Known as the quintessential stop for the beach lovers, the state of Goa offers a plethora of things to its visitors. However, because of enjoying a subtle weather throughout the whole year, this small piece of heaven generally always stays filled up with tourists, that mostly end up crowding the popular and cliched tourist attractions here. However, if you want to step away from the crowd and enjoy some peaceful moments during your vacation, then you have to visit some of the best islands of Goa. And guess what, this Pearl of the Orient comes with an overabundance of choices when it comes to islands!
9 Best Islands Of Goa
So, if you want to enjoy your life to the fullest, then make sure to visit one of these isles at least once during your lifetime. To help you to take your pick, we have made a list of some of the best islands of Goa right here.
- Chorao Island: Spot Vibrant Bird Species
- Divar Island: Marvel At Portuguese Architecture
- Butterfly Island: For Water Sports
- Sao Jacinto Island: Take A Stroll & Relax
- Conco Island: The Picturesque Spot
- Raneache Zuvem: Savor The Scenic Views
- Vanxim Island: Go For A Boat Ride
- Cumbarja Island: For Mesmerizing Sunsets
- Grande Island: Click Pictures At The Lighthouse
1. Chorao Island: Spot Vibrant Bird Species
Situated only five kilometers away from the capital city of the Tourist Paradise, the Chorao Island Goa is known to be one of the largest isles of the state. Exhibiting an uncanny old-world charm and dainty pathways, this small yet gorgeous isle is quite famous among the nature lovers. Apart from roaming through the heart of Mother Nature, you can also visit the magnificent pieces of architecture, which showcases the beauty of the years-old Portuguese culture. The main highlight of Chorao Island is, however, the iconic Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, which contains a wide variety and species of birds. So, if you are an avid birdwatcher, then this place is one of the best islands of Goa.
How To Reach: You can reach the Chorao Island by taking a boat ride from the town of Ribandar. It is approximately four miles away from Panaji.
Best For: Nature-aficionados
Things To Do: Cycling, boating, birdwatching
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2. Divar Island: Marvel At Portuguese Architecture
If you want to spend some quality moments in the lap of nature during your days of vacation, then the Divar Island Goa is perfect for you. This gorgeous spot is one of the most famous islands in Goa. Located only 8 miles away from Old Goa, this small region is dotted with picturesque houses, which showcases the beauty of the vintage Portuguese architectural style. Apart from relishing the sensuous view of this place, you can also visit the churches of the place to enjoy the traditional essence of Goa.
How To Reach: The only thing, which can help you to reach the Coast of Divar Island, is a ferry. If you want to reach the southern side of the island, then you would have to take a boat from Old Goa. However, if you want to go to the eastern part of the isle, then you would have to take a ferry from Naroa.
Best For: Couples
Things To Do: Bonderam Festival, dine at the shacks, watch the sunset
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3. Butterfly Island: For Water Sports
Located just a little bit to the south of the scenic Palolem beach, Butterfly Island is considered to be one of the most famous islands of Goa. Whether it is about indulging in the water activities or spending some quality time with your loved one, this place can surely make your journey memorable in one way or another. As the beach is situated in a remote area and away from the mainland, most people generally do not come here. Therefore, if you want to spend some time away from the bustling crowd of Goa, then Butterfly Beach would be the best option for you.
How To Reach: If you want to go to Butterfly Island, then you would have to take a boat ride from the Palolem Beach
Best For: Couples and families
Things To Do: Watch the sunset, boating, photography
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4. Sao Jacinto Island: Take A Stroll & Relax
Known as one of the smallest islands in South Goa, Sao Jacinto Island is one of the unknown islands of Goa. Just like Butterfly Island, this one is also located quite far away from the mainland. Therefore, unlike the other isles in Goa, the Sao Jacinto Island stays somewhat uncrowded throughout the year. So, if you want to spend some alone time by roaming in the dense forests, then make sure to visit here at least once during your stay in Goa.
How To Reach: There is a long bridge, which connects the island with the NH-17 highway. So, if you want to go there, then you can always rent a car.
Best For: Solo travelers
Things To Do: Explore the natural resources, walk around the Portuguese village
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5. Conco Island: The Picturesque Spot
Affectionately known as the Monkey Island, the Conco Isle is one of the most visited places in the Pearl of the Orient. Ruling over a five-acre luxuriant green land, this picturesque island is also located quite near the famous Palolem Beach. Therefore, apart from enjoying the beautiful surroundings of the place, you can also create some great memorable moments with your family by arranging a picnic here.
How To Reach: If you have already arrived at Palolem Beach, then all you have to do is to take a boat ride from there to reach Monkey Island.
Best For: Families
Things To Do: Picnic, boating, dolphin watching
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6. Raneache Zuvem: Savor The Scenic Views
Considered by many as one of the most beautiful islands of Goa, the small islet of Raneache Zuvem is Best For backpackers who are looking to escape from the grasp of the bustling crowd. Nestled in the beautiful Chapora River, this island comes with a length of one and a half kilometers and a breadth of only 0.5km, which makes it the smallest isle in Goa. Apart from enjoying the natural scenic view of the island, you can also get involved in numerous water activities here to create some great moments with your loved one.
How To Reach: There is a tiny bridge in Goa, which connects the rest of the state with this sumptuous island. Therefore, if you want to come here, then all you have to do is to take a small car ride from the mainland.
Best For: Families and adventure seekers
Things To Do: Water sports, fishing, relaxing
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7. Vanxim Island: Go For A Boat Ride
Located in the heart of the taluka of Tiswadi, the Vanxim Isle is widely known as the Island of Fisherman. As you can understand from its name, this small yet gorgeous island comes with numerous spots where you can enjoy fishing. Along with catching fish here, you can also go to the ornate churches and cemeteries of the island to savor the uncanny taste of Portuguese architecture. Among the churches of the island, the Church of Santo Cristo is known to be one of the notable names. It was built in the year 1879, which makes it one of the oldest churches in India.
How To Reach: For reaching here, you would have to take a ferry from Divar Island.
Best For: Couples and families
Things To Do: Walk around, watch the sunset, boating
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8. Cumbarja Island: For Mesmerizing Sunsets
Especially renowned for being a natural habitat of the Indian crocodiles, Cumbarja Island is widely considered as a must-visit isle for first-time travelers. Because of being located quite far away from the mainland, the environment of this picturesque islet stays quite fresh and calm throughout the year. Besides enjoying its sumptuous weather, you can also roam around the lush forests of the island and reveal its unveiled secrets with your loved one.
How To Reach: You can reach Cumbarja Island by taking a boat from the Cumbarja Canal.
Best For: Nature and adventure lovers.
Things To Do: Fishing, boating, watch the sunset
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9. Grande Island: Click Pictures At The Lighthouse
Formerly known as Iha Grande, Grande Island is widely considered as one of the most popular isles in Goa. Owing to its calm and serene weather and the overabundance of water activities, this beautiful place is also broadly admired by tourists from all over the world. Due to the excessive amounts of bats in this place, it is also known as the Bat island Goa. During your journey to the island, you can catch views of the iconic Aguada Fort, Central Jail, and the famous lighthouse. Apart from these, you will also get the rare chance of accompanying the dolphins of the sea. So, if you want to spend your days of vacations in a grand way, then make sure to visit the Grand Island Goa at least once in your lifetime.
How To Reach: Once you have reached Panaji, you would have to take a boat ride from there to arrive at beautiful Grande Island.
Best For: Couples and families
Things To Do: Snorkeling, swimming, scuba diving, or just relaxing
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It would be one hell of an experience to check out all these gorgeous and hidden isles. But make sure you include the best islands of Goa in your itinerary instead of just settling for the common attractions so that you can have a truly memorable holiday in Goa with your amigos.
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Best Islands Of Goa
What is the best activity to enjoy on the islands of Goa?
You can enjoy numerous activities on the islands of Goa. However, most of the travelers generally indulge in snorkeling and scuba diving.
Which is considered to be the best island in Goa?
If you are visiting Goa for the first time, make sure to visit the Grande Isle and Divar Island.
Is there any age limit for scuba diving in the Goa islands?
People 10 years of age and above can indulge in scuba diving in the Goa islands.
How can I reach the islands of Goa from Panaji?
For reaching almost any island in Goa, you would have to take a ferry or opt for a boat ride from the ports in Goa.
Which are the most famous islands of Goa?
The Grande Island, Chorao Island, Divar Island, and Butterfly Island are the famous ones.
How many days do you actually need to cover all the islands in Goa?
You need at least a week or two to cover all of the islands in Goa fully.
Which island is the most suitable place for couples to spend some quality time?
Goa’s Divar Island is known to be the best place for couples to spend some amorous time together.
Which are the best hotels near Grande Island?
Karma Royal Palms, MAYFAIR Hideaway Spa Resort, and Palolem Beach Resort are the best resorts near Grande Island.
Which are the most famous restaurants near Divar Island?
Island Bar & Restaurant and Star Restaurant are the most famous restaurants near Divar Island that serve delicious food.
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