🏅 Goa Biodiversity Award 2024 · South Goa

Goa's Coast, Through a Marine
Biologist's Eyes.

Eco tours in marine ecology, coastal heritage, and wildlife conservation — led by a Goa State Biodiversity Award-winning marine biologist. Small groups. Real science. Experiences that stay with you.

500+ Guests guided
8+ Tour types
⭐ 4.9 Average rating
Marine Biologist-led tours
Small groups only
Regenerative tourism
Forest Dept. collaborator
Goa Biodiversity Award 2024

Our Experiences

Find Your Kind
of Adventure

Mangrove Ecology Boat Ride — Canopy By The Coast
🌿 Nature

Mangrove Ecology Boat Ride

A guided journey through Goa's mangrove corridors with expert ecological commentary.

  • ⏱ 1 hour
  • 📍 South Goa
Aguada Fort Heritage Walk — Canopy By The Coast
🏛 Heritage

Aguada Fort Heritage Walk

A 3-hour deep dive into Goa's colonial history and coastal fortifications.

  • ⏱ 3 hours
  • 📍 Sinquerim
Plateau Biodiversity Walk — Canopy By The Coast
🌿 Nature

Plateau Walk

Explore Goa's laterite plateaus — biodiversity hotspots with rare flora and seasonal life.

  • 🌅 Seasonal
  • 👥 Groups welcome
Marine Nature Journaling — Canopy By The Coast
✏️ Workshop

Marine Nature Journaling

A hands-on journaling experience by the coast — observe, sketch, and document marine life.

  • ⏱ 1.5 hours

Schools & Corporates

Custom programs for schools, IB, CAS, and corporates. Custom itineraries available.

Enquire for Groups →
Nester Brian Fernandes — Founder, Canopy By The Coast
🏅 Goa State Biodiversity Enthusiast Award · South Goa, 2024

Meet Your Guide

Science, Shoreline, and a Lifelong
Commitment to Goa

Nester Brian Fernandes is a marine biologist and conservation educator based in Goa, and the founder of Canopy By The Coast. His research spans marine megafauna, sea turtle nesting ecology, and intertidal ecosystems along Goa's southern shoreline — work he has linked directly to climate resilience and coastal adaptation.

Nester is actively involved in marine animal stranding response, has worked with the Forest Department and defence agencies on conservation awareness, and designs field-based ecology programs for schools and institutions across the country. In 2024, he received the Goa State Biodiversity Enthusiast Award (South Goa) — one of the region's highest recognitions for contributions to biodiversity education.

When you book a tour with Canopy, you're not getting a guide who reads from a script. You're spending time with someone who studies this coastline for a living.

  • Marine Biologist
  • Sea Turtle Researcher
  • Conservation Educator
  • Coastal Biodiversity
  • Climate Resilience
Read Nester's full story →

Testimonials

What Our Guests Say

4.9

Based on Google Reviews

★★★★★
"The love for Goa's wilderness is evident in every step Nester takes. During the mangroves and Khazan lands walk, we were introduced to a rich blend of ecology and culture. The session thoughtfully covered traditional agricultural practices, as well as the diversity of crabs, fishes, and birds that inhabit these ecosystems. It also provided meaningful insights into Goa's history, making the experience both educational and immersive."

Athulya Aby

Mangrove & Khazan Lands Walk · Verified Guest

★★★★★
"If you're looking for an unforgettable dolphin ride or nature trail, Canopy by the Coast is a must. Our family had an incredible experience, but what truly stood out was the team's expertise. Their deep knowledge of marine life and strong emphasis on ethical tourism set them apart. We learned not only about the species we encountered but also the essential do's and don'ts of interacting responsibly with wildlife."

Tejas Mehendale

Marine Ecology Boat Ride · Verified Guest

★★★★★
"An informative and immersive stroll along the bunds of Old Goa offered us a deeper understanding of mangrove ecosystems, their history, and the life they support within marshy landscapes. Nester's depth of knowledge keeps participants engaged and encourages curiosity about both present and historical environmental contexts. Highly enriching — I look forward to participating in more sessions."

Shabnam Sirur

Mangrove Ecology Walk · Verified Guest

See Goa the Way a Marine Biologist Does

Small groups. Field-led by an award-winning conservationist. Every experience is designed to leave you knowing something real about the coast you just explored.