Tired of the madding crowds everywhere you go? We have the perfect getaway where you can disconnect from technology, your work, and stress, and reconnect with nature without leaving sight of the ocean. We promise you a day of fun, sun, sand, swimming and much more.
Our Bat Island Boat Trip is the newest addition to our list of excursions and it is gaining rapid popularity. Take a plunge in the Arabian Sea where the clear emerald green waters are almost still and perfectly safe. Enjoy the gentle swaying of the boat while you watch dolphins.
Goa has a few hidden pearls strewn around. A few of these secrets lie on the ocean bed around the islands. The Island Trip is the perfect opportunity to explore Goan aquatic life, and coral reefs. You can see the corals while snorkeling, and if luck is on your side then you can see a variety of brightly colored fish that have made the coral reefs their home.
Ilha (ill-ya) Grande as it was known in Portuguese simply means “Grand Island”. There is a small 20-meter beach in the northern part and it is believed that there was a spring on this island where boats would stop to get fresh water. The western part of the island is less rocky than the entrance. One can see a dilapidated jetty on the east side of the island. Just behind Grand Island is Ilha de Saint Jorge or St. George Island in English which looks like it is a part of Grand Island but in actuality it is a separate island.
A little distance away from Grand Island and Saint George Island is another island called Pequeno (Pick-en) which means “small” in Portuguese. However, it is better known as “Bat Island”. Surrounded by coral reefs, the sea between the islands is great for snorkeling and swimming.
The waters surrounding these islands are clear from October to May.
Your day will begin with a pick up from your hotel in North Goa at 8 a.m. followed by a pleasant drive across Mandovi Bridge through Panjim. You will proceed to Hawaii Beach in Dona Paula, one of Goa’s most historic places, where you will board the boat with shed on top to protect from sun. You can look forward to a fun ride across the Arabian Sea towards Bat Island in the South. The islands are just off the Marmagoa Harbour. You will be served Snacks, Soft Drinks and Mineral Water during the ride.
As you sail along, you will get to see dolphins gamboling about in their natural habitat. They travel in pods which means you will see a minimum of seven. If the tide is coming in you might get to see them breaching. The boat engine will be switched off so you can enjoy watching them swim around. Keep your cameras handy because these are going to be memories you would want to capture.
Once you reach the spot behind Bat Island you are free to dive off the boat into the cool sea. If you are not a strong swimmer please request the crew for a life-jacket for your own safety purposes. If you have an extreme fear of water it might be a good idea not to leave the boat.
You are free to go swimming and snorkeling as soon as the boat is anchored. The waters are calm and safe. There are no currents or waves.
The boat will be anchored behind Bat Island where you can swim and snorkel. You might get a glimpse of the reef fish which one can see while swimming around. Beautiful corals lie on the ocean bed. There are no sharks in Goan waters and if there are they are extremely rare and highly unlikely to be sighted. You can also try your hands on bottom fishing. Bait and nylon thread will be provided.
The boat will then head towards Hansa beach (commonly known as “Navy Beach” by the locals) has been taken over by the Navy and is only accessible by boat making it one of the few lesser populated beaches in Goa. The beach is clean and free from litter and pollution. There are no vendors to pester you while you soak in the sun and enjoy your time. The crew will set up two tents so you can change in if you wish.
You can play beach volleyball if you’re feeling extra energetic. You will be served a delectable lunch consisting of a Pulao Rice, Green Salad, Chicken Curry, Vegetable Xacuti, Bread, and Barbecued Fish. You can also sip on Chilled Beer too. If the tide is high then lunch will be served on the boat anchored near the bat island that means you won’t be going to the beach. This is only a measure of safety precautions.
Your day will end with a boat ride back from Bat Island where you might get to see dolphins again. The trawlers head back to port around that time and there are usually dolphins swimming in the area in hopes of an easy meal. You will also see seagulls flying around and occasionally swooping in for a beak-full of fish. The white-bellied sea eagle is also a common sight. You will be served fresh fruits during the ride.
Your day ends at 3:30 p.m. with a drop back to your hotel.
The cost of the Island Trip is 1499/- INR per person
Complimentary :
Considering that the weather ranges between 32 degrees to 36 degrees Celsius during the day, it is going to be hot. It would be advisable to wear light cotton clothes. Shorts and a t-shirt work best. A comfortable pair of sandals or rubber shoes with a good grip. Carry a cap or a sunhat along to protect your head from the heat.
Wear your swimsuit because there will not be a changing room on the boat. Carry your sunscreen, a towel, an extra set of clothes if you feel you might need a change, sunglasses, and sunscreen.