India GO
Morjim: the wide beach at the Chapora river mouth
Turtle Beach
Morjim is a wide, flat beach on the north bank of the Chapora river mouth: kite schools, mellow shacks, and a fenced stretch of sand where olive ridley turtles nest in winter. It is also Goa's best-known Russian-speaking enclave, often called Little Russia. North Goa, Pernem, across the water from Vagator.
A walk from the river mouth
Start at the southern end, where the Chapora meets the sea. Across the water rises the hill of Chapora Fort, and from its walls people look back at exactly this beach; here you see it the other way round.
Walk north along the sand. In winter, part of the beach is fenced off: Morjim is one of the three designated turtle beaches run by Goa's forest department, with nesting from about November to April and hatchlings from January to April. What you will see is a fenced nest above the tideline, not a turtle; stay outside the fence, do not touch eggs or hatchlings, and keep torches and phone lights off near the nests at night. More on olive ridley turtles.
The wide, flat sand is also why kite schools work here. Keep going and Morjim runs into Ashwem, with La Plage between the two open roughly November to April.
Little Russia, honestly
Morjim is a little more upscale than Arambol, with many long-stay residents, good restaurants and a strong community feel. A large part of that community speaks Russian, which makes daily life easy if you do too. It is worth knowing the other side: local politicians have objected to foreign-run businesses here, and the enclave mood is not welcome to everyone. A little awareness goes a long way.
Morjim or its neighbours
Mandrem and Ashwem to the north are quieter and built for yoga and rest. Arambol beyond them is louder and cheaper. Across the river, Vagator has the cliffs, the fort and the clubs Goa's nightlife is known for, and Anjuna the Wednesday flea market. Morjim itself is mellow after dark: a drink at a shack rather than a dance floor. On the south bank of the river, Siolim is a quiet village of old villas, a river away from Morjim's beach.
When to come
November to February is the season, with March and April still good; it overlaps with the turtle-nesting months. From June to September the sea is closed under the red-flag advisory and the shacks shut. Mopa is the airport for this stretch. Uber and Ola do not work in Goa, so plan on a scooter or the GoaMiles and Goa Taxi apps; see getting around Goa and where to stay in Goa.
❓ FAQ
Is Morjim in North or South Goa?
North Goa. Morjim is in Pernem, on the north bank of the Chapora river mouth, across the water from Vagator.
What is Morjim famous for?
Olive ridley turtle nesting, kite schools on its wide beach, and a large Russian-speaking community that gave it the name Little Russia.
Which beach in Goa is called the Russian beach?
Usually Morjim, for its large community of long-stay Russian-speaking residents.
Is Morjim good for nightlife?
Not really: evenings here are mellow. The clubs are across the river in Vagator and in Anjuna.
Which sea is at Morjim?
The Arabian Sea. You can swim from November to March; from June to September swimming is banned under the red-flag advisory.
Sources (1)
Facts checked: 12 October 2026. Prices and hours are approximate; check locally.
Other areas of Goa
In the app: the city's areas on the map, the places inside and a route.
Open in India GO