UTORDA BEACH

About Utorda Beach

1. Opening Hours: Open 24 hours

2. Prime Day and Hours: Weekends, 10:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m.

3. Suggested Duration: 2 to 5 hours

4. Tickets: Free Entry

5. Nearest Railway Station: Madgaon, 12.6 kilometres 

6. Nearest Airport: Goa International Airport, 15 kilometres

7. Nearest Bus Stop: Utorda Village Bus Stop

Utorda Beach sits quietly in South Goa, just above Majorda. With its clear waters and long stretch of soft white sand, it’s perfect if you’re hoping to skip the busier tourist spots. Coconut palms and casuarina trees line the shore, giving the whole place a breezy, peaceful feel with just the right amount of shade.

During the peak season from November to March, you will find a handful of shacks open along the beach. These beach shacks offer simple seating, fresh seafood, and classic Goan dishes. Utorda stays quieter than most beaches in Goa and is well looked after. The waves are gentle, so it’s a nice spot for a swim.

You can also walk over to nearby Majorda or Arossim. If you enjoy photography, late afternoon is perfect - fewer people and great light for sunset shots.

Why Visit?

1. Utorda Beach is known for being one of the cleanest beaches in South Goa, thanks to strict regulations that prohibit littering, drinking, and cooking on the beach.

2. The beach is geographically positioned between Majorda and Arossim and is separated from them by a narrow river stream, giving it a unique landscape.

3. The beach is located in the Salcete taluka, which exhibits a significant Portuguese influence, as seen in the nearby villages, churches, and traditional Goan homes.

4. You may still see people fishing first thing in the morning and seeing traditional boat launches here for a unique experience.

Must-Try Experiences:

1. Try Water Sports with Local Operators: You can take part in water sports such as parasailing, jet skiing, banana boat rides, and kayaking. Most of the local operators are active during tourist season, making it easy to get your hands on the safety equipment. It is a great way to enjoy the sea with less waiting time and more space.

2. Go on a Boat Trip to Bat Island: Several local operators offer short boat trips to Bat Island from Utorda. These trips often include dolphin sightings and snorkeling stops in shallow waters. It is an easy day outing, perfect for travelers who want to experience something off the beach without travelling far. 

Utorda Beach Highlights

• Experience the serene, uncrowded charm of Utorda Beach, where peaceful surroundings and natural beauty make it a perfect escape from Goa’s busier coastal stretches.
• Enjoy an adventurous side to Utorda Beach with water sports like kayaking and parasailing, adding excitement to your otherwise tranquil beach day.
• Savour fresh, flavorful Goan seafood and local delicacies like prawn curry, butter garlic crab, and rava-fried fish at cosy beach shacks.

How To Reach Utorda Beach

By Car: Utorda Beach is around 12.6 kilometres from Madgaon Railway Station and 15 kilometres from Dabolim Airport. You can reach the beach in 20 to 30 minutes via NH566.

Best Time To Visit Utorda Beach

1. Peak Season (November to February)

Weather: The weather is good, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C. 

Things to Do: Ideal for water sports, beach dining, and sunset walks.

2. Moderate Season (March to May)

Weather: It gets a bit warm, with temperatures touching 35°C. 

Things to Do: Mornings are great for a swim, and there are better hotel deals during this time.

3. Low Season (June to September)

Weather: This is the monsoon season, so prepare for rain, choppy seas, and less water activities. 

Things to Do: Quiet beach walks, photography, and local sightseeing.

Utorda Beach Other Essential Information

Places to Eat at Utorda Beach

1. Balton’s: Known for its brilliant beachside location and an amazing selection of Indian as well as international cuisines, Balton’ has been a popular name in the area for years. Open daily from breakfast to dinner, the beach shack also provides local seafood specialities and vegetarian options. Come here early in the evening to reserve a spot by the beach and watch the sunset as you sip on a refreshing cocktail.

2. Zeebop by the Sea: An award-winning seaside restaurant, Zeebop by the Sea has been known as one of the best seafood restaurants in Goa and the best in the Utorda area. An open-air restaurant with a mix of Indian, Western, and seafood dishes on the menu, Zeebop also has a lavish bar menu with the finest wines and cocktails to set your spirits high. Watch the beautiful Goan sun bidding goodbye for the day as you groove to the tunes of Santana’s hits.

3. The Palms: Situated within the premises of the Kenilworth Resort and Spa, the Palms is a fine dining restaurant that serves its guests from breakfast to dinner. With a wide variety of dishes and cuisines and live music entertainment in the evenings, the restaurant sets the perfect mood for a romantic south Goan holiday. The breakfast buffet is worth a special mention and so are the vegetarian options here. 

Shopping at Utorda Beach

Being one of the most famous beaches in South Goa, the shores of Utorda beach are swarmed with local shops and hawkers selling a wide range of products. Some of the things you can expect to find here are beach clothing, trinkets, and handicrafts. 

If you are looking to buy the perfect souvenir or gift for friends and family back home, it is a must to visit one of the local shops and look for the famous Goan drink, Feni. Available for as less as INR 100, the popular drink is made out of cashew and coconut and is a trademark of Goan lifestyle. Cashews would be another popular thing to buy here. 

Places to Stay Near Utorda Beach

1. Kenilworth Resort & Spa: Home to the second largest swimming pool in Goa, Kenilworth Resort & Spa is a favourite among leisure as well as business travellers. Adorned with six on-site restaurants, an open-air jacuzzi, spa, wellness centre, and a well-equipped business centre, the property is within a short distance from the airport. Places to visit around the property include Mother of God Church, Majorda Beach, and Indian Naval Aviation Museum.

2. Planet Hollywood Beach Resort: One of the most famous beach resorts in South Goa, Planet Hollywood is a one-of-a-kind pet-friendly accommodation options in Utorda known for its intriguing Hollywood-themed rooms and facilities. Located on the shimmering sandy shores of Utorda, the property features a 24-hour front desk, a games room, a fitness centre, two on-site restaurants, and an outdoor pool.

3. Royal Orchid Beach Resort & Spa: A 5-star resort and spa with a massive pool and a sunken bar, Royal Orchid is one of the finest contemporary properties in Utorda. Guest rooms at the resort sport dark wood furnishings with a view of the pool or the surrounding tropical garden. A short distance from the airport, the resort is only 500 meters from Majorda Beach and 2 kilometres from Mother of God Church.

4. ITC Grand Goa: An affluent 5-star hotel property with a private beach, ITC Grand Goa is an epitome of lavish stays in the area. Spread over 45 acres of picturesque gardens, the property features exquisite rooms looking over the gardens and lagoons. Other amenities at the property include an outdoor pool overlooking the sea, a 24-hour front desk, 6 multi-cuisine restaurants, a 24-hour fitness centre, and a rejuvenating spa, to name a few. 

5. Casale Majorda: A luxury holiday home in Majorda, 5 minutes’ away from Utorda beach, Casale Majorda offers well-furnished apartments with 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a seating area, and a kitchen. The beachside property also houses an outdoor pool. Other facilities at the property include complimentary Wi-Fi, an on-site restaurant, and bicycle rentals. Majorda Beach is only 500 meters away from Casale Majorda.

Things to Carry at Utorda Beach

Though you could buy almost everything at the shops surrounding the area, here are a few things you should carry when visiting Utorda Beach:

1. Sunscreen, if you plan to stay on the beach during the day

2. Hat and sunglasses

3. A refillable water bottle to keep yourself hydrated

4. A towel 

5. Swimming costume, if you plan on swimming

6. Money, for buying things and eating

7. Comfortable flip-flops to walk on the sand

Medical Facilities Near Utorda Beach

The closest hospital to Utorda Beach is the District Hospital in Margao. There are a few healthcare centres in the area for minor problems as well. You can also find a few dental clinics as well as veterinarian clinics near the beach. For Ayurvedic treatments and massages, you could visit Om Ayurveda Massage Therapy Center or Santhigiri Ayurveda and Siddha Healthcare Center. 

Travelers’ Tip Before Visiting Utorda Beach

1. November to February are the high season months when everything is open for business but is equally expensive. 

2. Do not visit between mid-December to mid-January if you are on a budget because everything is exceptionally overpriced due to Christmas and New Year.

3. March to May is considered the moderate season meaning most businesses are about to close down. Look out for season-closing events and parties. 

4. The best way to explore Utorda beach and the surrounding area is to rent a scooter. You would need to carry your driving license in case you get flagged down by the traffic police. 

5. Utorda beach is noted for its cleanliness which is why to carry a plastic bag to bring back all your waste products. 

6. Carry a refillable water bottle so you can keep yourself hydrated.

7. Haggle with the hawkers as well as the shop owners. Tourists are essentially overcharged and must bargain to get a fair price.

8. Do Not indulge in drugs and other illegal substances as it is illegal in the state and can result in imprisonment and other severe punishments.

9. There aren't many places to find shelter on the beach, and the sun may be very strong in the middle of the day, so bring water and sunscreen.

10. Swimming here is typically safe, but keep an eye on the lifeguard flags and follow their instructions - especially if the waves start to build up.

11. To help maintain the beach clean, it is not permitted to cook or carry alcohol onto the shore.

12. Scooter rentals are available nearby, but you must carry a valid driving license.