Mesmerizing Islands of Goa

Your Goan holiday won’t be complete if you don’t visit Ilha Grande island. It is one of the best islands in Goa for snorkelling and scuba diving. This is one of the most splendid beaches here that are still untouched by the human atrocities. The only way to reach Grand Island Goa is by sailing on a boat. On the beach, you have the opportunity to a sunbathe, swim, play football, volleyball, dart games and many other activities can be availed.

The trip over here should not only be limited to the island to visit, but you should also try various refreshing activities over here like fishing, dolphin sighting, etc. You can live your dream life over here, lazing on the beach chair around the picturesque beaches of the island.

This is one of the most beautiful Goa islands located on the Mandovi river and offers a sneak peek of the great history of Goa as it is home to the ruins of Kadamba dynasty. Several beautiful villas are flushed over here that are ideal for a night stay. The island is easy to approach with a ferry ride. There are not too many eating points, so the schedule must be carefully planned. This island is perfect for all those who’re looking to engage in some adrenaline rushing water activities like scuba diving and snorkelling.

Chorão, also known as Choddnnem or Chodan, is an island along the Mandovi river near Ilhas, Goa It is the largest among other 17 islands of Goa. It is located 5 kilometres (3.1 miles) away from the state capital, the city of Panaji and 10 kilometres (6.2 miles) away from the city of Mapusa. Even today, one can visit this area and see the distinct churches, graveyards and buildings all with a Portuguese air. Chorão is accessible by the ferry from Ribandar, and if you are a wildlife enthusiast, then the visit to Chorão Island can be an ultimate treat for you as it is also the home for the famous Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary. It attracts around 500 species of beautiful migratory birds, and you can even spot the deadly crocodiles over here.

The rest of the island has colonial villas, Portuguese churches and Hindu Temples.

Vanxim or Capão is an island of Goa situated in the Ilhas region. One can reach here by taking a ferry from Divar The colonial name for Vanxim was Capão.

Vanxim Island, situated in the taluka of Tiswadi, is also known as one of the exotic Goa islands of fisher-men. It is a deserted island with Portuguese architecture and lush green surroundings. From beautiful churches to breath-taking cemeteries, there are lots of things to witness here.

It is a tiny island surrounded by lush mangroves on the side. You can also find a church built over here named Church of Santo Cristo. The island breathes of purity and nature.

São Jacinto is an island in the estuary of the Zuari river in Goa. It is one of the few inhabited islands of this tiny state on the west coast of the Indian peninsula and also an exotic island with breath-taking natural beauty. Its southwestern coast is flooded with old houses and a beautiful old church. An old spring is situated in the middle of the island, which is still used by the locals for drinking water. The island is closest to the southern banks of the estuary and is connected to the mainland via a causeway, but the causeway has now been replaced with a bridge with a motor-able road.

The island houses an abandoned lighthouse that is fiercely protected by the islanders. A church dedicated to St. Hyacinth overlooks the waters of the river towards the east.

This island is worth exploring during your trip to Goa.

Pequeno Island is famous for snorkelling and is considered a perfect destination for the snorkelers. For snorkelling, the training and types of equipment are provided by the tour organizers and operators. Also known as the Bat island it is one of the most serene and beautiful Goa islands located close to the Barina beach.

It is one of the most striking islands in Goa where a range of colourful shoals reside. It is an amazing spot for snorkellers and divers and one of the best spot for fishing in entire Goa.

This is one of the most breath-taking Goa islands located in the Canacona region. The Arabian sea surrounds this island, and you can enjoy some adrenaline rushing water sports over here like snorkelling, scuba diving and kayaking. It is also known as Monkey Island because of the large number of monkeys residing in the forest of the island. You can see some shiny dolphins while taking a boat ride from Palolem beach over here. A quiet and serene place to relax and spent a day, away from the hustles of the city.

When we are discussing the Islands of Goa, we just cannot miss the Butterfly Island. Though the island is in South Goa but is worth mentioning here as Butterfly beach is also popularly known as Honeymoon Beach as a lot of honeymooners and couples come here for a secluded vacation. You can spend your day with your partner by enjoying a picnic with wine. You can also wait for the low tide period to witness wandering Sea urchins, redfish, goldfish, and sea cucumbers here. This is a unique sight that you will not get to explore anywhere else in entire Goa. You can find millions of butterflies dancing and harbouring over this beach.

This is a hidden gem located in South Goa is known for its calmness and tranquillity. The stretch of golden beach sand is surrounded with high rocks, and from the shore, the entire island resembles the shape of the wings of a butterfly.

Cumbarjua, also spelled as Cumbharjua and Kumbharjua, is an island town on the banks of the Mandovi river in Goa. It is situated to the east of Goa’s capital Panjim at a distance of 20 kilometres. The Cumbharjua canal is well known as a habitat of the Indian mugger crocodile.It was a popular fort of the Portuguese king in the 15th century, but now it has become an offbeat destination. It has a very fresh and unexplored environment, and the visitors can go fishing in the alluring backwaters.