If you’d like to explore Goa’s backwaters (yes, just as nice as Kerala’s!), a nice option is Konkan Explorers’ range of cruises, which go along the Chapora river or a little out to sea. Cruises range from 75 minutes to several hours, and depending on the ‘formula’, offer a relaxing cruise on a comfortable boat, snacks, beer and cold drinks, kayaking, stand-up paddle-boarding and even just swimming in safe spots. A great escape for the family, with low stress and a nice mix of fun, learning, relaxing and physical activity.

Make It Happen Goa has a number of fun, easy walking and cycling trails exploring Goa’s rich and sometimes quirky cultural heritage. You can walk through Panjim’s delightful Latin Quarter, Fontainhas, and get to visit a beautiful Portuguese-era home. Or take a tapas and feni trail, hopping between some of Goa’s most iconic taverns. Closer to Summertime, you can explore the lovely, sleepy village of Saligao, just five minutes away! A knowledgeable team, great research and fun, easy experiences make it a great way to get to know Goa’s history.

Ask Hermione Granger about otters: her Patronus is one! Otters are intelligent, playful, extremely cute - and under constant threat. Goa has three otter species, a fact that amazes even most locals, and Chorao island’s mangrove forests and adjacent farmland have a large number of them. Wild Otters, an outfit studying otter behaviour, organises easy walks during which you can learn about otters and other wildlife, help check the camera-traps and look for the elusive mammals themselves. It’s a great way to get your kids interested in science: our five-year-old went bonkers, looking for otter poop, picking up owl pellets and asking a thousand questions!"

Goa is a fabulous place for a nature-lover, whether you like the life aquatic or a walk in the forest. Led by a conservation professional, Terra Conscious’s ocean biodiversity experience is a 2.5-hour cruise along the river mouth and coastline, conducted ethically rather than chasing dolphins while playing loud music (the standard modus operandi of most dolphin cruises, sadly). You’ll learn about Goa’s biodiversity and conservation challenges while enjoying yourself under a blue sky. Terra Conscious also organises walking, kayaking and cycling trails, all focussed on nature and wildlife.

Away from the touristy spots, Goa’s roads are quiet, pleasant and great for cycling, with low traffic, and lots of shade-giving trees. E-cycles make it doubly easy for families, and it’s a serene, eco-friendly way of exploring this lovely state. b:live has a number of guided e-cycle trails that go through quiet villages, or explore the other side of Panjim and Calangute, a food trail, and even one trail very close to Summertime, on Saipem hill! Our favourite is the one on beautiful Diwar island, a secluded spot with gently winding roads, patches of fields, mangroves, churches, temple sites and beautiful houses.

From their lounge and sailing centre at the Grand Hyatt Hotel on Bambolim beach, Aquasail operates a whole fleet of sailboats, ranging from little funboats and dinghies to catamarans and larger vessels. They also have kayaks, wind-surf and kite-surf boards, and you can choose from a variety of programmes. The one-day Discover Sailing programme is a fun, easy day out on the water, and you can even do multiple-day courses if you’re serious about not being a landlubber any more.