India’s party capital and the ultimate beach destination, Goa has tons of amazing features to boast. From a tropical setting of sublime beaches to historical sights and buildings, you can immerse yourself in a world of fascinating experiences here. One such amazing experience is a short ferry ride from South Goa’s Palolem Coast to Butterfly Beach, a hidden gem amongst the state’s many touristy beaches. Surrounded by striking natural beauty and a picturesque landscape, the beach makes for a haven of unique experiences. Plus, you will find a thriving marine life and an abundance of butterflies for which the beach gets its name. Here’s a guide to Butterfly Beach, Goa that covers everything you have to check out while you’re here. Give it a read now and bookmark it for later as well.
Things to do / Highlights
Go butterfly-spotting
As the name suggests, Butterfly Beach is home to several species of colourful butterflies that you can admire for hours. Take a photograph of them while you’re here. You’ll find plenty of Instagram-worthy shots, so keep your cameras ready!
Catch amazing sights of the crab and goldfish-strewn beach strip
While butterfly-spotting is the most common activity to undertake here, there’s not a lot known about the timing for low tides. During this time, the seashore widens, and the beach is awash with hordes of sea urchins, sea cucumbers, crabs, and goldfish, which make for a pretty spectacular sight.
Indulge in water and land-based activities
Canoeing, boat riding, snorkelling, and kayaking are the most popular water activities that tourists usually engage in. You can hire a professional instructor to ensure your safety, and you’ll find plenty of these services at the beach. Otherwise, you can also opt for rock climbing, trekking through forests, and sunbathing.
Enjoy a beachside picnic
Bring some picnic essentials and make your way to Butterfly Beach to have a fantastic time with friends and family. This area is also known as “Honeymoon Beach” due to its secluded location and idyllic environs. If you’re heading here with your partner, enjoying a picnic together is a great activity. Sip some wine while soaking up the stunning beauty of the surrounding area. You might even catch sight of dolphins on your visit.
Travellers tips
Carry essentials
Remember that Butterfly Beach is entirely cut off from mainland Goa and has little to no infrastructure to cater to tourists, so it’s recommended you have everything you feel you might need. Make sure you bring beach essentials such as towels, swimming clothes, and beach-friendly footwear like flip-flops. Don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, caps, or hats. These will definitely come in handy. The weather here tends to get cooler around sunset, so also carry a jacket to beat the chill.
Pack snacks
There are a few cafes and restaurants around, but they’re not that close to the beach so it’s a good idea to pack along some snacks. Just make sure you avoid littering. Part of Butterfly Beach’s appeal is its cleanliness, so make sure to dispose of your waste properly and use trash cans.
Grab the best boat ride deal
Boat ride journey rates are not set in stone and they depend entirely on the boatsmen’s whims, so do haggle. The more you bargain, the better it’ll be for your pocket! Also, remember to find out about arrival and departure schedules since you wouldn’t want to miss the journey back to Palolem.
How to get there
By boat, ferry, or ship
Butterfly Beach can be accessed via waterways like ferries, boats, and ships. Several of these run from Agonda and Palolem beaches. While ferries and boat rides are much quicker and cheaper, you can hitch ship rides for a slightly upscale experience. Since ships move slower and are a lot more stable, admiring the beauty of the environment is that much easier. Tourists can also kayak to the beach. Several kayak rentals are available on Agonda and Palolem beaches, and the journey typically takes about 45 minutes. These can be rented at a rate of about 1 to 3 USD per hour.
On foot
For the more adventurous ones, trekking to Butterfly Beach is also an option. However, it is a path not taken very often. The trail is not well-paved and it can get challenging if the weather is not agreeable. Although it is an entirely refreshing experience because you will be hiking through thick greenery and enjoying rich views. This trek typically takes about two hours from Palolem Beach.
By car to Palolem, then boat to Butterfly Beach
If you are not already at Palolem Beach, a car trip here will take about 1.5 hours from Panjim. From Palolem, you can easily hitch a boat ride to Butterfly Beach, as this area is not accessible by car.
Traveler's tips
The best way to visit Butterfly Beach is to catch a ferry from Palolem Beach. The ferry cost us INR 1,500 (USD 18.09) per person, and the experience was totally worth it. You can admire the clear blue sea all around you and feel the cool wind on your face during the ride. The guide on board will show you several interestingly shaped rocks jutting out of the water and you might even spot dolphins playing in the sea! The ferry stops at Butterfly Beach for about 30 minutes, so you will get enough time to click pictures and enjoy the beach. Do note that you might get wet while climbing up and down the ferry, so dress accordingly.
Butterfly Beach information
Butterfly Beach
Address: Palolem, Canacona 403702, India
Department of tourism: Goa Tourism
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