harbouring on their bodies. To avoid being disturbed, some crocodiles hide and expertly blend into the mangrove canopy surroundings, very, very well camouflaged. It takes a keen and experienced expert to spot them. Here is where our boatmen come in, skilled, trained with years of experience and a keen sight. They will point out the crocodiles to the guests. The fun is to watch if the guests can spot them first. The boatmen maneuver the boat slowly and cautiously, along the creek surveying the banks until a crocodile is spotted. You will be amazed, how the boatmen can pickup a croc out of their hiding.

Besides crocodiles, this place is a safe haven of a number of other resident species like water snakes, monitor lizards, mongoose, monkeys, etc. Up above in the canopy of the leaves, chippers a variety of birds. This place is a birdwatcher’s paradise. Rare and exotic birds are found solely in this marshy mangrove. The collared kingfisher, Osprey ( Pandio balieateus), Brahmini kite ( Haliastur Indus), white bellied fish eagle ( Haliaeetus leucogaster), white breasted Kingfisher ( Halcon smyrnesis), white Kingfishers, cormorants, wild fowls, Drongos, Woodpeckers, Mynas, Bee Eaters, Sand pipers, Herons, Cranes, Terns, and many more.

The diversity and numbers of birds in the coastal aquatic ecosystem provides a unique birdwatching experience

Observe the locals go about fishing their traditional way, mud scooping and fixing of the bunds, fishing for shell fish, crabbing and fishing down on the shores and in the river. There are also a few prawn farms around the area. This makes a pretty picture of the local scene.

This trip is fascinating and unforgettable experience for both crocodile and birdwatchers

What to bring;

Sun screen, insect repellent, sun glasses, binoculars, camera, (with plenty of film) and a cap.