St. George Island, also known as Goa Island or Watólofu, is a small and uninhabited island in the Indian Ocean, near the coast of Mozambique. It is part of the archipelago that includes the Island of Mozambique and the Island of Sena.
The island has a flat and rocky terrain, covered with dense vegetation and white sand. It also has a lighthouse that offers panoramic views of the surrounding sea and islands. The island is a popular destination for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts, as it has a coral reef that hosts a variety of tropical fish and marine life. The island also has a rich history and culture, influenced by Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, and colonialism.
How to Reach St. George Island
The easiest way to reach St. George Island is by taking a flight from India to Mozambique. There are several airlines that offer flights from major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, etc. to Maputo, the capital of Mozambique. Some of the airlines are Air India, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, Qatar Airways, etc. The flight duration varies from 10 to 15 hours depending on the number of stopovers and layovers.
From Maputo, you can take another flight to Nampula, the largest city in northern Mozambique and the closest city to St. George Island. There are domestic airlines like LAM Mozambique Airlines and Fastjet that operate flights from Maputo to Nampula. The flight duration is about 2 hours.
From Nampula, you can take a taxi or a bus to Ilha de Moçambique (Island of Mozambique), which is about 180 km away. The journey takes about 3 hours by road. Alternatively, you can also take a train from Nampula to Lumbo, which is about 15 km away from Ilha de Moçambique. The train journey takes about 4 hours.
From Ilha de Moçambique, you can take a boat or a helicopter to St. George Island, which is about 5 km away. The boat ride takes about 15 minutes and costs around USD 10 per person. The helicopter ride takes about 5 minutes and costs around USD 100 per person.
Best Time to Visit St. George Island
The best time to visit St. George Island is from May to October, when the weather is dry and sunny, with low humidity and little rain. The average temperature during this time is around 25°C (77°F) and the water temperature is around 23°C (73°F). This is also the peak season for tourism in Mozambique, so expect higher prices and more crowds at the resorts and hotels.
The worst time to visit St. George Island is from November to April, when the weather is wet and stormy, with high humidity and heavy rain. The average temperature during this time is around 28°C (82°F) and the water temperature is around 26°C (79°F). This is also the low season for tourism in Mozambique, so expect lower prices and fewer crowds at the resorts and hotels.
Things to Do on St. George Island
St. George Island is an ideal place for nature lovers and adventure seekers who want to enjoy the beauty and diversity of the island and the ocean. The things you can do on St. George Island:
- Visit the lighthouse: The lighthouse on St. George Island was built in 1876 by the Portuguese colonial authorities and is one of the oldest lighthouses in Africa. It is still in operation and provides guidance for the ships entering Mossuril Bay. You can climb up the tower and enjoy the stunning views of the island and the sea.
- Snorkel or dive: The coral reef around St. George Island is home to a variety of colorful fish, turtles, sharks, rays, dolphins, and even whale sharks if you are lucky. You can snorkel or dive in the clear water and explore the underwater world of St. George Island.
- Relax on the beach: The beach on St. George Island is white and sandy, surrounded by palm trees and greenery. You can relax on the beach and soak up the sun or swim in the turquoise water.
- Explore the history and culture: St. George Island has a rich history and culture that reflects its past influences from Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, and colonialism. You can learn more about its history at the marine museum which displays artifacts from different eras. You can also visit some of the mosques that showcase the Islamic heritage of the islanders.
If you are looking for a unique and adventurous getaway in India, St. George Island, Goa is the perfect place for you. You can enjoy the beauty and diversity of the island and the ocean, as well as learn more about its past influences from different religions and civilizations. You can also relax on the beach and soak up the sun or swim in the turquoise water.
