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  • River Cruises on the Mandovi River in Goa now and in 2007 | Video

    River Cruises on the Mandovi River in Goa now and in 2007 | Video

    Goa is often described through its beaches, but an evening on the Mandovi River offers a different view of the state. As a boat leaves Panaji, the city’s waterfront begins to recede, the river opens up, and the sunset becomes the main attraction. Depending on the cruise, the journey might be a quiet chance to enjoy the scenery or a lively evening of music, dancing and food.

    The Mandovi runs alongside Panaji, Goa’s capital, before reaching the Arabian Sea. River cruises are a popular way to see the city from the water, particularly in the early evening. Goa Tourism highlights the sunset views, while cruise operators offer several styles of trip, from short sightseeing cruises to longer dinner cruises. (Goa Tourism Development Corporation)

    Watch my video of Mandovi river cruise in night time in 2007. See Goan folk dance and other dancing as well.

    Mandovi river cruise in Panjim 2007

    What is a Mandovi River cruise like?

    A typical evening sightseeing cruise lasts around an hour. Passengers can watch Panaji and the riverbanks from the boat while enjoying an onboard programme that may include music and Goan folk dances. Some cruises have a DJ and a more energetic atmosphere, so the experience can feel as much like an evening show as a sightseeing trip. (bookings.goa-tourism.com)

    Sunset is an appealing time to go. In daylight, you can take in the views along the river; as the light changes, Panaji’s waterfront takes on a different character. For photographs, it is worth finding a place on an open deck early, if your boat has one. Goa Tourism specifically recommends a seat towards the front for views of the riverbanks.

    Dancers on board in Mandovi river cruise Goa
    Dancers on board on Mandovi river cruise Goa

    Sunset cruise or dinner cruise?

    The best choice depends on the kind of evening you want. A short sunset cruise works well if you mainly want to see the Mandovi from the water and still have time for dinner elsewhere. A dinner cruise makes the boat trip the evening’s main event, with food and entertainment included in the programme. Operators advertise different durations and inclusions, so check the particular cruise before booking.

    If you prefer a calmer outing, read the description carefully. A cruise promoted for dancing or a party atmosphere may feel very different from a sightseeing trip focused on the views. Families and travellers interested in Goan performance may enjoy the folk dance programme, while photographers may prefer a departure that gives them more time on deck before dark.

    Practical tips for booking a Mandovi cruise

    Most visitors will find it convenient to start their search in Panaji. Before paying, confirm the departure jetty, boarding time, trip length and what the ticket includes. Food, drinks and seating arrangements vary between cruises. It is also sensible to check the day’s weather and the operator’s latest instructions, especially if your plans depend on catching the sunset. Cruise listings show departures from different jetties in the Panaji area, including the Tourism Jetty and Santa Monica Jetty. (Mandovirivercruises)

    A Mandovi River cruise is an easy addition to a day exploring Panaji. After time spent walking through the city, the boat gives you a chance to slow down and see Goa from another angle. Choose the cruise for its atmosphere as well as its route, and the river can become one of the most memorable parts of an evening in Goa.

    Find more nice ideas for your trip to Goa from my Goa guide

  • Nice river rafting in Finland in September

    Nice river rafting in Finland in September

    *pr-trip/ad with VisitKotkaHamina and Erämys Keisarinkosket

    The Kymijoki River won me over again when I went white-water rafting last week. The sunny early autumn day made the river scenery especially beautiful and photogenic. Watch the music video I made –

    River rafting in Finland, Kymijoki river

    This time, we set off in an inflatable raft from Erämys – Keisarinkosket Oy, where we had stopped for a delicious lunch just over a year ago. We headed downstream through three rapids. In the accompanying video, you can see us make it through Torminvirta, Karkuuskoski and Tukkiränni. And whoever named those rapids must have had a poetic streak.

    White-water rafting offers a new perspective on Finnish nature

    The Kymijoki is one of Finland’s major rivers, but experiencing it from the water feels very different from looking at it from the shore. Rafting combines a nature outing with a little adventure. If the thrill rides at Linnanmäki fun park feel a bit too intense for you these days, rafting on the Kymijoki river might be just the thing. It is particularly well suited to a group of around 6 – 15 people.

    The weather was on our side in Kymenlaakso last week, as you can see in the video. It was September, the sun was shining, the water was sparkling, and the first signs of autumn were already visible in the surrounding landscape. How lovely it is to be reminded that you do not always have to travel far, or even go abroad, for a memorable nature experience. Finland has landscapes that look entirely different when you explore them from the water.

    Peaceful river scenery and the thrill of the rapids

    Part of the appeal of rafting lies in its contrasts. On the calmer stretches of the river, there is time to look around, enjoy the scenery and photograph nature. Then, as you enter a rapid, the mood becomes more energetic in an instant.

    You can feel the force of the water in the raft. The roar of the rapids, the spray and the speed make the experience much more intense than an ordinary boat trip. My favourite place to sit is right at the front of the raft, where you get the best splashes in your face. If possible, I also recommend leaving your glasses off: in my experience, rafting feels much more refreshing without them blocking the water.

    Watch my Kymijoki rafting trip

    I filmed my journey down the Kymijoki river. My camera was waterproof, and I either held it firmly or secured it to my life jacket. Last time, I put my phone in my pocket as we approached Tukkiränni, just to be safe. This time, I filmed that rapid too. It was the last and most demanding of the three rapids I experienced. Last to last spring I experienced even more rapids in the same Kymijoki river, and you can watch that video also in my YouTube channel!

    Read my article about river rafting in Finnish.

    Find more nice travel experiences from Finland with my guide.

  • Tempting Tallink M/S Megastar Business Lounge buffet | Video

    Tempting Tallink M/S Megastar Business Lounge buffet | Video

    *hosted PR trip with Tallink Silja 2021

    I was going through my most watched YouTube videos on my EU travel destinations video playlist, and among the three most-watched videos I found this one – which also happens to be one of my personal favourites.

    The video is about a meal aboard M/S Megastar on the Helsinki–Tallinn–Helsinki route. It was filmed during a PR trip five years ago. A PR trip means that I followed a pre-arranged itinerary, so I did not have complete freedom to film or do whatever I wanted. On the other hand, I did not have to pay for the day trip or the food. I published this video on my YouTube channel almost exactly five years ago, on 16 September 2021.

    M/S Megastar Business Lounge buffet

    This documentary-style music video from the cruise takes you aboard Tallink M/S Megastar to discover the delicious food served in its Business Lounge. Based on my own experience, I can say that the buffet lunch in Megastar’s Business Lounge was just as delicious as the one aboard Tallink M/S MyStar, which sails the same route daily. I can definitely recommend it.

    Discover more Tallinn travel ideas  with INDIVUE!

    And find also more inspiring ideas for travelling in Europe!

    M/S Megastar business lounge meal