Interesting thread even if it seems to be dead by now. But for anyone else who's thinking about going to Goa, don't think you need to plan great, different, life-changing trips from Candolim!
Yes, ok, I've done MANY trips out of Candolim -- NONE of them through a Hotel or Organised Trip Firm -- and they've been GREAT anyway. USE your LOCAL taxi driver! They're more knowledgeable and MUCH cheaper than Hotel/Firms.
But.... so many of my first timer friends (including myself, once, long ago...) think they need to plan lots of visits in their stay!
Believe me, beach goer or not, you'll relish the days on the beach during your stay, if not only for the cooling breezes! Don't plan TOO MUCH!