Islands in Goa: An Escape Beyond the Beaches in 2025

When most people think of Goa, visuals of lively beaches, vibrant nightlife, and music festivals often come to mind. But hidden beyond the sun-soaked coastline lies a quieter, more soulful side of the Islands of Goa. 

These scattered gems, tucked amidst rivers, mangroves, and backwaters, offer a different kind of escape. Each island has its own unique rhythm. Exploring these islands in Goa is like stepping into a time capsule where nature, culture, and serenity meet. Whether you're seeking solitude, a touch of heritage, or simply something offbeat, these islands promise memorable experiences. And your journey begins with the perfect stay nearby.

But what truly sets these islands apart from Goa’s more familiar attractions? Let’s explore why they deserve a spot on your travel list.

Explore the Islands of Goa?

The islands of Goa offer a refreshing contrast to the crowded beaches and party circuits the state is best known for. These secluded pockets of land, scattered across the Mandovi, Zuari, and Chapora rivers, are havens of calm where time slows down and nature takes the lead. Rich with mangrove forests, freshwater creeks, and unique wildlife, they are ideal for birdwatching, backwater cruises, and cultural walks. Dotted with Portuguese-era churches, sleepy ferry villages, and scenic trails, these islands reflect the slower, more soulful side of Goa.

Top 10 Must-Visit Islands in Goa

Ilha de Goa

Ilha de Goa is the cultural and historical soul of the state. This island is steeped in colonial heritage and includes Panjim and Old Goa. Here, you’ll find magnificent churches such as the Basilica of Bom Jesus and Se Cathedral, along with baroque-style buildings that tell stories of Goa’s Portuguese past. The narrow lanes of Fontainhas, also known as the Latin Quarter, are perfect for leisurely walks, where pastel houses and old taverns add to the charm. It is located on the Mandovi River and is easily accessible by road, and it offers a unique blend of urban buzz and old-world calm.

• Ideal for: History buffs, culture seekers, architecture lovers
• How to get there: Easily reachable via the Panjim Bridge or the Ribandar Causeway
• What to do: Explore heritage walks, attend a mass at an old church, visit the Museum of Christian Art, or enjoy Goan cuisine in a traditional bistro

Grande Island

Also known as Ilha Grande, this island off the coast of Vasco da Gama is a haven for adventure seekers. Grande Island is famous for its vibrant underwater world and offers some of the best scuba diving and snorkelling experiences in Goa. The waters here are home to coral reefs, colourful fish, and even shipwrecks, making it a hotspot for marine exploration. The island itself is uninhabited, offering raw, untouched landscapes and a quiet ambience far removed from the mainland’s bustle. Most boat tours to the island depart from Baina Beach or Bogmalo, with options ranging from quick snorkelling trips to full-day diving packages.

• Ideal for: Adventure lovers, water sports enthusiasts, photographers
• How to get there: By boat from Baina Beach or Bogmalo
• What to do: Scuba diving, snorkelling, boat picnics, dolphin spotting, and underwater photography

Divar Island

Divar Island is one of Goa’s most peaceful and picturesque spots. Known for its heritage homes, sleepy roads, and lush paddy fields, Divar feels like a world frozen in time. Traditional Goan architecture lines the roads, and its chapels and shrines offer a quiet, spiritual atmosphere. One of the most fascinating aspects of Divar is the Bonderam Festival, celebrated with colourful parades and folk music, echoing the island’s rich cultural past. Divar is best explored on foot or by bicycle to truly soak in its rhythm.

• Ideal for: Heritage lovers, culture enthusiasts, slow travellers
• How to get there: Ferry ride from Old Goa or Ribandar
• What to do: Attend Bonderam (if visiting in August), walk through the villages, visit the Church of Our Lady of Compassion, enjoy local Goan meals in homestays

Chorao Island

Just across the Mandovi River lies Chorao Island, best known for the Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, a paradise for birdwatchers. Chorao is one of Goa’s most biodiverse spots and is covered in thick mangroves and interlaced with quiet water channels. It’s not uncommon to spot kingfishers, egrets, cormorants, and even crocodiles in the backwaters here. But beyond wildlife, Chorao also has a human story to tell, with old villas, quiet chapels, and ferry villages giving glimpses into its rustic life.

• Ideal for: Birdwatchers, nature lovers, families
• How to get there: Ferry from Ribandar Jetty (just outside Panjim)
• What to do: Take a canoe through the mangroves, visit the bird sanctuary at dawn, walk through quiet hamlets, and enjoy the lush green backdrop

Butterfly Island

Butterfly Island is a tiny, heart-shaped island near Palolem Beach. It is known for its serene beauty and vibrant ecology. This remote escape features a small stretch of white sand, shallow waters, and rock formations. The island gets its name from the colourful butterflies seen fluttering around its edges, drawn by the surrounding vegetation. It’s also an excellent spot to witness playful dolphins and dramatic sunsets. It is accessible only by boat during high tide, and since there are no commercial establishments here, visitors come for short getaways only.

• Ideal for: Couples, romantic travellers, nature photographers
• How to get there: Boat ride from Palolem or Agonda Beach
• What to do: Swim in the shallow waters, spot dolphins, relax on the beach, enjoy complete privacy and quietude

Sao Jacinto Island

São Jacinto is one of Goa’s lesser-known yet most intriguing islands. Located near Vasco da Gama, this island retains a strong sense of community and spirituality. It’s connected to the mainland via a narrow causeway and guarded by local sentiments that have helped preserve its natural and cultural essence. A highlight is the quaint 19th-century lighthouse, now abandoned but still commanding panoramic views of the Arabian Sea. The island is dotted with traditional homes, sacred chapels, and lush greenery, creating a quiet, contemplative atmosphere. Visitors are encouraged to respect local customs and avoid trespassing on private property.

• Ideal for: Offbeat explorers, cultural travellers, those seeking peace
• How to get there: Drive or walk across the causeway from the mainland (near Dabolim)
• What to do: Visit the lighthouse viewpoint, take a walk along the coast, and observe traditional Goan village life

Bat Island (Pequeno Island)

Just off the coast of Vasco, Bat Island, also known as Pequeno Island, is a favourite for marine adventure seekers. Despite its dramatic name, the island is calm, rugged, and ringed by coral reefs that support abundant marine life. It’s often included in snorkelling tours and day excursions from Baina Beach. While you can’t stay overnight here, its shallow waters and relatively low currents make it a great spot for first-time snorkelers. The craggy landscape, small patches of greenery, and clear visibility underwater offer excellent photo opportunities as well.

• Ideal for: Water sports lovers, families with teens, day trippers
• How to get there: By boat from Baina Beach, Vasco
• What to do: Snorkelling, reef watching, sunbathing, dolphin spotting, short nature walks

Cumbarjua Island

Cumbarjua Island is best known for its unique mangrove-lined canals that host one of Goa’s most unexpected wild residents, the mugger crocodiles. It is located between the Mandovi and Zuari rivers, and a boat safari through these narrow creeks offers a thrilling yet safe way to observe crocodiles. The island is also home to scenic views, historic shrines, and a relaxed village atmosphere. Its charm lies in the balance between quietude and the thrill of spotting wildlife so close to civilisation.

• Ideal for: Nature enthusiasts, photographers, curious families
• How to get there: By ferry from nearby mainland points such as Marcel or Banastarim
• What to do: Crocodile safari, mangrove tours, visit ancient temples, enjoy quiet riverbank views

Vanxim Island

Tucked away near Divar, Vanxim is a small fishing island slowly gaining attention for its untouched natural surroundings and community-led efforts to preserve its identity. With just a few homes, scenic paddy fields, and traditional churches, it offers a glimpse into a simpler way of life. Vanxim is not commercialised, and visitors are encouraged to be mindful of its deeply rooted local culture. If you’re seeking quiet reflection, Vanxim’s river views and pastoral landscapes provide the perfect setting.

• Ideal for: Mindful travellers, photographers, and eco-conscious visitors
• How to get there: Ferry from Divar Island
• What to do: Walk through peaceful lanes, observe local life, visit St. Anthony’s Church, enjoy solitude

Sai Island

Located along the Chapora River, Sai Island is a quiet escape perfect for riverside picnics and light water activities. It’s one of the lesser-known islands in North Goa, often visited by locals for fishing or short getaways. Fringed with coconut trees and surrounded by calm water, the island offers a sense of detachment while still being accessible. It’s ideal for kayaking, nature photography, or simply lazing under the shade with a packed lunch. If you're looking for a pocket of peace not far from popular spots like Chapora or Siolim, Sai Island fits the bill.

• Ideal for: Couples, slow travellers, day trippers
• How to get there: Private boat or canoe from Chapora or Siolim
• What to do: Kayaking, riverside picnics, nature walks, quiet relaxation

III. How to Plan an Island-Hopping Trip in Goa

Planning an island-hopping adventure in Goa is simple when you know what to expect. Here’s a quick guide to help you get started:

Choose Your Island Experience:

• Adventure: Grande Island and Bat Island for snorkelling, scuba diving, and dolphin spotting
• Culture & Heritage: Divar Island and São Jacinto for colonial churches, festivals, and village life
• Nature & Wildlife: Chorao Island for birdwatching; Cumbarjua Island for crocodile safaris
• Relaxation & Solitude: Butterfly, Sai, and Vanxim Islands for quiet time and natural beauty

How to Reach:

• Ferries: Most river islands like Divar, Chorao, Cumbarjua, and Vanxim are accessible via free government ferries (for pedestrians and two-wheelers) from Ribandar, Old Goa, or nearby jetties
• Private Boats: Hire a canoe or motorboat for remote or tidal islands like Butterfly or Sai, usually from Palolem, Chapora, or Agonda

Best Time to Visit:

• November to March: Ideal weather with clear skies, pleasant temperatures, and calm waters
• Mornings: Best for wildlife sightings and cooler exploration conditions

Travel Tips:

• Carry sunscreen, water, light snacks, and insect repellent
• Wear comfortable shoes and light clothing
• Respect local customs, especially on inhabited islands
• Always check ferry or boat timings in advance

Where to Stay: Club Mahindra Resorts in Goa

After a day of exploring hidden islands and winding riverways, the right stay can make all the difference. Club Mahindra offers some of the finest resorts near Goa's beaches, ensuring comfort, convenience, and easy access to ferry points and island tours. These resorts in Goa offer a relaxed base to return with delicious Goan cuisine, wellness experiences, and warm hospitality.

• Club Mahindra Acacia Palms, Colva: Located just steps away from Colva Beach, this beachfront resort in Goa offers palm-fringed tranquillity and modern comforts. Ideal for couples or families seeking to unwind after a day of exploring.
• Club Mahindra Emerald Palms, Varca: A peaceful property near Benaulim Beach, this resort combines colonial charm with spacious amenities. Perfect for travellers exploring South Goa’s islands.
• Club Mahindra Varca Beach Resort: Set on one of Goa’s most scenic stretches of sand, this beach resort offers direct access to Varca Beach along with spacious rooms and activities for all age groups.
• Club Mahindra Assonora, North Goa: Surrounded by greenery and just a short drive from island jetties, this family-friendly resort balances serenity with access to North Goa attractions.

Conclusion

Goa’s islands offer a refreshing escape from the ordinary with calm backwaters, rich heritage, and untouched natural beauty. Whether you're birdwatching in Chorao, snorkelling near Grande, or wandering through Divar's winding lanes, each island promises a new story. To make the most of your journey, stay at a trusted resort near the beaches of Goa with Club Mahindra for comfort, convenience, and memorable experiences.