What happens when you decide to spend an entire day at the beach — from 8 in the morning to 8 at night — without heading back to your resort? We decided to find out.

Our base was Mandrem Beach, a short walk from Riva Beach Resort. We expected sunshine, good food and a relaxed day. What we got was all of that — along with a three-hour tattoo session, shack-hopping, an afternoon nap and a few lessons for anyone planning a long beach day in Goa.

8:00 AM: The challenge begins at Mandrem Beach

We started preparing around 7:45 AM. Our essentials included sunscreen, power banks, a change of clothes and the usual things needed for a full day out with children. Sunscreen was non-negotiable. We were going to be outdoors for 12 hours, and the Goan sun can be intense.

We were staying at Riva Beach Resort, from where Mandrem Beach was just a two-to-three-minute walk across a bridge. At around 8:00 AM, we reached the beach and officially started the challenge.

There were several shacks lined up along the shore. But before choosing one, the kids had a different priority: getting into the water.

8:00 AM to 10:45 AM: Nearly three hours in the sea

The first part of the day was all about the beach. The children spent almost three hours playing in the water while we enjoyed the relatively pleasant morning weather.

By around 10:45 AM, it was time to find our base for the rest of the day. With so many shacks along Mandrem Beach, choosing one was a challenge in itself.

We eventually settled at Lama’s Place. Its location was a big plus: the sunbeds were right by the water, and the waves were reaching close to where we were sitting.

For a long beach day, the location of your shack matters. You want to be close enough to enjoy the sea, but also have a comfortable place to sit, eat and take breaks.

11:00 AM: First drinks and beachside hair braiding

Our first shack drinks arrived around 11:00 AM. There is something about enjoying a cold drink by the sea that makes a beach holiday feel complete.

Soon after, Myra decided to get her hair braided. The session was completed by around 11:30 AM and cost ₹300. It was a relaxed start to our shack time, and we still had more than eight hours left in the challenge.

12:00 PM to 2:40 PM: Temporary tattoos, coconut water and snacks

Around noon, the tattoo session began. Myra and Gunjan picked out several temporary designs, while beach vendors also came by selling items such as anklets.

We ordered coconut water and pineapple, which cost around ₹100, along with peanut masala papad and Gobi 365.

The tattoo session turned out to be the day’s longest activity. What started around 11:30 AM continued for nearly three hours, finally wrapping up at around 2:40 PM.

If you are visiting a beach shack in Goa, you may find local vendors offering braiding, temporary tattoos, accessories and other small services. Prices and quality can vary, so check the price before starting.

The washroom test: Are beach shack facilities usable?

One of the things we wanted to check before starting the challenge was whether we could manage a full 12 hours at a beach shack with children. We had deliberately made the shack washroom experience part of the test.

The washrooms at the shack were a little tricky to access, but we found them reasonably clean and usable. This was our experience at the place we visited; facilities can differ from one shack to another.

If you are planning a long beach day with children, it is worth checking the washroom situation before settling in for the day.

2:30 PM onwards: Shack-hopping and an average lunch

As the afternoon progressed, the sun started reaching our shack and the shade became less comfortable. We also wanted tandoori food, which was not available at our original shack. So, we moved to a neighbouring shack for lunch.

The food arrived around 3:00 PM. Unfortunately, the experience was not particularly impressive from a food-quality perspective. The meal was average, and the torn umbrellas did not help much with the afternoon heat.

This was a useful reminder: a shack with a great beachside location may not necessarily have the food or shade you want. Before committing to a long stay, check the menu, seating, shade and facilities.

4:00 PM to 5:50 PM: A much-needed afternoon break

After lunch, there was not much energy left for activities. We decided to take a nap for around half an hour to an hour and escape the afternoon heat.

By 5:00 PM, we had already spent nine hours at the beach. At around 5:50 PM, we returned to our original morning shack. The change in light and temperature made the beach feel much more inviting.

6:40 PM: Family games as the day winds down

With the evening approaching, it was time for some family entertainment. We played dumb charades and guessing games. One of the answers was La Casa de Papel — also known as Money Heist.

It was a simple activity, but it brought everyone back together after a long day of swimming, eating and relaxing.

7:00 PM: Sunset, cold coffee and candlelight Maggi

The atmosphere changed noticeably after sunset. The energy that had dipped during the afternoon came back, and the family was ready to enjoy the final stretch of the challenge.

There was cold coffee, some reel-making, photographs and, of course, candlelight Maggi with snacks. By around 7:00 PM, the beach had become a lovely place to sit back and enjoy the evening. This was easily one of our favourite parts of the day.

8:00 PM: Challenge completed!

At around 7:50 PM, we started walking back towards the resort. We had successfully spent the full 12 hours at Mandrem Beach and its shacks. The challenge officially ended at 8:00 PM.

What began as an experiment turned into a memorable family day — not because we visited multiple beaches, but because we slowed down and enjoyed one beach for an entire day.

How much did our 12-hour beach challenge cost?

Here is the approximate expense breakdown from our day:

Expense	Amount
Food and drinks	Around ₹3,000
Hair braiding	₹300
Beach ice creams	Around ₹350–₹400
Temporary tattoos and neon toys	Additional; amount not specified

The food and drinks were our biggest expense. The tattoo and toy purchases were extra, so the figures above should not be treated as a complete final bill.

Our practical tips for spending a full day at a Goa beach shack

• Carry sunscreen: Reapply it during the day, especially if you spend time in the water.
• Take a power bank: A long beach day means plenty of photos and videos.
• Carry a change of clothes: It makes the transition from swimming to sitting at a shack much easier.
• Check the shack before settling: Look at the shade, seating, menu and washroom facilities.
• Ask prices in advance: Confirm costs for braiding, tattoos, accessories and other services before agreeing.
• Plan around the afternoon heat: Keep the hottest part of the day for lunch and rest rather than strenuous activities.
• Keep some flexibility: You may need to move shacks if the food, shade or facilities are not suitable.
• Keep children comfortable: Water, snacks, breaks and sun protection make a long beach day easier for everyone.

Is Mandrem Beach suitable for a long family beach day?

Based on our experience, Mandrem worked well for this kind of relaxed family challenge. We could spend the morning in the water, choose a shack as our base, take breaks, eat, play games and enjoy the sunset without needing to move to another beach.

However, the experience depends on the shack you choose. Shade, food quality and washroom facilities can make a big difference, particularly when travelling with children.

Our biggest takeaway? You do not always need a packed itinerary to enjoy Goa. Sometimes, one good beach, a comfortable shack and a full day with family are enough.

Watch our complete 12-hour Goa beach challenge

Want to see how the day unfolded — from the morning swim and shack search to the tattoo marathon, afternoon nap and candlelight Maggi? Watch the complete video here:

If you are planning a Goa holiday, you can also explore bookable activities and experiences on Klook. Use coupon code PMFT100 for 10% off eligible bookings, subject to the offer’s terms and applicable discount cap.

Frequently asked questions

1. Which beach did you visit for the 12-hour challenge in Goa?

We spent the day at Mandrem Beach in North Goa, close to Riva Beach Resort.

2. How far is Mandrem Beach from Riva Beach Resort?

From our route, it was approximately a two-to-three-minute walk across a bridge.

3. Which beach shack did you choose at Mandrem?

We initially settled at Lama’s Place, then moved to a neighbouring shack for lunch before returning to our original shack in the evening.

4. How much did you spend during the 12-hour beach challenge?

We spent approximately ₹3,000 on food and drinks, ₹300 on hair braiding and around ₹350–₹400 on ice creams. Temporary tattoos and neon toys were additional expenses.

5. Are washrooms available at Mandrem Beach shacks?

The shack we used had washroom facilities. We found them a little tricky to access but reasonably clean and usable. Facilities may vary between shacks.

6. Is Mandrem Beach good for families?

Our experience was enjoyable for a family day out, with time for swimming, shack activities, food and games. Families should still check the sea conditions, shade and facilities at their chosen shack.

7. What should you carry for a full day at a Goa beach?

Carry sunscreen, a power bank, drinking water, a change of clothes and essentials for children. It is also useful to have some cash for small beachside purchases.

This article is based on our own family experience during the 12-hour challenge at Mandrem Beach. Prices and facilities mentioned reflect what we encountered on that day and may change.