Galgibaga Beach
A long, little-developed sandy beach in South Goa, backed by rows of casuarina trees. In winter, it is a protected nesting area for olive ridley sea turtles, which is why it is known as the 'Turtle Beach.'
Galgibaga Beach is about 10 km south of Palolem. Its roughly 2 km of sand is backed by casuarina windbreak forest, with almost no beach huts or jet ski operators, making it one of Goa's quietest beaches. It is a protected nesting site for olive ridley sea turtles, managed by the Goa Forest Department. From November to March each year, female turtles come ashore to lay eggs. Fenced hatcheries on the sand are watched over by forest rangers, and if you are lucky, you may see hatchlings released between January and April. Ask the forest station for release times. During the protected period, lights at night, noise, and activities near the hatcheries are prohibited. At the north end of the beach are the Galgibaga River mouth and mangroves. You will need a car or taxi to get there. There are few food options nearby, so bring your own drinking water.
Opening hours
All day (entry restricted at night in the reserve)
Nearby sights
- Talpona Beach
- Patnem Beach
- Palolem Beach
- Canacona Island
- Shree Mallikarjun Temple
- Shree Gokarn Partagali Jeevottam Math
- Polem Beach
- Butterfly Beach