Vasco Da Gama sits on the narrow western tip of the Mormugao peninsula, overlooking the mouth of the Zuari River. Acquired by the Portuguese in 1543, this strategically important site was formerly among the busiest ports on India's west coast, and it remains a key shipping center, with container vessels and iron-ore barges clogging the choppy river mouth. The port town of Vasco-Da-Gama, popularly known as Vasco, is Goa's most cosmopolitan city. 30kms from Panaji, this well laid out city is also the railway terminus for passenger service.

The Mormugao Harbor, one of India's few natural harbors is 4kms from Vasco at one end. And Goa's only airport, Dabolim is also 4kms from Vasco, at the other end.