• HOME
  • ABOUT
  • WORK
  • COURSE
  • PODCAST
  • DESTINATIONS
  • Nav Social Icons

  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • HOME
  • ABOUT
  • WORK
  • COURSE
  • PODCAST
  • DESTINATIONS
  • Mobile Menu Widgets

    Connect

    Search

Bucketlist Bri

Bucketlist Bri

Adventurous Slomad Travel

  • Start Here
  • Destinations
  • Digital Nomad
  • Responsible Travel
  • Slow Travel
  • Van Life

9 Awesome Things to Do in Morjim

Last Updated: May 22, 2023 · India

Morjim, commonly referred to as Goa’s “Little Russia” is a quaint census town in Pernem in North Goa, mostly famous for its beach which is a designated Olive Ridley turtle nesting area.

But there’s more to Morjim than its sandy shoreline. This town has a ton of character and charisma, which you can feel between its pristine, rugged nature and its boho boutiques and cozy restobars.

In this short and sweet guide are my recommendations for the best things to do and see in and around Morjim!

Table of Contents show
The Best Things to Do in Morjim, Goa
1. Get Involved! Volunteer or Join a Beach Clean-Up
2. Kayak in the Mangroves on the Chapora River
3. Grab Gin Cocktails at the Cozy Verandah Bar
4. Visit Villages, Beaches, & Waterfalls on a North Goan Road Trip
5. Jazz Nights at The Rice Mill
6. Catch a Wave — Surfing in Morjim
7. Sign Up for a Morjim Yoga Retreat/Class
8. Shop at the Markets in Cute Ashwem & Arambol
9. Sunset Drinks & Dinner at Thalassa Beach Resort

The Best Things to Do in Morjim, Goa

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links that may earn me a small commission should you decide to click through and make a valid purchase (at no extra cost to you). Thanks so much for your support!

Morjim Beach at sunset

1. Get Involved! Volunteer or Join a Beach Clean-Up

While voluntourism probably isn’t the first “fun” thing you’d choose to do while on vacation in Morjim, it’s one that would meaningfully contribute to the local community and environment.

But Morjim Beach attracts many tourists hoping to catch sight of the Olive Ridley turtles and hatchlings. 🐢

After all, this beach is one of Goa’s protected and designated turtle nesting sites (along with Galigaba/Turtle Beach, Mandrem, and Agonda).

This creates an influx of tourism to the area which has negative consequences on the health and population of the turtles, marine life, and the local environment. There is not only an increase in marine and beach debris but also noise and light pollution.

As a tourist or digital nomad in Goa, it’s important to be aware of your impact. 👣

View of Morjim Beach, North Goa, from across Chapora Estuary (taken from atop Chapora Fort).
The southern tip of Morjim Beach (taken from atop Chapora Fort)

Note that your typical beach activities are prohibited at Morjim Beach, but you can still visit the on-site Turtle Interpretation Centre.

Thankfully, ecotourism in Goa is on the rise—a by-product of the local community’s activism and determination to fight back and petition against actions that are detrimental to Goa’s rich biodiversity such as overdevelopment and deforestation.

If you would like to participate in a beach clean-up campaign or get involved in other ways, reach out to Act for Goa for starters. They are well-connected within the community and would love to have you volunteer.

You can also stay up to date by following their Facebook page or Instagram to learn about upcoming events to get involved with.

They do everything from beach clean-ups to eco-film festivals to sustainable fashion and farmer’s markets events—all wonderful and experiential things to do in Morjim!

2. Kayak in the Mangroves on the Chapora River

One of the best things to do in Morjim is explore its waters and mangroves. And what better way to do that than in the seat of a kayak?

As you can see on a map, Morjim is right at the confluence of the Chapora River and the Arabian Sea. And across Chapora estuary lies Anjuna and Vagator.

One of the best places to take in these views is from atop Chapora Fort across the bay. The area surrounding Morjim is breathtakingly rugged and wild, attracting lots of migratory birds and wildlife. (It’s no wonder the Olive Ridley turtles wish to nest here!)

View of Morjim Beach and Chapora Estuary
Chapora Estuary

So if you’re feeling adventurous and would like to the beautiful biodiversity of Morjim and Goa away from the beach shacks and resorts, then go on a kayaking tour up the Chapora River.

There are several operators offering 1–2 hour guided kayaking excursions from Morjim.

To book a tour, check these kayak tours on TripAdvisor or reach out directly to one of the local providers, such as Konkan Explorers or Local Goa Kayaking.

3. Grab Gin Cocktails at the Cozy Verandah Bar

As you ride on your scooter through downtown Morjim on your way to Mandrem, you can’t help but notice the bohemian-style restaurants, cafes, and boutiques dotting either side of the street.

But one of those will catch your eye (or possibly not, seeing as it’s so dim-lit and cozy!) more than the rest, and that’s the Verandah Bar.

Here, you can dine on delicious food (get the crab mac ‘n cheese!) or throw back a few well-crafted cocktails.

The best bit about Verandah though is its sweet and intimate gin bar tucked away further up the hillside following a flight of stone steps.

The cocktail menu offers an assortment of flavors to suit any preference and features small-batch Indian gins found nowhere else than in Goa.

That said, expect prices here to be steeper than at you’re average bar in Morjim, but it’s worth it as Verandah makes for a particularly cozy place to take your dinner date or enjoy a bougie night out with friends.

Our group from the Nurall Goa Residency came here to celebrate a night out together—it was too much fun!

4. Visit Villages, Beaches, & Waterfalls on a North Goan Road Trip

The Arabian Sea and Chaporta Estuary meet at Morjim Beach that goes into Mandrem, Ashwem, and Arambol Beaches in North Goa.
Morjim Beach coastline

Morjim is but one of the many cute destinations to visit in North Goa. It would be a shame not to take advantage of this great base to explore around, seeing as you’re so close!

Note: The following beaches and towns can easily be visited on a day trip from Morjim by scooter or car rental.

In order as you head north from Morjim, here are the best beaches, towns, and local gems to visit and why:

  • Ashwem — Known for its beach nightlife and flea markets. Don’t miss out on the chance to eat at the French restaurant here called La Plage.
  • Mandrem — This quiet and laid-back village features beach shacks and yoga/wellness.
  • Arambol — The livelier town of Arambol grew its claim to fame with New Age hippies. Think beach drum circles, yoga, and boho vibes.
  • Querim — The northwesternmost beach town to visit in Goa, home to secluded beaches and caves and historic churches and temples.
Locals walking holy cow on Mandrem Beach, North Goa at sunset.
Mandrem Beach at sunset

✨ If you’re looking for the best place to stay around Morjim, I highly recommend checking out:

Vaaya Kula (Mandrem) — This bohemian beach hotel is my top choice for eco-conscious accommodation in North Goa. The property is just beautiful and the founder, Jill, is a long-time Goa resident who cares about the community. Click here to check availability.

Vaayu Kula beach resort and Prana restaurant beach club in Mandrem, North Goa.
Vaayu Kula Resort and Prana Beach Club

Justa Morjim Beach Resort — Another great option is the Justa Beach Resort located mere steps away from Morjim Beach. This is where we stayed! The pool was a welcome treat for those refreshing afternoon dips. Click here for availability/rates.

Woman swimming in hotel pool at the Justa Morjim Beach Resort.
Taking a dip at the Justa Morjim Beach Resort

In Arambol, you’ll find cool natural places to visit such as Sweet Lake, where you can hike on the beach and swim in the lagoon, and the Banyan Tree which was made famous for its mysterious Baba resident.

If you venture further away from Morjim and around North Goa, consider a day trip to the nearby waterfalls; the closest and best of which are Mogacho, La Quica, and Ozari Waterfalls.

Lastly, if you are feeling extra adventurous, consider going bungee jumping with Jumpin Heights.

The location is a bit of a stretch from Morjim (25–30km or a 50-minute drive from either Morjim and Anjuna), so take that into consideration if you’re strapped for time.

A few of the members from our group retreat took their scooters out to explore and said the bungee jumping over Mayem Lake was a highlight of their trip.

✨ Read about the Nurall Digital Nomad Residency I was a part of in Goa here!

5. Jazz Nights at The Rice Mill

Credit: The Rice Mill | @thericemill

While you could go spend your Saturday at an all-night beach party at Rock Water, that’s not your only option in Morjim for live music!

For something a little bit more local and intimate, head to hip The Rice Mill cafe/bar where you can indulge in live jazz nights on Saturdays from 8 pm onward.

These guys are known for their cocktails, yummy food, fresh coffee, and community vibes — don’t miss out! Also, note that the cover charge for jazz night is 500 Rs which includes a drink a the bar.

If you’re looking for another place to hang out with great coffee, vibes, and music, I also recommend Barefoot Goa.

6. Catch a Wave — Surfing in Morjim

While Morjim Beach isn’t the first beach you’d think of for water sports in North Goa, thanks to its easy waves it’s become a popular spot for novice surfers.

A fellow travel blogger and old friend who lived in Goa used to rent surfboards here from Octopus Surf Goa. Reach out to Edy on Instagram @surfinggoa for the best advice on surfing in Morjim and beyond.

As a reminder, Morjim Beach is just the first beach on the long coastline that makes up these other well-known beaches. In order, Morjim Beach turns into Ashwem Beach, then Madrem Beach, and, lastly, Arambol Beach.

Despite flowing all into one sandy shore, the beaches all have different vibes, crowds, and amenities. Some are livelier with all-night beach parties while some, such as Morjim, are best for lounging, surfing, or bird watching.

PS — Morjim might not be the best for water sports in Goa other than surfing and banana boats. If you’re looking for more activities, try Sinquerim Beach. For scuba diving and snorkeling, check out Ilha Grande.

7. Sign Up for a Morjim Yoga Retreat/Class

Hatha yoga in Goa with Shimagne from Deep Breathe Yoga

One thing that is synonymous with Goa is yoga, and in Morjim and Mandrem you have plenty of options to do just that!

While you can always take a mat and towel and head to the beach for a surya namaskar session, there are yoga studios in town like Oceanic Yoga where you can sign up for a class or retreat.

🧘‍♀️ During our time in Goa, Shimagne from Deep Breathe Yoga Studio taught daily morning Hatha yoga at our hotel. Her studio is actually in Benaulim in South Goa, not North Goa, so if you’re heading down south make sure to stop by to work with her as she teaches regularly in Margao and Benaulim. Highly recommend it—she’s amazing!

8. Shop at the Markets in Cute Ashwem & Arambol

At the Vibrant Marché des Createurs in Ashwem, Goa

Ashwem and Arambol are a bit further up north from Morjim but it’s worth the trip to shop at the markets for clothes, jewelry, drums, and all the other little trinkets and treasures you can find between these two villages.

Ashwem has a little concentration of cute boutiques on a sandy plaza located behind the La Plage French restaurant. It’s called Vibrant Marché des Createurs and you can find it on Google Maps here.

As for Arambol, simply head down Arambol Beach Rd to find a smorgasbord of clothing shops, tea shops, and little cafes and restobars.

At night, the beach comes alive with music and candlelight—it’s a nice spot to pop a squat and have a drink!

9. Sunset Drinks & Dinner at Thalassa Beach Resort

Spend any amount of time in Morjim/Ashwem and you’ll hear the Thalassa Beach Resort & Restaurant dropped in conversation.

Credit: Thalassa Beach Resort | @thalassabeachgoa

Whether it’s about their idyllic beachfront restaurant, great cocktails, or the latest Bollywood movie being filmed there, it’s a staple among locals and tourists alike.

Grab a table and a drink, and watch the sunset on your last night in Morjim! Message +91 895 619 0753 for table reservations.

Also Read:

  • 9 Best Things to Do in Anjuna & Vagator
  • 10 Best Things to Do in Panjim

I hope you enjoy this list of things to do in Morjim! If you have any questions, please drop me a comment below!

Save this guide to Morjim, Goa to Pinterest!

By: Bri · In: India

you’ll also love

Female traveler standing in Chapora Fort ruins in Vagator overlooking Vagator Beach and Arabian Sea.9 Very Best Things to Do in Anjuna & Vagator
Nurall’s 10-Day Digital Nomad Residency in Goa, India (Review)
An Indian Wedding Fairytale | Bits of BriAn Indian Wedding Fairytale in Kolkata, India

Join the List

Stay up to date with the latest adventures and travel guides.

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Next Post >

10 Very Best Things to Do in Panjim — Goa’s Colonial Capital

Primary Sidebar

hello!

I’m Bri, an adventurous digital nomad living abroad full-time since 2015. It is my hope to inspire you to live a life of adventure, seek out meaningful experiences, and travel slowly and mindfully!

About Me

Connect

join the list

Featured Posts

mountain range with girl in field canada | bucketlist bri

The Ultimate Road Trip Across Canada: From Newfoundland to British Columbia

Kathmandu Nepal | Bits of Bri | Tales of Bri

3 Birthdays, 3 Continents – Nepal Blog

turquoise pools of El Chiflon Waterfalls in Chiapas - a Mexico natural wonder

23 Natural Wonders in Mexico to Add to Your Bucket List

QUICK LINKS

  • HOME
  • ABOUT
  • WORK
  • COURSE
  • PODCAST
  • DESTINATIONS

Search

Let’s Connect!

@bucketlistbri

Dear me, thank you 🥰 This is your sign to tak Dear me, thank you 🥰 

This is your sign to take yourself to your dream destination (even—or especially—if you have to go solo!) ✨✨✨

Follow along to see my adventures in Japan! 🇯🇵 

#japantrip #solotraveling #japanawaits #travelingsolo #mindfultravel
Memories from Morjim, Anjuna, & Panjim (Goa, India Memories from Morjim, Anjuna, & Panjim (Goa, India) 🇮🇳 

1. Waiting on India's first digital nomad conference to start! (CYF CON) 

2a. The funkiest hippie/night market in Anjuna

2b. Overlooking the beautiful and historic Panjim (the capital of Goa) 🌴

2c. One of the oldest + most popular Portuguese Baroque-style chapels in Goa (Lady of Immaculate Conception, Panjim)

3. I specifically requested a yellow scooter just so I could take a picture like this lol 🛵

4a. Kitty portrait inside a really cool speakeasy

4b. Feeling cute at the cutest little outdoor gin cocktail bar 

4c. Sunset over Chapora Bay + Arabian Sea

4d. Nightlife / beach shacks on Arpora 

5. Looking out at the sea from atop the ruined Chapora Fort

6. Bollywood dancing with the gals 💃🏼

7. Street shot in Panjim 📸

8. Wandering around the Fontainhas Latin Quarter (Panjim)

9a. Morjim Beach (shot from atop Chapora Fort)

9b. Local Goans + holy cow walking on Mandrem beach at sunset 🌅 

10. Enjoying our stay at the lovely  @anamivagoa 

PS. All of these memories and experiences wouldn’t have been possible without @nurall_co 💛 Nurall's next remote work retreat is in KHAO LAK, THAILAND 🇹🇭this July 2023 (cost: $900 USD only). Comment or DM me for an extra 5% off if you’re interested in signing up!

#goa #indiatraveldiaries #morjim #anjuna #panjim #slowtravel #remoteworklife #nomadiccreators #digitalnomadgirls
Whether its for adventure, community, or leveling Whether its for adventure, community, or leveling up your business, a digital nomad / remote work retreat is one of the best ways to work remotely and travel! 💻✈️

I’ve rounded up some of the best curated trips and retreats out there in my latest blog post (🔗 in bio to check it out!) 

Featured in my guide are:

@nurall_co 
@beunsettled 
@minoma.co 
@workwanderers
@the_nomad_escape
@remoteyear

Types of experiences you could discover with these guys range from training for 🥊 Muay Thai in Khao Lak, Thailand (@nurall_co co) to 🥾 hiking the Camino de Santiago in Spain (@beunsettled) to ⛺️ camping out in the desert of Morocco (@minoma.co), and more!

WHY JOIN A NOMAD / REMOTE WORK RETREAT? 👇

Retreats offer curated itineraries/experiences designed to bring you epic adventures in bucket list destinations, plug you into the local scene, and collab with like-minded souls — all while leveling up your business/entrepreneurial skills and remote lifestyle and giving you creative space to cowork in beautiful places. 🤗

On a digital nomad retreat, you might...

💡Strike a new business idea
⚡️Spark a sweet romance with a stranger
👀 Get your project noticed by an investor
🥰 Form a life-long friendship (or a few!)
🌿 Build a new brand from scratch
💃 Change directions completely in your personal life
🧘‍♀️ Strengthen your sense of self, confidence, and spirituality

These are just examples of the very many outcomes you could gain from attending a digital nomad retreat.

In short, these programs have the power to evoke positive change in your life and, more often than not, your investment is rewarded handsomely (in more ways than one). ✌️

I’m long-time digital slomad, but after discovering Goa, India with @nurall_co I’m most definitely going to attend more retreats like this in the future! ✨✨

*Not spons, btw! Just sharing ways you can find a community of digital nomads, whether you want to be one or already are one! 👩🏼‍💻💛

My blog guide shares the deets about price, location, etc — go check it out and save this reel! ✨

#digitalnomads #remoteworkandtravel #grouptravel #grouptrip #remoteworklife #laptoplifestyle #digitalnomadgirls
< 1 week until we get to do this again! Adventur < 1 week until we get to do this again! 

Adventures await us in our beasty 1990 Roadtrek 🚐🌲🥾 — she’s been sitting out winter in Washington while we tanned our toes in Mexico 🇲🇽 

I’ve never been able to choose between the mountains ⛰️ and the sea 🌊 … you? 

Tell me what kind of summer you’re manifesting in the comments! 🧡

#vanlife #summeriscoming #granolagirl #roadtrek #pnwadventures #outdoorsy #homeiswhereyouparkit
And... WE’RE LIVE!! 🚀 I’m stoked (read 90 And... WE’RE LIVE!! 🚀 

I’m stoked (read 90% nervous, 10% excited), to share that @slomadstories is officially OUT THERE! 

I actually had the first episode published on April 4th, but was too shy to share about it until now. 

But, as you’ll hear when you tune in... (🥳) this podcast isn’t just about highlighting raw, meaningful stories of adventure by ordinary people who seek an extraordinary life — YES, it’s mostly about that — but the very heart of this podcast is about DOING things despite how much they SCARE you or thrust you into the UNKNOWN.

I’ve always *tried* to live my one very short life by seeking to know, chasing curiosity, and jumping headfirst into the journey. 

— This podcast is simply a new endeavor, a new project that WILL NOT stop whispering at my heart. I’ve been trying to deny this urge, this tug, for so long! The whispers started in 2020 when a person who I thought would become a close friend bailed on the idea to start one together. So I let the idea go, for a while. But then it came back twice as strong in 2022, when I was living as a temporary nomad in Portugal for two months. It was there that I had my podcast cover art designed. That was already 1.5 years ago! 

Life passes us by...

We hear the whispers, we see the project coming to life in our heads, we feel the pull...

But we say no over and over again, and we make very legitimate excuses, until ultimately, the idea, the spark, the magic, fades; it chooses someone else to birth the idea and manifest itself into creation (something I learned reading “Big Magic” by Liz Gilbert, it’s amazing, go read it!). 

I have no idea why I felt the need to start a podcast, it’s not like I am already juggling enough.

But I wanted to, for me.

For you ✨ 

For everyone who ever chased that feeling, that tug. 

Because that?? 

That’s been my life for the last decade. I moved abroad countless times — and stayed — from Nepal to Mexico and beyond, and I would’ve never done ANY of it if I had not listened to the whispers.

This podcast is about continuing in the pursuit of the unknown, seeking more, and taking decisive action.

Welcome to Slomad Stories, & thank you for being here. 🧡

Xx,
Bri
MINI GUIDE TO JIUFEN 🏮🇹🇼👇 🍡 Explor MINI GUIDE TO JIUFEN 🏮🇹🇼👇

🍡 Explore Jiufen Old Street and try local street food (The taro balls came highly recommended! We ate giant pork buns, xiao long bao dumplings, and a vegan pork noodle dish!) 

🍵 Visit the iconic A-Mei Tea House for traditional tea ceremony and sweets (a bit touristy, but worth it for the views imo)

🐉 Pick up some of the magic of “Spirited Away” in the shops (there are so many souvenirs and Studio Ghibli themed goods)

⛰️ Hike to the top of Keelung Mountain for a fun and sweaty adventure (go before sunset and go prepared for thousands of steps, lol)

🏮Wander through the narrow alleyways — explore away from Old Street!! 

⛏️ Learn about the town’s history at the Jiufen Gold Mine Museum — you can take night tours for a small fee or organize them through your hotel

🎭 Visit the two-story historic Shengping Theater, an abandoned cinema that provides a glimpse into Jiufen’s past

💦 Explore the nearby Golden Waterfall (10 minute drive)

Most people only come to Jiufen for a couple of hours to stroll through Old Street and take a photo of the teahouse since it evokes the bathhouse in Spirited Away🏮🐉 with its architecture and lanterns. But DON’T make the mistake of coming only for a day!! 

There is so much to do in Jiufen, even though we stayed 2 nights in the town (highly recommend), we wished we had stayed longer. 🥹

Oh yeah, and BRING AN UMBRELLA!! ☔️ Or don’t, the locals will give you one out of the goodness of their hearts (our hosts were the sweetest!!) ❤️

Save this to your Taiwan bucket list, pass this reel along to a friend, anddd check out my blog @bucketlistbri .com for more adventures abroad! 💃

#discovertaiwan #jiufen #spiritedaway #northtaiwan #asiatravel #travelbucketlist #jiufenoldstreet
Follow My Adventures

Footer

On the Blog

  • Start Here
  • Destinations
  • Digital Nomad
  • Responsible Travel
  • Slow Travel
  • Van Life

Info

  • Work With Me
  • My Blog Course
  • Slomad Stories Podcast
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy

adventures await x

Copyright © 2023 · Bucketlist Bri | All Rights Reserved

4 shares