Goa isn’t just about sun-kissed beaches and flea markets. Beyond the mainland lies Grand Island (Grande Island) – a rugged paradise where turquoise waves kiss ancient cliffs, dolphins dance in the wild, and coral reefs hide underwater kingdoms. Forget choosing between North or South Goa; this is where thrill-seekers find their Eden. Ready to swap beach shacks for scuba tanks? Let’s explore!
Location: 6 km off Goa’s coast, near Mormugao Port.
History: A former Portuguese military outpost, now an adventure hub.
Why Unique?: Secluded beaches, WWII shipwrecks (SS Rita), and untouched coral gardens.
Pro Tip: Local fishermen call it "Ilha Grande" – the "Big Island" that lives up to its name!
A. Adrenaline-Packed Activities
Scuba Diving: Plunge into coral reefs (depth: 6-14m) with parrotfish, angelfish, and moray eels. No certification needed for beginners! Book your Grand Island scuba diving tour with free videography here.
Snorkeling: Glide over neon corals at Suvarna Reef – Instagram’s liquid dream.
Dolphin Spotting: 90% success rate! Spot playful pods at Dolphin Point.
Island Hopping: Explore sea caves, cliff-jump at Bat Island, or fish like a local.
B. Escape the Crowds
While North Goa parties and South Goa chills, Grand Island offers serenity meets adventure – zero commercial buzz, pure raw beauty.
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A. Booking Your Tour
To book your Grand Island Tour you just have to call the Goa Sathi and tell’em about your members and pickup location. They will provide you with the best assistance at an affordable price in Goa, so that you can enjoy freely with your friends and family.
B. Sample Itinerary
|
Time |
Activity |
Highlights |
|
9 AM |
Boat Departure |
Scenic ride past Cabo Raj Bhavan |
|
10 AM |
Dolphin Safari |
Wild bottlenose dolphins! |
|
11 AM |
Snorkeling/Scuba |
Coral gardens & shipwrecks |
|
1 PM |
BBQ Lunch (onboard) |
Fresh catch + Goan spices |
|
2 PM |
Cave Exploration |
Secret lagoons & photo ops |
C. Costs Breakdown
|
Activity |
Price Range |
|
Basic Boat Tour |
?800–?1,500 |
|
Scuba Diving |
?2,500–?4,000 |
|
Private Yacht |
?15,000–?25,000 |
Wreck Diving: Explore the SS Rita shipwreck (1940s) – a ghostly underwater museum.
Cliff Jumping: 7-meter leap at Bat Island (for daredevils!).
Coral Photography: Capture Picasso triggerfish at Suvarna Reef.
Floating Lunch: Feast on grilled prawns as the boat sways – pure bliss!
Secret Beaches: Hunt for shells at Honeymoon Beach (accessible via kayak).
Q: Is Grand Island safe for non-swimmers?
A: Absolutely! Life jackets + guides ensure safety. Snorkeling is shallow and supervised.
Q: Can kids join the tour?
A: Yes (ages 5+). Avoid scuba for under-12s, but snorkeling/dolphin tours are kid-friendly.*
Q: What to pack?
Swimwear, sunscreen, towel
Waterproof phone case
Motion sickness pills (if prone)
Q: Are there toilets on the island?
A: No! Boats have basic facilities. Use mainland resorts pre-tour.